morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 11.7 miles from Cold Springs Shelter to the NOC. It was a very brutal 3 mile down hill hike into the NOC. We we so tired and hurting. We made it to the NOC by 4:30 and had an awesome supper at the River's End Restaurant. I had a big juicy hamburger and tater tots. Tony had chicken strips and a salad. We showered and then went back for dessert.    The best part of my day, though, was getting to talk to Sam for over 2 hours. I went to sleep around 11.    I really want to take a zero tomorrow and go white water rafting. The NOC offers a wide range of activities, from zip lining to rafting. The river looked so inviting. But we must press on.I almost forgot, at the Wesser or the Wayah Bald Tower, I can't remember now, we met a very nice couple; John and Vanessa, who shared some pringles with Tony and took my information down to follow us on the journal. Thank you John and Vanessa. When I check my guide later, I will be able to figure out the location and day for sure and will make the correction.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: NOC

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at 6:15 and could not go back to sleep. We went and had breakfast and left the NOC by 10. We knew we were in for a long 6 mile uphill hike. Tony did very well today. I was amazed. He only stopped twice for a short break. He went flying up the mountain. We reached the shelter in just under 5 hours, which I consider impressive for us considering the terrain; all uphill and some for rocky areas. We saw everyone today; the usual gang I have listed in almost all my other entries, in addition, the Heather, David, Marshall (Pyro), Ryan (Wonkers), Erin (G.O.). About three quarter of the way to the shelter we came across a spring trickling down from the mountain; which I stuck my head under to cool down. It felt so good. Rob and Kat were stopped there getting water. It was a very warm day. I don't know what I am going to do this summer. I am not a fan of the heat.    Some of the people at the shelter hiked in with stuff to make smores, so I had one and a couple of roasted marshmellow. Pyro hike in with a pound of taffy and offered it to everyone. I had several, they were so good. Thanks Pyro!! It has been a good day. Tony and I want to make it to Cable Gap Shelter tomorrow; 15.2 miles; but we will see.    We also saw Josh, Jim, Megan, Phil, and the other Josh today.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 15.2 miles today. We did this so we will only have to hike 6.6 miles tomorrow to the Fontana Dam Shelter, where we plan to stay. About 7 miles into our hike we came to a road crossing and Quest, a thru hiker from 2004 was providing trail magic in the form of cokes and fruit. Talk about timing! As we were coming down off the mountain and saw the road and parking lot, I thought, "it would be nice if someone was waiting down there with cokes for us." No sooner had we taken off our shoes to rest our feet, did Quest drive up!! Just what we needed to conquer Jacob's Ladder, a very steep 1 mile climb.    We stopped at Brown Fork Shelter for water and then kept on going. At 4:30 we stopped and fixed supper at Hogback Gap, which had two very nice benches. Then, we hiked on and made it to Cable Gap shelter at 7:45; making it a very long day! We started at 8am. I am done for!   We passed through several different kinds of terrain today. One part reminded me of Arizona and another part reminded me of a rain forest.   Pyro, Wonkers, Grizzly, Tramp and another couple are going to keep going though to Fontana Dam Shelter. They are excited about their first 20 plus mile day and doing a night hike. I would not do a night hike in this terrain, but that is just me. I actually have no desire to night hike. I wish the the best of luck and safe travels.    A bunch of other people are tenting, which I have a feeling we should do, since Tony and I will be the only ones in the shelter and that is usually when mice are a problem; when there are very few people in the shelter; but Tony doesn't want to tent; so the shelter it is.
Date: 2013-11-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   Finally making some progress with the prep. Went to REI earlier this week (it's an all-day round trip). Got to try on some things and see and feel some items and fabrics from different suppliers. Most important lesson-I'm a LOT bigger than average for much of this gear. I doubt I'll lose enough weight before March, so it's gonna be a big sleeping bag for me.   Today I got some hiking miles in with a light pack. Tonight I'm tenting in the backyard. Weather prediction is for 34 degrees and 10-15 MPH winds from the north. Should be enough to test out this 40 degree bag I already have. Planning on leaving Wed. AM for the Foothills Trail for a few days.
Date: 2013-11-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   Last night was plenty warm. The bag I currently use is a Marmot Aspen 40 degree minimalist from Dick's, a great bag for 85 bucks. I've used it for two years now and never been cold in it. But my girth exceeds the bag's girth and I use it as a blanket. So getting in some low temps was a necessary test. Slept warm the whole time and the temp got down to 32.   Decided on a Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 bag for my spring start next year. I will need the room at the start and will see about something else after (if) I lose some weight. I called REI today and they had only one in stock, so I reserved it and will pick it up Wed. on the way to the Foothills Trail. Temps there will be low 20s at night and low 40s in the day first coupla days. Then a warming trend to 40/60 by Tuesday. So, maybe I'll know if the bag will be good for spring in the early part of the AT. I plan to go whenever I can right up to the start.
Date: 2013-11-27
To: Foothills Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Got a later start than I wanted, but sometimes life gets in the way. Got the new bag at REI and I'm excited. Forecast is low twenties. Also got some gloves and a down jacket. Did not see any down pants other than for skiing. Went across to Dick's. What a mistake. They had the same pants type, but traffic was so bad it took twenty minutes to get out of the parking lot. When I got to the trailhead where I wanted to start, it was too dark, so I went back to Oconee SP and grabbed a tent site for the night. Sure did test the bag right away. Love the BA Lost Ranger. Roomy enough for me and was toasty down to 18 degrees. However, the Neoair pad developed a "bubble." Really odd. The top and bottom separated along three or four tubes(?) and a big hump under my shoulder blades made it hard to sleep. Oh well, check it out tomorrow.
Date: 2013-11-28
To: Foothills trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The Big Agnes was great! My toes were cold for a little while when I first got in, but soon they warmed up. The Neoair failure was no fun, but I managed. Once the morning light started, I realized I was camped by a small lake. A few minutes later a goose came honking in for a landing and started swimming the edges, honking merrily along. 8:00 AM and it's up to 20 degrees. Think I'll check out the rest of the park while I'm here and maybe visit with the rangers awhile.Went and checked some of the nearby trailheads and got on the trail for a while. Made a side trip to King's Creek Falls. Nice trip and nice pics to send to people to make them jealous. Met a hiker doing the whole trail. Said he had 21 miles planned for the day. I was the only person he had seen all day. But there were plenty behind me. Didn't want to hold him up, just wished him well and moved on. Came across a family of four and snapped some pics for them. Stomped around a little more, then headed home to spend a little time with the family and get up early to go swap out the Neoair.
Date: 2013-11-29
To: Palmetto Trail-Francis Marion Forest
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to Dick's early and they exchanged the pad no problem. Walked part of the Awendaw passage and then moved my truck to Halfway Creek campsite. Friday night and not too cold. But not crowded like I thought it might be. There were three couples that set up a small city. Kinda funny to watch. Got 14 miles in today and felt good. Doing day hikes with a light pack makes it easier during this ramp-up training. Once I get the miles up, I'll start building the weight.
Date: 2013-11-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept hard last night, and the whole night! That's what a good hike does for ya. Something I still need to learn to deal with-condensation. The weather we have right now allows me to hang the tent fly on the outside of my pack during the day. But will this work in sub-freezing temps? Back to Whiteblaze for some more research. Did 18 miles in 9 hours. Darn good for me. Especially after a 14 mile day. Gonna keep building the miles and then start building the weight in my pack until I get to 40 pounds. Might not carry 40, but can't hurt to be prepared for it if need be. Going back home tonight to spend some time with Brenda and the dogs. Really gonna miss them next year. Gonna be hard to find time for overnighters between now and the first of the year, but maybe some sleeping in the yard. And lots of walking.
Date: 2014-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have 75 days before I drive to the trailhead. I'm hoping to get at least 600 miles walked during that time. I also have several doctor appts. and a cleaning at the dentist scheduled. Should be a busy time with all that and the transfer of ownership in the business. Maybe I won't have time to be "nervous." My weight is at 260, which is entirely too much. Don't know how much I can lose by March18, but any amount will help.Walked the trails at the State Park today. Had both dogs with me and there was intermittent rain. Managed to get in roughly 5 miles. Saw my first trail rooster. The dogs enjoyed it more than I did!
Date: 2014-01-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent Thursday, Friday, Saturday working. Still in transition. For those that don't know, my wife Brenda and I started a business in 2005, a True Value hardware store. I am leaving the business and her son Waylon is coming in to join Brenda. There will be a transitional time period as he learns "the ropes." So some days are still "work" days. But this is how I have gained the time to take this trip. Wouldn't be possible without these two. Sunday was a partial work day, but still was able to get in a 7 mile walk with a light pack. So far so good. 12 miles done, 588 to go.
Date: 2014-01-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Still balancing working and walking. The focus here, just like all of the US, is the incoming cold wave. Our hardware store is rapidly running out of pipe insulation, antifreeze, clamp lights and high wattage bulbs to keep well pumps from freezing. Since we don't get this kind of cold every year, most people don't have a plan in place. I sure hope my AT plans are better! Got 7 miles in today. 581 to go.
Date: 2014-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well it's here. The polar vortex. And to be fair, it is cold and unusual. But I've seen worse. We had some short power outages this morning. Found out there are rolling blackouts from Savannah to Myrtle Beach. But it was all over by 10:00 AM. The coldest I recorded was 19*. Got a quick 6.5 miles in, plenty warm despite the lower 20's and 20-30 mph winds. Checked in at the store. All good so far. Went back to walking and did another 5.5 miles. I feel like I need to get another layer for the coldest days and the wind. I anticipate many days like this or worse until I clear the Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park or beyond. I'm also not completely satisfied with my gloves. Time to read and shop some more. And I so love to shop (not). But at least I now know I can walk into the vortex and walk back out under my own power. Somethings you just can't be sure of until you've been tested. 569 miles to go.
Date: 2014-01-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still a little cold here, but the worst seems to be past. Went walking on the beach with Monty and then switched to the bike path. I'm not feeling well today, so I went back home and spent time in the yard with the dogs. Helped out at work also. Leaks are showing up as pipes thaw. Gonna be a busy few days. 566 miles to go.
Date: 2014-01-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Decided to go hike a few days along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion forest. Sunday was a really nice day for hiking. Cool enough to just barely break a sweat. After getting loaded up and driving for two and a half hours, I still managed to get 9.1 miles in with a fully loaded pack. Weighed my pack before I left: 29 lbs. with 4 days food and no water. But it will weigh more by the time I get the rest of my winter gear. Hiked from the trailhead on 17S towards Bulls Bay. Saw more people than ever before. I guess being Sunday and such great weather brought 'em out. I don't usually walk this section either. The views are nicer, but there are no camping spots and no fresh water, only salt water. Biggest lesson today--I need a new pair of shoes. These are worn out. Moved over to Halfway Creek campsite to stay for the night. Had a cheeseburger for dinner. Brought it with me on the way in. Little luxuries are often the best. Time for some sleep. 524.9 miles to go.
Date: 2014-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Two pop tarts and a cup of coffee. Mmm! Let's see how the day goes. This trail section is mostly flat, but the flora changes pretty often. Pine thickets, hardwood forests, mixed woods, cypress swamps. Very diverse area. Even got some "black" squirrels. They aren't as black as in some states, but they are black. I can tell the difference in my legs with this heavier pack. I've been doing my walking mostly with either a small daypack or no pack at all. These poor old legs are feelin' it. And this is flat trail! Biggest lesson of the day--drink more water. Gotta stay hydrated. 14.2 miles covered today. Last night's low temp. was 34*. Tonight should be warmer. I'll sleep good no matter what. But I will drink some tonic water to make sure I don't get leg cramps. 510.7 miles to go.
Date: 2014-01-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

No leg cramps during the night. Yea! Did wake around 2:30. Car drove up and small commotion. When I got up around 7:00, there was a new tent and car. Had oatmeal, coffee and a pop tart for breakfast. Gonna read a little while I wait for the tent fly to dry. I forgot to put the ground cover down last night and got a good bit of condensation. After a long day yesterday, a shorter day is in order anyhow. Maybe 8 miles and see how I feel. Definitely need to take more water today. Temperature today is mid 60's, with a cool breeze. What a great day for walking! Appetite sure seems good, snacking almost constantly (not really, but seems like it). When I got to the 4 mile mark, I took a short break. As I restarted, I noticed I sometimes walk like Fred Sanford after a break. How many of y'all are old enough to remember that? About a mile and a half into the return trip (five and a half so far for the day), my left leg began to "tire" at the hip and I noticed some pain along the outside of the leg just above and behind the knee. I think this is the dreaded IT band. Looks like some reading when I get home. Temperature is starting to drop and wind is a little steadier and gusty. Forecast for tonight is 20-25 MPH winds until 10:00 PM, then 15-20 'til 3:00 AM and the temp drops to 28*. 8 miles today, 502.7 to go.
Date: 2014-01-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a while to fall asleep last night, with the wind gusting and swirling the leaves up inside the fly. Had a good sleep once I conked out, 'till 6:30. Only got down to 34*. For some unknown reason, I awoke with a hankerin' for Waffle House. Oh well, Belvita will have to do. Gotta drive home today, so a quick six miles, then whatever the dogs want to do when I get back. Picked up trash before I left. This is a well-used camping site, and after that wind there was stuff everywhere! And lots of it. Finished the 6 miles before noon and headed home. Monty and Gracie only wanted to walk two miles today, then we went home and played in the yard a bit. And I finally got a shower and washed the hiking clothes. Ready to go again! 8 miles today, 494.7 to go.
Date: 2014-01-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Spent three days traveling and hiking in the Foothills Trail area. I had planned on staying longer, but a potentially big storm was forecast, so I scooted back home, a few hours ahead of it. As it turned out, the worst of it missed where I was, but playing it safe is sometimes a good idea. While at the trail, I did my first food hang. Probably unnecessary, but what the heck. Gotta start sometime. Sunday was a beautiful day, great hiking temps. Lots of people walking the trail and especially fishing the Chattooga River. Monday was also a great day, but mostly had the place to myself. Tuesday I went to Oconee State Park to see what info I could get about the approaching weather. While there, I walked the beginning few miles from that end, out and back. A new parking lot with signage etc. is almost finished. Looks nice. With the locals buying up all the supplies at the stores and sand going down on the roads, this flatlander decided to go home. 17.1 total miles, 459.1 to go
Date: 2014-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Walked 9 miles along the State Park trails back home. Lots of downed limbs and a few trees. Very noisy walk, with the sleet falling, the ice melting and dripping, limbs cracking and dropping. Unusual for our area. Reminds me of my younger days in northwest Georgia. 450.1 miles left.
Date: 2014-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Okay, quick story from the Foothills Trail trip I forgot to include. To set the stage, you need to keep in mind the spider ninja dance, that "dance" a spider-fearer does after walking through a huge web and getting covered and not knowing where the spider is. I have not had an encounter with a bear yet. I have seen sign and maybe even caught a glimpse of one crossing a ridge. But no eye to eye or any meeting at all. So, I don't have any "cool and calm" yet. The first night, the campsite had bear cables set up and signs stating that food must be hung. So I hung my food. But I'm the only camper around, and if a bear is hungry and looking for food, well........I'm it. I felt a little nervous because I haven't been through it yet. I remember reading to pile some rocks next to your tent to chase off the bear, so I did. I also put my hiking stick there, just in case. While doing that drift in and out of sleep while waiting on the real thing to happen, I got to thinking a mouse visit was way more likely than a bear. The temp was dropping and I ended up with the bag zipped all the way up. I also had my head in the bag and everything cinched down with just my nose sticking out. Just as I was dropping off, the plastic ground cover under the vestibule flapped and startled me. During the next half a second, I thought bear mouse bear mouse bear mouse and was flailing inside the bag with no escape possible. Doing the ninja dance. Took several seconds to get the bag unzipped and then had to unzip the door and then the fly. By then, I would have been dead or alone regardless of which critter. Never got to throw a rock. I'm sure it was just a tiny breeze. So maybe I'll sleep better now, knowing the worst that's probably gonna happen is I'll lose part of my nose. No need to fear.   On to the entry for today, Sat. before the SuperBowl. Went to the Francis Marion forest again, thinking I would stay for a few days. Boy was I in for a surprise. While hiking along and spending time inside my head, same as always, I got struck with a lonesomeness like I can't remember ever having. Really shook me. I know I'll get these days on the trail and need to just deal with it. But not having anyone to interact with at all, I just headed home to the family. Like I say, I know I will have to deal with loneliness on the trail, but at least people will be around to reach out to. Normally I'm not one to get lonely. And I've been on trails by myself many times and many nights. I'm beginning to understand some of the expression that the difficulty is the mental part, not the physical. Guess I need to get back out there soon.
Date: 2014-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After getting back home, those blue feelings fell right away. Spent Sunday walking with the dogs at the state park. Got 8 miles in, 3 with the dogs and went back for 5 more alone. Monday and Tuesday I got 25.6 miles done with relative ease. I'm beginning to notice flocks of birds migrating through. Spring is gonna jump on us soon! Now I'm finally below 400 miles, 399.3 to go.
Date: 2014-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Last coupla weeks have been up and down. At times I've been free to walk as I please, other times life and responsibilities get in the way. Funny how that happens. I got a Precip jacket and have a Steri-pen adventurer, a pair of rain pants and a new base layer bottom on the way. I also have a new buff ordered as I can't find the one I was using. Got my vision checked and got new lenses ordered for my glasses. Also got a pair of prescription sunglasses, something I haven't had in years. But, since I'll be staying outside so much, I'm thinking they'll be pretty handy. Some time next week I ought to be able to get a final pack weight for the trip. Got my fingers crossed. I might end up having to start dumping items, not something I look forward to. But, the weather does seem to be turning a little. So maybe a small lightening will be possible without risking discomfort (or danger!).   I've been seeing a therapist for better'n two years. I was there today and got two sessions left. I haven't gotten my final grade yet, but I expect to "get my walking papers." I have a yearly visit with my urologist next month. This man literally saved my life. He removed a kidney that was virtually covered with a tumor, grapefruit size. No complications, no chemo, no radiation. Three days in the bed and sent me home to heal. Also have one more visit with my local doctor. My file with her is probably 1-1/2 to 2 inches thick. That's a lot of visits! She recently had to change my statin medication because the insurance company decided not to pay for Vytorin anymore, after more than eight years. So I have to have fasting blood work to check the dosage. I also have to squeeze in a dental cleaning before I go.   The biggest event of all is the wedding. Waylon, my stepson (Brenda's son) is marrying Erin on Saturday, March 1st. He is her onliest, so this is a big deal. She is so beside herself. I told her it makes me think of Steel Magnolias. They will just be settling in to their new place and life as I head out. My spring and summer will be special while on this walk, but I think their journey is gonna be even more special. Best of luck to both, separately and together.   Guess I need to update the mileage. When I set the goal, I did not realize what an undertaking this would be. I figured I'd just go walk, no problem. Little did I know that life gets in the way. But I have managed to do a fair job of it. With luck I can still make the goal. In the last 14 days I have managed to get in 98.7 miles. That leaves 300.6 miles to go. Probably need to average 15 miles a day. Certainly doable, but I have to concentrate. And being with my family is more important. So, we shall see.