morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-01-20
From: Home (1700')

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Siler Le Conte will be turning one year old on February fifth of this year. It is unbelivable to see the rapid change in him and in Bryson. Bryson is around three and a half. This spring and summer, I plan to section backpack from Amicalola Falls to Woody Gap with Bryson. I think that he will be up to it. In addition, I can hardly wait to take Siler on his first hike out of the day pack carrier. I can harldy wait to take him to the top of Blood Mountain and take him back to Siler Bald (his namesake). Siler went to Siler Bald last Mother's day weekend and it was quite an experience to have a three month old out in the freezing temperatures.It is all good. Virginia--God willing, here I come in just a few short weeks.
Date: 2009-01-21
From: Home (1700')

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I have studied the elevation profile maps and read the section guide book on Section two and part of section three of Virginia. I have not decided whether I will go south or north. Burkes Garden and Chestnut Knob look very exciting. In addition, I will have town access in Pearisburg, Crandon, Bland and I-81. I have never had town access like this since I started at Springer Mountain.I am still up in the air whether to go North or South. I am still up in the air as to whether to go in February or April. March is out due to work.Today, I went out and bought waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket. I need to mend up some holes on my rainfly. In addition, I may look at getting a replacement water filtration system. Besides minor details, exercising and stretching, I am ready to go.Winzer is doing great at eleven and a half and my lovely bride, Stephanie and I had our ten year anniversary and she is staying home with Bryson and Siler. She plans on homeschooling.My section hike is coming up soon. I can hardly wait!!I've got Virginia on my mind.
Date: 2009-02-03
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Things are still on go for the third week of February.   I went out and bought new gloves and a new pair of socks to go along with the sleeping bag liner and rain suit that I picked up earlier in January.  I feel like a glutton for spending money on gear, however,I have not bought anything new in quite some time. I am going to use a tarp for a ground cloth,and as a rain tarp as well as use my own backpack for this adventure. Ever since I started backpacking two years ago, I have been using Stephanie's lighter pack. The problem has been with the lighter pack. What is obvious is that the straps are not designed for me. My backpack is much bigger-like for doing the 100 Mile Wilderness or the High Sierra.I cannot believe it but Siler(my second born son)- will be turning one year old on Thursday. I can hardly wait to get him and Bryson out on the trail this summer. He started walking six months earlier than Bryson. Wouldn't you know that he just did not want to crawl anymore?Stephanie is doing well. She is going to homeschool both boys when the time is right. I love her so much.
Date: 2009-02-04
From: Home

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Possible Itenerary:Thursday, Feburary 19th1) arrive in Pearisburg from Anderson, SC before lunch.2) start hiking late afternoon. I will receive a shuttle from the Rendevous Motel in Pearisburg and travel near Sugar Grove, Virginia to the South Fork of the Holston River. (This is where I left off last summer) Hike to somewhere around Chatfield ShelterFriday, February 20th1) weather barring--the terrain looks very friendly. try a 22 mile day and get north of Lynn Camp Creek. (Lick Creek) The elevation will be below 2500 ft, which is what I would be looking for.Saturday, February 21st:Travel up Chestnut Ridge, so it could be a shorter day. I will shoot for somewhere in the Little Wolf Creek Area.Sunday, February 22nd Travel Friendly terrain should get me close to Jenny knob shelter. Possible stop in Crandon if I did not stop in the Bastian/Bland area.Monday, February 23rd- find a good camp site just south of Doc's Knob shelter.Tuesday, February 24th- final ten miles of 106 miles into Pearisburg and home before dinner time. Should I really trust those elevation profiles?
Date: 2009-02-11
From: Home (1700')

To: Pearisburg (1600')
Miles today: 0.0

I will be embarking on my 2009 Section Hike in eight days. Initially, I wanted to hike in late March and early April. Something came up at work and I was not going to be able to go during that time period.I thought about it and decided that I would go in late February because of some of my cold weather hiking experience. (Including an early March section hike last year).As it turns out, the situation at work is no longer an issue with a late March-early April hike. However, I have already scheduled the time off work and unless the weather turns very unfavorable- I am going.Next Wednesday night, we (our entire family) will drive up to Anderson, S.C. and spend the night at my mother-in-law and father-in-law's house.Early Thursday, I will get up and drive to Pearisburg. From there, the owner of the Rendezvous Motel will drive me to the South Fork of the Holston River (my last point north) and I will hike north to Pearisburg. I am having flash backs from last late June when Damascus Dave dropped me off at the South Fork of the Holston River and I walked back to Damascus. I remember that day when he went trout fishing after he got me on the trail and how the temperatures were very cool. It was a great hike.Siler La Conte turned one last Thursday. He had a small party at the house with family and just loved that first piece of birthday cake.Actually, he had his own cake all to himsel!!To this day, he has only slept through the entire night twice: Mothers Day Weekend camping at Standing Indian Campground. The first night was complimented with 50 mile an hour winds and Poplar tree branches in excess of fifty feet falling around us. The second night saw temperatures dropping to freezing. That's my boy!!It is hard to believe that he is one year old and walking. It is hard to believe that Bryson is three and a half years old and is so intuitive. He loves art and he loves to be read like ten to twenty books per day. Stephanie is having fun at home with the kids and with me (I hope) when I am off of work. We added a room onto our house last year and she has been enjoying the extra space in her craft room.One more entry before the hike, hopefully.
Date: 2009-02-12
From: Home 

To: Pearisburg (1600')
Miles today: 0.0

2009 Section Hike South Fork Holston River to Pearisburg, VirginiaFebruary 2009Check off list for gear: (food and drink not included)Message New Testament Bible(small)Ted Dekker- Obsessed (fiction-suspense-thriller)HeadlampSmall flashlightsmall notebookRei Backpack      Rei Backpack-New Star: rain fly-Ducks Back 8.0Rei Trekking poles (2)Outdoor Research Winter Gloves-Ascension Snow Line Gloves (1 pair)   Walmart 99cent cotton gloves (2 pr)Columbia All Weather Water Resistant Weather HatPatagonia Wick short sleeve shirts (2)Patagonia Wick long sleeve shirts (2)cotton t shirt for camp (2) my favorite-Pacific Crest Trail T shirt!! in addition Mt.Mitchell State Park long sleeve cotton shirt Wigwam Backpacking socks (3 pair)Wigwam light duty socks (2 pair)   Bridgedale Winter socks (1 pair)North Face Winter pants (water resistant)Sierra Design rain parka and pantsWal mart brand hiking shorts-- best hiking shorts I've ever had!!North Face 2 man tent--Harrier (7 lbs total-ouch).Walmart brand sleeping mat with blow up pillowOutdoor research stuff sack for foodWalmart stuff sacks for clothingWaterproof small bag for camera, cell phone and walletlighter and fuel cannister with my small MSR stoveKatahdin water filter-- Thanks Andy Brown-- I bought one after borrowing yours!!One lightweight pan "Blacklite" and spoon/fork and knife comb (guyot designs)North Face 20 degree bag and Cocoon Brand sleeping bag liner(adds appx. ten degrees)Walmart tarp for ground layer and or additional shelter from rain and snowI am still up in the air on which shoes to wear: New Balance--Montrail or my gore-tex trail runners I have three footwear options and still trying to figure it out. If it is not my gore-tex trail runners, I will be waterproofing them for certain. Old digital camera, calling card, wallet and cell phone. Personal hyg.--duck tape--moleskinPrayer and appreciation for the opportunity.Here we go.
Date: 2009-02-18
From: Anderson, South Carolina

To: Pearisburg (1600')
Miles today: 0.0

Fraser FirSection Hike February 2009South Fork Holston River to Pearisburg02-18-2009I cannot believe it, but I start walking tomorrow. I have taken ten days off of work to allow myself "bookends" of time with my family at the beginning and end of this hike.I have packed all of my gear and analyzed each and everything that I will be taking along. As I stand in my father-in-law's garage this evening around 10:00 p.m., my pack must weigh sixty pounds. It will be a challenge that I have never faced. The reason that I say sixty pounds is because Bryson weighs just over forty. Mind over matter will certainly be the theme for the first few "ups" in South Western Virginia.My family and friends question my sanity. Do not worry, they tend to each and every time that I go out in "un-orthodox" seasons to hike. However, we must remember that each season carries its beauty like no other. Including the Jefferson National Forest and South West Virginia.I yearn the solitude of Earl Schaffer and those such as John y Cash (South Bound class of 2008). My section hikes started innocently enough back in 2003 and 2004 with day hikes in the Chattahoochee National Forest. I may have covered anywhere from five to seven new trail miles per section as these were "in-out" hikes. My North Face Day pack consisted of emergency supplies to get through a summer or fall evening. Most likely weighing around fifteen pounds. I was always in such a hurry. Hardly ever noticing the ground before me or the experience of being in the woods.I am going to the Jefferson National Forest in one of the coldest times of the year with five days worth of food and warm weather gear. I have cut where I can keeping in mind that there are certain necessities that I must bring with me. 106 Miles over five or so days. I will figure it out as I go. This is my time to escape, reflect, be still and enjoy the ground in front of me.Tonight saw tornado warnings and thunderstorm warnings. I keep reminding Stephanie that everything will be just fine. I am going to miss her, Bryson and Siler very much. The boys will have fun with their grandparents while I am gone.Bryson has a new mail box on his playhouse outside at his grandparents house. Before I went to bed, I left him a card to be placed in the mail box for him to get in the morning.When I get back home, I am going to start painting oil canvases again. I already have enough photos of Virginia to paint for a year and then some.Good night, sleep tight, do not let the hiking jitters bite!!!!
Date: 2009-02-19
From: South Fork Holston River (2500')

To: Partnership Shelter (3300') Entry 3 of 3
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

February 19, 2009 Entry 3 of 3¢South Fork Holston River to Pearisburg Entry 3 of 3-Thursday Evening.The restrooms are locked up here at the headquarters to Mount Rogers National Headquarters. I am so fortunate that the outdoor water spicket is working this evening. After a couple of good pumps, the water is flowing into my water bottles.My primary water source besides the bathroom and this water spicket is a beautiful little pond about one hundred yards south of Partnership Shelter. The pond is frozen solid and would make filtering water somewhat problematic. The temperature outside of my tent has dropped to twenty degrees, so I place my stove just outside my tent on the shelter floor and cook a nice warm meal. After dinner, I read Dekker and read some in my Bible. Today was an absolutely beautiful day. Crossing through some of my first Virginia farmland and having absolutely clear skies. Winter hiking is nice because of the views and solitude. It is fair to say that a different type of animal dares these mountains this type of year. I think back to 2004 when I met Felix on top of Wayah Bald on or near Valentine¢s Day and just wondered how he handled the cold nights. In the shade, the trail was tough to walk on because the ground is frozen solid. I can feel the impact in my knees, even with prosthetics. In the open, the warmer afternoon temperatures thaw out the trail and it becomes a mud bath. Either way, it is all good.Tomorrow will take me under I-81 and closer to beautiful Burkes Garden. I hope to make it near Knot Maul Branch Shelter for wind protection, but we will just see where I end up.Good night, sleep tight, do not let the frost bugs bite!!
Date: 2009-02-20
From: Partnership Shelter- Mount Rogers NRA (3200)

To: Crawfish Valley (2700') Entry 3 of 3
Miles today: 19.0

02-20-2009 Entry three of the day. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (N) to Tilson Gap. As I continued on in the hemlock forest and the canopy of the late afternoon, I started to look hard for water.Back at the platform (which used to be Davis Path Shelter) there may have been water downhill, but I did not want to hunt for it.I took my chances in hoping that I would come across something either directly on the AT or near it.After going up and over Guillion Mountain, it started to get darker. I was shooting to make it to the top of Tilson Gap tonight, but if I found water in Crawfish Valley, well that would be my home. The elevation profile map did not indicate water anywhere near ; until I went over Walker Mountain. Crawfish Valley indeed was abundant with water. It was around 6pm, so I stopped here and made camp for the night. I wanted to walk until seven or eight, but this will do. Crawfish Valley (2700¢) sat about 800 feet lower than last night¢s camping area. However, I slept nearly on top of the swollen creek, which added natural air conditioning.For dinner, I had freeze dried chicken and mashed potatoes. I do not know why, but I just was not very hungry. Maybe it was because of the chocolate pies and latte a couple of hours ago. I ate a little bit and then got ready for bed.After drinking tons of fluids, I dressed ¢up¢ for bed in many layers. That sleeping bag liner is totally awesome!! It covers like all of my facial area that my hat does not cover. Before crashing, I read for some time. You know that if I am going to take the time to bring reading material, I am going to utilize it. I even brought a paper thin Berenstein Bear Book. I read Berenstein Bear books at night to Bryson. This book was a mini book and more for sentimental value. I miss my wife and two children. Today was a full day and the trail was empty. What a beautiful day. What a beautiful evening. It is so quiet out here with no distraction what so ever. Good night, sleep tight, do not let the crawfish bite!!
Date: 2009-02-22
From: Ceres, Virginia

To: Bland
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

02-22-2009Entry Three Fraser FirSection HikerGeorgia to MaineChestnut Ridge to Ceres, VirginiaWell, after walking along side Highway 42 and discovering that there is no entrance into the Post Office, I have resided for a walk into Bland, Virginia. Before I got to the Post Office, I did some good old ¢yellow blazing¢. My intentions are to come back and finish this part of the trail whether on this trip or on a future trip.From here, it appears that I will be around fifteen road miles to Bland. I look hard at the AT strip map and it does not appear that I will go through another town until I get to Bland. I have resided to continue to attempt to hitch a ride as I walk north east along the shoulder of the road.A truck passes and they do not stop.Walking in the shoulders is no fun because the snow continues to dump down into the grass.It has gotten much colder since I started walking.I am out on the plain, so the wind and snow are blowing everywhere.This is not the beautiful hike that I had on Lost Mountain Road this morning. It is certainly not the wonder and majesty of the A.T.Once I pass the Post Office, feeling a little discouraged and mentally prepared for a fifteen mile road march, I encounter the Ceres Volunteer Fire Department.There is a truck out front¢¦¢¦.I knock on the door and identify myself as a hiker. I explain, through the door that I have a telephone calling card and was wondering if I could borrow the phone.Mr.Stibbs, now a friend for life opens the door and says, ¢Son, you don¢t need your calling card. Just come on in and call whoever it is that you need to call¢¦.¢This day is looking better already.Of course, each day is the best day of my life.
Date: 2009-02-23
From: Home (1700')

To: Catawba, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineMonday, February 23, 2009As you can see, obviously I came off of the trail last night. I am disappointed but, ¢it is what it is; and that is all that it is.¢Without the help of Mr. Stibbs, Volunteer Fire Dept. of Ceres, Virginia, I would have had to walk sixteen miles to Bland. There were several inches of snow on the ground. This road march would have begun after 12 p.m. and would have been after I had already walked nine miles.The neighboring post office, which I had anticipated as a shelter or possibly somewhere to call for a ride out, was locked up.Indifference followed those living next to or along Hwy.42. That is certainly not for me to judge. Possibly and certainly, someone in the neighborhood would have eventually picked up a hiker walking in fifteen degree weather; however, there is a lot of adversity towards the hiking community. Does the word Wapiti Shelter ring a bell? Does an occurrence last summer strike you as being yet another hedge between the hiking community and that of the local land owner in the rural Appalachian?Mr. Stibbs invited me in as though I were family. After drinking four to five Pepsis and using his telephone to call for help in Pearisburg, we sat and talked for hours. Mr. Stibbs, who probably had better things to do, showed me compassion like no other. All of my gear was ¢melting¢ on the floor of the fire department and I got up to clean it up and he told me to sit back down and keep on eating. Mr. Stibbs gave me a tour of the fire department, gave me a ruler, some stickers and let me take pictures of the engines for my son, Bryson, who just loves fire trucks.My friend predicted several of feet of snow that were yet to dump across the Chestnut Knob and Garden Mountain. The low two nights ago turned out to be five degrees.I have taken my friend¢s advice. Come back in May. And that I shall do. I am a pretty tough dude, but this one is bigger than me.My story with my ride home with Brenda from the Rendezvous will precede on tomorrow¢s entry. So many blessings, so much to be thankful for that I cannot really look at this walk as a ¢failure¢ but as an opportunity to make better decisions next time.I have to give my wife credit- she let me go without complaint- and has yet to say, ¢I told you so.¢ A thru hike in January and February is certainly feasible. Though, from stories that I have read and entries posted, it is not for the novice.The onslaught of cold weather had my energy level completely zapped. Very similar, in some aspects to hiking below 3000 feet in July and August.   Loading up and heading out to Virginia with sixty pounds for a section is a whole different scenario. Weight that had to be cut was not cut. Plans that should have been made were not made. Issues that should have been addressed were not addressed and so yet again, I remind myself of the outdoor classroom: The Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Home (1700')

To: Home (for now)
Miles today: 0.0

I just want to thank Dman and Ray Bell for signing my trail journal. I do not have a personal email right now, so if you guys see this, thank you very much and I hope to keep in touch.Bryson and I will be going out to hand out bananas, apples and other goodies to the thru-hikers near Woody Gap and Jarrard Gap very soon.I thank God and my family for the opportunity to walk along this trail. It is truly about the people that you meet more than anything.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Home (1700')

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

One of my business customers has a ninety year old mother who lives in Narrows, Virginia. We were just having a casual conversation (last week) and my customer told me that mama would be going home in a few days.I asked where home was and she said Virginia.After talking they seemed a little bit amazed when I asked them if Narrows was near Pearisburg.That started a whole new conversation!!My ninety year old friend lives in a home that backs up to the Appalachian Trail. I hope to go visit my new friend next spring when I continue north.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Home (1700')

To: Catawba, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Fraser FirSection Hiker Georgia to MaineNext section: Chestnut Ridge to Catawba?It is time to start prepping for my next section. The rest of this year will be devoted to getting physically fit for a May hike in 2010.I will take eight days off of work and hope to hike between 110-150 Miles.It is my desire to reduce my pack weight from carrying near sixty pounds in February to thirty five pounds the first week in May.That in of itself will be a grand challenge.I have a few small miles in North Carolina to make up. Less than twenty trail miles. I will most likely work on those during the summer time and see about losing some weight; for more than one reason.God Bless You
Date: 2009-06-01
To: The Beginning
Miles today: 0.0

Only 32 days until I leave Atlanta to begin my attempt at thru hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. I am still making final preparations with gear, and I have been consulting others that have done it before to see what it is going to take, and I am pumped! I just graduated from Georgia State University with a Music Education degree in hopes of one day becoming a high school band director, but that dream is being put on hold temporarily as I will be embarking on a once in a lifetime journey. My thirst for adventure and the exploration of the outdoors have always been an underlining part of my life, and I am about to begin--in 32 days.
Date: 2009-06-08
To: Why is everyone an expert?
Miles today: 0.0

I am still making final preparations for the trail including gear, flight information up to Maine, permits, and so on. My best friend Tommy is going with me the entire way, and my Dad will be joining us for the first few weeks. It is going to be tough the first few weeks because we will be hiking the 100 miles of wilderness right at the start of the trail, and that means we have to carry at least 10 days of food to make it. This 100 mile stretch starts in Baxter State Park and ends in Monson, Maine. It will be cool to be "in the middle of nowhere!"I am still shooting for a 35 pound pack weight for the trip, but at the beginning I know it will probably weigh around 45 pounds. I would like to consider myself a minimalist because if I don't need it, I am not carrying it! One of the things that makes me laugh is when people think they know what they are talking about and make suggestions as to what I should be taking. One example of this is trekking poles. I know that some people swear by hiking with trekking poles which is fine, but I don't really care for them. A regular stick will work just fine for me, but I don't understand why people look at me like I'm a weirdo or something for not taking them. Oh well...One final thing that people keep asking me is what I am going to do about chafage on the trail. Well, there are shorts that hug your skin to minmalize friction, like compression shorts, but I am not going to be taking these. Why? Because my legs don't even touch! If you know me, my twig-like chicken legs don't rub together at all, so I won't be needing to worry about chafing too much. What can I say, having skinny legs is a blessing!