morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Big Meadows Campgrounds

To: Skyland Lodge Resort
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

This is hard to even write about. About ten minutes into today's hike, I felt some pain in my left buttocks. Within an hour, every step was excruciating and began to shoot down the back of my leg. If you have enjoyed a sciatic nerve issue, you can easily imagine how hard it would be to pack 30 pounds and walk 8+ miles. I really don't remember much about the hike. It was torturous. Every step was a blaze of pain and there was nothing to do but out one foot in front of the other. I finally got to the resort and called family. I have had no service for days so I was anxious to talk with them, but I almost didn't want to talk I was so down. I am going to bed after a second hot shower and a handfuls of ibuprofen. We have a rest day (called a zero day) tomorrow. I am hoping this goes away or there is no way I can do the last four days. Sorry to be such a downer, but this was a day I'd just like to forget.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Skyland Lodge Resort

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We covered 73+ miles in our first 8 days on the trail and have 38 to do in the next four days. It's been the challenge and adventure I wanted, but it has been more difficult in every way than I had imagined. I talked with the guides today and my sciatica is gone. My feet are a mess but the blisters are manageable. So I am going to try and finish. It has helped to lay in bed all day catching up on email, Facebook, and journal posts. I hope my body is ready for the last four days. I miss everyone and am anxious to get home, but I just know the trail holds more lessons and adventure and I want to see this through. Pray for good weather, a strong body, and a tough mental attitude. I know I am not doing this on my own will and strength.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Pass Mountain hut

To: range view cabin
Miles today: 0.0

Today was all about getting to the Wayside. Now a Wayside is a hikers dream and you find them every, oh maybe, 500 miles or so. They figure if the Marquis De Sade gets to lay out the huts, we will throw in the promise of a homemade blackberry milkshake every 2-3 weeks. So, right there on the trail a mere 7.7 miles away was the promise of a burger, milkshake and some seriously overpriced hiker food like pop tarts and snickers bars. So we set out with purpose. We go up and down and up and down and step on, over and generally wrestle with rocks the whole way and get to the wayside. Now, this particular Wayside is famous for its blackberry milkshakes. Can you just taste it? No. You can't. Temporarily unavailable. How can you be famous for something and then not have it? But, wait. I forgot the coolest part. There was a mama bear and 3 cubs frolicking in the woods next door. Real mama bear. Not a scary Tea Party mama bear. So, after watching the bears, I ordered a burger and diet coke and sat down at a picnic table with my fellow hikers, trying not to pout about the milkshake. After several delicious bites into this burger and I'm talking with my friend when this guy comes walking out of the woods. He's definitely a thru hiker. You can pick them out by how fast and determined their gait is. This is a special breed of person to walk 15-20+ miles every day for months. This thru hiker had on white compression shorts and a long, but not long enough tee shirt. My eyes reacted like a neuro exam was taking place. Follow the lycra crotch with your eyes without moving your head. I couldn't stop. It was so incongruous to see an underwear clad hiker, and this was a big guy. And I know just how big he was. Turns out, he was telling some other guys that he was chafed so badly he decided to stop wearing pants. Not buy some Gold Bond or get off the trail for a few days. And so, for the rest of my life, I will not be able to savo that burger with my friends or the frolicking bears without thinking of the Spandex Hiker and his chafed crotch. Bless. His. Heart. So we walk some ridiculous up or down hill and get to the cabin which was clean and so cute. We had the afternoon to hang out and check for ticks before heading to bed for our rest before the 16+ mile day. Lord help me!
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Tom Floyd Hut

To: hotel
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Finished! We did 110+ miles in 12 days on the Appalachian Trail. I got my trail name- Rambo. Go figure. I lost 7 pounds and gained muscle. I met three great ladies who made me laugh and put up with my speed impairment. I learned from two great guides who were patient with my aches and pains and falls and meltdowns. I became a real hiker. I am clean and ready to fly home tomorrow. I appreciate the sacrifice, support, prayers and encouragement of family and friends. I promise not to do anything crazy for a while. But there is a trip in October that looks interesting...
Date: 2013-12-20
To: Why Hike the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought about hiking the AT 15 years ago when I retired but go busy with other life challenges. In the Spring of 2013, I thought about doing it again with the goal of celebrating my 65th birthday on Mt. Katadin on Sept. 26. Soon after I went to a book signing by Skywalker. This inspired me to read more and start planning. I had not backpacked but had done some day hiking. Fortunately I live in Western NC within 30 to 40 miles from the AT. I am also a competitive racewalker which helps with conditioning. Since June spent many hours at REI deciding on equipment. Started day hikes with a small pack in August on AT near Franklin and NOC.    Took an overnight shake down hike from Erwin,TN in October. Ended up hiking 2 miles in the dark but ended up sharing the shelter with 2 day hikers. Typical first timer problems. Couldn't find anything in my pack, had difficulty with my stove, and difficulty sleeping. But well worth the trip.   Increased with my day hikes of 12-14 miles with my trail pack with 28-30 lbs. Most of the hikes were in the Smokies or on the AT. In mid December took another shake down hike for 3 days. Left NOC hiking south planning to hike to Wayah Shelter but only made it to Cold Spring Shelter by 5 PM. Temps were in the 40s. Set up my tent in the shelter, cooked dinner, when 2 SOBO hikers arrived. Rearranged my tent in the shelter. Temperatures dropped to upper 20s that night but overall a good night. Feet did get cold. Headed out after a quick snack breakfast. Weather in the upper 30s but sunny. Didn't have any special plans on how far to go today. Stopped at Wayah Shelter and Wayah Bald for lunch. Arrived at Siler Bald at 4 Pm so decided to continue onward. Decided to campout at site near Rt 64 next to the stream. Difficult sleeping due to the full moon but night started out warm but temperature dropped.    Next day decided to hike 6 miles south since I wasn't going to be picked up until about 2 PM. An hour into my hike I met another SOBO hiker. Overall had a good day.    This shakedown was again educational. Dealt with cold temperature, freezing water, frozen gloves, lost maps, and warm clothes.
Date: 2013-12-21
To: Training Routine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Since November have been training to improve my physical condition. I do weight training, 45 minutes on the elitical, and Stairmaster twice weekly. I do 120 floors on the stairmaster in 30 minutes. I am also hiking 9-10 miles with my pack 1-2 times a week and Racewalk (10 min pace) for 5-6 miles.   I will try to maintain this routine when I go to Florida in Jan and Feb.
Date: 2014-01-14
To: Training Hikes
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Have left the hills and cold weather of North Carolina for the sun and flatness of the Florida Keys. Spending 2 months in the Keys which was planned last year.   Have done 2 hikes with my 28 lbs pack. No hills and mostly gravel paths. Also temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Good practice for the hot summer days. Did one hike of 13 miles and one of 14 miles. Even in the heat on the flat roads I averaged 3 1/2 miles per hour. Obviously this would not be the pace I could maintain in the mountains but is good to get the legs in shape.   Having difficulty with my socks and shoes. Developed small blisters under my great toe. This could be due to the road or the heat. Trying to evaluate to improve this situation.   Going to continue to hike with my pack 2-3 days per week in addition to bicycling, racewalking and using the stair master.
Date: 2014-01-25
To: Racing and hiking
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

This week has been good training. Started the week racewalking the Key West 1/2 Marathon. Was a little slower than previous years finishing in 2 hours 11 minutes but finished 2nd overall by 3 seconds. One problem during the race was my garmin quit halfway thru the race. Called to get it replaced but also ordered a replacement one. Received sock liners, sleeping bag liner, and superfeet inserts.   Monday was a rest day Tuesday did an 6 1/2 mile walk without my pack but with my older Keen shoes and superfeet and sock liner. No foot pain or blisters. Weather was cooler by Keys standards in the 60s.    Did 35 minutes on the stair climber for 150 floors. Difficult simulating the mountains but better than the flat.   Night temps were to be in the 50s so decided to try out the sleep system outside. Set up the tent next to the canal and started with sleeping liner with long sleeve shirt. Ended up with my sleeping bag and the liner. Was very warm.   Took another 8-9 mile hike with my 28# pack, new keens with a custom orthotic. Again no foot pain or blisters. Received new Garmin watch.   Final day was 13 mile hike in 78 degrees temps. Felt good with old keens and superfeet insert.    Hard to determine my pace on mountainous terrain but on the flat I'm averaging 3 1/2 miles/hour. Most of the walking I'm doing in on paved walking paths or gravel trail.
Date: 2014-01-31
To: Still in the flatlands of the Keys
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Still in the warmth of the Fla Keys. At home there is snow and cold, here we have 80 degree days.This week was a mix of racewalking and hiking. Started the week with a 9 mile racewalk workout with the Southernmost runners club.On Tuesday I hike with my 28# pack along Route 1 for 15 miles. It was very hot but I felt okay. Wednesday was a track workout 3 x 1 mile. Thursday I took a short hike of 7 miles. Still trying different combinations of shoes and inserts to see which is the most comfortable and to break in my shoes.Finished up the week with a 7 mile racewalk workout. I'm still doing these since I have a racewalk competition in mid Feb.Have been trying to work on my mail drops and a basic trip route but can't seem to get focused.Still 2 months to the start but I am feeling good
Date: 2014-02-08
To: Hot and sunny
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another week of mixed training with 2 hikes of 13 and 11 miles still at 17 min/mile pace, and 2 racewalk workouts. Also did a stair climbing workout on an interesting climber which was like an eliptical. Did 1 hour and the machine said I did 4.78 miles and 6000 feet. I don't think this is totally accurate.This week a racewalking friend came to stay with us for 3 weeks. Spent much time talking with him about the upcoming hike and all the issues. He is very interested in the process. The end of week I volunteered at one of the exchanges for the Keys Ragnar relay. This is a running relay from Miami to Key West. There are 12 runners who run different legs. Each van has 6 runners so Van 1 does the 1st 6 legs then van2 does 6 legs. It ended up being an extremely hot day which took a toll on the runners.Getting somewhat anxious about my thru hike.
Date: 2014-02-23
To: Anxious and concerned
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The last 2 weeks has been a challenge. Not physically but more mental. Still going thru my mind of what I still need to do before I leave. I keep making list but then don't carry them out. Maybe I'm just over thinking it and should just go with the flow. Have not been hiking or walking as much since I had a 5K race on 2/15 and a 20K race on the 2/23. I finished 1st in both race with the 20K the masters Championship.Hikes were 7 and 9 miles but with a 30# pack. Still dealing with the temperatures but seem to have solved the shoe sock issues.
Date: 2014-03-01
To: Back Home in NC with one month to go
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After 2 month in the sunny Keys, I am finally back at home in North Carolina. Only 1 more month before I leave on my journey.Didn't do much activity this week since we had to pack the car. Did a short 8 mile hike this week without problems.Have to spend the next 2 days unpacking from Fla before starting to pack for the trail.With 4 weeks to go I have to get organized and plan each day. Have to get the taxes done, have 2 dental appts and 1 doctors appt, and have to buy a new car since my wife is worried the old car may not make it to Maine to pick me up. This is in addition planning mail drops and support.Anxiety level is starting to increase. I will probably only be able to take a few short hikes this month but may camp in the back yard. I am still worried about sleeping in 20 degree temps
Date: 2014-03-07
To: Final month of preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Was able to get in 2 hikes of 7 miles on a moderate elevation dirt trail at Western Carolina University. The first one was after a heavy rain so it was muddy. Still using my 30# pack. Felt good with a pace of 2.5 mph. This was on fairly flat land and the elevation wasn't too steep but I felt good.Have gotten a new GPS watch which I have been trying out for the past 2 weeks. I got it because in the ultratrack mode it is suppose to have a battery life of 50 hours. I was hiking with this watch and my older GPS watch which I knew was quite accurate. The newer one gives you the distance every minute. In this mode after 3-4 miles it is .1 to .2 mile off compared to my older one. In normal mode it shows the same distance. I am going to continue to check it.Been to the dentist and got a new car this week. Weather in NC has been up and down. 60 degree days and 30 degree nights. Mid week the upper elevation got some snow but not in our area.Discovered that the ATKO is this weekend so made last minute plans to attend.
Date: 2014-03-11
To: ATKO and more worries
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Went to the ATKO this past weekend. Met lots of great people, saw lots of interesting gear, and received great information and knowledge about the trail.It also interested my anxiety. Learned that I should have been dehydrating my food during the 2 month in Fla. Increased concerns about the weather and cold.Am looking about decreasing my distances hiked in Ga. Even though I have felt good with my pack I think I should start out conservatively. After all it is a marathon not a sprint.Also realized I may be able to cut down my weight which was pointed out during the shakedown. I also may not need as much food since I can probably restock every 4 days. I have hear this would be the case but it just was repeated again.Talked with the Hike with Mental Health president about setting up my fundraising website. I then met with the director of The Community Table, my charity, about working on this.Got the new car and also a new light weight down jacket which should keep me warm. Ordered a rain jacket which was mentioned in Backpacker magazine which is many oz. lighter.Will start finishing up things around the house to clean up areas and organize paperwork and such. Will also be cooking and dehydrating some meals.Weather this week is 70 daytime but will be dropping to the 20 and 30s at night. Think I will be camping in the yard the next couple of day.21 days and counting (unless the weather gets bad)
Date: 2014-03-12
To: Training on a Steep hill
Miles today: 0.0

Got checked by my physician today. Talked alot about my upcoming hike.Decided to try a local trail, Black Rock. I've never been on it but the rain had stopped and I figured I'd try it.Pack weighed in at about 28#. Temp at start was 62 degrees. Trail started out rocky but not very steep then suddenly I started my climb. It just kept going up and up. I knew the peak was about 4 miles but the first 2 miles climbed about 2000'. Sweating alot since it is hot. Slow going about 2 mph. At 2 1/4 miles the trail was a soil road flat then it turned left up a steep single track trail. Large rocks, tree roots, wind picking up. Put on rain jacket to keep warm and wool hat. With the fog present and the strong wind and not sure where the trail went, decided to head back down.Down was almost as hard as going up. Very steep, slippery trail but good training. Took the "easier" trail down. It was more gradual but very rocky and not smooth rocks. Ended up doing 7 miles in about 2 1/2 hours. And the temp had dropped to 48 degrees.Decided to test out my tent and sleeping clothes in the back yard since the weather called for possible snow and upper 20s to low 30s. Wore my heavy fleece pants and top with my bag liner and my 35 deg back. Temp in the tent was about 45. Actually I was quite warm almost hot for the first couple of hours but when it got colder, I was quite comfortable. The down booties kept my feet very warm. Overall a comfortable nite but difficulty sleeping.
Date: 2014-03-13
To: Back Yard sleeping and food packing
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Awoke not feeling cold although it was 27 degrees out. The wind howled thru the night. Was comfortable but did not sleep well. This could cause problems if I'm not rested. Opened the tent to find it did snow last night. Just a dusting.Today is food prep day. Cooked up pasta, veggies and chicken or shrimp then dehydrated them. Ended up making up 7 meals.Got my packing boxes from the US Mail so I sorted my commercial menus and boxed them up in 3 or 4 day boxes. Will have to supplement some of these since there is a lot of rice meals. Finished the evening preparing my gorp bags of cranraisins, almonds and chocolate chips. End up with about a month's worth.Will be in the backyard again. Temps are to be in the upper 20s. Will try sleeping in just a long sleeve tech shirt and silk tights. Will have my fleece with me.
Date: 2014-03-14
To: Cold night and interview day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Awoke at 7:30 AM. Again didn't sleep well. The temp ended up dropping from 32 to 27 overnight. Legs and upper body got cold. Ended up putting on my fleece pants at around 3:30. It was a challenge to get them on over my down boots. Could have used my fleece top but was not that cold. I figured if I was this cold on the trail I would have my fleece with me. Overall a semi rough nite.Took down the tent and learned that I should have had gloves on. Fingers got cold especially when dealing with the tent poles.When to the local newspaper which is doing an article about me. Since I am doing the hike as a fundraising, this article would explain what I'm doing and how people can pledge.Will not be sleeping outside tonight which would simulate 2 day hiking and 3 nite in a hostel. Planning to sleep on the open porch next week to simulate sleeping in a shelter.
Date: 2014-03-17
To: Practice in the fog
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Planned to do another shakedown/practice hike today from Winding star gap(rt 64) near Franklin for about 4-5 miles south and then return. Weather called for rain or drizzle so I could check out my poncho/packcover from Lightheart. Left home at 11 AM and arrived at 11:45 at the trailhead. Ron Haven was dropping off and picking up many thru hikers. The last couple of miles up the hill was in deep fog. Temps in the up 40s. Talked with thru hiker Flood then headed south. About 1/2 mile in I ended up taking off my fleece top and didn't have to use the poncho. Crossed paths with many thru hikers heading north including one group of 7 hikers. Stopped and visited with Tentmaker and 1stAid. Weather was comfortable with light fog and overcast conditions. Ended up going 4 1/2 which was about 1 1/2 miles past Rock Gap Shelter. This was the third time on this section of the trail. On the return trip, stopped at Rock Gap and visited with 7 Thru Hikers who were waiting for rides into Franklin. Discussed the layout of the town and what they could expect in the next couple of days.Ended up back at the car after 4 1/2 hours. Actually hiking time was about 3 1/2 hours. Felt good with some fatigue on the downhill near the finish.This is good indication of how I would feel in the 1st couple of day doing 9 mile days.Received more equipment today. Had bought a Pagagonio Down Sweater but ordered a Marmot one. Marmot going back - a little heavier and tighter fit. Got my replacement Marmot essense rain jacket. Lighting the load and getting ready for cold temp.
Date: 2014-03-20
To: Busy with home stuff
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Finishing up lots of stuff around the house. Organizing the basement for my mail drops. Getting around to getting rid of things we should have a long time ago.Finish my log for my estimated days to Katahdin. Still need to figure my resupply points and if I am using mail drops.Got an updated phone since my old one doesn't completely turn off. That tends to wear down the battery.Slept on the porch the last 2 nights to simulate shelter life (without the mice but with the heavy truck traffic) The temperature was mid 40s both nights. First nite used my liner and down booties but not the 2nd nite. Was warm on day 1 and comfortable last night. Still dealing with a comfortable pillow.Count down approaching 10 days.
Date: 2014-03-22
To: Final shopping trip
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up early today to drive to REI for their quarterly garage sale. Looking for a light weight down jacket for the cool nights. Line didn't seem as long was only 88th in line. Found a jacket in a wild yellow color and an compression sack. Returned items that didn't fit or didn't work the way I wanted to. The manager, Dennis, helped me alot by allowing me the current price on a watch. Thanks Dennis.   Picked up a few more Items which I may need.Headed to Greer, SC to pick up an electric mower so my wife would not have to deal with starting the gas one. Although this was 100 miles from home (almost the same distance to Springer) I was mainly meeting up with a friend who will be hiking with me in VA. We discussed where to meet and the rough time I should be there. She is really excited about the hike.Still working on my drop schedule. Revised it from 5 days ago and added 3 more days which may work out better.Keep putting off my food boxes and drop boxes. Will do it next week.
Date: 2014-03-23
To: More Housekeeping 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Found a buyer today for our older Outback. One day on Craig's list and it was gone. Spent the day rearranging my storage area and where I will be storing my supplies. Also sent out some emails to friends about my fund raising.Weather has been nice here the last couple of days but they are calling for possible snow on Monday and Tuesday.
Date: 2014-03-25
To: 8 Days and counting
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Many errands around town yesterday. Took trash to the recycle center, went to the bank, and sold our car. Weather turned colder and snow last night in the mountains. Snow showers at the lower elevation.More house chores to straighten the garage up. More emails to friends. One more week till I start. Still working out the food issues and where I am mailing things. Checking the weather at Springer. 10 day prediction is 10 % rain at night and 20 % on the 3rd.