morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Bastian, VA
Miles today: 22.0

Woke up from the shelter this morning, my ankle & leg were feeling much better!I managed to hike 22 miles to Bastian VA. "True Brit" picked me up from the trail and shuttled me to his campsite. The plan is he'll serve me breakfast and drive me back to the trail. Soaking my foot in the creek. The swelling seems to be going down. Hope it's better soon. Guess I 'll find out tomorrow!
Date: 2014-03-09
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Starting our 2014 Trail Journal. We will be leaving Ohio some time around April 15th. Traveling to where we had to end our hike in 2012, at Pine Grove Furnace, Pa. Hiking North to Katadin, "flip flop" back to Pine Grove Furnace and going south to Springer.Don't Wait and Firecracker will continue our quest. Its been 2 long years eof waiting and worry, reading all the other hikers journals wishing and waiting for our chance to return to the trail. We had to leave the trail in 2012 because of a stupid mistake that I (Don't Wait) made in Virginia. Coming down a switch back with Firecracker way out front. I decided I could quickly catch up if I bush wacked down the mountain. Big mistake, tore the meniscus in my left knee. Of course didn't know that is what happened so I kept hiking. Vitamin I and ice will fix it. 400 miles later I realized it wasn't going to fix it self. With lots of tears and whining Firecracker and I rode the big gray dog (greyhound) back to Ohio, for a date with a knee surgeon and a lot of recovery time sitting on the couch.We are done recovering and done with all the reasons not to go back and continue our HIKE. We will be out there with you all come mid April and pray as before that our dear friends and family here at home and around our country will again follow our journal, encourage and pray for our continued slow but forward progress toward our goal of Katadin.
Date: 2014-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We thought we would make the 5 hour drive this morning from our home in Ohio over to Pine Grove Furnace Pa. To just kinda check things out, look around and such. Thinking maybe we could knockout the trail miles from Pine Grove Furnace to Duncannon. Then maybe we could take the bus to Duncannon from home. That way we could miss the hitch hiking we need to do to get from the bus depot in Harrisburg to Pine Grove Furnace. Anybody know of a trail angel in Harrisburg Pa. Woke up to freezing rain so nahhh we are going to stay home for a bit. Praying the hiking is sweet for the class of 2014 headed north. We must be home for the next few weeks but i think we will head down and do some trail magic late this month. Maybe Hot Springs or north end of the Smokies. I dunno we will see.
Date: 2014-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sitting this morning on the couch with Firecracker talking gear. Wondering what we can change to make things better on our trek. I say if it works don't fix it. She says yes its working but can it be better. The new "Backpacker mag.is full of gear they have tested. All kinds of gadgets and super light stuff. Although it would be nice to lighten the load a bit, I just cringe at the trial and error phase of finding new gear. We did 6 miles yesterday, was a nice hike, cutting firewood today, may get a short hike in this afternoon. Another winter storm coming in later this week. Sure wish winter would just go away.OK Hope somebody is reading these. Got about 34 days until we step onto the trail and start north. Ahh its a strange and awesome feeling to just dream of being back out there...
Date: 2014-04-04
To: One More Week
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

One week from tomorrow our dear friends Amy & Avery Dyer will drop us off at the AT. The nervousness has kicked in big time. Trying hard to get everything paid up, picked up, cleaned up and put away. Its tough to just drop off the grid for many months. I think we are in fair shape. Cant seem to get the packs right. Lotta stuff... So good to hear from our Awesome Trail Angles, Beth and Bernie. What a true prize you two are to all of us hikers at New Found Gap. We were actually heading down to assist you guys with your MAGIC. Prep work and doctor appointments got in the way. We had to stay home. Maybe next time. Hope it was crazy fun for you guys. ANIMAL, waiting to hear how your hike is going. You will always be one of our favorite people we have met on the trail. Hope to see you one day. We will be terrible slow this trip. Maybe you will catch us. Hold on tight to the bucket. Firecracker seems to be ready to roll. My knee isn't really fixed but its the best it will ever be. That is what will slow us down. I think maybe it will be a good thing. Be able to take more in. experience more of the trail going slow. Wondering about the cold weather gear. I guess we will keep it and hump it the whole way. Hate to but its still a chance for cold now and when we get to the Whites who knows. All right that's all for now, time to go for a hike.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Still at Home

To: Crazy
Miles today: 0.0

We are packed and repacked and packed again. Everything is ready we are just waiting on the days to pass until we drive to Pa. The weather is somewhat of a concern, its still a bit cold. It will be nothing compared to the snow and cold we had in 2012 or the weather the rest of the NOBOs have had this year in the south.So thankful to live neat Mohican forest. We continue our daily hikes. The hikes are nothing compared to our coming adventure but they are good for conditioning and getting acclimated to trail life once again. Cant believe its almost here WOW gonna be awesome.... We are planning on staying at the Iron Masters mansion in Pine Grove Furnace on Saturday and getting an early start on the AT Sunday morning.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We decided to stay in Duncannon today with the winter storm heading this way. Its been a good hike so far. We started off in Pine Grove Furnace. Thanks again Amy and Avery for driving us all the way over here from home. Before we had even hiked 2 miles I was talking instead of hiking and missed a double blaze. Half mile later i noticed we had no more blazes. Firecrackers fault for being such a good listener. We got back on track and over the mountains we went. Dont believe it when folks say PA. is flat. We found plenty of PUDS. We are just getting into the famous rocks of PA. It is not a fun time, you have to watch where each step lands. Firecracker met and greeted her very first SNAKE yesterday. She just cant seem to warm up to them. It was just a harmless 5ft black snake but she still slammed into reverse gear and powered back up the trail.silly girl.Speaking of Famous we are staying at the Trail famous Doyle Hotel to wait out the storm. Its all part of the experience. We are making good miles for the state we are in. Hoping the sore muscles feel better soon and the temp. rises just a bit.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Duncannon

To: Lickdale, Pa.
Miles today: 0.0

Three long days,two very cold nights in the wilderness led us to hike the extra 2.4 miles to an exit with a motel for a warm soft bed. Our bodies are still making the adjustment to a hiking life in the mountains. This time of year in Pennsylvania the trees are barren and the woods floor is brown with last falls leaves and the rocks and PUDS (pointless ups and downs) are plentiful. We've already had some falls from challenging terrain and the weight of our packs throwing us to the ground with the missed step. The nights have been frigid, forcing us into our sleeping bags early in the evening, and the crawling out in the morning makes every goosebump stand at attention. It tends to make a person hike faster just to warm up. The upcoming week should have some more agreeable temps for sleeping in the outdoors. Not too many hikers out yet. We've seen section hikers and only 2 thru-hikers. With a resupply and a good night's sleep we are ready for the next week. Hopefully the feet are. Don't Wait has been suffering with blisters which are hard to heal with continuing to hike day after day. So with the first week down, Don't Wait and Firecracker Wishing you all a Happy Easter.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Lickdale, Pa.

To: Port Clinton,Pa
Miles today: 115.8

Hey all, here we are in Port Clinton, Pa. On Easter Sunday, we hiked up the mountains and into the wilderness for a 4 day journey, toughing out the cold evenings by cooking soup on the campfire to warm up. There's still no one on the trail so we set up the tent inside the shelter to help block the wind on top the ridges. We stopped for lunch at the 501 shelter which is enclosed and has a octagon shaped skylight, too bad we still had more miles to trek before we called it a day, but the day took us to a lovely little tent spot with waterfalls on both sides. We were lulled to sleep to the sound of rushing water. This week's trek is slow with rocks jetting up from the ground like dinosaur teeth,plus massive boulders mixed in. Pennsylvania is known for its rocks and rattlesnakes,so far no rattlers,hopefully the cool keeps them from surfacing. 76 more miles before we finish this state. The next state NEW Jersey is reported to have the largest population of bears on the trail. Today was the first sign of a bear with a small foot print in the mud. As we made our way down into the gap to town the descent was one of the steepest we've seen and tomorrow we climb back out. There's a Cabelas 2 miles down the road and they offer a service to thru-hikers where they come pick you up let you shop and resupply and then take you back to the trail when you're done. Well yes please and thank you Cabelas, you are awesome. So with packs ready for the next section. Hiking on. Don't Wait and Firecracker out.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Port Clinton,Pa

To: Palmerton,Pa
Miles today: 40.2

 Hello all. Let's talk rocks. Most of you know my love of rocks. I have collected them from every state and some places foreign. Our son brought me one from Dominican Republic. Our son-in-law brought me one from Mt Cammaroon Africa. I love the variety and differences. But.... Pennsylvania rocks will never hold a dear place in my heart. Punishing, gruelling, challenging,and every written word in the English dictionary that describes a hard time! This as section of the AT is known for the Rocky terrain and is described as the roughest section on the whole trail. Well we have experienced it suffered through it and are basically holding up but we came to town in Palmerton beat up a d hurting. We stayed at the Jail House Hostel. A part of a municipal building but Wars never used as a jail. Had a wonderful breakfast at Simply Something, a warm welcome from a volunteer fireman and his wife and daughter who own and manage this lovely and delicious Diner. Part of the journey is being able to stop in these trail towns and meet awesome people you would have never met if it wernt for the adventure of the hike. Thanks Mike for all your help.We have decided to stay at next town Delaware Water Gap to wait for the predicated storms to pass, and to let our bodies rest. Don't Wait's foot is complaining feeling like it did in 2012 when he had the deep tissue bruise inside the same foot, it makes it painfull to maneuver over relentless rock piles with a heavy pack. So for now we recharge in the gap and steer clear of being on top the ridges in storms. Love to all, stay safe. Don't Wait and Firecracker
Date: 2014-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My kick off date is 2 months from now. My room is scattered with gear and my bed has simply become an over sized rectangular shelf. I've been sleeping on the floor and tonight I'm sleeping outside. That's actually not saying anything at all. I'm in San Diego where the weather is either sunny or extra sunny. The land of California burritos and Ron Burgundy. We have glass cases of emotion and we're willing to throw the best burritos of the world out the window. The weather forecast says tonight will have a low of 42 degrees (Carlsbad, SD). On paper that may sound formidable to your typical San Diegan, but let's face it - there's not a whole lot of surprise weather in the golden state. Since I have officially committed to a 2014 At thru hike, I've been looking for ways to make my measly 45 degree REI travel down bag work for the AT. Don't worry - I'm having second thoughts about it because I'd rather not turn into a popsicle unless it involves lots of human spooning with plus sized Victoria Secret models (do they have such a thing? I'm hoping for plus size for the insulation, but I will not complain one bit if Miranda Kerr or whatever her name is came to the rescue).You know what's weird, though? I'm not really feeling much of anything. I'm kind of numbed out. I have a mentality where I see every day as just another day. I don't really have highs or lows. Sometimes it seems like I'm unphasable. For example, last week my friend showed up at my door asking for help because he shat himself - I don't question that kind of stuff, bring it on. Or it could go the other way. One time I farted quite audibly in a quiet room full of professionals. Well, things are only as awkward as you let it be so I doubled down and tried to fart twice for the record. Didn't work. I walked away and that's the end of that story.Of course there's some excitement that I'm putting all BS aside and focusing my energy on the AT. But I'm not having any kind of anxieties or loss of sleep. At least not yet... Then again, do you know that feeling of nervousness right before you get on a epic roller coaster? Or when you're about to have a presentation in front of a large audience? I don't really get those... But you know what? I think I'm slightly autistic. I don't care about things like most people do. Also, I usually just don't think about it and go. There's a reason why I have a few scars. Life becomes simpler when you accept that every second just means another tick in a game of catastrophic probability.Pick your risks and ride the ride Better yet, a friend of mine once said, "life's a trip, pack light". I think that's a lot more relevant right now and I should probably take it more literally for this particular life trip. Maybe I will go with my 45 degree bag. What's life without a little gamble? I haven't played with hypothermia packages since my WFR class from years ago...
Date: 2014-02-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

~60 days until my first day on the Appalachian Trail.Height: 5"8Pulse(standing): 69bpmBlood Pressure (sitting): 112/70Weight: 159 lbsBody Mass Index: 24.2Body Surface Area: 1.85 m2Lifestyle habits leading up to this day -Work days meant sitting for about 60% of the day, sleeping for about 20%, driving 15%, the last 5% was time tax that disappeared into the abyss. You don't get refunds for those. Typically did light indoor rock climbing for 4-6 hours a week, ran about 8 miles a week, and maybe a handful of situps, pushups, pullups, and other body weight exercises. My diet wasn't great considering that I did not have time to cook my own meals. That meant fast food, Mexican food, subway, Panda Express, and other crap. Not the end of the world, but I'm surprised I didn't quit my job earlier. Shouldn't be complaining anyway because due to my awesome genetics, I still look like I'm in shape. Anyone want to pay me for being so sexy? No? Worth a shot. Before getting hired at Heartland Communications Weight: 150lbsPulse: 52bpmBlood Pressure: 96/60This was while working overnight shifts for a rehab. Ran about 16 miles a week, went to a Jiu Jitsu gym for ~10 hours a week, went to EMT school part time, worked a second part time job, and only ate real food. Think my blood pressure was low due to a decent amount of cardio and the fact that I was working graveyard shifts.I'm now gradually increasing my physical activity as I prepare for the thru-hike. That means pushups, hindu squats, pull ups, and some kettle bells every other day if I remember. That's a big IF because one time I forgot to work out for about 880 days in a row. I plan on doing more trail running and will be hiking local canyons and mountains with a pack on. Also eating a hell of a lot better. Will probably eat junk once in awhile to keep my body in check. I expect I'll eat anything remotely digestible while on the trail. We'll see how well this holds up until launch off and I'll make another comparison during and after the trail.
Date: 2014-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What did you want to be when you grow up? Did you have an answer for this question when you were asked that as a kid? Did you have a cliche idea of being an astronaut or something?Well I didn't have a clue.Last night I ended up at a poker game and somebody's random friend asked what everyone does for a living. I instantly stood up and announced like the proudest idiot in the world "I'm a transient!" and it felt good. It was righteous as if I just put on my first pair of big boy pants like pooping your pants will never be an issue again in your life. Whenever I answered that question before though, you would see my eyes kind of glaze over even though the kind of work I've done has kind of a socially respectable status to it. But that's the thing, that question about what you do can be a little loaded. How often have you seen someone drop that question when really they are just feeding their ego or measuring people up by their "value"? Maybe it's a cultural thing and it's not everywhere, but that's another thing that I'm really tired of and want to get away from.Now that I think of last night in retrospect, I was by far the happiest person in the room and nothing would affect my mood. I realized today that I'm on a long lasting general feeling of contentment even though I'm not even on the trail yet. Well, I did watch an environmental documentary on Netflix the other day and that can ruin your day anytime.I don't have a quote for you today. All I got off the top of my head is Joey CoCo Diaz - "Big dicks in your ass is bad for your health. Stay black because that's the most important thing"
Date: 2014-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

When I initially hammered out my first few entries for the Appalachian Trials blog, I edited out a lot of crude wording that I used as colorful explanations before officially posting them. I wasn't sure what the boundaries were and who exactly would be reading the blogs. Then I got this email which made things easier. Just try to keep it PG. Kind of funny to see some of the sentences I wrote when its out of context. I've already edited them out so this is just another keepsake if I look back at this a few years down the road._________________________________My apologies for not including this in the introductory email - but I've been implementing a guideline to make posts a bit more PG, as to not offend any readers. Most of your stuff has been good - but there's been a few things: " NO PORN!? Definitely add that to the list if you¢re a modern incognito daily masterbator.""Gain a new pair of balls and dangle them proudly (and privately. It¢s OK to play with yourself). Appreciate it and thank mother nature for pissing on you day after day.""just refer to Riverside as near or around the butt hole of America."I think some of the comments are too crude for the audience. I'm not averse to four letter words for the sake of using them, but context matters. I should have mentioned it earlier - sorry again for not doing so.Let me know if you have any questions.Cheers, ________________________________
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Hiker Hostel / Springer mtn

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 14.4

On April Fool's Day I flew out of San Diego to Atlanta, Georgia. There weren't any jitters or "what am I doing?" thoughts. I felt like I was truly living in the present moment. No anxious thoughts, worrying about details, or wondering what's going to happen. I was happy and looking forward to every coming moment like the brief time period directly after taking my last final in college. When I got to Atlanta around midnight, I opted for sleeping in the airport. There was a moment of excitement when I saw a sleeping backpacker who had tossed a tarp over herself and propped her feet up on top of her pack as she slept. I figured she must be going for the AT as well and that's when I felt like this is really happening. To calm myself down to get some shut eye before exploring the city the next day, I looked for the most boring reading material I could find.After a few hours, I hopped on the first running train to check out Atlanta. I never saw that sleeping backpacker again and I really stood out among the locals and tourists with my giant back walking around the city. I was picked up by The Hiker Hostel in the late afternoon which I had made a reservation for a month earlier. I picked them for convenience of getting to the trail after flying into Atlanta.Well, the hostel was great and the weather perfect. I was shuttled to Springer mountain with a bunch of other hopeful thru hikers the next morning. It was kind of a quiet ride as everyone seemed to be wondering how far they're going to make it on the trail. Not a single one of us had ever stepped foot on the trail before but we all knew the statistics. Only 1-2 people per van were going to make it to Maine. Forget Maine though! Supposedly only 20% make it to North Carolina! My thing was that I wasn't sure I was going to make it to Springer Mtn without having the driver pull over so I could take a long wizz. I forgot about hitting the bathroom before leaving as I scrambled to make sure all my gear was in place. Moments I had when I got on the trail were not so memorable. There was a lot of hiking. That's about it and a lot more of it to come. I do remember running into a southbound section hiker with serious abs. Obviously I didn't mind helping to take her picture. I also got trail magic! It came in the form of my very first trail beer. A guy from Kentucky and his two sons who want to do the AT decided to make a detour to check out the trail. Very cool people.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 10.0

So my original intention was to push for Neels gap within 2 days. It was kind of a loose plan when I was checking out the trail map back at the Hiker Hostel. Problem is that there's word thunderstorms are coming and I don't want to be on Blood Mtn if that happens. So I cut today short and camped at Lance Creek. It is the last place to make camp at before you are required to have a bear canister to store all your scented stuff in. Feeling pretty conflicted about it because this place is completely packed full of hikers. I'm literally 4 steps away from the trail.Still, I am pretty stoked to be out here. Last night was very relaxing sleeping right next to a creek and checking out the stars. The rainstorm expected for today didn't quite hit us and it is only starting to rain a little bit as I write this.