morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-01-26
To: Crossing things off and checking them twice.
Miles today: 0.0

The lists go on and on. We have tried a few trip dinners and our conclusion is, "Skip the fish and stick with chicken and dried beef." Larry is very relieved. The totellini is very good, but needs sauce. It will go in each box.The mashed red potatoes by Idahoan are excellent. They will also be packed in each box. The rice sides are fine and appear adequate for two people mixed with chicken. Chloe's food rations are still to be defined. This is the third time I have taken a dog on an extended hike and I totally agree with hikers that are not pleased to have dogs on the trail and in the shelters. I wouldn't appreciate two, three or four year old children there either. I believe they have genuine complaints and Chloe's most difficult lesson was that some people don't like dogs and no one wants them to be dirty, unruly or aggressive, even me. The fact that we will be hiking later than most thru-hikers will mean we will miss the crowded shelters and will try to tent camp whenever possible. That being said I am calling every kennel around the Smokies for boarding. The pick up and delivery so far has been a problem with most kennels. If anyone has a recommendation I could use it. I would hate to yellow line around the Smokies, but would consider it for her sake.
Date: 2007-02-06
To: Preparation Continues.
Miles today: 0.0

I'm writing in this journal and as you can see by the picture, Larry is preparing for the trip in his own way. We're trying trail food. Update: SPAM and inst. mashed potatoes is very good. I only make the Idahoan Red potato mix and feel this brand may be the reason. The inst. potato mix can be made in a ZipLock freezer bag keeping the pot clean. I wouldn't trust cooking rice or pasta in the bag to insure doneness. The water drained from the rice or pasta can be poured into Chloe's dry meal. She will eat from the lid/frying pan. I will have to wash this pan even though she will lick it clean. We will eat from our Sierra cups. Boiling water for a hot drink will clean the pot and the hot drink will help to clean the cups. This strategy reduces the mess and helps to conserve water. When water must be carried to camp, every little bit helps. I'm going to miss paper towels. We have made the decision to yellow line around the Smokies. Chloe is a great part of our trip. It would break our hearts to see her taken away to a kennel just so we could do those miles without her. Another hiker, Chip Buff, wrote an email with just the right words to help us out. I am thankful, Chip. We're not hiking the AT to say we did. We're doing it for the experience, enjoyment and the memories. A few less miles won't make any difference. Our missing Chloe and her missing us does make a difference. Purists are moaning and shaking their heads at this I'm sure. So be it-- "Everyone hikes their own hike" has never mean't so much to me as it does now. I'm reading the journals of those brave souls who are out there on the AT already. I'm not envious. They are wet and freezing. This waiting is tough, but I can do it. Larry and I wish them all the best and share concern for their safety.
Date: 2007-02-17
To: Drop Boxes
Miles today: 0.0

This is our RV lifestyle. We live in the large coach and travel in the Mini. The Harley rides in the cargo trailer. We have never owned a car and I don't know when we will. The golf cart is a new addition. Enough personal stuff, I'm here to write about my AT preparation. Besides jogging around the park (3 miles)with the 10lb. barbell, I spend a large part of each day reading TJ and planning our hike. The glucosamine and chondritin has really helped my feet. It looks like it will have to be included with the Aleve. It seems that Hot Springs is the last drop box needed with meals. (Remember we are only going as far as PA this summer.) All our town stops after that will have large stores. The disposable underwater cameras will be mailed every two weeks to a PO. If I'm more of a shutterbug than that, I will be carrying an extra roll of film. The cameras are reloadable and disposed of after the battery goes dead. Our lighter boots will be sent to a hostel half way through the hike and we will decide if and when we want to change our boots. We will bounce that box ahead as necessary until we dispose of our heavier boots or mail them home. My smaller shorts and shirt exchange will be made two month's through the hike. I expect the clothes I'm wearing to be ready for the trash bin by then. Chloe's food will be planned out each stop, purchased, bagged in ziplocks and the rest discarded or left in a hiker box. I will include a can of dog food into her meal at town stops. She will appreciate the extra meat. I finally sat with Larry and went over the schedule day by day. Now he appreciates the work involved with this exact planning. He doesn't ask me, "Are you ever going to be finished?" any more. Our daily mileage is so low that we can probably catch up to the schedule if we are delayed for some reason. With all of four months to hike 1100 miles, I wanted a day to day schedule to keep us going slow without worrying if we were going to make it to PA too early. I hate going home before we have to. Reading about the courageous if not foolish hikers that have already started this month has been fascinating. Thankfully many realized the danger they were putting themselves in and are off the trail. In this endeavor common sense plays a major part in many if not all decisions.
Date: 2007-02-19
To: A Dog's Life
Miles today: 0.0

Thru-hiking single with a dog is no easy feat. I did it once with a small (50lb.) Boxer and then again with a 10lb. Boston Terrier. The Boston Terrier did the Smokies and went to the top of Katahdin. I'm not recommending it. In Baxter the rangers heard we were coming and were looking for us for three days. One finally came upon us leaving the park and gave us a disgruntled ride into town. She was easy to hide and carry the last day up to the top with a bottle of champagne. So as I was saying, a larger dog must carry their own food. Besides a pack slows them down and they are less likely to pull or forge ahead. They get cold too, so stopping on rainy days means covering them if not in the sun. They jump better than we do, but may slip back and fall on large boulders. You would do well to remove their pack first and attach a rope to their collar. Make the jump and then let them follow, ready to haul them up if necessary. Same for stream crossings that get too deep. A rope will keep them from going down stream. My dogs didn't want to sleep on the cold hard floor or ground. They slept on the pad between my legs covered with an open sleeping bag. This means they bathe every night with me and get toweled dry. Their feet are wiped before entering the tent and they nap while I fix dinner. After which they are back to bed for the night. Every stop means a thorough examination for ticks on both them and me. My dog lays beside my pack untethered until my return, in town or on the trail. She stays quietly in motel rooms all day if necessary. Your dog must get along with others (both two legged and four legged)if stays in hostels are available. Most likely animals on the trail will not be a problem. Bears, porcupines and deer smell a dog and stay away. This is not true of skunks. It was always disappointing not to see this wildlife on the hike. Moose may also veer off if they smell your canine companion. Hitching was easy. I hid the dog until the car stopped and then called her to come. The driver never denied me a ride because he had already stopped. He may not have stopped if he had seen the dog. Of course some may stop because they see the dog. Injury or stings are the same for him as for you, but snakes may be more likely to strike your curious pet. All in all your dog will hike better than you. He has four wheel drive and better balance because of it. His climbing has more strength and endurance even with the pack. All of this said, if the dog has a good place to stay while you are gone then I wouldn't take him. If I was hiking single I would definitely think twice about it.
Date: 2007-03-03
To: The Days Go Slowly
Miles today: 0.0

I love REI. The new 20% Off coupon with our yearly dividend refund initiates a major purchase this month. What to do? We have everything we need? Sooooo, how about something we don't need. I am splurging on a new watch for Larry. It has a digital compass, temperature reading, barometer chart for 30 hrs., altimeter and of course the time. I just thought he needed a new toy. It may be helpful on the trail. My training is going great. I now jog the four miles with Chloe at least four times a week and lift thirty lbs. three different ways a hundred times every day. Chloe spends much of the remainder of the day like a throw pillow on the couch. It really takes a lot out of both of us. Thankfully, I'm feeling the difference. I refuse to get on a scale, but I do feel smaller and tighter. This wasn't important in the beginning. I wanted to increase my stamina and upper body strength, but it wouldn't hurt to have less body weight starting out. The exercise has one downfall, it increases my appetite reducing my will power to resist food I shouldn't eat. What with Larry trying to put on 15lbs. before we leave and eating all kinds of breads and sweets, I feel like I'm already on the trail. I want to thank everyone who wrote a message in the guest book or sent an email. It's nice to hear from you and know that you are encouraging us to get out there and have a wonderful hike. The sharing of experiences with all of you will add much to the enjoyment of the adventure.
Date: 2007-04-11
To: Preparation over--the journey begins.
Miles today: 0.0

Sneakers and a sack. "We've come a long way, Baby!" Last week I bought the first weeks supplies to pack. All my fears came true. I'm 40lbs. too fat. Our packs are way to heavy too. I plan to drop the fat, but the packs will be carried as is. Larry and I are carrying 40 and 38 pounds with 5 days food and two bottles of water. We're only hiking 4.5 miles on the approach trail the first day so we won't need two bottles of water. Our three man tent is very comfortable. It holds the packs, the two of us and the dog. It's heavy. The propane stove is durable, easy, fast boiling and replacement canisters can be found anywhere. It's heavy. Our packs are comfortable, easy packing and have side pockets with a top pouch that makes a fanny pack. They're heavy. Lots of money and new gear would alleviate some weight, instead we will hike slow, rest often, stop early and start late. We will go into lots of towns to lessen the number of meals carried at one time and as I lose weight it will get easier. That's the plan and we're sticking to it. This week I bought all the food and supplies to fill the eight drop boxes. They are sealed, labeled and ready for the PO. That's one job I am happy to have finished. All the boxes are dated for pickup and will be mailed just before we leave. The last one is dated for August. I hope the PO's won't have a problem keeping them that long. I know they don't want to return them. Spare boots and extra tent poles have gone with friends to VA. If we need them they are boxed and ready for mailing. Our new boots are being broke in as we speak. This next week the packs come back into the livingroom for evaluation and repacking. The last week both RV's will be made ready, one for storage and one for travel. That's it. We pull out for GA on May 1st. This is my last prep posting. Why would anyone want to read a prep entry when there are so many terrific hikers out there doing it for real. This is why I won't waste anyone's time with these, "I can't wait until we leave" entries. The next entry will be from my new friend and fellow hiker, Betsy Ayotte. I will be sending her the daily journal pages and she will post them as they arrive. Each new set will begin with "UPDATE" so our journey will be easy to follow from posting to posting. Hopefully this was the last cold front to pass through and the weather will stay warm. "We can't wait until we leave! We're so excited."
Date: 2007-04-11
To: The last Prep entry!
Miles today: 0.0

Sneakers and a sack. "We've come a long way, Baby!" Last week I bought the first weeks supplies to pack. All my fears came true. I'm 40lbs. too fat. Our packs are way to heavy too. I plan to drop the fat, but the packs will be carried as is. Larry and I are carrying 40 and 38 pounds with 5 days food and two bottles of water. We're only hiking 4.5 miles on the approach trail the first day so we won't need two bottles of water. Our three man tent is very comfortable. It holds the packs, the two of us and the dog. It's heavy. The propane stove is durable, easy, fast boiling and replacement canisters can be found anywhere. It's heavy. Our packs are comfortable, easy packing and have side pockets with a top pouch that makes a fanny pack. They're heavy. Lots of money and new gear would alleviate some weight, instead we will hike slow, rest often, stop early and start late. We will go into lots of towns to lessen the number of meals carried at one time and as I lose weight it will get easier. That's the plan and we're sticking to it. This week I bought all the food and supplies to fill the eight drop boxes. They are sealed, labeled and ready for the PO. That's one job I am happy to have finished. All the boxes are dated for pickup and will be mailed just before we leave. The last one is dated for August. I hope the PO's won't have a problem keeping them that long. I know they don't want to return them. Spare boots and extra tent poles have gone with friends to VA. If we need them they are boxed and ready for mailing. Our new boots are being broke in as we speak. This next week the packs come back into the livingroom for evaluation and repacking. The last week both RV's will be made ready, one for storage and one for travel. That's it. We pull out for GA on May 1st. This is my last prep posting. Why would anyone want to read a prep entry when there are so many terrific hikers out there doing it for real. This is why I won't waste anyone's time with these, "I can't wait until we leave" entries. The next entry will be from my new friend and fellow hiker, Betsy Ayotte. I will be sending her the daily journal pages and she will post them as they arrive. Each new set will begin with "UPDATE" so our journey will be easy to follow from posting to posting. Hopefully this was the last cold front to pass through and the weather will stay warm. "We can't wait until we leave! We're so excited."
Date: 2007-05-03
To: Starting on the Approach Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Nice drive on the backroads of GA. Found a storage facility, packed up and called Josh and Leigh at the Hiker¢s Hostel to be picked up. The hostel was as nice as everyone has said. It was more like staying in a B&B than a hostel. We had a lovely private room with bath. Chloe hit it off with their golden retriever, Maggie, who showed her the grounds. There were 5 hikers at breakfast and then Josh started dropping us off. Our packs weighed in at 40 lbs a piece. Later I remembered I was supposed to empty the two glass jars of dried beef and the can of corned beef into baggies and throw out the heavy containers. We started through the arch and lost the trail in two minutes. Then I realized the approach trail was blue [blaze] and we were off¢¦and climbing.At the Falls I doctored my first blister. Five miles later I was used up. I had nothing left. My climbing amounted to take 10 steps, stop and recover. We had seen several nice campsites, but no water. We had only 1 water bottle a piece. Water wasn¢t supposed to be a problem. Chloe was drinking from my cup and by the end of the day I was drinking what she left. Larry said he would drink it if I didn¢t. I struggled another 1 12 miles to Black Gap Shelter. The creek was a long steep trail down to the spring. I made one trip and then bathed while Larry made a second. The day had been warm and sunny. We were sweaty. Our bath was sort of hidden from the shelter, but in full sight of the trail. We carry a square of shower curtain to stand on (quick drying) and pour a pot of water slowly with one hand while rubbing with the other. Clean camp clothes are a delight to put on after a bath. Chloe gets rinsed off last, dried and then curls up in her sweater awaiting dinner. We work as a team setting up the tent and breaking out the sleeping gear. Larry listened to the weather on the radio while I cooked lentil bisque with pieces of dried beef. Tasted better than it looked. Then we topped it off with hot chocolate and Bailey¢s.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5

Today¢s hike was a strenuous 1 12 mile climb to Springer and the official start of the AT. The first 8.8 miles doesn¢t count, but many have turned back without seeing Springer. We took pictures and checked in with a crusty old gentleman named Many Sleeps. He rough camps on Springer to meet and greet the new thru-hikers starting out. Wishing us luck he waved farewell as we headed off down the trail. It was an easy 2.5 miles to Stover Creek shelter and a lovely brook for bathing. Rain is expected after midnight, and showers tomorrow, so we are spending our first night in a shelter. The roof looks tight, but the floor has open spaces between the boards. Chloe is worn out. She loves trotting along the trail, but camp life is new and strange. Larry is starting a fire and I¢m going to whip up something terrific for dinner. More to come¢¦
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 5.1

Thunder storm came through at midnight. Glad to be in a shelter. No mice. The day was foggy and cool. Too bad, a swim at the Falls would have been nice on a warm day. It started raining and Chloe was running around in circles. Now she really thought we had lost it. The trail was fairly easy and our packs get lighter as we eat each meal. Five miles went quickly and the shelter started filling up early because of the soggy weather. Rain is expected again tonight with clearing skies tomorrow. Should get cooler too. Temps in the 40¢s at night won¢t be too bad. We have learned to share our insulated pads with Chloe. The shelter floor is too cold without it; even with her sweater. She has the ¢hiker hungries¢ already. Larry has fed her all our granola bars just two days into the hike. Tomorrow is 7.3 miles to Gooch Mtn Shelter. I¢m resting up for it.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Justus Creek Campsite
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

The shelter had 8 hikers bunked in and 2 tents. A creek not too far behind the shelter supplied water. We boiled and drank from our Katadyn filter bottles. Everyone hung their food from the ¢BEAR¢ cables before turning in early. The mice ran in and out of our bags all night so tonight we will set up the tent. It's not supposed to rain. The hike today was cool and sunny. We climbed Sassafrass Mtn and Justus Mtn. I am very slow climbing and not a whole lot faster going down. Larry hikes ahead with Chloe and waits. If he gets very far we turn on walkie-talkies to keep in touch. Chloe doesn¢t run back and forth between us so much anymore. I have a dime-size blister on each heel. Only hurts climbing. I can¢t keep moleskin or duct tape on it because the boots rub it off pretty quick. I'm using the ¢New Skin¢ morning and night and hoping they will heal with tougher skin.We reached Justus Creek with no water. I¢m not feeling well because of it and I'm sure it's from being dehydrated for too long. I'm trying to make up for it now in camp. Larry and I splashed in the creek. The bath felt great even with the very cold water. Chloe got in and washed before napping in the sun. Two hikers from last night have set up camp along the creek with us. They have super heavy packs and glad to call it a day. Going into the town of Suches tomorrow to heal and re-supply.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Justus Creek Campsite

To: Suches, GA
Miles today: 6.3

The most beautiful day so far. Several open scenic views. The woods get in the way until you reach a rock outcropping and then farms and small towns are visible in the distance below. The beauty is in a multitude of various shades of green everywhere you look. Flame azalea, violets, lady slippers, purple iris and so many others add dots of color along the way. Of course I only see all of this when I look up. So far that¢s only occasionally while hiking. On a steep climb I now realize why I see mostly just my feet on the trail. It¢s because my face is only 3¢ from the ground!My blisters are now the size of quarters. It¢s impossible to keep either moleskin or duct tape on my heels. I am relying on New Skin to dry and heal the raw skin. I feel a little stronger each day. Larry has taken some of my weight and that helps. He doesn¢t have any complaints and climbs as well as the 20 year olds out here. If it wasn¢t for me, he wouldn¢t have any trouble going all the way to Katadin this year and Chloe would be right in front of him.We were at Woody Gap by 1:30 after a couple of steep climbs, but mostly level walking. The trail now goes around the side of the mountain instead of up and over each one. That was a very welcome change. At the Gap, Larry proposed to start hitching the 2 miles into Suches and I was recovering from the day¢s push when he threw out his thumb at the first passing vehicle and it pulled right over. The little red Jeep was filled to capacity with both packs in the rear and Larry, me and Chloe sharing the only other seat. We were dropped at the door to the ¢Two Wheels Only¢ campground. What a wonderful surprise. A large red barn lodge, a long front porch lined with rocking chairs, flower pots, waterfalls and wind chimes. The campground was covered in lush green grass semi-shaded by huge trees and a bubbling brook flowing through the middle. We set up camp, swam in the ice-cold pool and ate hot dogs and beans from the general store across the street. Later on, two more hikers came in for the night. Breakfast will be available in the lodge tomorrow morning. We can hardly wait.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Suches, GA

To: Suches, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Our first zero day. My blisters need healing. My back threatened to go out yesterday when I picked up my pack and twisted around to get into it. I dropped it and straightened up quickly hoping it would immediately correct itself. It¢s stiff and sore today, but will likely work loose again. From now on I throw the pack over my head, keeping my back straight and letting it slide down my back. I am very glad I worked out on the weight machine all those months or I couldn't lift 30 lbs. up and over.Larry and I will pass the hours today organizing our packs, walking to the general store and post office, soaking up the sun and playing cards. We will have hot dogs again tonight. They were in the brook keeping cool until a huge snapping turtle came up and I just pulled them out before he had them for dinner instead of us. We each ate a pint of ice cream yesterday and will consider doing it again today. Who said hiking the Appalachian Trail was tough?