morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-01-01
To: Why I'm Hiking
Miles today: 0.0

Happy 2007!!! I'll start the new year out by trying to answer the question I get the most - "WHY???" Growing up, I was an avid camper and hiker. My parents were taking me on camping trips before I could walk. I continued with the whole Boy Scout thing (yes, I'm one of those - Eagle Scout), and eventually began hiking in the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. Love of the outdoors even influenced my major in college, graduating with a B.S. in Natural Resources.Unfortunately, hiking and backpacking became more and more infrequent as the years passed. But the bug is still there. And as long as I can remember, I've wanted to hike the AT. So why now? After nearly 10 years in the same job (a great job, but one with high stress, no authority, large responsibilities, and no real advancement potential) it is time for a change. Also, changes in my personal life now allow me to focus on...me. I need this as a break, a time to recharge, reassess, and just get away. There are other justifications I use as well. I love a challenge. Hiking 2,174 miles from Georgia to Maine while ascending and descending the equivalent of 16 Mt. Everests will provide me that challenge - as much mental as physical. And my personal favorite: this hike will save my life. OK, a bit dramatic, but I'm a smoker. Horrible, horrible habit. I also know if I continue, it will kill me eventually. If I can't break the habit by the time I start, I'll leave the cigs at home and go through detox on the trail. It will make for an ugly few weeks, but worth the price. That's it for now. Happy New Year!!!
Date: 2007-01-01
To: Gear Overload
Miles today: 0.0

My apologies to friends and family who are sick of hearing me talk about the pros and cons of JetBoil stove vs. alcohol burning stoves, down vs. synthetic sleeping bags, a traditional pump water filter vs. the new Steripen, etc... I'll admit that I'm obsessed. There are so many gear choices out there that I've now reached the "gear overload" stage. I feel like I'm behind on my gear choices and purchases. There is this overwhelming desire to load everything up, slip my pack on and get out there. Unfortunately, I don't even have a pair of hiking boots yet. Finding just the right pair is...frustrating. It's the single most important item of equipment, and I can't find something that works. I have slightly wide feet, a high arch and average volume. Well, tomorrow I plan on venturing out to a custom shoe fitting shop in Middletown, NY. We'll see what they have to say. Today it's time to check out my new stove, an alcohol burner from Brasslite. Assuming I don't blow myself up, I'll let you know how it goes.
Date: 2007-01-08
To: My Tent Has Arrived
Miles today: 0.0

After a brief dispute with my credit card company (quick to charge you - slow to remove erroneous billings), I was finally able to order my tent. It arrived today! The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. And man, it's light. You can read all you want about size, design, and weight, but it doesn't sink in until you actually hold it in your hands. I can't wait to get it home, set it up, and begin the process of sealing the seams. I also had a chance to try out my new Brasslite stove. Having never owned or used an alcohol stove, I was a bit nervous. Out I went into my backyard, getting some odd stares from neighbors, and lit it up. Other than a brief flare-up from spilling a bit of fuel, it worked great. In 15 minutes I was chowing on a Lipton Side of New Orleans-style chicken rice. Not too bad. This weekend I'll go on a major shopping spree, now that I finally found an outfitter that has both the sleeping bag and backpack I want. Thanks Ally for discovering the discount at Tents and Trails in New York City. It's amazing how much you can save on equipment if you look hard enough - and how many people overpay. Just this week I saw an ebay auction in which the sleeping bag I want went to someone bidding $20 MORE than the retail price. Crazy. Well, it's off to the drugstore to pick up medication to help me quit smoking, then off to the gym. Two months, twenty-nine days to go (not that I'm counting.)
Date: 2007-01-16
To: I Love My Gear
Miles today: 0.0

It's been an extremely productive few days. With only 2 months, 20 days to go, it had better be productive. First thing, I have to recommend the store Tents & Trails in New York City to anyone looking to thru-hike. They actually carry lightweight gear, great prices, and the staff knows what they're talking about. I don't give compliments easily, but they deserve it.Thanks to them, I now have my backpack, raingear, sleeping pad, flashlight, trekking poles, various other items, and my sleeping bag has been ordered. Also, thank you Ally for joining me on the buying spree and pointing out various discounts. Phase I of Operation Tent Seam Seal has been completed. I put up my tent for the first time yesterday. It went up quickly, easily, didn't leak in a steady drizzle, and has just the right amount of room. I also decided to experiment with the stove again, this time in wet and windy conditions. What did I learn? One oz. of fuel is just enough to boil water, hot jello works great to warm you up and give you a quick sugar-high, but cleaning the pot can be a pain because, as I'm sure we're all aware, jello is sticky. I've been working to break in my boots. They're great, except for some rubbing on my right shin. No problem now, but I'm concerned it will be trouble on the trail. Finally, after years of infrequent workouts, I've been hitting the gym, running, etc...and it's already working its wonders. I went for a run yesterday along a route I've done (from time to time) in the past. Instead of it kicking my butt, I pushed through it with no problems. It was a great motivational boost. Now I know many people say the only way you can truly prepare for the AT is to put on your pack and start hiking. I agree that's a great form of exercise and preparation. Yet I also believe in the value of general aerobic and weight training. The early weeks on the AT will be a physical trial, leaving everyone exhausted. There are degrees of exhaustion, however, and the more I prepare now, the better I'll be able to handle the challenges later on. Plus, starting out in better shape - especially with a strong core - could help prevent injuries. So to those who say prep hikes are the only worthwhile form of exercise, we'll see. Next challenge - quit smoking.
Date: 2007-02-22
To: Details, Onions and more Details
Miles today: 0.0

ONLY 6 WEEKS TO GO!!! THAT'S 43 DAYS!!! My eagerness and excitement have been tempered lately by anxiousness. Only a few weeks to go before I set out on the approach trail to Springer Mountain, and I feel like I have a ton of things to do beforehand. I finally received my food dehydrator, and not a moment too soon. I'm planning on 15 mail drops throughout my trip (they're posted under Mail Drops on the bar to the left, ironically enough.) That's 80-100 meals I need to create, prepare and package. Relying on these drops for over half my meals not only saves money, it also allows me variety, personalized serving sizes, and (hopefully) some tastiness - at least by backpacking standards. Still, that's a lot of meals to prepare. Here's a sample menu:Breakfast: 1) Breakfast Shake 2 cups instant dry milk12 cup nondairy creamer2 tbsp whole wheat flour3 tbsp brown sugar12 cup instant coco mix (that dissolves in cold water) OR 12 cup instant coffee2 tbsp protein powderCombine with cold water and shake. 2) Poptarts.Lunch: Peanut butter & honey sandwich on a bagel or other hard, dense bread.Dinner: Creole Albacore: 1 pouch albacore fillets1/4 tsp mesquite seasoning1 dash ea garlic powder and black pepper1 tsp dried onion2 Tbs dried bell pepperspaghetti sauce leather (dried spaghetti sauce - sort of like a fruit rollup)1 pkt soy sauce1 pkt lemon juice1 pkt hot sauce (Franks) 2 cups instant white rice, uncookedCombine all the ingredients and simmer in 2 1/2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Add tuna fillets at end to warm. Snacks: dried apples/pineapple & a snickers barSome notes on dehydrating: 1) Don't dehydrate onions in an enclosed apartment when your roommates are around. If you like the smell of onions - on your clothes, in your furniture, exuding from every pore in your body, then ignore this. 2) Hot peppers are called HOT for a reason. Make sure you get the pepper oil off your hands before you spread it to other parts of your body - OR ELSE... I don't have any personal experience with either of these points - just something I've heard from others. I went on another hike about two weeks ago, traveling 13 miles from Arden Valley Road to the Bear Mountain Bridge in New York. There were some good climbs, great views, and a brisk wind to keep you moving. The temperature wasn't bad (roughly 25 degrees) until crossing the Bear Mountain Bridge. With nothing to stop the wind, it gets a bit chilly. And a note to the three West Point cadets out for a run in shorts that day...ARE YOU CRAZY?Gotta run. Time to do laundry & hope the onion smell comes out.
Date: 2007-03-20
To: 644 Hours To Go
Miles today: 0.0

644 hours before I start on the approach trail to Springer Mountain (not that I'm keeping track or anything.) For those doing the math, let me first say you've got to get a better hobby. Second, you'll notice that my start date has been changed to Monday, April 16th. A moving van has been reserved, a room reserved at the Lodge at Amacalola Falls State Park in Georgia, and my official letter of resignation has been submitted. IT'S ON!!!With the exception of one or two very small items, I now have all my equipment. My sleeping bag finally arrived, and I received my PocketMail device today (needed to bore you with journal entries from the trail.) Meal preparation is continuing, as I ran out of everything from instant rice and instant potatoes to dehydrated tomatoes, celery and ground beef. I tried out my trail spaghetti with meat sauce, and it was much better than I expected. (Ramen noodles, homemade spaghetti sauce that was dehydrated, and dehydrated ground beef.) I also need to say a special thank you to my grandmother. Busha, thank you for the hat that you knitted for me. I'm definitely taking it with me!!! I'll add a photo of the hat on here soon.Finally, it's amazing how many people have been calling, e-mailing and dropping by to wish me well. I've had the privlege of working with literally hundreds of great people over the past 10 years, and your encouragement and kind words are greatly appreciated. Thank you.That's it for now. 643 hours and 40 minutes to go...
Date: 2007-04-09
To: Are You Going By Yourself?
Miles today: 0.0

When I tell anyone of my plans, the first question is always "Are you going by yourself, or with a group?" While I may be physically hiking on my own, there are many great people helping me out and supporting my efforts. Without this support team, my trek wouldn't be possible. It's time for a few thank you's.First, huge thanks to Ally. From going on shopping spree's with me, finding great deals on equipment, allowing me to take over the apartment with trail food in various stages of preparation, staying on my case to take care of the dozens of details I'd rather ignore, but must be accomplished (yes, I made a dentist appt. for Wednesday), and providing constant encouragement, simple thanks is not enough.Bill, Teena and Mike, thanks for helping out with mail drops and posting my journal. Your advice and suggestions are also appreciated. Everyone at CSEA - especially those in my department - it's been a real pleasure working with you. Thank you for your generous gift. Adam, I'm still not comfortable with the pool you're starting. Just had to go on record with that. The kind notes and gifts from everyone else have been great. Two need special mention: Bob O., I don't know how I could finish this hike without the hiker chopsticks; Heather, the Appalachian Trail sweatshirt has been getting plenty of use. I've mentioned my grandmother before for the great hat, but she deserves thanks again. Also, thanks for the wonderful note from my Aunt Barbara. There are also a large number of friends who have taken me out for a drink or two here and there to say goodbye and good luck. I'd like to thank them for everything - except the hangovers!!! This list is far from complete, and I know I've left people out, but not the most important supporters I have - my parents. If it wasn't for them cuddling together to stay warm one January evening 35 years ago, I wouldn't be here today. Seriously, without their love and support, this never would have happened. I love you Mom & Dad. OK, one week to go before I start hiking. I've got my equipment, I've got my food. I'm ready to go!!! See you on the trail.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Starting Out

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

After several crazy days of packing, saying goodbye to friends and finishing up at work, it was finally time. My parents and I arrived at Amicalola falls state park around noon on Monday after driving through the night. We spent the rest of the day relaxing, taking care of final details and eating. The next morning I started up the approach trail while my folks ran into town to pick up some antibiotics (don't ask.) Finally, around noon, we said our final farewells and I got moving.The Approach Trail runs 8.8 miles to the top of Springer Mt. and the start of the Appalachian Trail. It was a beautiful day, sunny in the mid 60's. There were a few good climbs, but not as bad as I was afraid of. By 4:00 pm, I was at the start of the AT. FINALLY!!!After taking a few pictures, I continued for another 2.5 miles to Stover Creek Shelter. I set up my tent, made my dinner (Creole Albacore), and will be going to sleep soon. A good end to Day 1.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to take it easy today. I didn't sleep well, so it was easy to be on the trail by 7:45 am. The first 5 miles went quick, pulling into Hawk Mtn Shelter at 10 am. An hour break and back on the trail. The climbs were a bit more challenging on the next stretch, but the hours on the treadmill have paid off. I was at Gooch Mtn Shelter by 3 pm. Dandelion, on her second thru attempt, and Hopefull, a 2003 thru-hiker out for a week, are also here at the shelter, as are a few others. We have a nice fire going for the evening. I'll be turning in soon. 15 miles to Walasi-Yi Center - tomorrow's destination.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Walasi-Yi Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Thank god for vitamin IDidn't sleep well again. I started out sweating in my bag, so I opened it up. That worked ok until I felt a mouse start climbing over me. I'm not seasoned enough to ignore that. I was up by 7am and hiking 45 minutes later. My favorite time to hike is in the morning. It's cool, you hear the birds, lots of woodpeckers, an owl or two, and I came across some deer this morning as well. The downside of being the first one on the trail is "webbing." You're clearing all the cobwebs along the trail. The first 5 miles were cake. I hit Woody Gap by 10, where I met Bo and Big Blue from Florida, getting dropped off after spending the night in town. There were also 5 section hikers starting from there. The terrain got a bit more challenging after that, with a number of mountains between me and my goal for the day. I was dreading Blood Mtn. at 4461 ft all day, but it wasn't bad as all with great views, including Springer. From there it was a 2 mile steep decent to here.I've noticed a mental routine developing. When I wake up, I can't wait to get going. In the am, I feel like I can hike 20+ miles no problem. By noon I start dragging, wondering what I'm doing here, missing everyone from home, and getting depressed. That goes off and on until I get in for the night and start talking to great people. Tonight Jay {Trail Nazi} and ?? {who I met yesterday}, Chantrell from NY {not her name, but close} and 3 others went into town for a buffet diner. It was almost as good as the hot shower and putting on clean clothes after doing laundry. We'll probably throw in a movie to relax to for the rest of the night. Then again, it's almost 9pm, and everyone is getting tired.Vitamin I, or ibuprofen. Got to love it. I¢ve been popping some at night, and really haven't been too sore. But today my right ankle and toes on the same foot were hurting. Plus, I got sunburned on day 1, and it got a bit worse today. Vitamin I is now a very good friend. An evening of rest should also help. One final note: I have a trail name. I'm now called Easy. That's short for Take It Easy or Easy Does It. Mike from Illinois, who I met the first day, suggested it, and it works. I'm constantly telling others to take it easy, and telling myself easy does it when I'm pushing too hard. I'll let those who know me well have fun with the name.Time to enjoy indoor life for awhile. Take it easy everyone.- Easy
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Walasi-Yi Hostel

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Blisters, Blisters and more BlistersIt was a big mileage day today. Waking up refreshed and well-fed certainly helped. I got on the trail at 9, after getting some sun screen, gatorade and coffee. There were a few good climbs to get your attention, but the weather was great. Mid-60's. My feet were in constant pain, though. First, my right ankle was feeling it. Definately some swelling. Then blisters started on my right foot. By the time I finally pulled into the shelter, I was exhausted and hurting.Ah, my first trail magic. (An unexpected act of kindness by a stranger, called a trail angel.) Suches, a 1998 thru-hiker and her able assistant Sawdust to the rescue. We popped the big one and she treated it with mole foam, then a covering used for bed sores, band-aids and then duct tape to hold it all together. The smaller one on my small toe didn't require the same amount of attention. Pictures coming soon.It's dark,dropping into the mid-30's, so time to bed. At 8:45. Nite all.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

A Tale of Two TrailsToday was the toughest day by far. Oh, I have another, alternate trail name: politician. I was given this name by P.W. and Dog Man while drinking beer and soaking in a hot tub (more on that later.)We all got an early start, up before the sun and watching it rise from the shelter. By 7 I was on the trail. The problem was I had absolutely no energy. Big miles the day before, not eating much for breakfast, and starting with a steep 1,000 foot decent that had my ankle screaming, and a 900 foot steep ascent that my feet didn't like left me exhausted. It wasn't long before both Ryan and Mike (Dog Man) passed me. I was taking long breaks, but the constant ups and downs just did me inI finally made it to Tray Mtn. shelter around 1:00 - less than 8 miles and far off my normal 2 miles per hourpace. A big lunch of peanut butter and honey on a pita, and instant white chocolate pudding finally gave me the energy I needed. If I hustled, I thought I could make it to Dicks Creek Gap in time to get to a nearby hostel and into town to resupply.Then came more mountains. It's really not the mountains I mind; it's the "gaps." Every time there's a gap listed in my guidebook, you know there's a big down and a big up to get out of it. There were 10 gaps this day. Plus one mountain that just wouldn't end...Time was getting short as I made it to Dicks Creek Gap at 6pm. My first attempt to hitch hike didn't work out, so I walked the 1.5 miles to Cloud 9 hostel. Got there just in time. Sam-I-Am, Dog Man and PW were already there. I took a quick shower, and we were off to town for an $8 buffet. We cleaned that out, went to the store for supplies, and back to the hostel. Thank you Ox, a former thru-hiker, for the rides. Between myself, PW and Dog Man, we polished off 21 beers while soaking in the hottub here. You couldn't have a better end to a rough day. It's off to bed, with a late start planned for tomorrow and a goal of finishing my first state!
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: GA-NC boarder
Miles today: 8.7

We got a late start today. I made breakfast for everyone from food in the fridge (eggs with sausage & cheese, plus a big pot of coffee.) We relaxed for awhile, repacked, and finally got a ride to the trailhead. While we were hitchhiking, we had big trucks, pick-up trucks and others pass us by. It was a small Saturn Ion with two young women who just finished a day hike that picked us up. Somehow we managed to squeeze in three additional hikers, with three large packs, and two dogs into this small car for the 1 1/2 mile ride to the trail head. It was a tight fit, to say the least. Finally, at 4pm, we started hiking.It was a short day for us, but fast. DogMan, Crocket (previously refered to as PW on this journal) and I has a goal of crossing the state line, about 9 miles away. About 4 hours later, we made it. Our first state completed!!! We camped out, had a nice fire, and turned in. Tomorrow we'll explore the North Carolina trail.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: GA-NC boarder

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

The North Carolina trail has a twisted sense of humor. When you first start out, the trail goes nearly straight up. It's NC's way of saying "You ain't in Georgia anymore! Welcome to REAL hiking." And a good morning to you too, NC.My feet were really giving me problems today. I was lagging behind the others, with 4 major blisters, a swollen ankle and a toe that's either sprained or broken. After about 20 minutes of walking, the feet become numb. Every time you stop and then get going again, you start all over with the pain. While taking a break in a rhododendron thicket along the trail, Scisors came upon me. We met Scisors at the Cloud 9 hostel, just coming in, wearing a pack nearly 1/2 her body weight. Despite this, and running a day behind us, she managed to catch up with us by hiking 24 miles!!! A machine. Well, my ego couldn't let her get too far ahead, so we hiked the final 3 miles together to the stopping point for the evening, Carter Gap Shelter. We pulled in, saw that the shelter was in horrible shape, and set up our tents. A few minutes later we learned that there was a new shelter about 100 yards down the trail. Oh well, we were already set up. Later on, Moss pulled in. He had been hiking with his best friend Wild Bill, who had never really backpacked before and wasn't having a very good time. We'd been passing each other for a few days now. Wild Bill decided to get off the trail, allowing Moss to move at a faster pace. The bunch of us had a good fire again this evening, and off to bed. Tomorrow I'm aiming for Franklin, NC, get my first food drop, and possibly spend the night in town.