morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-02-07
To: I was told the excitement and anxiety would UP
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

and it HAS.Not only in my expectation. Excitement, prep, re-prep.   ...wake up and prep again (lol)...yes, I have toilet paper.Pack everything up, how does it feel? is it balanced? etc. Not sure if anyone else has experienced those moments, but maybe you will when the day count gets closer to single digits.I've learned a lot from so many prospective hikers and former alike. I haven't learned by experience many things yet, but I hope that I've learned a few things that were shared and taken to heart as being wise and tested.Spent the day with my wife, doing things she needed done, that I didn't make it to my personal "to do list". I should have known better. she always has a running and geometrically expanding "to do" list I can't comprehend before hand.Mission accomplished. She travels a lot on her job, and trust me..she expects "the list" to be checked OFF when she returns (smiling).(read this section as me:   thinking out loud) .......back to the missionI'm really just looking forward to a point, a single DIGIT on a time line...that begins Feb 28th.   When I board that Amtrak Train to Atlanta. When that train starts to move South, I will KNOW this is real, and all the waiting, all the planning, saving, scheduling, etc. becomes REAL...and so it goes.T
Date: 2015-02-07
To: I'm about to know, how a snake feels
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

to exit ONE skin, to bear another.Shed one, and learn to expose, live in, and shed the new one.I don't expect those under 30 to understand. But when you've waited 30+ years to undertake THIS opportunity, trust me, it has a whole new meaning and urgency.I have great respect, and admiration of those younger than myself. They are at a prime I let slip by.To those in my peer group, I admire as well. You well know what you delayed to do this. Sometimes with hesitation. Mentally or physically. I know.it all boils down to one thing: take your PERSONAL time, and just do it.It's not a race. those much wiser, MUCH more EXPERIENCED than myself have repeatedly reminded me such. And I trust that.to all of the Class of '15, I want to know, greet, and cheer.see you out there!!!T
Date: 2015-02-08
To: ...smiling,and thinking
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

it's just DAYS before I leave my secular existence, and become essentially a bum, by former standards. LOLa TRAIL BUM.   hmmmm...I Like thatI don't care what my former life thinks.   they can't handle the truth...to paraphrase a movie line....to follow through on a dream, is to tread where many fear.to dosimple,yet complexT.
Date: 2015-02-10
To: 16 days , 12 days and off to see the Wizard
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

16 physical days, and only 12 days of work left. After that, it's that slow train ride to Atlanta.There are waves of anxiety, excitement and last minute worries. I don't know if other's have experienced it, but I am. It's not a hesitation jitter, or worry. It' more of a mental run down of have you taken care of everything that you can. I think that comes more from an experience of doing what you need to do, and when you are about to break from that norm, it takes awhile to adjust. At least I hope.Well, there's not much more I can do to be ready except for the time I set to arrive. I sincerely wish the best to those that have just started, and to those already out there. And Had I planned "just a little better", I could have attended the ATKO on Friday, March 6. But I'm not backtracking. Perhaps another time. To those that attend it. ENJOY. The list of well knowns is awesome and I do regret missing.Until later, T
Date: 2015-02-11
To: A shout out to DOUBLEAA
Miles today: 0.0

Really sorry to hear about the injury this close to your anticipated start time.Sincerely HOPE it's not what you fear. Personally, based on what you told everyone you were able to do, I think it's not that bad. But I'm no Doc. Either way, get it taken care of. We ALL want to see you START and complete your adventure. BIG TIME!!!Take care, T
Date: 2015-02-14
To: hopefully my LAST PRE- entry
Miles today: 0.0

in 14 days, I am headed SOUTH from DC to Atlanta.past few days have been filled with....let's just say 'alot'. Getting things closed, started,finalized and cleared.It's a weight off my back to get it taken care off.Now, to confront the beast that lies ahead. Yep. Can't put it off any longer. It happens 2/28/15 - "the RIDE" south. lol..   13 more hours of anxiety...sigh. I'll try my best to remain sane, and not look nor act like a rabid white blaze idiot. ( but I am....) lol.see so many of you SOON,T
Date: 2015-02-15
To: Final jitters
Miles today: 0.0

I don't know if others had, or dealt with. But I am.It's not so much a self doubt issue, as it is a moment of 'have I taken care of everything I leave behind'.   That is a powerful thing to deal with. When everything up to this moment has depended upon EVERYTHING you do or don't do.it makes me nervous.And like the trail ahead, I won't really know, until I'm down along it. so, with that out of the way, I look forward to meeting the members of "2015" in any form, fashion, or condition.   T
Date: 2015-02-15
To: A Diamond in the rough
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

all members of class 2015!!you are that 'diamond'A diamond is admired, loved, and held, upon discovery. yesBut even as nature itself forms it, man wields it.your not of that.Your of the nature that makes it. Pressure. Challenge. And Force.With that in mind, I welcome the Class of 2015. For it's not "home room", it's not easy, it's not a smooth sailing...but it is YOUR TIME.T.
Date: 2015-02-15
To: ..part of my reason (not trail related) don't read
Miles today: 0.0

Roll the time clock back, pre-2003. My son enrolled in the army due to convassing at high school. They called it Early Deployment, or something...little did I know it would become a major turning point in my life.My son was rapidly sent to Fort Jackson, SC. On the 20th of Aug, 1998 he completed his BASIC. E Company, 2nd Battallion, 28th Inf Reg 1 4th PlatoonI attended his completion. Met his instructors. My son told me to my face: "..dad, you weren't the SOB I thought you were"that was a turning point in my life.everything that evolved up to his departure early 2003 changed my life. at best, a parent has a difficult time to let go. When you have no choice in the matter, you go crazy. Or it feels so.I recall one of his instructors (read that as Sgts) telling me, these young men, need to get past what they 'think' they can do, and accept what they CAN do. I was there for a parent night at Fort Jackson, and didn't understand at first. But my son explained to me, yes, there was desertion, people quit. They did not prosecute as you would think. The logic was: if you don't WANT to be there...THEY don't WANT you to be THERE. I kept that in my mind.18 months into his assignment, I begin to worry. I get mail sent to me, opened,re-sealed and cleared for forwarding. I can't call. I can't email. I can contact base chaplain. I did once. they put him on the phone within hours. And I felt both angry and selfish. There seems to be a protocol of contact with "home". At the time, I was very anxious that he was not letting us at home know what was going on. As a parent, with a deployed soldier, the ONE thing you fear every waking hour, night and day is the phone call, and the door bell.I'll tell you, it's not always the message you think or fear.My son always enjoyed the western parts of Texas.I was always partial to more "wooded" areas, East Texas, and Northward.Part of me wants to just recall, remember, and relive...in under two weeks I hope to.T
Date: 2015-02-20
To: The GRIP of reality
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's HERE!!   And I'm not only talking about the BEAST of a WINTER we all seem to be experiencing. Breaking records just about everywhere. I sincerely wish the best to those already out on the trail doing the best they can to keep safe and still make progress. This past week I spent tying up all the not so little loose ends of such a long planned out adventure. Making sure that everything is in place. Touching base with family near and far. Moving things about. Storing things, and preparing things in my absence. Once I made the decision about "when" I wanted to actually undertake this adventure, it was known that I had a lot of planning and prep work to do. I didn't want to build this dream into reality on a base of sand. So as many of you have already done, and still doing, set out to learn what I needed. What is the cost? What are my options? What fall-back plans do I need? How can I minimize the chance that a minor setback turns my hike into needing to abort? How will those at home actually do while I'm out walking about a trail that seems to be endless? And so on, and so on. Well, this morning as I made appointments with the various people outside the family, to take care of issues that cement this undertaking, it really gripped me that this is for real. In 8 days I will be walking on terra firma that was once only something I could dream about. All of the juggling and moving things about tangible and intangible prior to this event has ALL BEEN WORTH IT. To anyone else that holds this as a dream, please, do it. Take the time, commit to it. And you'll see it become real.While I still have a full week before my boots hit the starting line, it seems like everyday I wake, "today is the day"!! And I can't wait for when that day REALLY is the day.To everyone about to start, and to those already moving in the direction of choice, Wishing you the best and stay safe. Smile. And ENJOY!!!T-Square 2015
Date: 2015-02-22
To: One last 'gear explosion'
Miles today: 0.0

just had to do one last double check, make sure it's all in there, and ready.So this is a gear explosion. Also my 'home' for a few months. Hopefully shrinks as weather improves. The "hiker sign" is reversible. HIKER TO TOWN, HIKER TO TRAIL.   waterproof. Everything in it's place, and hopefully I can keep it somewhat organized.
Date: 2015-02-25
To: Happy Hour send off Party in D.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My office co-workers here in D.C. got together and had a Happy Hour send off gathering. Great bunch of folks that were all very supportive of my adventure.Will be missing them while enjoying the time outdoors.Thanks guys and gals, it was GREAT!!! And thanks for all the well wishes.
Date: 2015-02-26
To: I left the office for the last time....
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a very FAST and filled day of activity. We had a snow storm to contend with getting into work, things had to be completed before I left, etc.But in the end, it was all good. I left the office at 4:30pm and contemplated where I would be in less than 72 hours while I was on my way home.It feels as real as it ever has up to this point. Everything is a GO. Now, if I could just get the weather to calm down a bit. Guess I'll have to learn to be patient in that respect too. sigh.....But I am still on schedule for a March 2, start. Perhaps the week of warmer rain will help. If mud and slush is any help. lol.   See everyone on the trail so very soon.   T
Date: 2015-03-02
From: approach trail

To: day 1
Miles today: 0.0

It hhas become real. met "Kingfisher", "Awesome" and a young maan named Brad from Houstton. Stopped at Black Gap shelter. Shy 1 mile from Springer. Too tired to put up tent. A first for me. Ate dinner got water, OUCH. A trek uphill with 3 liters. The strangest thing on the side of the trail before Nimblewill Gap, a complete pack,,, just abandoned with contents strewn about. was asleep at 6:35pm Start again in the morning.
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: day 2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

8:30 am start. Rain on and off all night. Not too cold last night. Spent firsssssst night in shelter. Woke uo at 6:00 am. Hiked about the same distance today. Light rain the whole day. Arrived at Black Hawk shelter at 4:45pm set up tent, then went to get water.Didn't socialize this night. I was damp and shivering. i had to get into dry clothes and eat something. took about 2 hours ttto get it under control. tomorrow will be my first day of putting cold damp clothes on.Still lots of snow pack and ice everywhere. Getting to the shelter was tough for me. I'm not a fast hiker. Still working on not getting out of breath on the uphills. - TSquare
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: day 2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

8:30 am start. Rain on and off all night. Not too cold last night. Spent firsssssst night in shelter. Woke uo at 6:00 am. Hiked about the same distance today. Light rain the whole day. Arrived at Black Hawk shelter at 4:45pm set up tent, then went to get water.Didn't socialize this night. I was damp and shivering. i had to get into dry clothes and eat something. took about 2 hours ttto get it under control. tomorrow will be my first day of putting cold damp clothes on.Still lots of snow pack and ice everywhere. Getting to the shelter was tough for me. I'm not a fast hiker. Still working on not getting out of breath on the uphills. - TSquare
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: day 3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

woke up at 2:30am, very bad night of condensation. rained most of the night. Had oatmeal and dried apples for breakfast with a double cup of coffee.went to watttttttter source,      filled wattttter bladder. on trail at 8:30am. very foggy and damp mosssstof the day. well, it happened. made a wrong turn in the fog. very misleading markings at road intersection after leaving black hawk shelter. myself and two others went about a mile down hill on a gravel road. didn't see any blazes. walked back uphill to find blaze across road. AWESOME my current hiking bud from approach trail found a gem. Someone must have made that same mistake. As we were looking for the blaze, he found two very broken hiking poles thrown to the side of the trail. one of the poles had a GOPRO attached to it. still running. still trying to find the owner. Sassafrass and Justis Mountain took a toll on us both.
Date: 2015-03-05
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Nero day. Gooch Gap. Left the camp site past the creek. Weather took a turn for the worse. More freezing rain/sleet. at the shelter met "45", "Peckerwood", "Turtle". everyone has been in good spirits despite the various challenges. AWESOME ran low on food so i gave him 2 days worth to hold him until Mountain Crossing. we both have drops there. At the shelters there is constant humor on every topicimaginable. I miss my Martha very much.
Date: 2015-03-09
From: low gap

To: blue mountain
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

made it to Blue Mountain shelter today from Low Gap. Rain every night and morning. headed to tray mountain shelter in morning. hope to be in NC in 4 days. i can't use my phone but damn glad i brought my old kindle. it has free 3G wireless and this entry is from that. thank you all for the well wishes and inquiries. more later. TSquare
Date: 2015-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Did 13.7miles today. Long day. Lot's of fog, wind, rain going over Tray Mountain. Made camp for the evening at Addis Gap. Short day tomorrow. 5.5 miles to Dicks Creek Gap and staying at Top Of Georgia Hostel for shower,laundry, and print out SMNP permit. Also need computer time to upload pics. More later folks.
Date: 2015-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Did 13.7miles today. Long day. Lot's of fog, wind, rain going over Tray Mountain. Made camp for the evening at Addis Gap. Short day tomorrow. 5.5 miles to Dicks Creek Gap and staying at Top Of Georgia Hostel for shower,laundry, and print out SMNP permit. Also need computer time to upload pics. More later folks.
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Addis Gap

To: dicks creek gap - top of georgia hostel
Miles today: 5.5

Left addis gap at 7am this morning. made it to top of georgia hostel at 11am. met up with kingfisher and awesome at 1pm same hostel. going into town at 2pm to EAT and resupply. the shower and laundry was great. breakfasst in the morning and back on the trail atk 8am. still struggling to get pictures from camerak posted. I don't want to use the phone for pictures. so you will have to wait until i figure that one out.
Date: 2015-03-12
From: dicks creek gap - top of georgia hostel

To: ignore the miles posted...it's growing...slowly
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm on dang tiny phone, with no signal 2/3rd of the time. Can't figure out how to fix, and it's not a priority for me while out here. Appreciate all the feedback and comments. Will be headed back out at 8am
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

shorter hike today. stopped at Bly Gap. twisted my left knee good stepping over a root. set up tent and ate dinner then took an Aleve. Should be fine for morning. Still very glad that feet are in excellent shape. i got kidded by some other hikers for them thinking i sent in a girl to buy our new nylon knee high hose. we dont have blisters so the joke is on them. after grocery shopping at Ingals in Hiawassee mypack jumped to 45 pounds. so i ate a big lunch and dinner. some advice, dried plums orprunes do the trick enough said on that topic lol.
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Bly Gap

To: nono
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

in response to a question about which device i finally got to work that allowed me to start journaling again. It is the amazonkindle. The very first edition. paper thin with keyboard on the bottom. no backlght no color. But free 3G connection. Using it now at By Gap with three bars. the cold zPs the batteries of almost all things electronic. put in sleeping bag to extend. the wind tonight is rally raging and yes more rain.
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter this morning at 6am,   walked for an hour, and realized I was going the WRONG WAY!!! took me 90 minutes to walk back and head to US64 to get shuttle into Franklin. But the sunshine and warmer weather made it all worthwhile. Taking my FIRST ZERO Monday. Plan on eating ALOT. Then eating some more. Before doing chores, laundry, etc. Having a blast. Feet are still in top condition even with all the rain and cold weather. VERY GLAD about gear. It has been performing flawlessly. Hope to be in the SMOKEY MOUNTAINS soon and have another state down. More later.-TSquare
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Day 14

To: Day 14
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

7.3 miles to winding stair gap to catch Ron Haven's shuttle to Franklin, NC I made a major mistake this morning. left shelter pre-dawn, and hiked a mile plus in the wrong direction. cost me about 90 minutes of time. Have been with Click and Pi and Swampbutt, Brad "boots", Rocky Mountain, great group of hikers. All are stronger and faster but I keep up by hiking earlier and later. Laughing a lot and enjoying the company, views and everything involved. Taking my first real zero in Franklin, NC. Wish I could post pics. but they will be posted ASAP
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Leaving Gooch

To: Day 5
Miles today: 0.0

Left Gooch shelter 8am. very cold night. was 22F with wind,rain,sleet. short hike to woody gap. Met FRESH GROUND doing trail maggggic and serving up coffee and banana pancakes. Thanks FRESH GROUND. He's from leap frog cafe. got to woody gap with AWESOME and KINGFISHER. walked to Lance Creek camp.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: day 15

To: day 15
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

spent my day as a compleete "zero" day. no miles hiked. but alot of town walking. Picked up my second supply box from 76 outfitters. the place, not the number of places. shopped at the dollar general store, being the hiker trash that Iam. also paid for my GSMNP permit, and a printed copy that is mandatory. Back to the trail tomorrow. will update as I can.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: day 16

To: day 16
Miles today: 7.6

Today is my granddaughter's birthday. Happy birthday Cadence. I woke at 5:30am, watched some news, weather. then got ready for the church shuttle in Franklin, for pancake breakfast for hikers, pppancakes, bacon, coffee, juice fresh fruit. so good. they took our picture, printed and mailed to family member all for free. really appreciated the kindness. shuttle took us back to the inn, caught another shuttle at 9am back to trailhead. Winding Stair Gap. today was quite a few ups and downs. haaaad liunch at Siler Bald shelter. Hiked on but could not keep the pace of the younger hikers. so pitched tent. well, i'll get up early, coffee, breakfast and do it all over again. looks like rain again.
Date: 2015-03-18
From: day 17

To: day 17
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

woke at 6:00am. Did not sleep well. nasal congestion. bbbbbbbbbbbbut dealing with. cloudy and cooler. got some great morning sunrise pictures. camped at mile 117.5 prior to Bartram trail. Visited Wayah Bald stone tower, took vista photos. perfect, clear air. Heels of both fffffeet are really beat up pretty bad. Bruising. I will shop for insoles. Hiked up to Rocky Bald just for the views. was well rewarded for the extra mile, round trip. 11 hour day and i could not go any further. Made camp at mile 130.6 literally just shy of observation platform on peak. was trying to make Wesser Bald shelter. Tomorrow will be a small climb then all down hill to NOC. it's 6:30 pm, hiker midnight, good night
Date: 2015-03-19
From: day 18

To: day 18
Miles today: 13.4

What a day. Left Wesser Bald tent area and hiked to NOC. Had lunch and made phone calls, mailed post cards. After lunch i visited the outfitters and spoke with the foot guy. No blisters but my heels are killing me. The fixed my boots up with a proper superfeet insole and wow. Like walking on air now. Around 2:30pm Rocky , Turtle, 45, and Turtles brother all got water from the river and headed back up the trail. From the NOC all the way to Sassafras shelter was nonstop uphill. Turtle and i did not make the shelter until 8pm. I was extremely exhausted and did not want to eat. But 45 and Turtle insisted i at least drink something hot to help get rid of my shakes. Thanks guys. All are great hiking buds. Could not sleep well - everything was cold, wet or damp. And i now have a major head cold forming. In 18 days, only 4 with any sun. But hiking on.
Date: 2015-03-20
To: day 19
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Managed to sleep a few very fitful hours. Had to leave the sleeping bag twice last night. Ate breakfast and packed up. On the trail by 9:30. Today was absolutely my most frustrating. And troubled day so far. Still light rain, cold and foggy. Everything is slippery, mud everywhere. Fell several times. The last one right before Locust Cove Gap broke my left hiking pole. Well, i wasn't about to give up on it. So i spent about 20 minutes doing some field wood whittling. Made a replacement section and is doing as good as before and i can even close. Tenting at Brown Forks shelter tonight. Fontana Village tomorrow night. (Where i am now)
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Day 21

To: Day 21
Miles today: 12.3

Left Fontana Village Resort at 11:00 am. Late start to the day. Headed back up the trail towards Fontana Hilton shelter and met up with Peck, Turtle and 45. Hung around with them to pack and get ready. by then it was nearly 2pm. I was already tired from little sleep the night before due to staying up and trying to update journal. But we all trekked on. It took forever to find Mollies Ridge shelter in the Smokies. Started to rain at 5pm, found the shelter at 9:20pm. I got the last shelter space, the other's hammocked. Didn't eat, just got dry and went to sleep.