morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-02-23
To: Want some campfire wood?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

To all my fellow 2014 AT thru-hiker future friends, I gladly offer plenty of firewood should you like to take any along for those night time entertainment sessions at the shelters. Just let me know and I'll gladly save some for you to pick up.   Wendy and I just finished cleaning up our yard from the recent ice storm here in the south and amassed the broken limbs at the street. See pic at left. We cannot take all the credit. While we were in Colorado two of our neighbors (Jonathon and Jerry) drug many of the larger limbs to the street for us. And our son, Andrew and 4 grandkids(Ethan, Adelyn, Grant and Sean) also came by and picked up more of the smaller stuff. Our thanks to all for their assistance while we were gone. Since then Wendy and I spent about 7 hours adding to the pile, including several large limbs that were broken and had not yet fallen to the ground. A few were stuck up in other trees and were about 12 feet long. There were two pine trees that had fallen over our back fence. I was able to cut off the portion in our yard and let the larger sections fall into the woods beyond the fence. Quite an effort... in lieu of any walking or hiking today. No power equipment was used. All done with a manual bow saw, tree trimmer and a hatchet. NOW ONLY 22 DAYS UNTIL LEAVING FOR AMICALOLA FALLS. This coming week I have my last haircut and 2 doctor visits. Next week a dental visit. I'm definately in the final preperation stage. Just several little things to take care of. Feeling pretty ready and cautiously optimistist. There is one thing I recently saw on the AT Conservatory site. To date, there have been 14,485 hikers listed as 2,000 milers. However, of that total only about 500 have been in their 60's. That is only about 3.4% of the total. I would have thought it would be much higher than that. Seems like there are quite a few "older" hikers like myself in looking at Trail Journals. So, I wonder, is the success rate that much lower for those of us in our 60's? Do we just have senior moments and forget to send in the applications for 2,000 miler status? Or maybe the number of 60 year olds has significanly gone up in recent years? In any event, I intent to have my name on the list of 2,000 milers later this year.See many of you out there on the AT..in no time at all.
Date: 2014-03-01
To: Lowered Pack Weight, Yea!
Miles today: 0.0

16 days to departure - WOW! It is getting so close. It has been an eventful week. Foremost, quite by chance I had the fortunate event of being put in touch with a Triple Crown hiker, CLIFF HARDIN of Dothan, Alabama.   I was at Golds Gym on a treadmill and happened to be near a friend from one of my exercise classes. Of course we started talking about the AT. After she left to take a different class, she came out with a lady that knew Cliff. We exchanged contact info. Before I knew it, I had a great phone conversation with Cliff. Subsequently he has sent me a lot of Email info and a DVD in the mail of his hiking adventures.   He is now in his mid 70's; but, still hikes and loves talking about it. He completd the AT in 1990, the Pacific Crest Trail in 2003 and the Continental Divide Trail in 2005.   One of the most significant results (to date) is his talking me into considering changing tents. I now have on order a 2 person Tarptent that weights in at right at 2.5 pounds(with a ground cover).   It will replace my REI Quarter Dome 2 at a whopping 6.25 pounds (with rain shield, and ground cover). I am so excited about a nearly 4 pound reduction and a space savings too. That is about 10% of my current pack weight. I'll still be fine tuning things to try to get a little more out before I leave.Got several other things out of the way this week: two doctor appointments (all is well), my last haircut, last blood donation and several little last minute purchases (first aid and food items primarily). I do believe I am just about ready. Next week is a dental appointment and maybe a few lunches with former co-workers. And of course continued physical training and final planning of drop box/bounce box contents.I get excited when I perform my several times a day reviews of Trail Journal's hiker postings. From the departure dates I know I'll be meeting some of these hikers and really look forward to doing so. Fun to see so many others doing the same preparations as I am. And also expressing the same feelings of both excitment and also of concerns.To both the current AT hikers on the trail and those about to leave over the coming weeks, best of luck and I hope I get to meet a lot of you.Achin
Date: 2014-03-02
To: One Day Closer
Miles today: 0.0

Two weeks from today Wendy and I will be spending our last day together at Amicalola Falls State Park. The next morning I'll be hiking the approach trail as Wendy drives home.For the first time in several weeks I was able to go hiking in Hitchcock Woods again today. The reason for the absence was our trip to Colorado and the lingering effects of the ice storm here. I quickly realized that gym work-outs and street walking are no substitute for actual hiking in the woods. I was carrying a 39 pound backpack and made approximately 8 miles. Did not feel as strong as before we left on our trip. Oh well, I have 2 weeks to regain my form....and then of course, "On The Job Training" on the AT.   It has always been my plan to go slow at first an0d not overdo it. So, I'm not really concerned.As I was about to leave today I saw some people getting horses off a a trailer, getting ready for a ride. Noticed one was bigger than I had seen before and went over to talk to the owner. Found out the horse (pictured here) is 2 hands and 200 pounds short of being Cyldesdale sized. It was a large horse, much bigger (at 2,000 lbs) than any old black bear I will encounter. Guess I'll have to wait for NH or Maine to see a comparible Moose. While on my hike today I talked by phone to the owner of Tarptents in California. Made final arangements to have my new Tarptent, Squall2 sent to me. Should have it by later this week. Really looking forward to the 3.75 pound reduction in my pack. All for now, Happy Trails to y'all.
Date: 2014-03-12
To: High Anxiety
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Six days to departure. It's 4 am and I can't sleep. I was already up from about 1am to 2am reading recent updates of others journals...as I do each day. Have read in other journals about not being able to sleep in the days leading up to starting the hike. I lay in bed thinking about how Alfred Hitchcock came up with ideas for his movies. I think I could write a plot right now titled: " Perils of the AT Thru-Hiker". Do I remember how to hang a bear bag? What am I forgetting? Do I have enough food..or too much? Can I set up my tent in less than desirable conditions? Will it withstand high winds? How on earth can I reduce my pack weight? Will I be competent in planning for resupply? On and on it goes as I try not to wake the wife.I think one facet of my anxiety is never having taken off into the woods and really back packed before. Sure I've hiked and slept out in a tent for several consecutive days. Once even in the Grand Canyon for two nights. And without any serious problems. BUT, I've never taken off hiking and not had a base camp to return to at days end.   And I have another (to date a super) secret I'll reveal in my next post. Feel like I have tons of acquired book knowledge...and way too little practical experience. My phone/Email acqaintence (Cliffhanger, triple crown hiker) suggested I go on a multiday shake down hike; but, I never made it. I'm sure that would have eased my mind somewhat.An recent example of a source of uncertainty. A few days ago I decided to clean my hiking poles before adding a supply of duct tape. I had used them several times over the last few months; but, never collapsed/cleaned them.   Merely threw them in the car and/or garage after use. They are the type that you twist to collapse/tighten. I couldn't get one of them untightened. Long story short, I wrecked it. It is no longer a viable piece of hiking equipment. So, now I reserved a replacement set at REI and will pick them up on the way to Amicalola Falls SP next Monday. How many other rookie mistakes can I make and and live to tell about?I know things will be fine once I hit the trail. Not that I won't have to learn from others; but, it will happen. Just wish it would happen sooner..rather than later.See 'ya on the AT.
Date: 2014-03-13
To: Do "What" in the woods?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My last post titled ¢High Anxiety¢ shed light on my lack of back packing experience and how it in part it is leading to some level of pre-departure anxiety. I have to fess up to another reason for concern. I have never, in my whole life, had to poop in the woods. Repeat, never in my whole 64 year-old life. I¢m pretty sure I¢ll have to confront this issue on my AT adventure. I sure hope my first experience is after I leave sight of the Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge parking lot. It¢s not like I grew up with a silver spoon in my mouth. My families home did not have an indoor toilet until I was somewhere in grammar school age. I¢ll never forget the nightly trips out back to the outhouse (a one seater by the way).   I know it is certainly one step up from most pictures of AT privies I¢ve seen. But still, it was not going in the woods. My wife wouldn¢t let me practice in the meager wooded area of our back yard¢¦. too many close neighbors. So, I¢ve watched several "you tube - how to¢ video¢s. That¢s also how I learned to hang a bear bag. Problem is however, my first few bear bag hanging attempts did not go so well. Don¢t want to repeat that track record.I¢ve noted previously that I hope to be a quick learner from other more experienced back packers I meet up with on the trail. While that may be good for some activities, I suppose it would be too embarrassing (pardon the pun) for the subject activity. Then I thought, why not learn from a real expert, Ursus Americanus. So, I¢ll be watching out for friendly Black Bears. Who knows better how to poop in the woods? So, that¢s my plan and I¢m sticking to it. If you happen to run across an old NOBO thru-hiker who looks severely constipated, beware. I might just be in a bear of a mood, at least until my tutorial with a bear occurs.
Date: 2014-03-16
To: Ready or Not - Here I come
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it is almost here. Last full day at home before Wendy and I depart tomorrow morning. Got several relatively small chores to complete today and a family dinner out tonight. Then try to get some sleep before the roughly 4 hour drive to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail tomorrow. Then one last night of comfort at the Amicalola Falls Lodge.Had another panic attack yesterday (at least as far as I go with such things). Did General Eisenhour have this much trouble planning D-Day? Started out well with my last practice of setting up my new tent. For many hikers that may not sound like much; but, it is only the 2nd time I've set up this new tent. Wendy timed me at 8 minutes. Not good; but, not too bad. I know I can do better with a little more experience. The tent manufacturer says it can be done in 2 minutes (and their video makes it look soooo simple).   Then the frustrating part. I have a typed list of everything I'm taking. Wendy manned the list and checked off items as I made sure they were being put into my pack. Then I donned the fully completed pack and stepped on the scale. After deducting my own weight, it came in at 42.5 pounds. OMG!!! How could that be?   I expected 38 to 39 pounds. I was in total disbelif. Turns out those last few small items really added up. So, Wendy and I went through the whole list, pulled out items and spread them on a table and judged its necessity, options for reductions, etc.   The biggest reductions were in cutting back on food items and eliminating rain pants. Also shed some toiltrey items, a map, eye glass defogger, etc. And switched out a few items: a lighter spare glasses case, lighter stuff sack for phone,camera and SterPen charger, etc. AND SUCCESS. My final pack weight is now 38 pounds. Proves the adage I've read on other journals: "Pay attention to the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves." I think I'll take advantage of the Mountain Crossings free pack shake down at Neels Gap to get expert advise in possible added reductions. I should arrive there on the 4th day of hiking. All I have to do is survive until then.
Date: 2014-03-17
To: Appreciation Time
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

As the departure time draws very near(within hours now), it is easy to reflect on those who are making this trip possible, those who I will miss so much and those who are being so supportive. First and foremost is my wife Wendy. She will be most impacted by my absence. She has been a rock in helping me prepare, knowing that she will have to keep the home fires burning in so many ways while I¢m gone. There is a CD I listen to frequently called ¢The Irish Tenors.¢ One little known song on there seems to me to encompass our relationship over the last 43 years we¢ve been married. It is simply titled ¢Voyage.¢ Although we are not sailing oriented, I feel it reflects the basis of our relationship well. Here are the lyrics that seems to say what I need to say to Wendy:I am a sailor; you¢re my first mate,All signed on together, we¢ve completed our fate.Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail,For the hearts treasure, together we sail.With no maps to guide us we steered our own course,Rode out the storms when the wind was gale force,Sat out the doldrums with patience and hope,Working together we learned how to cope.Together we¢re in this relationship,We built it together with care to last the whole trip.Our true destination not marked on my charts,For we¢re navigating the shores of the heart.Life is an ocean, love is a boat,In troubled waters it keeps us afloat.When we started the voyage there was just me and you,Now gathered around us we have our own crew.In addition of course are family members and relatives both near and far. They are supportive and encouraging to me and I know they¢ll be following my trek closely. Will be missing all six grandkids and their wonderful parents. Thankfully, facetime can be a means of keeping in touch occasionally.Also, several former co-workers at two different companies in the area.   And various friends around town. And lastly many friends at Golds Gym. Want to give a special thanks to Corey, Grace and Stephanie who are my Body Combat instructors there. They¢ve helped me stay focused on physical training. If they only could have been there 24/7 to do as well on my eating habits.That¢s all for now. Next posting will be from Amicalola Falls, assuming they have signal.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Appreciation Time

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First day of real hiking...and it doesn't even count. 7.8 miles of the access trail. That is from the State Park Lodge to the top of Springer mountain where the AT officially begins.Wendy and I said our teary eyed goodbyes at 9am. It was a pretty hard hike with a net elevation gain of only 1,140 feet. There will be many more tougher climbs coming. Yesterday I climbed the 604 steps at the falls with my full backpack of 39 pounds. It was a climb of 842 feet. Tomorrow is the real trail. To Hawk Mt Shelter which is 7.9 miles and more downhill than up. Feel pretty good. Other than tired, no blisters or other serious concerns. Right knee is a little sore; but, I had that problem just around home. Met about 10 other thru-hikers today on the trail. All were younger than I. One from England and two from Germany. Also had breakfast at the Lodge with Chiggabiite, RW, and Freedom. I had been following their Trail Journals. They all are now ahead of me since they got rides to the top of Springer.....not doing the access trail.Over-all, a good day.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow. I'm really doing it. And it is hard; but, loving it. Last night was cold and windy with a little rain. Took most 2 hours between waking up and hitting the trail. Meeting lots of hikers from all over. Many states. Germany, Great Britain and Peru. Feel so unorganized. Not knowing where things are in my pack. What do I do first when hitting camp, etc. So far I'm really slow on uphill climbs. Today 8 thru-hikers passed me, I didn't of pass anyone.Finding it real difficult to keep up with Trail Journals. Sorry everyone. Am trying to catch up now; but, I expect that to be an ongoing problem with cell coverage and battery life(especially in cold weather.). Thanks to all for your comments in my guest book. Sorry, no way I can have time to reply to them all.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Another cool cloudy day. Made it to the shelter about 2:30. Felt fine but intentionally trying to keep it to around 8 miles per day for the first few weeks. Don't want to go too fast and risk overuse injury. Still meeting new hikers and seeing an ongoing group each night. Generally hiking alone; but seeing others throughout the day. Highlights today was a concert at the shelter by 2 hikers that carry a banjo and fiddle with them.....crazy. During the night some owls landed in trees in the tenting area. I did know what they were until told by others the next morning. It kept me awake for quite awhile wondering what the heck it was and if I was going to be attacked by something.Still enjoying my adventure.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Lance Creek Camping area
Miles today: 8.5

Day 3A nice sunny, pleasant day for hiking. Picture is a nice waterfall that I took a short side trail to visit. Lots of water in this area esp after days of rain lately. First night of tenting with no shelter or privy. Also could not find trees suitable gator hanging bear bag of food overnight. Keep food in tent like most others here. Was glad a couple of guys showed up with a dog. About 25 hikers here tonight.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Lance Creek Camping area

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Day 4First night in a hostel. 16 bunks in one room and a full house with others tented out back.   Also first resupply with most of it coming from a pkg previously sent from home. Had hot dogs from the little store here then shortly later a church group came and set up a feast for all hikers.Today's hike was up and over the highest GA has to offer at 4.461 feet. Quite a climb. I made it OK.A nice surprise when I checked in at the hostel. A nice family I met hiking up the stairs at the falls had been here and left me a note of encouragement and a $5 bill. Thanks so much to my stranger friends.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5Biggest mile day yet at 11.5 miles. Started at 9:30 and hiked until about 4:30. Was playing it by ear. Wanted to stay with a group I've been with; but, not sure if that many miles was good for me. Was hard in the beginning of the day with hills, rain and wind. Around noon the worst of the elevation climbs were over and the rain stopped. From there on it was just putting one foot in front of the other- over and over and over.The pic is after I pitch my tent and throw all my gear inside. After making dinner, cleaning up, getting water and using the privy? I come back and get organized and go to bed. Suppose to be down around freezing tonight. We're planning to shelter again tomorrow night (with a shorter day of hiking) and then going into town the next night. Probably taking a zero day (a day with no hiking) to rest, get good food and do chores.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 6Nice day for hiking, sunny and cool. Got down to 28 degrees last night. I was OK in my tent, in my sleeping bag, with an added liner and several layers of clothes. Another cold night tonight. Then into town tomorrow for good food and rest for this old body. Pic is a typical water supply. In this case someone inserted a pipe into a spring to make it easier to fill your bottle. Sometimes it is just a little natural waterfall, and sometimes from a stream.Today several of the crowd I've been with pulled ahead. All are younger. Sad to see them go, but that is life on the AT. Three of us older guys have motel room reserved for tomorrow in Hiawassee. Camp tonight is at 3,900 feet. Early tomorrow we hike down about 1,000 feet to get into town. Want to again thank everyone who has left messages on my journal. I am sincerely touched. Wish internet connections and battery life would allow me to respond,
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: town of Hiawassee
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: light snow

Day 7A cold start this morning. Water was not frozen; but, there was snow on the ground and on the tent. I was nice and warm during the night. A relatively short hike to meet up with the shuttle from the motel we're staying at - about the first third In snow until getting down to lower elevations. Then we waited for about an hour and a half for the shuttle to arrive. 11 hikers in the van coming to town. Suppose to be very cold and windy tonight and still quite cold tomorrow. Some of us are taking a "zero" tomorrow. That is a day with no hiking. Just resting, eating good and any resupply needed.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: town of Hiawassee

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 8Taking a first zero day in Hiawassee, GA with Trugger( from Peru) and Jeff( from Harvard, Mass). Although we're approximately the same age I do have a few years (4 to 6) on both of them. We're sharing a room in a one star motel oriented to hikers. Today's pic is a few of the young-in's I've spent several nights with and seen on the trail frequently. John( now called Pope), Murial(in shorts) and her friend MaryJane(?)With a day off from hiking thought I'd take time to reflect on the hike so far.First off, I am so overwhelmed with the quantity of messages so many people are leaving for me. I really appreciate them and they are encouraging to me. Only wish I could respond to them.The hiking is quite a bit harder than I expected. I am struggling on uphill climbs, having to stop frequently to catch my breath. Of course I'm not the only one. However, a lot of the "youngin's" just keep on trucking past. Have met nothing but nice people. They come from many states and two foreign countries so far ( England and several from Germany). Being an inexperienced backpacker, I continue to learn so much as I go. Generosity is abundant from others. At first I was stressed with being so disorganized with my gear and how to go about setting up and tearing down camp each day. However each day seems to get easier in this regard. I have a better flow going.Tearing down and packing up after an overnight snowfall did not go too badly yesterday morning. I still am concerned about having to set up and/or teardown in a rainy or snowy and windy environment. It definitely is coming - just a matter of time. Others have lived through it and I guess I will too. Guess I've rambled on enough today. Will hopefully be able to share my experiences as phone coverage and battery life allow.