morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0

Well first let me say that our Florida vacation was very relaxing and our location on the beach was ideal. We had a great time, we ate a lot we drank a lot we relaxed a whole lot but unfortunately I didn't hike a lot so I hope I didn't get too soft. Leaving Florida, our trip to Waynesboro Virginia was 3 days of about 325 miles per day. We were doing great until the last day. Driving from Rock Hill SC to Waynesboro VA we had a tire blowout on Interstate 77, a very busy roadway. Fortunately I was able to get to the side of the road and put the spare on. As I was working on getting the tire changed,a state trooper pulled up and offered his help. Then another came soon after. They stayed with their flashing lights on to protect me from the traffic speeding by. I worked as fast as I could and we were quickly back on the road again, alive and well. A big thank you to NC state trooper Campbell. There's way more to that story but you got the big picture. We now had to drive the last 250 miles to Waynesboro without a spare tire. Not a good thing. We called ahead and ordered new tires from a Waynesboro Michelin dealer. He was able to get the tires I wanted by the next morning and install them right away. Now I know Gerrie and the 2 dogs will have safe tires, and a spare, for her drive back to Moonachie without me.The trail; It's really wet and rainy here today and the same is expected for the next 2 days. Oh joy. I'm not waiting around for sunny weather, I'm hitting the trail at 8am tomorrow morning. I except it will be raining and of course I'll try to stay dry as long as I can. I'm taking it easy on day one, hoping to go the 7-1/2 mikes to the Calf Mountain shelter. In case you don't know it, there's a thru-hikers motto that goes: No Pain, No Rain, No MaineRight now I'm in our room at the Quality Inn. Gerrie is reading and Gabby and Lucy, just having dinner, are napping. Outside it's 59* Cold and damp with on and off heavy rain. I can't wait for tomorrow.??Nite all. PITA .
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Gerrie drove me to the trail crossing, I kissed her and the girls good bye and off I went, it was 7:33, 54* and raining. Remember I mentioned I was going to try and stay dry well I was soaked through within 1 hour. Oh well. As long as I kept hiking, I stayed warm. By 9:40 I was at McCormick Gap. This is where I left the trail in 2011. I made the shelter by noon. Not too bad for day one. The only thing I saw along the way was 1 cute rabbit. Since it has been raining for a few days there were several thru-hikers already there and one hiker, Shrub has been in the shelter for 2 days. Many others arrived throughout the afternoon. Sam I Am (Sam on the AT on YouTube) took a video with many of the hikers saying a few words. (Session 22) Unfortunately Sam called on me first, I was a little impaired so I don't make much sense but was still able to give a shoutout to the LDTC. The shelter is full (8) with at least 10 tents scattered around. Today I am on page 80 (Calf Mountain Shelter) in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book) ..................Temps, it's 55* in the shelter (8:00). The pitter patter of the rain on the shelters tin roof is lulling me to sleep. ................The group of thru-hikers I met tonight made me feel right at home and right back where I left off 4 years ago.Ahhhhh. Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail............Total AT miles hiked today 7.6........Nite all.....PITA
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

It rained all night and the pitter patter of the rain turned into a constant drumming, so loud I had to put in ear plugs. Got up around 6 and on the trail by 8. It was cool and not really raining but since we were in a cloud, the water was dripping off the leaves making it feel like it was raining. This was an unusual morning in the fact that the trail went downhill first, what a pleasure. Starting at 2500', down I went about 500' then a quick up 500, down 250 then finally it was time to start climbing for 3 miles until I reached 3100'. Then a few more smaller 300' bumps and then the kick in the butt to get to the shelter trail. But from the trail to the shelter it was again downhill 2 long tenths of a mile. I arrived about 2:30 feeling great. During the day the weather improved and the sun would peek through with a promise of better weather ahead. Around 6:00 a bear was sighted wandering toward one of the tents near the shelter. We all made a lot of noise and the bear decided to go elsewhere but for the rest of the night we were all on high alert waiting to see if it returned. It did not. I'm on page 81 in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book)Temps, it's 58* in the shelter (7:30) it's not raining right now, no wind. Yes I'm in a shelter again but only because of the pending rain storm expected overnight. One damn Whip-poor-will kept chirping continuously late into the night and was at it again very early the next morning. Ugh. Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail. But it's still very wet......Total AT miles hiked today 13..... Nite all......PITA
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Blackrock Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2

Up at 6 and on the trail again by 8. Today was the second day in a row to hike 13 miles. It took longer today for 2 reasons. Harder climbs and I took more breaks, ate more food and drank more water throughout the day. Still I was at the Pinefield hut by 3:15. That's averaging almost 2 miles per hour, not to bad for day 3 legs. The day started by going back up the 2 tenths of a mile from the shelter just to get back to the AT then 500'more up in less than 1/2 mile. Then the trail just meandered along with no real challenges. After the bear sighting at our shelter last night I was not surprised to hear about so many bear encounters along the trail. No one for our group was hurt etc. but we did hear about major altercations nearby. Being a Saturday the trail was packed with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and plenty of day hikers. I also ran into a trail maintainer group. They, all women, had power tools and more. They did a fantastic job clearing the trail. Also along the trail today, I came across a beautiful box turtle just crossing the trail. The snoring in the shelter last night drove me crazy and the same hiker is in the shelter tonight. I'm in my tent not far from the shelter but far enough I shouldn't hear him. Around 5pm a trail angel came into the hut area with some trail magic, a tray of chicken parts along with a grill and charcoal. Blues clues was designated our cook and we all enjoyed the treat. I started on page 81 and ended on page 86 in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book)Temps, it's 62* in my tent right now (10:00) and we are expecting a clear sky all night. There is no wind no birds but I do hear faint laughter coming from the shelter.Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail, after a good but hard day of hiking......Total AT miles hiked today 13.2.....Nite All.......PITA
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Elkton VA
Miles today: 11.6

Up at 6 and on the trail by 7:50, hoping to cover 8.2 challenging miles today. The first 2 miles were up 500' down 600' to Simmons Gap which I covered in 40 minutes (that's 3 miles an hour and a gold star for me) then back up 600' then back down 600' to Powell Gap (2294'). That took all of an hour & 1/2 (I was doing pretty good for only day 4) Next it was 3.2 miles up to Hightop Hut (3200') taking me another hour & 1/2 arriving at the hut at 11:40. That means I hiked the entire 8.2 miles in under 4 hrs. Yippee I'm doing great. I originally planned on staying at the Hightop Hut tonight, not knowing just how difficult the 700'+ climb at the end of the day was going to be and if I was going to have enough energy to go all the way to Elkton. Well as it turned out since I was at the hut by 11:40 that's way too early to call it a day. Still no ATT service, damn, so I took a rest, ate my lunch and hiked on to the summit of Hightop Mt. (3500'). Yeah there was ATT cell service so from there I was able to contact the South Fork B&B in Elkton. They had space for me and would pick me up. I continued on down the 1.7 miles to route 33, Swift Run Gap (2367') in under 40 minutes. Worena from the B&B was there waiting and I was soon in the B&B getting a nice hot shower. This B&B is beautiful and I am their first hiker guest. The weather today was terrific, mid 60's light breeze and plenty of sunshine and since there is a lot of tree cover the sun never bothered me. I remembered to eat often and drink plenty of water. I also had my second trail Magic (ice cold soda in a trail side cooler) about 2 miles from Swift Run Gap. The cooler was put there by the same guy who brought the chicken to the shelter last night. You gotta love trail angels. After my shower it was into town for some Italian food and pick up a 6 pack of Yuengling beer. Oh I forgot to pack my bug net and bug spray. Haven't needed the net yet but yes to the bug spray. The bug bite I got yesterday on my arm looks worse so it's off to the pharmacy tomorrow morning. I'm on page 86 in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book)Temps, it's 76* in the B&B (7:30) it's overcast with a steady but gentle breeze as I sit on the porch to write this journal. Around 9 pm B&B owner Ken joined me and we had a great time drinking beer, talking about the trail and his plans for the B&B....O yeah, life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail and I am hiking better than expected......Total AT miles hiked today 11.6.....Nite all.....PITA
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Elkton VA

To: Elkton VA
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday 6/8 was a slow day of gear cleanup, beer drinking and journal updating, just not a lot to write about so no journal entry. ......Ok I know what your thinking why is he taking 2 zero days this early in his hike. The answers for that question are simple......1- The opportunity presented itself...... I was originally expecting to arrive in Elkton on 6/8 take 1 zero day on 6/9 then leave on 6/10. but as you read I got here on 6/7, I stayed here 6/7, 6/8 & 6/9. So yes I could have left on 6/9 taking only 1 zero day but I didn't. 2- I haven't done any long distance hiking for a while so I felt it was a good idea to get in a little extra rest after my first successful section. .....3- I was trying to keep to my original schedule.I planned my hike with a total of six sections, going into town for a food resupply every four days. This bed and breakfast in Elkton is by far the best place I'll be staying during my entire trip so an extra day here was not hard to take. The B&B has a big yard so I had plenty of room to spread out, empty my pack, open and dry my tent and all my gear. The owners Ken & Worena are great hosts and I feel very welcomed. ......Elkton is a small town steeped in Civil War history. A house just a few doors down was General Stonewall Jackson headquarters in April 1862. Everything I need-pizza, beer, restaurants and the post office are within easy walking distance. This was a great place for a double zero. To lighten my pack, even a little, I am sending home any items I feel I can do without......Bright and early tomorrow morning we will say our goodbyes and my host will drive me back to the trail. Since ATT has extremely poor coverage along the trail you probably won't hear from me until I get my next food resupply stop, Front Royal Virginia. I'm still on page 86 in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book)Temps, it's 74* in the B&B (8:30) it's clear with a steady breeze as I sit on the patio to finish this chapter of my journal. No late night for me It's early to bed and early to rise. The Appalachian Trail is beckoning and I am looking forward to more hiking enjoyment...... Total AT miles hiked today 0.0.....Nite all.....PITA
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Elkton VA

To: Bearfence hut
Miles today: 9.3

Yes I got a early start today. I was at Swift Run Gap had a snack, a liter of water and off I went. It was 7:20. Elkton was the only stop where I would be leaving with 5 days of food and not my normal 4 days. That meant my pack was a little extra heavy. Right out of the Gap the trail climbed 700' over 2 miles then down about 400' in a mile then a 900' climb over the next 2 miles to Bald Face Mt. Unfortunately there were no great viewing locations for pictures. The trail meandered along with a final 500' climb on the way to the shelter. Most of the trail was flat and unobstructed so a 2.5 miles per hour pace over the entire 9.3 miles was still a good workout. With that pace I arrived at the Hut at 11:28. I guess I could have gone further but I am trying to pace myself and not get burned out so I stopped for the day. All in all a boring day with nothing special to write about......I was alone in the shelter until hikers started arriving around 3:15. During my rest, I took the opportunity to drink at least 4 liters of water. I felt I sill wasn't drinking enough water during the hiking part of my day. I made my normal dinner but still felt hungry so I made another. Tonight I'm glade I packed a little extra food........Today I am on page 87 (Bearfence Hut) in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book) ..................Temps, it's 62* in my tent (9:00) ........Life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail and I do feel fortunate to be here............Total AT miles hiked today 9.3........Nite all.....PITA
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Bearfence hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.5

After having a great dinner last night I slept soundly, up and back on the trail by 7:30. Of course it was a quick up 300' to Bearfence Mt then a long downhill covering 2 miles. Next it was 600' up to Hazeltop Mt. in less than a mile. Then a long slow 300' 3 mile downhill. And more of the same for the remainder of the day. Of course the day ended with a quick 500' up in less than 1 mile. A classic kick in the butt. I am glad I got an early start as the heat quickly increased throughout the day. I arrived at the shelter trail at 12:52 it was 90'. The highlight of my day was a peacock, or should I say peahen, strutted along about 10 yards in front of me for maybe 10 minutes. Then turned off the trail and when the her own way. It's these little unexpected pleasures that nature shares that totally makes your day. I have also forgotten to mention the many whiffs of honeysuckle, mountain laurel and budding popular trees that punctuate my day along the trail with many of these whiffs staying with me for miles. Nothing in a spray can comes even close to the real thing.Having my pick of the tent sites, I got setup and hung my my clothes out to dry. The bugs are beginning to be really annoying so much so that I'm resting in my tent to get away from them......Arriving after 4 were many section or short day hikers, now all the tent sites are full. After they all had dinner I could hear several short day hikers talking tent to tent and when they started saying their good nights, (nite John, nite Mary, nite Karl, nite Elizabeth) I felt I was in an episode of Little House on the Prairie. .........Today I'm still on page 87 (Rock Springs Hut) in the 2015 A. T. Guide by David Miller (the green book) ..................Temps, it's 62* in my tent (9:00) ........Life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail and I feel I'm doing ok............Total AT miles hiked today 11.5........Nite all.....PITA
Date: 2011-02-01
To: INTRODUCTION
Miles today: 0.0

Hi All----I have just set up an account so that I can record my AT hike on www.trailjournals.com Attempting this hike is something I started thinking about a year ago and began telling family and friends of my intention. Little did I realize what was involved. The more I have learned the more skeptical I have become that I will be able to complete a thru hike (2,179 miles through 14 states).I will start at Springer Mountain in NW Georgia on April 1st. Hopefully I will still be on the trail on my 70th birthday (April 15th).More about what I have done in the way of planning later.
Date: 2011-02-02
To: WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
Miles today: 0.0

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? That is probably the first question you might ask. Those of you that followed "Where's Wilson?" in 2004 (my 19,000 mile, 101 day trip around the perimeter of the lower 48 states)know that I have a wonderlust and every once in awhile I feel the need to travel.I have that feeling again and I'm slways looking for a new challenge. More importantly though it is the need to regain control of my life. I feel like I have been tied to my computer, constantly checking emails relating to the non-profits I have been involved with for the last five years. I want a slower paced life. I need to have some down time, think, and come back with fresh ideas and plans. If you have an interest in learning more about the non-profits you can visit the following websites:www.barhd.org --- supports four rural health clinics in Southwest Uganda and finds sponsors for over 250 orphans who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS or malaria and provides for their secondary education at one of three boarding schools.www.bellmonawards.org --- recognizes individuals, companies or organizations which have demonstrated sustainability in one of the areas of PEOPLE-PROFIT-PLANET. Henry Bellmon was the first Republican Governor of Oklahoma, later served two terms in the US Senate and returned to Oklahoma to serve another term as Governor. He was known as an "independent thinker" and conservationist.www.tulsasouthsiderotary.org --- currently serving as President of this Rotary Club.I've enjoyed being involved in these organizations and will miss that but they are all in good hands.
Date: 2011-02-03
To: TRAIL NAME
Miles today: 0.0

Any thru hiker on the AT gets a trail name. Some sooner, some later. I've chosen "Pokey Okie" to start but other hikers along the way may change it due to some aspect of my personality or hiking style.I figured since I will be 70 and hiking at a much slower pace than most others it was appropriate and identified me as coming from Oklahoma.I debated about using my alter ego, "Lewis" which some of you know is the person I become when I have just a leetle too much refreshment containing a wee bit of alcohol. But then I realized I wouldn't be carrying a bottle of scotch or a nice cabernet due to keeping my pack weight to a minimum so Lewis wouldn't show up on the trail but just occasionally during an overnight stay in a town.
Date: 2011-02-04
To: GUEST BOOK
Miles today: 0.0

It's 1:30AM---I woke up an hour ago and could think of nothing but the AT. No chance of going back to sleep, I am so excited just thinking about it. I finished reading "AWOL On the Appalachian Trail" by Doug Miller a couple days ago and now Laura, my wife, is reading it. His 2003 account of his thru hike is awesome and somewhat daunting---makes me question my chances of completing the trail?I was posted on "Trail Journals" yesterday and have already had 4 Guest Book entries from fellow hikers---Hopeful, Boomer, Winkle and Hickory Stick. That made me feel welcome and part of the group which I expect will be the defining part of my AT experience. I still think of all the people I met on my 2004 road trip.BTW, I finished shoveling the driveway today after our record 14 inch snowfall a coupld days ago. May not seem like much to you North of the Mason Dixon Line but here in Oklahoma we were in paralysis for 2 days!
Date: 2011-02-05
To: STATISTICS
Miles today: 0.0

During the past year I have read a number of books, looked at maps, and talked to some who have hiked the AT. Here is what I have found:Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine2,179 miles (as the crow flies it is only 1,300 miles)14 statesMost (90%+) start in Georgia and are called NoBos (Northbounders)Maybe less than 10% start in Maine and are called SoBos (Southbounders)Some 2%-3% start in Georgia but Flip-Flop when they get to Harper's Ferry, W. Virginia, go to Maine and hike South back to Harper's FerryApproximately 4,000 thru-hikers start25% never get out of Georgia before quittingApproximately 15% to 20% complete the hike to KatahdinThe trail is marked by white blazes (2" by 6") located on trees and rocksThere are trails marked by blue blazes that are short-cuts and these should only be taken during an emergencyThe trail follows the ridgeline and seldom is level---following ridiculus "puds" (pointless ups and downs).Days off the trail are called "zero" daysOn occasion you may have an opportunity for someone to take your pack from point A to point B for your day's hike---this is called a "slack pack" and you only carry enough supplies for the day.I'll try and add to this later, but that's all for now.PS----have heard from more 2011 At hikers---Flame, Stylin & Tony, Flutewalker, Not Natasha, BigHodag, and others.
Date: 2011-02-10
To: AILMENTS
Miles today: 0.0

I've spent the last six months attempting to get this ole bod in shape with hopes of making a thru hike. It seems like I have problems on both sides, I'll start with the left.I've got Plantar (also known as Morten's) Neuroma---tried cortisone injection with no results, considered surgery, but opted for first class othotics and wide shoes and boots---seems to be working.My knee has bothered me for years, probably due to running. I had it checked out by an orthopedic surgeon and was sure he would want to cut on me. He said if he was a sports medicine guy that's exactly what he would recommend. However in my case he thought I should just give it a try and to be prepared that it would be painful, so carry some Advil.It may be my psyche but now I'm feeling some discomfort in my hip?On my right side I suffered from shingles in the eye and had a cornea transplant several years ago. It started getting cloudy so my doc lasered it---much improved.Pinched nerve caused numbness in my hand and fingers but an excellent physical therapist took care of that problem some years ago.While preparing for the hike I developed a hernia and had it reparied in December.So, other than these minor distractions I feel good. I take only three prescription meds (two for the eye), Glucosimine and a baby asprin.Mentally, my friends suggest major problems, so beware!
Date: 2011-02-11
To: HOW MANY INCHES?
Miles today: 0.0

Disclaimer---"HOW MANY INCHES?" is not an advertisement for Viagra. It is an opportunity for me to whine about conditions here in Tulsa, aka Lake Wobegone.We have set records for snowfall, over 27" in February alone, not to mention the -31 degrees recorded in Nowata (30 miles north)a day ago. Tulsa was -12 degrees and broke the record set in 1929! All of northeast Oklahoma has been paralized even with all 3 snowplows working round-the-clock. Schools have been closed for 2 weeks. The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta is reporting a pandemic of cabin fever. Only Mother Nature can resolve conditions her. Please, please help us!So, there go my plans to get in some hiking training. I can't even get out of my driveway. BTW, where do you get one of those snow shovel thinges? We've used up our supply of Morton's already.Oh ya, I expect to hear from you guys up in the far north. Look, I've lived there, done that----Wisconsin, upstate NY and Massachusets. That's why I live in Oklahoma now.I did manage to get to the Bass Pro Shop and spent a couple hours buying up items for the trail. My pack may be a little overweight. Stay tuned.