morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-11-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

OK, I know, it looks like I abandoned it. My preparations this year have taken a different approach than in years past and it might be a stretch to consider my recent excursions preparation for the trail. Actually I was just enjoying a solo photography trip near the AT.My previous hikes through the Roan Highlands have occurred in the springtime, so I decided to visit the area in the Fall and try to catch the brief period of near peak and peak fall foliage. This included several day trips on short sections. No big miles because my camera gear alone weighs more than my base pack. I could do it, but I wouldn't enjoy it. Meanwhile here is a picture taken from the AT in TN in the Fall.I've decided to move my start date to some time around the first of March. I'll get myself in the vicinity and see if I can manage to find a minimum in the traffic, not that it is a huge concern, but why not try.A shout out to my friends and super trail angels Jimmy and "I Believe" Spillman, who connected with me this past weekend. Always nice to hear from people I've met along the trail. Asked some very good questions that I've been thinking about all along. How do I fit in all the great people and places to visit. My understanding is that hostels are becoming more available along the trail, which might be something to consider that modifies the route of GA-ME16.Hey, sometimes I will refer to GA-TN15, when I left the trail in 2015 at Damascus because I met some excellent folk out there, who I keep in contact with.Everything is a go, for an early March departure. Thanks for reading. I plan to have some fun with the journal during GA-ME19.
Date: 2019-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Happy New Year everyone!Switching to updating this journal on the phone since I'll be doing that on the trail. Piece by piece it's coming into place. A couple days ago it was a cold, all day rain, so I changed into layers that I plan to have with me on the trail and went for a four mile walk. Can't really call it a hike, since it was on pavement and in a city park, but honestly it was more miles than I have been getting in lately and I thought I should step it up. So to speak.The pack keeps growing items. Things that hiking on a 35 degree rainy day remind you of. That's just how it is. One adjusts, as often as we put on our boots.Thanks for the guest book entries. I will give it my best effort to bring the beauty of an AT Thru hike to my readership. My plan is to do more videos this year, but I do need the therapy of writing each day, so I'll find a place in my pack for that as well.I noticed a few hikers starting this month, including SubMan, who I met on Springer Mountain in 15. Hearty souls to be sure. I wish them well.Oh, I moved my start date to March 5 and decided to hike the approach trail.
Date: 2019-01-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Way too much time on my hands, so I go over my gear again and again. I've used a spreadsheet for several years now, just generating a new copy each year and working from there. Before that I made lists on my typewriter. For any of you born after 1985, that's a machine that actually prints exactly what you tell it to every time. One character at a time.  So here is my plan laid bare, an image of my gear pile, and the exact weight (according to my gram resolution kitchen scale) of every single item I carry on my back. Now, I don't care about anyone's opinion, but if you can help me, I am open to your ideas. For others, maybe it's a curiosity and still others a complete waist of time. I have an abundance of that at the moment, so I'm bringing it to you. The picture is a windows snip-it of my working spreadsheet, which I will simply state is a work in progress. Things are added and subtracted as the trail suggests.
Date: 2019-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Some ChangesI really don't know how this will pan out, but I wanted to spice it up just a little this year by sticking to a familiar format. Part of that is getting that in-line HTML picture adding down along with a bit of standard format of things I want to record along the trail. Maybe depart just a little from doing an end of the day data dump of just whatever rolls off my cold fingers in a tiny tent. I think the pictures may add to the flavor, if I can just manage to upload them out on the trail. Depends on the signal strength, I suppose.Images of the TrailAnyway, here is an image I captured on my Fall trip down to TN/NC along the AT. Probably not a sight you would actually see as a Nobo, but my Sobo friends might see something like this.Wilbur Lake TNHighlight of the DayWe've been through some pretty cold and snowy conditions here in Michigan, but it seems it's much broader than that. I see below zero temps in Indiana, which is somewhat rare.Outlook for TomorrowCold weather remains. I'm gonna stay inside, unless someone asks if I want to go snowshoeing. Actually at this posting we were in a cold spell replacing records two decades old.Tonight's CampIn my warm cozy bed, dreaming of the five or so months I will be in my cozy little tent.~ Conductor
Date: 2019-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Cold WeatherWe've been having some might cold nights here in Michigan. Last night was such a night, so I decided to test some gear. Particularly my Marmot 20°sleeping bag and Sea to Summit sleeping pad. The lowest point of temperature I noted on the weather app I use was 12°F. Now... I didn't know exactly what actual comfort range my bag on my pad and inside my tent might support. The temperature on the bag states 22.5° F European rating for men. The European rating is fast becoming the standard, since none exist in the US. Duly noted I was working with a 10° deficit. I did not use my Cocoon silk liner (because I accidentally left it in the house), but I did have my light 800 fill down jacket.Extreme ConditionsAt approximately 8:00 PM I crawled into my tent presumably for the night. Temperature reading 20° on my phone. Ultra tiny tent by the way. I think most people would consider it too small, but it's big enough for me to do necessary evening activities, store my gear and seal myself off from the weather and insects. Things went alright for the first several hours, before I unpacked my down jacket and put it on inside my sleeping bag. At least the bag allows this much range of motion, which I consider a plus. I also pulled the draw string tight, leaving only a breathing hole. The temperature continued to fall.Backyard Gear testThings Get DiceyAt midnight, it was starting to get pretty cold. A subjective observation to be sure, but the meaning was clear enough. I was still fairly comfortable, but the cold had started to seep in. By 2:00 AM the temperature was bottomed out at 12°F and I wasn't sleeping. I weighted the options and pulled the plug on my test. It would be another six hours before daylight, I was essentially half way through the night. Too cold to continue. I was thinking to myself I could have survived it... but why?ConcessionsOut on the AT in March the temperatures can drop into the sub 20 range. I've experienced below 20°F weather on every occasion that I have hiked the AT in March. Not every day, but enough to warrant planning ahead. My pack weight has been whittled down to bare minimums, foregoing a couple items of cold weather gear, such as my Sea to Summit Theromolite Reactor Extreme. It weighs a pound, and I was hoping not to carry it this year. Supposedly it adds up to 25°F of warmth. Guess what, it's going back in the pack. Nothing beats a cold night for testing the limits of my gear. Laugh with me. I'm glad I did the test and decided to go with comfort. My pack is still on the light side at 15.5 lbs base weight, but I think I'm gonna sleep much better on those unpredictable cold nights. I use the silk cocoon as a sort of buffer at the top of my bag and the liner for added insulation.ConclusionsI've been focused on weight, because I know how difficult it gets to carry a pack up and down mountains for days at a time. A little dose of reality doesn't hurt when you're planning for a thru hike. I really needed a wakeup call on just how efficient was my sleeping system. Just needed to wait for the right moment.
Date: 2019-03-06
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was first to arrive at the Springer mountain camp site, although I met a dozen people on the trail from Amicalola today. I suppose some of the faster ones moved on to Stover Creek four miles up.It was a clear crisp day, with patches of ribbon frost pushing up here and there. The sky was vivid blue and gave a contrast to the dormant trees. To the casual observer the forest may look lifeless. After all it is still wintertime here.I'm wrapped in my bag before sunset. And will be here for more than twelve hours. I really dont mind. Tomorrow after the sun provides a little warmth, I'll begin logging miles. The eight point sumthin I did today were simply the approach trail. Still I'm calling this a trail day, just not counting the miles. There are plenty of those miles along the trail. That's just how it is.
Date: 2019-03-07
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain 
Miles today: 8.1

Another beautiful day, perfect weather for a hike, but it was bitter cold when I first awoke this morning. I waited till it warmed up a little and was alone at Springer by the time I left my tent.About 30 people here tonight, pretty typical for Hawk Mountain. Quite a mix of section hikers and prospective thru hikers. Nice crowd, I'm sure the conversation will continue into the night. That's not a bad thing. There is a small fire going, so folks are standing around and getting to know one another.For some reason, I cant eat the food I brought. Just not hungry, so I forced down a tuna packet and ate a few bites of cheese. Guess I'll just carry it until I eat it all.Weather may move in. Rain could put quite a damper on things. I'll try for a spot in the shelter tomorrow night. Not my favorite place to sleep, but better than a wet tent. I'm tired after the hike today, although it was wonderfully mild and the sun was shining. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2019-03-08
From: Hawk Mountain 

To: Gooch Mountain 
Miles today: 7.6

The true highlight of any day or night, for me, is the sound of birds, and the Georgia woods do not disappoint. My favorites, the owls have made their presence known every night. Both Great Horned and Barred owls call at night, if only for a few moments. Always a treat.After spending last night in the shelter at Hawk Mountain, I did my usual leisurely start. The rain began as I started the days hike making for some slippery and muddy conditions. The temperature was slightly higher, which made for a nice hike even though I had layers on, including my Marmot rain jacket. It's hard to stay dry in the jacket while hiking because it doesn't breath very well. Just a trade off, because it is a pretty light and versatile item.Sassafras Mountain was the big deal today. This being my fourth time over it, I didn't think it was particularly difficult. Maybe because I know what lies ahead, or just that I'm not intimidated by folks trying to talk it up. Actually, the more difficult part of the day was not slipping and falling. Did I mention the mud?Here at Gooch, the shelter was naturally full by the time I arrived, but I knew it would be,so it wasn't a downer. The Georgia folk have added several tent pads. Good for them for trying to accommodate the hikers. They also added bear boxes to Hawk and Gooch shelters. The changes seem abundant, but the AT still has its way. I set up my tent in the rain and here I'll stay until it let's up tomorrow morning. Really now, I welcome these long stints in my tent. Much needed rest and muscle rebuilding occurs, so for me it's part of my plan. Built right in. Plenty of time for socializing when the weather is pleasant and people are dry. Right now, my body needs time to recoup. The short eight mile days help. Onward to Lance creek tomorrow for a guaranteed set up in the rain wash rinse and repeat. All good.
Date: 2019-03-09
From: Gooch Mountain 

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.0

The woods are very foggy today but there is something beautiful about walking through a foggy Forest. Not raining, but drippy enough to wear the jacket.Had two groups doing trail magic at Woody Gap today. Amazing people to be out here in this weather. Hiking is one thing because you can stay warm, but the day isn't very nice for standing under a canopy flipping burgers. Such nice people.We will climb Blood Mountain tomorrow, which isn't all that bad, but then we get to descend into Neels Gap. A cabin awaits, I reserved it ahead of time, but first I'll have to get down the slippery granite of Blood Mountain. The wet makes it difficult.No owls tonight yet, but I'm not near a shelter. I think they stick around shelters because the food supply (rodents) is plentiful, but that's just a guess.Feeling pretty good for the start. One knee sorta 1 on the pain scale, so I'll just take it easy and hopefully won't have to nurse it all the way to Katahdin. If it doesn't get any worse I'll just have to tolerate the nuisance. It only hurts on the climbs, so that's only half the trail anyway ;-)
Date: 2019-03-10
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 8.0

Rained again, with so wicked thunder and lightning last night, but today was nice, with partly cloudy skies. The hike to Neels was actually really nice. Lots of day hikers climbing up Blood Mountain, while all the AT hikers coming down.I've scored my first trail name with Smokey, who is sharing the cabin, along with Pilgrim and Bella, a husband and wife team.Taking a zero tomorrow, to sort thing out, resupply and rest my tired body. Feeling great though.
Date: 2019-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Just a lazy day sitting gear, making sure everything got dried, mailing a food box forward, because I packed way too much in my mail drop, and drinking a variety of liquids. Zero days count for a lot toward building the legs for the long haul. It may seem funny that I hike so few hours and just rest most of the time. If you think about it though, my handy dandy phone step counter measures over 20,000 steps for each 8 mile hiking day, and I can say with confidence a lot of those steps are at an aerobic pace. It's a serious cardio workout, humping a pack over these mountains. Scored my second trail name today. I'm on a roll. Smokey and Firefly. Hope they both make it.So tomorrow it's a longer day with eleven miles out to Low Gap. The next four days will finish up GA. Not in a rush, but I consider these early days some of the most difficult, due to my lack of conditioning. That, coupled with the winter forest give GA a "let's get'er done" flavor. What a shame, because the Georgia trails are some of the best the AT has to offer.
Date: 2019-03-12
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap 
Miles today: 11.5

We had a nice campfire this evening after a long but beautiful day. The eleven miles to Low Gap made it the longest milage day so far, but it's all part of a plan I have for this section that makes the best of the trail shelter spacing. The weather was perfect. I probably got a bit more sun exposure that I would like. Guess I'll put my sun screen a little closer to the top of the pack tomorrow. Once we arrived in camp I had time to set up my tent with a critical eye. Not a quick set up in the rain, you see, but a full on adjusted set up. Meh... it's still tiny. ;-)Trail magic at the half way point today. I had a root beer, which went down way too fast. It gave me a chance to capture a picture of my little trail family. Smokey, Pilgrim, Bella and myself.
Date: 2019-03-13
From: Low Gap 

To: Blue Mountain 
Miles today: 7.3

Another beautiful hiking day with a short trip to Blue Mountain. Oddly enough the shelter was empty when I arrived, although I started late. Really didn't expect an empty shelter.Saw my first snake today, a garter snake that scurried to the side of the trail and posed for pictures. Most of my hike today was alone. That's one of the reasons I like to be last out of camp. Not much more to report. Just the enjoyment of walking through the woods. We did pass the 50 mile mark today, so that's a milestone. Many more to come.
Date: 2019-03-14
From: Blue Mountain 

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Woke up in clouds and walked all day in a dense foggy forest. I kinda like that, but there were some chilling breezes as we walked on the windward slopes. Two sizable mountains behind us, Rocky, and Tray.Smokey and I stopped by the Tray mountain shelter and ate our evening meal, then pushed on several more miles to Sassafras gap. That made for a long day, but it rewards us with a short day into a Top of Georgia hostel tomorrow and Hiawassee for a resupply. Pilgrim caught up with us as I write. I guess Bella, his wife, will be going home with some painful shin splints. She was able to get a shuttle to the hostel and will meet us there tomorrow. This trail takes its toll on people. As for me, I'm doing great, although the twelve plus miles today have my feet burning a little tonight. Or maybe its the sleeping bag just warming up. ;-)
Date: 2019-03-15
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

The thunderstorms rolled in last night as darkness blotted out the fog. Several flashes of lightning, most of which was a mile or more away as I was counting the seconds between flash and thunder. And then... no seconds. BOOM!It was raining when morning came, then slacked off a little, then alternately poured and drizzled during my short 6 mile hike to the hostel. An hour later I was showered and dressed for a trip to town for a resupply. Pilgrim, Bella and I opted for Barney's diner, where we enjoyed some big meaty sandwiches. I was able to register for my GSMNP permit here at the hostel, so that's a checklist item I dont need to worry about. Computers with printers are few and far between on the trail.We'll all enjoy a night under a roof tonight, then back to it tomorrow. Hopefully the trail will be somewhat drier. The mud can be slippery and that requires a lot of caution to avoid injury. Of course, that's a way of life with hiking, but the heavy rains make even the best trail slippery.
Date: 2019-03-16
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Morning came early at the hostel. I just couldn't get to sleep last night. The foam mattress seemed hard as a board. Sometime during the night it seemed to soften up and it felt nice and comfortable this morning... right before the lights came on. After the complimentary breakfast of cereal and coffee (I had coco puffs, which was a treat) we crammed into the 8 o'clock shuttle for the half mile trip back to Dick's Creek Gap and today's 11.8 mile hike to Muskrat creek. We crossed into North Carolina just shy of Bly Gap where the gnarly tree offers a photo opportunity before an equally gnarly climb. The days ahead look clear and cool. Fine by me and far better than wet and cold.There are several people here tonight, but of the four times I've been here, it's the least I have seen. I don't know if we are simply traveling between bubbles, or what. Everyone keeps talking about crowds, but I just dont see it.Smokey stayed behind at the hostel today, so it's just Pilgrim and I left from our group of four. Still, we have familiar people around. The trail families are always in flux. There is a magnificent view just over the hill from the shelter, but it's an after dark view. I'll try and get out of my warm cozy sleeping bag to go see it. If you were following my 2006 journal, the Muskrat Creek entry was a night I remember well.Two pileated woodpecker sightings today! Beautiful birds, love em.
Date: 2019-03-17
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The owls serenaded us again last night. Possibly a territorial dispute because a great horned owl ended up being shouted down by three barred owls. Quite the raucous. The day was cool and clear, which made for good hiking. Nice weather for a long 12 plus. The rocky trails have begun. The rocks take their toll on tired feet. I stopped midday and put some body glide on my feet. Immediate relief from the burning feeling, but still twelve miles makes them hurt a little. That's why I try to keep the early days short and build up some endurance.Last night Pilgrim and I took a short walk to see the lights of Hiawassee from the ridgeline near Muskrat Creek. It was a little bushy, but still an inspiring sight to see where we had been just the day before.Last night was in the 20s and tonight's outlook is to be cold as well. Still better than last time here at Carter Gap. We awoke to snow that time in 2016. The very clear sky tonight promises a drop on temp as soon as the sun sets. I think I will use the hand warmer pad I've been saving for a cold night.I enjoyed a fine dinner of Tuna in a tortilla, Mozzarella cheese and Wheat Thins. Same as last night. And tomorrow night. I might change cheese in Franklin, but that's two days away.
Date: 2019-03-18
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1

The big event today was Albert Mountain, a steep scramble for about 700 feet, but the rest of the day was relatively easy and we made good time to Rock Gap.Pretty much the same group of folks for the last three days. Mainly because the shelters are spaced out nicely. Roughly twelve mile days, to gain a 4 mile nero into Winding Stair gap tomorrow morning for the shuttle into Franklin.Three beautiful clear days in a row. Chilly, but great for hiking. Sure no complaints here. I am tired tonight though, so I'll make this entry short.I did want to add that it is so nice to hear from everyone via the guestbook. I'm not journaling to gain a large readership, but it's nice to know people do actually read it. This first part of the journey before the smokies is the hardest part for me,as I am sure it is for others. Soon the flowers will be blooming and other interesting things to write about, so stay tuned. ;-)
Date: 2019-03-19
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap 
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: overcast clouds

A frosty morning at Rock gap. The last two have been in the twenties, but this morning the condensation on my tent was ice. We packed up and hit the trail by 7:30 to catch the 9:30 shuttle into Franklin. While we were standing around waiting at Winding Stair gap, I spied a solo shuttle driver hoping to catch some hikers and for a couple extra bucks Pilgrim and I beat the crowd to Baltimore Jack's place and Mr Ron Haven, himself booked us into a great room, an apartment really for today and tomorrow. Ron Haven is Mr Franklin for the AT hiker community. Good people in my book. We were in the room and showered by 10:00 AM.To my delight the barred owls goaded us along as we packed up frozen gear. I listened to them for a few moments before getting up the courage to tug the zipper of my sleeping bag open. The birds remind me why I love this journey. The getting out of my bag... not so much. <grin>Food, drink and an outfitter to replace my Marmot 20° bag with a real sleeping bag. 20° bah! More like 35° after the synthetic gets compressed. The last three nights were not comfortable at all. Even with two liners. The Marrmot is headed home tomorrow. Another casualty of the trail.