morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked back down the ridge this morning to the Walasi-Yi for a few supplies and a great conversation with Alpine before hitting the trail. The cold front is still making a faster pace the best option as temperature is in the 20's with a brisk wind. I hiked a healthy pace today but did stop on several occasions when I was afforded fantastic views overlooking the mountain range. The photos I took won't quite capture them in the same way. I've been carrying just enough water to get me to the next water source to cut down on weight - that, of course, can cause a problem if the water source on the map doesn't materialize which happened today. I ended up with an empty water bottle and a few mountains between me and the next stream.I tented at Low Gap, the shelter was full, near a rowdy bunch of Boy Scouts. It's supposed to stay cold and windy for the next several days so it might be time to think about a trip to town.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

All in all it was a pretty leisurely 10 mile day with plenty of stops to get to know some of the other hikers. I decided to hitchhike into Hiawassee to avoid the worsening weather on the way. It is expected to be in the single digits tonight and below zero with the wind. That sounds like a good time to opt for the warmth of shelter more substantial than my tent and, of course, there's still that cold beer that eluded me in Suches.I had dinner with Worn Heels, Talker Man, and several other hikers who came off the trail at Dick's Creek. The AYCE restaurant with plenty of country fixin's was the perfect place for a bunch of hungry, unkept men with terrible beards. I don't think they broke even on us given the number of trips to the buffet.Talker Man is an interesting gentleman from New Hampshire/Maine who has been thinking/planning a thru-hike for many years. I'm sure he'll make it; he has a great spirit about him and seems to add a little maturity to the younger hikers he's travelling with. This has been a great experience so far, one that I'd recommend to anyone who might have a thing or two to think about or just in search of some exercise and solitude. The people have been interesting, the trail is challenging, and the views from the top of these mountains often breathtaking. It's nice to leave the noise and hussle of the city for the mountains.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Cold weather seems to be the norm so far and today was no disappointment in that regard. It was very windy again and hovered around freezing all day. I decided to sprint the 16 miles to Dick's Creek Gap today and catch a ride back to town as the temperature is supposed to drop to about 10 degrees tonight on the mountain. Today was not a great day to stop and enjoy panoramic views; just too cold to stand still for too long.I passed through a popular spot among the hikers called the Cheese Factory which is really just a clearing, tall grasses, and semi-protected from the weather. I was looking forward to a nice cheddar or a gruyere but none to be found - methinks they need to rename the spot so as to avoid any confusion by hungry hikers. Food...seems to be a common topic of discussion out here. Couple the hunger produced by long hikes with a true lack of culinary choice and you can understand why.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Easter Sunday: I decided to take a zero day to recover a bit from yesterday. I've pushed a little too hard this first week and I think I could use a little rest. I got some great news from home, my cousin Ghislaine gave birth to a beautiful girl, Sarah. Congratulations Kris and Ghislaine.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hitched ride to trail with some NH hikers - arrived at 10a.m. to find Murdoch, Church Mouse, & Grizzle and hiked with them for the day. Crossed paths with many of the same hikers I've seen over the past few days some of whom confirmed it was a good idea to stay in town yesterday as the temp was in the single digits last night.Strenuous hike with 3 or 4 1000' climbs that were good tests of endurance. We said goodbye to Georgia and crossed into North Carolina about mid-day and were immediately welcomed with another bear of a hill.The photo shows some of the group of about 20 hikers at the shelter tonight. It was one of those rare nights when many gathered around a campfire and traded funny stories from their 'other' lives. Great way to end the day.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Great day on the trail - felt strong and pounded out a lot of miles. Left camp around 9 a.m. with some gradual elevation changes for a several miles before Standing Indian Mt. Fun mountain to climb with steep, craggy sections and just enough flat terrain to catch your breath. Took the side trail to the summit which rewarded us with spectacular views and an hour of sunshine.A 5 mile downhill followed by a couple of light climbs & another downhill led to Carter Gap shelter where we saw many of the same faces from the night before. Pressed on to Betty Creek Gap. The downhills took a toll on my ankles and knees so I took the opportunity to fall back and take a little stock. On to new challenges...It was a cold and rainy night, windy again. It's easy to take life's conveniences for granted until you spend a little time away from them. Getting up at 1:30 a.m. to water the plants is not a pleasant experience when you're met by a chilly rain. Still having a great time, however, as this time seems to be just what I needed.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 9.1

I wanted to get out of camp early today so I was up at 7:15 and packed my gear in the rain. No breakfast, hit the trail and ate on the run. Big climb today right out of camp up Albert Mountain which on the elevation profile map looks like a Hersey Kiss on top of a mountain. Very steep, rocky, strenuous climb requiring several stops along the way to catch the breath. The last part was a 450' elevation rise over the final 0.4 miles followed immediately by a 6.5 mile downhill peppered with a little level ground.Still hiking with Grizzle, Murdoch, & Church Mouse - we're all ready for a pizza and a beer so we'll head in to Franklin, NC. We hitched a ride with a colorful former wrestler who owns a few motels in town and stayed at the Saphhire Motel. This was a relatively short 3 days on the trail but after 36+ miles I'm ready for a brief rest. Still getting the hiking legs. It was great to pass the 100 mile mark today which we briefly celebrated and then moved on.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

Long hike today over Siler Bald, Wine Spring Mountain, Wayah Bald, Cooper Ridge Bald, and Rocky Bald. I wasn't able to catch a ride to Wallace Gap so I started at Winding Stair. The trail followed a mountain stream for awhile, peaceful to hear the rush of the water and try to forget about my stomach issues. Difficult to eat but forced myself to keep putting the coal in the boiler and keep the energy level up for the hike.It was great to hike alone and reflect on life, enjoy the woods, sweat a little and breathe the fresh mountain air. The water up here is wonderful. I tend to filter the water in streams downhill of the trail but have enjoyed the water from the mountain springs right from "the tap". The rocks and moss do a fine job of naturally filtering the water and occasionally the water will have nice essence to it. I met a boy scout troop at a mountain spring today busily filtering their water. I don't think the troop leader approved of me taking my water straight but it looked great and tasted better.I caught up with Grizzle and Jonah at Cold Spring Shelter where we had an early dinner and moved on to a great camp site a little further down the trail. We enjoyed a nice fire and a few laughs before turning in. We've heard there's a big storm coming but the night was calm. We're looking forward to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and Murdoch's parents cabin. Not a bad deal plus we'll sit out the storm on this planned zero day.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Early start today to beat the storm and get to the NOC. It seems to be agreeable to follow a long day with a relatively short one especially when you know a cold beer is waiting for you. I hiked alone ahead of Grizzle and Jonah and enjoyed some beautiful views and vistas. The photos just don't capture the moment of the spectacular views very well. One might think that the views of the mountains are a constant backdrop but that is far from reality. The majority of the day you hike under the cover of the forest and even though the leaves have not blossomed the thick woods prevent much of a view beyond a few yards. The climbs seem to be constant and challenging but the thought of a long range summit view are the reward. Often, however, the trail will turn just short of a summit keeping the hiker hidden in the wood line and you're faced with the realization that the climb you just finished did not give you your just reward. On many other occasions the summit is just as wooded. This makes those summits with a clear view that much more enjoyable.I waited a few minutes for Grizzle and Jonah atop Wesser Bald which sports an old rickety fire tower. After the 70-80 stairs to the top you get a 360 degree view. Beautiful. Shortly thereafter there is an overlook called the "Jump Off" that while approaching looks as though it could be the end of the earth. You hike along a ridgeline surrounded by rhodadendrin (sp?) and craggy rocks and then come out of the cover to a rocky ridge with a sheer drop on three sides...where's the trail? The rocks form steep steps and then winds around the mountain as you decend into the valley below.The downhill hike into the NOC was especally long since I could smell the cheeseburgers for at least the last mile or so. The NOC sits along the Nantahala Gorge River and caters to hikers and kayakers. There are a few restaurants, an outfitter, and a beautiful river surging through the gorge. Happy to arrive just as the rain begins to fall and I immediately find Murdoch, Andrew and several other hikers I recognize from the trail. Unfortunately the cheeseburger smelled better hiking down the trail than it tasted.
Date: 2006-11-25
To: Start of Journal
Miles today: 0.0

I've been telling alot of people about my plan to hike the 2174 mile Appalachian Trail in 2007 but it still seems a little wierd to say it in an on-line journal. The trail runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine and goes through a total of 14 states. I'll be starting at Springer Mt the last week in Feb. My brother is going to drive down with me from Iowa and hike to Neels Gap (30.5 miles).I'm looking forward to meeting other people who've said "You know what sounds like a good idea, taking a walk for six months while carrying everything I need on my back!"
Date: 2006-11-27
To: Questions
Miles today: 0.0

I've probably gotten most of the normal questions when I've told people that I'm going to hike the ATQ: How long does that take, 4 or 5 weeks?A: No, 5 to 6 months.Q: Are you going to hike the whole thing?A: That's my plan but only 15 to 20% of the people who start actually finish so I'll just walk north until I can't or don't want to walk anymore.Q: Are you going with a group?A: No, by myself but a lot of people hike so I won't always be alone.Q: What if you see a bear?A: I'm hoping to see a bear(from a distance)! I've never seen a bear while backpacking.And the toughest question to answer: Why??A: I'm not totally sure but the idea has been stuck in my head for awhile. I love to backpack and be out in nature. I know the hike will be physically and mentally tough and I guess the challenge is part of it. I think the hardest part for me will be being away from my wife for that long. We've been married 27+ years and probably 2 weeks is the longest we've been apart in one stretch. Hopefully she'll come visit often (hint, hint)!
Date: 2006-12-04
To: Preparations
Miles today: 0.0

I've been pretty set on hiking in 2007 for about 2 years now and have slowly been preparing for it over that time.Last summer I made a Pepsi can stove. (I actually made three and they got a little better looking each time!)I do need more practice cooking different recipes on it but I know I can boil water!I also ordered Wingfoot's book and have put together a very tentative schedule. I'm planning on a few maildrops but mostly resupplying in towns as I go.My wife and I also went on a shopping trip to Chicago last spring and she dropped me off at REI while she went to a mall. First time I've ever outspent her on a shopping trip.I'll have more time to work out the final details in two weeks when I'm done with college.
Date: 2006-12-10
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0

   Most people who hike the AT have a trailname before they start or have one given to them on the trail.   When I first told my brother about my plans to hike the trail he asked who had six months to spend hiking. I told him that the biggest groups were people just out of college and those in their 50's, either retired or between jobs. He said "Hey, you fit both groups!"    Yes I am 50 and will be done with college again this week so I fit two major transition groups therefore I'll start with the trailname Twofer.    I'll be the guy with the college ID and the AARP card!
Date: 2007-01-10
To: Preparations
Miles today: 0.0

Things are progresing. I have reservations at Goose Creek Cabins for Feb 25 and a shuttle arranged to take my brother and me to Springer Mtn the morning of the 26th. We'll hike the 30.5 miles to Neel's Gap and spend the night of March 2 at Goose Creek. March 3rd I'll keep hiking north and my brother will dive back to Iowa.Yesterday I hauled all my gear to our sunroom and started loading my pack. I also posted some of my gear on this site.Last week I went to the dentist and my teeth are good to hike!
Date: 2007-01-15
To: Winter found Iowa
Miles today: 0.0

Winter has finally arived in Iowa. We got 4-5 inches of snow in the last 24 hours. I got to fire up the snowblower this morning.This entry is mostly for practice. Practice for me on Pocketmail and pratice for my wife on posting journal entries.I did celebrate my 51st birhday yesterday. Julie gave me the entire map set for the AT so I've been staring at maps yesterday and today. Six weeks until I'm hiking!
Date: 2007-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been fairly busy since my last posting. My wife and I spent a week on the beach in Mexico. I got in several long walks on the beach. Since then I've been getting ready for the hike. Did a 5+ mile with my pack last Friday (temp was around 40deg, but I was hiking in snow). I've also been trying different recipes and cooking them on my stove. It'll take some practice to know how much fuel to use for each meal. Maybe I'll have that figured out before my hike ends!I've also got a few things to do around home before I go; taxes, painting, and some wallpaper to remove.Next Monday I'll be getting a physical. My youngest son is majoring in Exercise Science, and he's going to test me before and after the hike to check my fitness. This involves a VO2 Max test-- which goes to failure. I need the physical for assurance that I can handle the test! Fortunately at my present fitness level getting to failure won't take too long! Less than 4 weeks until I'm hiking!
Date: 2007-02-09
To: Medical Update
Miles today: 0.0

It has been an intesting week. I had a physial on Monday and everything looked good except my cholesterol is a little high. My docter wanted to make sure I didn't have any blockages before sending me off for 6 months. The nurse did an EKG and the machine said that I have had a heart attack sometime in the past. My doctor said the machine was wrong but wanted to do a couple more tests. On Wedneday I had a calcium scoring done and on Thursday I a calcite treadmill. This is where they injected me with radioactive material, wait 45 minutes, then took pictures of my heart (1800 pictures), then put me on a treadmill to raise my heartrate to 90% of max, then inject more radioactive material, stay on treadmill for another minute, wait 45 inutes, then take more pictures of my heart. The whole procedure took 3 hours. Bottom line is that I'm good to go, I'll check my cholesterol and probably change my diet some when I get home. Next week I'll go visit my youngest son at Truman State University, and he'll put me through a VO2 max test which will monitor my oxygen usage while working me to failure! Sound like fun? We'll do the same test when I'm done hiking and see how much better shape I'm in. Tomorrow a few friends from highschool are having a party for me. I wonder how many "Deliverance" DVD's I'll get? Those guys are too clever! Two weeks from tomorrow I'll be on my way to Georgia!
Date: 2007-02-11
To: Going Hiking Party
Miles today: 0.0

The party last night was fun. Thanks, Mark, for hosting. We had a potluck then I shared some maps and the fine craftmanship of my Pepsican stove!I also received some gifts including 8 knives (there was some regifting involved), a Heidi DVD, Deliverance soundtrack, several books, Hickory Farms gift box, Backpacking magazine gear guide, and my own mini "Wilson" (think Tom Hanks in Cast Away). Thanks Mark, LeeAnn, Pat, Tony & Karen!Some of the items will even go with me. Mini Wilson weighs 0.4oz, so he's in. I weighed all the knives and it looks like Little Gator is the choice at 0.7oz, and I may have time to read a book or two in the next six months!I included a picture here of all my loot. One book is mostly hidden in this picture since I'll try to keep this site family friendly! Be careful who you make friends with in high school, they may be around for a while!Thanks, again, everyone !
Date: 2007-02-13
To: Chances
Miles today: 0.0

Scene paraphrased from "Dumb and Dumber" Lloyd: What are the chances of a girl like me and a boy like you getting         together -- one in a hundred? Mary: I'd say more like one in a million. Lloyd: So what you're telling me is that I have a chance. Alright!!The chances of finishing a thru-hike are quite a bit better than Lloyd's, but still not real good.According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, northbound completion rates have ranged from 17 to 25% over the last 6 years. The number of people starting northbound over those years has ranged from 1392 to 2375 and the number completing the hike has ranged from 352 to 402.People quit for many reasons; injury, illness, running out of time or money, or just deciding hiking for 6 months isn't as fun as it sounded!Who knows how far I'll get. I don't but by starting I'm saying that I have a chance. Alright!!
Date: 2007-02-19
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

I survived my VO2 max test last Thursday. The computer monitored my oxygen use, ratio of CO2 to O2, and told how many calories per minute I was burning. I was on a treadmill that increased incline 3deg every 2 minutes. Dr Mayhew told Ben that when my CO2 and oxygen ratio got to one that I would be done within 2 minutes and he was right, the legs couldn't keep up! We'll run the same test when I'm done hiking and hopefully I'll be in a lot better shape. It should be interesting.Preparations are progressing. I have my drop boxes almost ready to go. I finished our taxes this weekend and just need to get them in the mail. I made tentative reservations in Damascus, Virginia in April for Julie to visit for a few days, so there's incentive for me to make it that far!I'm anxious to start hiking, but yet it seems strange that I'll be heading out this Saturday, and if everything goes as planned, I won't be home for 5-6 months.
Date: 2007-02-21
To: A Week of Lasts
Miles today: 0.0

This week is full of things that are the "last time" before I go hiking. The last time to see each of my sons, the last time to go to our church, the last time to see my parents (Thanks for breakfast and dinner!), the last time to take the trash out (OK, I won't miss that one), etc. Saying goodbye to Julie will be the hardest, married almost 28 years, and we still like each other!. Six months is not all that long, and yet it is.I just about have everything ready to go. Loaded up the pack today, and it looks like I'll be just under 35 pounds. Summer weight should be 5 lbs less. Food drops are ready to be mailed. The weather for Georgia is looking good, highs around 60 and lows in the 30's. The only thing left to do is start walking!!
Date: 2007-02-24
To: The Drive There
Miles today: 0.0

This has been an interesting day. My brother got to my house, we loaded up and headed out about 8:30am. It was raining/sleeting and interstate traffic was moving about 50mph. We had to stop a couple times to knock the ice off the wipers. Julie was at home checking road conditions, helping us decide which route to take. By the time we got to the Missouri border it was all rain but it rained hard at times and was windy all day. We're now south of Nashville and it's still raining!Meanwhile back home, the ice built up on trees and power lines and Julie lost power early afternoon, then a large limb broke off a tree and went through the eave on our house! We have a gas fireplace, so she's camping out in front of it! The rain has turned to snow so now there's 2-3 inches of snow on top of the ice and limbs continue to fall. She says this is all part of the adventure, what a great attitude. Tomorrow we have about 3 hours to Amicola State Park where I'll register as a thru-hiker wannabe, weigh our packs-- and then we plan to drive up the mountain and walk the first 0.9 mile of the trail. That will make Monday a little shorter when we're dropped off, by Wes, our shuttle driver.I'd like to thank evryone who's signed my guest book and offered words of encouragement. I especially want to thank Julie for her support of this crazy adventure of mine. She has several projects, seminars, and trips planned-- so she is making her own adventures, but todays weather wasn't in our plans for her to have to deal with. Thanks for everything you do Julie, love you!
Date: 2007-02-25
From: Springer Mountain

To: Parking Area
Miles today: 0.9

Today was a good day. We woke up and could see the sun. We drove about 3 hours to Amicaloha State Park, and I registered as thru-hiker. Another hiker who registered yesterday had left candy bars and oranges for the attendant to give to other hikers. My first trail magic-- and I hadn't walked a step yet. Thanks Doc Narly!Then we drove up to a parking area and hiked the 0.9 mile to the summit of Springer Mountain, and the start of the AT. Took several pictures and talked to the caretaker. He said I was the 11th person intending to thru-hike he saw today (12 and 13 arrived while we were there). We then offically started by hiking the 0.9 mi back to our car.We're at Goose Creek Cabins tonight and will get shuttled back to the parking area and hike north with packs. The weather is suppose to be around 60 and sunny for the next three days. Slightly different than Iowa!Speaking of Iowa, our house won't have power for a couple more days. Julie is staying with friends, thanks Randy and Vicky!Well, we're headed to a restaurant-- then it'll be a few days until I'll be able to send more updates.