morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-02-27
To: Spring Training
Miles today: 0.0

Start in the spring, go all summer, and finish in the fall. Along the way learn about yourself and make many friends. Endure all kinds of weather and other adversities. Take a bag full of gear that will sustain you. The strong and determined make it all the way. I¢m talking about baseball not the AT, though the challenges of both are parallel.I grew up in Massillon, Ohio. I was a Cleveland Indians fan and a New York Yankees hater; I still am. We moved to Florida in 1978 and became Atlanta Braves fans since they were on the ¢Superstation¢ WTBS, almost every day. I still like the Braves, but they aren¢t as visible these days and we do have the Tampa Bay Rays. An advantage to living in Florida is that the Boys of Summer get together every spring to work themselves back into condition for the season. I always enjoyed baseball as a youngster, but wasn¢t very good. I had a hard time judging fly balls and flinched at hard grounders. I think of myself as a traditionalist and don¢t like the designated hitter nor long pants. I love the things that go on at a game, not only the plays but what happens before, after, and in between them. I can¢t explain them all, but for such a slow moving game there¢s always something happening, especially if you're in the stadium rather than watching on TV.After a six mile hike through our local preserve Vickie and I went to a spring training game today, Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh. Only one player had knee length pants and not many regulars played. The weather was gorgeous however, and the smells of hot dogs, peanuts, and popcorn were in the air. The players were relaxed and the view was great, you can¢t get closer to the action than in spring training.In baseball it¢s a long way to October. On the trail it¢s a long way to Katahdin. They both require training and motivation to ensure a successful finish. Do the work, deal with the hardships, persevere, get some help here and there, and claim the championship.
Date: 2009-03-01
To: Another Day of Prep
Miles today: 0.0

We took another six mile loop through our local preserve this morning. Our packs were almost full weight. There was a storm moving through at the time so we were able to test our rain gear. We started in 65* very windy conditions. Our rain gear is Frogg Toggs DriDucks. We only used the tops today. Even with the strong 20-25 MPH winds we stayed dry. I was surprised at the end of the hike by how cold I actually was. I didn¢t have gloves on, just a pair of ULA overmitts which worked OK, but would have been better with liners underneath. By the time we finished, the rain had picked up and the temperature was down to 55*. I know that Georgia and TN/NC are getting the same storm today, but the temperatures are much colder there, so we¢ll have to adapt. We are also hoping that in two weeks the chance of really bad weather will decrease.Vickie's EntryWe had agreed to hike somewhere around 9 miles today. As we prepared to go the skies became grayer and the winds picked up. Then the rain started falling in diagonal sheets. I looked out the window and told Tim that I didn't think I wanted to hike today. He gave me a disgruntled response - something to the effect that we were going to have to hike in the rain on the trail. Still, I didn't want to go. Then I looked out and thought the sky looked clearer in the direction of the nature preserve and decided to give it a go. Basically, we were the only ones on the trail, except for one man with his dog and two runners. Our bag covers kept everything dry, and it wasn't so bad. We had a steady sprinkle with periods of gusty winds. The second half of the hike was open land, so we were not sheltered by the pines and mangroves. That is when we started feeling the a bit cold. Of course, as we neared the end of our piece, the rains soaked us pretty good. Mostly, I was reminded to dress in my wool shirts right from the start because digging into my pack on a rainy day is a problem. The weather continues to deteriorate and I am very empathetic with any hiker who is on the trail today. A young college student that we met last week at the seminar was supposed to start out of Springer today. I don't know his name but I hope he is warm enough and dry.
Date: 2009-03-03
To: Water
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Whether it¢s from a spring, a stream, or a lake you need water, and lots of it on the trail. At 2.2 pounds per liter it¢s one of the heavier items in your back. Knowing where the next water source is located is knowledge that can save you pounds and possibility your life. At home you don¢t give a second thought to where your water comes from - turn on the faucet and drink till your heart¢s content. On the trail it¢s a completely different story. Wild water can contain many bad things that need to be removed. How they are removed is a source of controversy among trail journals. One will say treat it all, another never treats spring water while some treat none at all. The other consideration is how to treat it; Pills, filters, or UV light. Pills, especially iodine, work quickly but may also kill good things in your intestines. Filters are fast and efficient but may not be able to filter everything harmful. UV light is fast and works well as long as there aren¢t too many particles in the water, and you need batteries. We bought a Steripen last fall and used it on a couple of ten days hikes. We had no problems with it and it seemed to work since we had no unpleasant water reactions. That¢s what we¢ll be using on our thru-hike, but we¢ll have some pills along as backup.
Date: 2009-03-04
To: In Shape?
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback. As time goes on, I am sure your messages will continue to be uplifting and will sustain us through the literal ups and downs. Back in September when we were in the Smoky Mountains testing our equipment, I decided to lose 20 pounds so I wouldn't have to haul extra blubber up the mountain. Well, that never happened. Then, just a few days ago I read a couple of journals by hikers that were bracing the cold temperatures and were sorry that they had shed some extra weight before their departures. So, maybe it will be a good thing that I am a bit too curvy. In a last minute panic, I went to Sports Authority and bought a new fleece - and have decided to take both of mine with me.Tomorrow we head up to NC to deliver our prepared meals to Tim's sister, Barb. She is very supportive and has agreed to process our mail drops for us. So far we have 42 days worth of food ready to go. She will pack 3 or 4 days' worth of meals for us and mail them to predetermined locations where we will intercept them. By the time we get well into Virginia, the trail will be close enough that we will be able to re-supply along the trail and will need fewer boxes. Then, when we reach New Hampshire and Maine, we will be depending on the mail drops again.Vickie
Date: 2009-03-05
To: Resupply Take Two
Miles today: 0.0

My sister has graciously agreed to be our main mail drop provider. Today we arrived at her place and promptly overwhelmed her with the food we brought along. Even though we've talked to her a number of times of what we needed I don't think it hit home until today. Fortunately we didn't scare her off and she is excited to help us. We also showed her the 1995 Trailside PBS television program that chronicled the journey of a number of thru-hikers. I think it helped her understand the task we are facing.Tomorrow we'll go over the final details of what to put in each box. I've also put together a Word document merges the mail drop addresses for easy printing. We're ten days from starting and this is the last big hurtle. Thanks Barb!
Date: 2009-03-06
To: Mail Drops
Miles today: 0.0

We have completed our mission of delivering our drop boxes to Tim's sister and will return to FL tomorrow to finalize details on the home front. We saw what beautiful weather graced the mountains today and wished our hike started this weekend instead of next. I am happy for all the hikers already in progress - such a change from a week ago. Just 8 days to go...yea!!Vickie
Date: 2009-03-07
To: Gadgets
Miles today: 0.0

Even though I¢ve been involved with computers for the last 25 years, most recently as a System Administrator, I¢m not a gadget man. So while we¢re on the trail I won¢t have much in the way of tech toys. At most we¢ll have a cell phone (no messages - no pictures) only calls. There will be neither IPhone nor IPod (though I do have one for the gym here at home). No GPS or other tracking devices. No fancy cookware, just an alcohol stove. The only thing that might qualify as a gadget is our Steripen for water purification. We¢ve used it before and it worked well so it might not really be a gadget. We will have a camera but I don¢t consider that close to a gadget. The only way we¢ll be able to update our trail journal will be when we stop in a town and find a computer to use. One item that I¢ve got isn¢t a gadget but it¢s something that I¢ve not seen a lot around and really like. They¢re arm warmers (Ibex Arm Warmers). I found them in the bicycle section and since I have this thing about being cold thought I¢d try a pair. They are just perfect for me. I can wear a short sleeve shirt or tank top and still keep my arms warm without having to take my backpack off to add or remove a layer. Another really neat thing which again might not be a gadget is a Joby Gorillapod tripod for the camera. It is so light weight (1.6oz) and will wrap around just about anything for that perfect self-portrait. So what gadgets are others using? I haven¢t read much about them in the journals.
Date: 2009-03-08
To: A Week Away
Miles today: 0.0

With just one week to go... We've left our mail drops with my sister. Trying to explain 'this and that' to her produced some anxiety, but I'm sure she'll do fine. She's already organizing them to suit her needs. She is an expert when it comes to details.Our packs are ready - just need to do the final stuffing. We are getting attached to our "portable" closets, knowing the comforts they will provide. Soon we will know first hand what equipment will sustain us best.Our heads are already at Springer and we are wishing a good journey to all those starting this week. The weather couldn't be better and we almost regret not being able to start early. With luck we won't experience the kind of storm that blew through last week...please let spring be here to stay. Does it sound as if we are getting antsy and can't wait for the start???
Date: 2009-03-13
To: 24 Hours to Departure
Miles today: 0.0

As Tim is sitting on the beach one last time, I am contemplating everything I have had to do to close up the house and get ready to go. As of now, the only big things we have to do are to cover both of our vehicles and finish cleaning the kitchen. I just completed my final pack. My bag is tight and as compact as it can be. It weighs 26.6 pounds and the only thing I have to add is water. I'm guessing I have met my goal of keeping my pack at or just above 30 pounds. The Hiker Hostel just called to reconfirm our arrival and I am so excited - less than 24 hours to go. See you on the trail! Vickie
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Got dropped off about 10:15 by Josh from the Hiker Hostel. We had a good stay there and wonderful sendoff breakfast. Light rain and fog. Mostly downhill or flak with a couple ups. Made the shelter about 4:30. Shelter was full (12) and we counted 23 other tents there. The rain stopped as we arrived and the stars were out by midnight.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Rain started again 5:00AM. Broke camp and breakfast wet. Rain most of the day, a couple good ups. Not many campsites at Gooch Mtn but we were early enough we got a level one. Rain stopped during the night and it was just fog by morning.It's like a movable homeless city. In the morning everyone packs and heads out for the next stop. Then sets up all over again.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Rock Spring Top
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Our fourth day out. Started about 9:15 this morning made Neels Gap around 1:30. Big climb up Blood Mountain and then down just as steep into Neels Gap. Stopped to shower, wash some clothes, and rest. Will continue to Rock Spring Top this afternoon.We're holding up well but are taking breaks on the ups. The climb up Blood Mountain had some switchbacks but they didn't seem as "switchy" as the ones we've experienced elsewhere, nevertheless glad for them. Also a lot of rocky conditions towards the top.Stopped at Rock Spring Top with Ben and Jeanette. Jeanette rigged up the bear rope and we hung our food together and went for an 8:30 bedtime.A bear rope (or cable in some places) is used to keep the food out of a bears reach. You find a tree with a branch that sticks out at a right angle. Then throw the rope over it and tie you food bag to it and heist it up.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Rock Spring Top

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up with the Sun. We were sorry to find that the bear rope did not work adequately protect Ben's and Jeanette's food bag. It seems that it must have been too close to the tree. There were two other bags, including our food, that weren't touched. They were forced to walk 3 miles back to Neels Gap to resupply. In spite of using sunscreen we are both pink! Arriving early in the campsite enabled us to dry out any remaining wet gear.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Rocky Mnt 

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 9.9

Cold Vickie slept on Rocky Mnt with 3 layers of clothes inside the sleeping bag. Did not cook oatmeal today, it was too cold. Left Rocky Mnt at 8:30. Ups and downs somewhat difficult, but they always are. Met a trailrunner - Corinnia. Stopped for a break at Tray Mnt Shelter. Hammock, Rolling Stone, and Mountain Man are were also at Addis Gap tonight.We've been trying to increase our daily mileage and Vickie's body is letting her know. Her knees are hurting somewhat. Week one done!
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Addis Gap

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

Up early from Addis Gap, not as cold as last night but still in the mid to low 30's. First thing was up Kelly Knob. Not an easy way to start the day. Very difficult up but we made it. Sunny again and warmed to the low 60's. Short day today as we've planned to stop in Hiawassee for a town night. Arrived at Dicks Creek gap and were met by a man who asked if I was Chris. He was from the Hiawassee Inn and was waiting to pick him up. He had waited long enough and was going back to town so we decided to ride with him. The shuttle was $5 apiece each way, the room $25 and they do your laundry for another $3.50. They'll take us to dinner tonight and then back to the inn. There is Subway next door that provided us lunch.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Muskrat Creeek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The colors this time of year in the mountains are not much to brag about. Everything is every shade of brown to black. The only green is the occasional sprig of grass that hasn't died, some scattered moss on the trees or rocks, or the rhododendron or mountain laurel bush. When you can see the sky you get a glimpse of blue or white depending on the weather. The forest floor is filled with old leaves from past years, hard to imagine how many there are.Long day today after a day in town. We crossed over from Georgia to North Carolina today. Another hard climb coming up to the shelter. Lots of people at the shelter, Longhaul, Spirit, Boo Boo, Dutch, Rollin Stone, Mountain Man, and Pancake. Nice fire tonight to take the chill off.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Muskrat Creeek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

It's amazing how many trees fall over. There are almost as many fallen as are standing. Makes you wonder how there can be any trees left.Weather was mild today and we used it to our advantage to do over twelve miles. Walked through a rhododendron thicket. We went from not green to all green. The plants are huge, at least 20 feet high and wall to wall except for the trail opening. Not sure if we'll ever see any blooms but it would be quite a sight.Vickie stumbled and fell twice today, nothing serious but she did scrape herself up a bit.We were both beat when we arrived at the shelter and refreshed with snacks and Motrin.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

I don't think the trail will ever be easy, or for that matter even moderate. It seems hard each day. You're always going up or down. There's very little even ground. The ups tire you out and the downs punish your joints. A totally rainy day today. It started around midnight and continued all day. Albert Mountain was steep (5220 ft), rocky, and slippery but we made it and had another long day in spite of the rain, 12.1 miles. We arrived at the shelter and there were only 3 others (Rattler & Angie and Shane) there so we had the experience of sleeping in our first shelter. With all the rain it couldn't have come at a better time. I didn't notice any mice but Rattler had a hole bitten through his ground cover.Right before Albert mountain we ran into Fishing Fred who was dispensing "Trail Magic". He was handing out hot coffee, cokes and pancakes.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Haven's Budget Inn
Miles today: 3.8

We passed the hundred mile mark yesterday. It was raining so much we didn't stop to celebrate.It rained all night but since we were in the shelter it made packing up much easier. We planned a stop in Franklin NC to pick up a mail drop and it couldn't have come at a better time. As we started the wind and rain increased and we almost got blown over on our way up the mountain. After a short day (two hours) we got a ride into town and checked into Haven's Budget Inn. It's perfect for hikers. They shuttle around town and to and from the trail. We had a good lunch at the Cafe REL and Vickie is doing laundry as I write these updates. The rain is still here and probably will be for the next couple days. But that's what you have to expect from Mother Nature.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Haven's Budget Inn

To: Wayah Bald (ICO Sapphire Inn)
Miles today: 10.1

I guess we can be called "Whimps" now, we're back in Franklin for the night.Last night we slept in Haven's Budget Inn. It's run by Ron Haven who should call himself "The hikers best friend". He provides shuttle service to and from the trail, in our case Winding Stair gap. He also will run you around town in his mini school bus. And all this running around is at no cost and he drives the bus himself. The motel room was only $39.99 with laundry available with free detergent. So to get back to today. It started with a FREE breakfast at the First Baptist Church. From there we were shuttled back to Winding Stair Gap where we were picked up yesterday. As soon as we started up the trail the rain started coming down. It continued all day. Our rain gear (DriDucks (http://www.froggtoggs.com/catalog/2008catalog/page24.asp)) kept us as dry as possible but we did sweat some as we climbed. That combined with with the wind and cool weather chilled us somewhat. Today's destination was Wayah Bald. While walking Vickie mentioned that my sister and her son visited it some years ago and she had shown us a picture a few weeks ago when we dropped our mail drops off. As the rain continued I began to think that there must be a road that leads there. When we reached the top around 3:00PM we met Spirit there. I asked Vickie and Spirit it they would be interested in trying to arrange a shuttle ride back to Franklin to spend the night rather than a cold wet tent. It didn't take much to convince them. I called Haven's and they were able to arrange one for $25 each way. While we were waiting for the shuttle Pancake and Boo Boo came by. It seems that Pancake twisted his knee and needed to get back to town to rest it and assess any damage. He joined us on our trip back to town. Tonight we are spending a warm night in town and will shuttle back (about 45 minutes) to Wayah Bald and continue our journey tomorrow.I just heard the weather for tomorrow and there is the threat of severe storms so who knows, we may have another day here tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Wayah Bald (ICO Sapphire Inn)

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

In spite of the weather forecast we headed out this morning. It was a steady light rain and low clouds.Remember how your Mom always told you not to step in the puddles nor play in the mud? On the trail you get to (and are encouraged) to do both. The trail isn't much more that one or two feet wide and when it's wet you need to stay on it to keep it from enlarging. So we spend a lot of time walking in water, mud, or a combination of mud and wet mashed up leaves.We spent our second night in a shelter that we shared with Spirit, Hot Pants, and Icy Fingers. With the rain it was OK. We didn't have any mice problems. Sun peaked out just as it was setting and the temperature is dropping. The severe weather never appeared for which we're thankful.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Wesser Bald

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Short day today as we are staying at the N. O. C. On the trail by 9:00 and we were surprised it was not the easy downhill we thought it might be. Arrived at the NOC about 12:30.Vickie lost one of her new wool gloves so it's a trip to the outfitters for us, we also have a food drop package to pick up.Vickie and I hike at different speeds. I hike faster than her. For the first ten days or so I'd get in front of her and then wait for her to catch up. I think that was wearing me our though. So I changed and now spend the time behind her walking at her pace. I think it's working better for me, but she sometimes thinks I'm trying to push her faster.Ate pizza for dinner with Longhaul, Spirit, Mountain Man, Crazy Lady, and Patches among others. Stayed at the restaurant a bit too long and I think they might have been miffed at us. Oh well!Beginning our third week.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Up, Up, Up, UP, UP, down, down, down, what a day! We started at 1750 feet above sea level and climbed to 4330 feet in seven miles and then continued up another 730 feet in another 1.2 miles. Just to give you an idea of how high that is think of a one hundred story building being a thousand feet tall. That means we climbed three of them today and just for good measure came down 1300 feet before we stopped. What a day!Camped with Longhaul, Spirit, Rachel, Dinner Time, and Gavin. The best part was Longhaul brought Marshmallows, Chocolate, and Graham Crackers so we made SMORES around the campfire. Almost made you forget the brutal day. Cold night but we stayed warm in the tent.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Pushed hard againg today to make the last shelter before Fontana Dam. It wore Vickie out. No significant rain just light sprinkles every now and then. Rained during the night, glad we were in the shelter, no wet tent to pack. I'm having trouble with gloves. I'd like a pair that are waterproof for the rain and keep my hands warm since I seem to have extra cold hands. I started off with a pair of liners for dry weather and a pair of what I thought were at best water resistant gloves from REI. I found our quickly that they weren't. Plus when you took them off the fingers would pull out making them difficult to put back on. I got the lines too close to my cookin and melted a couple fingers. I threw away the REI gloves and bought a wool pair to replace thenm along with another thin pair to replace the liners. I've looked in two outfitters since but haven't seen a pair I'm confident with yet.