morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-10
To: The Final Countdown
Miles today: 0.0

"Were leaving together,But still its farewellAnd maybe well come back,To earth, who can tell? I guess there is no one to blameWe're leaving groundWill things ever be the same again? It's the final countdown..."DISCLAIMER: This post requires reader participation at the conclusion.Yep...It's official. I've booked my ticket for Atlanta, got a bunk at the hiker hostel, and sent my stove and fuel down ahead of me.I leave from DC Saturday and start from Amicalola Sunday morning. The last few days have been one's of saying "see ya" to friends, family, and spending extra time with those closest to me (including my dog, Otter). I spent a few days in NYC with my sister, eating yakatori, thai food, and whatever other fattening foods I could find. Try as I might to gain a few extra pounds before I take off, it's a bit more challenging than I thought. So what else does one do in the days before this endeavor?--Stop by REI to pick up a last few things and then drive myself crazy rethinking my entire gear list. I ended up getting a new drysack and a 4L dromlite.--Reseal the seams on my tent (nervous energy most likely)--Purchase various edibles and treats (dried blueberries and bananas, cashews, etc).--Oh yeah...filing my taxes, changing my cell phone plan, prefilling out checks for bills and COBRA.--paying parking tickets--And finally, creating a hiking playlist for the Ipod I decided to bring for the PUDS and MUDS (pointless and mindless ups and downs). This is where you come in. I've developed a decent music list, but I want your help in deciding what other music I should include. Let me know in the guestbook, call me, e-mail, whatever. But I am in need of new music!It's a long list, but let me know who I'm missing or if there is something I must listen to!Music List by band:Alternate RoutesAmadou and MariamAretha FranklinThe BandBlackaliciousBlackstarBob MarleyBob SegerBruce Springsteen (every album I own..which is a lot)Buckwheat ZydecoThe ClashCommonDan ReederDavid BowieDilated PeoplesDr. JohnElvis CostelloEmmylou HarrisFlaming LipsForeignerThe GameGov't MuleGrateful DeadGuns N' RosesHarry BelafonteJackie WilsonJames TaylorJay-ZThe JayhawksJerry Garica and David GrismanJodeciJohn FogertyJohn Hiatt (a must if you've never heard of him)John Lee HookerJohn PrineJohnny Cash (another must, but you know who he is)Jurassic 5Kenny LogginsKirk FranklinThe KlezmaticsLadysmith Black MambazoLed ZeppilinLeonard CohenLil' WayneLouis PrimaMIAMainoManu ChaoMarshall Tucker BandMatisyahuMos DefNeil YoungNina SimoneNPR (Wait Wait Don't Tell Me)Ol Dirty Bastard (fo sho)Old 97'sOld Crow Medicine ShowOzomatliPaul PenaPaul Simon (everything!)PhishPickin' OnPolicePrinceRobert Plant and Allison KraussRod StewartRodrigo y GabrielaThe RootsSolomon BurkeStan BushStevie WonderString Cheese IncidentSusan TedeschiTITalib KweliTalking HeadsTom PettyToots and the MaytalsWarren HaynesWheezerWidespread PanicYonder Mountain String Band
Date: 2009-03-13
To: Thank you!
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement! It's exciting to know that so many people are going to keep track of my progress. And also a bit intimidating. I'll try to make my entries a bit more exciting and adventurous (rather than "walked a lot today, ate some mac and cheese, lots of trees.")As I mentioned earlier, I'll be checking e-mail every few days, so I'll be in touch with humanity. I've already set up an information system for updates from the real world (Hailey for Lost updates, Jonanthan Lyons for political news and info, Chantal for Orioles and Ravens news). I will, however, not be taking my phone. On a positive note, that does mean no more random phone calls from the inside of my pocket. Sorry about those, especially you A and Z folks.Ok--so updates about my preparations. I've been packing and repacking my gear over and over and over to try and find the most optimal way to carry everything. After repackaging some food, and screwing up my finely tuned organizational system, I think I'm in pretty good shape...but I don't think I could fit anything else, which is a bit scary. It's not like I'm bringing too many extras. I have 4 days of food packed right now. For the first few weeks that's the max I'll need at any given point. And after I cross into Neel's Gap and get them to shake my pack down, I'm sure I'll have some extra room somewhere for the longer stretches. I've also been reading trail journals of folks who are already out there. The one thing in common: mice have recolonized the shelters (I guess that's not true...they're always there, we're just visiting). One tip--always leave your pack open (besides hanging my food). The mice are going to get in one way or the other. Might as well not have a chewed up pack. Time to repack my bag,
Date: 2009-03-14
To: Arrival--Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

After a few flight delays I arrived in Atlanta. I spent my time waiting for my bag by trying to spot other thru-hikers. After a few awkward and failed attempts I gave up my efforts. I boarded the MARTA train to North Springs station and occupied myself with repacking my gear from the bag I checked. I ran into Tim and Vickie at the station, two retired thru-hikers from Florida/all over the world, and we waited for our shuttle to the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. After a quick stop at WalMart to pick up a lighter, we arrived at the hostel and ordered Chinese food (turned out to be a bad choice). I don't know if it was nerves or just exhaustion, but I had a tough time eating. Met Boomer who was a few days ahead but decided to get off the trail for a day due to rain. Besides Tim, Vickie, and Boomer, there was a hiking club from the Northeast and a couple from spring break with their dog. Instantly, I had a pang in my heart and empty feeling in my stomach as I thought of Hailey and Otter. After watching the weather channel and part of "What Women Want" (not my choice) I wne to sleep. As I lay in the bunk I tried to prepare myself for the unknown of what lay ahead, the loneliness, and everything else.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

Breakfast at the Hiker Hostel at 7:30--pancakes, grits and eggs. Still didn't feel like eating much, but forced down my plate. Although I had planned on hiking the Approach Trail, I decided to start at Springer due to rain, fog, and a low cloud ceiling. Plus, 600 some wet stairs didn't sound like fun. We were dropped off at Springer parking lot, but had to backtrack 9/10 of a mile to get to the summit. Met Ben from Nashville, and Many Sleeps who records thru-hikers info as they start. I was officially the 194th person to go NOBO this year, but I suspect it's quite a bit more. In fact there are close to 40 other folks at Hawk Mt. Shelter this evening with me.After a few miles on the trail I met Red and Longhaul (on his second thru-hike). The rain kept pouring and every view was socked in by fog and clouds. My pack felt good, although it did slip down my hips a bit every so often. Red and I kept up a steady pace and passed a few others. We soon met Amy, Nevena, Jennifer, and some others at Stover Creek Shelter where we stopped for lunch. Still not hungry, but I wanted a few calories. Red and I met Finius and the three of us hiked together the rest of the day at a strong pace until Hawk Mt. Shelter. Played checkers (I was fruits and nuts) vs. Amy (sticks and rocks) and won without losing a single piece. Kings were fruit with a stick through them. Folks are interesting. Lots of people from many different backgrounds--fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, couples, friends. From all over the country. Some have top of the line gear, others whatever they could find at Sunny's. Red taught me how to play cribbage, which despite being a game for "old people" is actually quite fun. Dinner was sort of gross (one of those awful Mountain House thai peanut satay creations). My shoulders were a bit stiff, but I was feeling ok otherwise. I thought a lot about home, especially during the down time. I enjoyed moving on the trail, staying busy and with a goal in mind. Ending the day at 2 pm was an odd feeling, but I need to let my body rest and acclimate to eating and sleeping early.As clouds rolled through our site, I could see the tendrils moving through my shelter. And then it opened up on us. Continuous rain, again. As is the issue with single wall tarp tents, lots of condensation rolled down the walls of my tent. I need to stake out some more guidelines to get more ventilation which should help. Except for a few drops, and when my sleeping bag brushed against the tent wall, I stayed dry. I did have some weird dreams about hiking and heard a few bard owls.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

Woke up early to more rain but slept until 8. Packed up and got ready to go, but I didn't feel like eating breakfast. But I did realize that when I'm hiking, unless I have food handy (in a side pocket), I don't take the time to reopen my pack and eat. I hiked quickly, passing folks who left before me. It was nice to hike by myself all day, figuring things out. Got to Gooch Mt. Shelter just before the rain hit again. Played cards and chatted with a few folks that were there (Chuckles, Ketchup, Ben, Greaser, Becca, and Finius). Glad I got there early as I got a spot in the shelter.Hiked in the clouds most of the day which felt like I was on top of the world. Light rain most of the day until I got to the shelter when it opened up on us. The rest of the night was just foggy and wet. We played mafia, cribbage, and killer (two violent and one civilized game). Tomorrow's plan is to push 15 miles to Neels Gap and celebrate St. Patty's Day. Lots of new folks at the shelter, although a few pushed on a few miles. Hiked Sassafras and Justus Mts. Tomorrow is Blood, the talled in GA.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night Chris became Chuckles for laughing in his sleep, and Mike became Knuckles for shouting about his foreknuckles in a game of egyptian rat screw. And Sam became Ketchup this morning for never beeing too far behind/flying ahead of us. I think I had a battle between two mice occur on my feet, and definitely heard lots of squeaking in the shelter.Including Finius, the 5 of us decided to break away from the pack of 35 and head to Neels Gap, 15 miles away. After a night of rolling around and tring to get comfortable in the shelter (so much snoring, even with ear plugs), we awoke to moon and clear skies! We left at 8:30, and made amazing time, hypothesizing about whcih mountain was Blood (4200 ft). It was amazing to hike in the sun. Beautiful views, waterfalls, and rock ledges. We climbed Big Cedar Mt. where we ate lunch and stretched before crossing Burnett Field Mt. I thought that one was harder than Blood, but we kept zooming ahead. The 5 of us stayed together most of the day. It's great to hike with folks with similar paces. Climbing Blood was slow and steady, but I've found that if I keep my head down and don't look up, it goes much quicker. I even broke out the Ipod for a few minutes on a particularly tough stretch. I got to Neels first at 4 pm and got us some bunks in the hostel. Found out a church group had AYCE (all you can eat) salad, ziti, and drinks for us. AMAZING!Went to the outfitter to get my pack shaken down. I was having some issues with my shoulder straps so they swapped out my pack with a ULA Catalyst (I had the Circuit). My new one is slightly heavier, has a bit more room, but has much much much better suspension and feels amazing. They didn't find too much for me to send home, but I did replace my dromlite with a platypus, and swapped a long sleeve shirt for a short sleeve. I did mail home 2 pairs of liner socks, a pair of shorts, and campsuds. With my pack slightly lighter (and a bit more organized), I took a much needed shower, hung some clothes out to dry and watched Back to the Future III. Tomorrow we go for Low Gap Shelter (11 miles away). "Pirate, what's the worst part of the trail?""The north..anything above the Mason-Dixon."
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

After waaaay to much snoring in the hostel, and sleeping on a small couch, we awoke to banana pancakes and strawberries. Ketchup, Knuckles, and Chuckles went to get their packs shaken out while I poked around the store and picked up some snacks. As we were about to leave the pasta people from the previous night showed up with a grill and burgers! So we delayed leaving a bit more. Left around 1 pm and hiked up Levelland Mt. (anything but level). Not too bad though since I thought that was it for the day on big climbs--NOPE! I should have known after we made a steep descent into Tesnatee Gap--what goes down, must go up. 400 ft in 4/10 of a mile. It's now called "The Nasty Gap." The last 5 miles into Low were rough--not difficult as far as terrain, but just boring. I felt like I was plodding along. Rolled into camp and had a leftover beer from the St. Patty's day party the night before. Ate a dry dinner and set up my tent. MORE SNORING! And sliding down the hill in my tent. Rough night emotionally--felt very lonely.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up after much snoring and felt surprising refreshed. I was surprised since I had to break out my Ipod to drown out the snoring. I planned on only hiking 8 miles to Blue Mt. Shelter, but felt great moving. Hiked a bit with Jackie-O and Papa SquAT. Then met up with Jam, Unplugged, and Early Bear (who got his name for having a bear come into camp on Day 3) and hiked most of the day with them. On top of Rocky Mt. (tough climb) we rain into people who said there were burgers at Tray Gap, 4 miles ahead. On the climb up I saw a trickle of dirty water, but needed some so I stopped and tried to scoop up what I could. 1/10 of a mile later there was a bubbling, beautiful stream. Dumped my nasty water and refilled. Climbed the rest and hustled the remainding miles to the burgers. The burgers were great, but it's interesting that all the trail magic we've had so far is religious/christian based. They all keep trying to hand me bibles. The downhills have been worse than the ups. The ups, you know where you are going and just keep your head down and go. The downs, I have to pay extra attention to my footing and my toes get battered. Climbed Tray Mt. (20 ft shorter than Blood). Amazing views, great breeze, great people. Not as bad as hyped (the climb). Stuffed from burgers so I hung my food bag and set up my tent on a flat piece of ground. Hung out in the shelter with Grant (first SOBO of the year--started in September from Maine), Jam, Unplugged, Ketchup, Nathan, OG, Chuckles, Knuckles, Vader, and Jess). Great crowd to be with and in great spirits. Lots of fun singing awful 80's music and playing cards. Amazing sunset from the peak. Heading into Hiawassee tomorrow with others to resupply, eat fast food, enjoy a hot tub and sleep in a bed. Almost in NC. 11 miles tomorrow, up and over Kelly's Knob and Powell Mt. It's nice to be 1/2-1 full day ahead of the main group. It's definitely a lot less crowded now that in was a few days earlier. Feet are ok, but the toes and calves are a bit sore. Georgia's been great, looking forward to NC.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow, was it cold last night. The wind never stopped. Luckily the wind didn't shift after I set up my tent with the back facing it. My arms and chest were warm (sweating almost), but my legs were very chilly. Slept great, and no snoring! Jam, Unplugged, Ketchup, Early Bear and I decided to push 11 miles to Dick's Creek Gap and hitch a ride into Hiawassee. We started around 8:30, up and over Kelly's Knob (pretty tough climb) and Powell Mt. I rain into the ridge runner for this section who I had met in Harper's Ferry in February. Gorgeous weather, but we didn't stop for too long except for a brief lunch at Swag of the Blue Ridge. We made it to Dick's Creek Gap around 2 and waited 30 min. before getting a lift into town. Got my food drop at the Blue Berry Patch and then checked into a hotel with the 4 others. Smart move---hot tub, internet, bananas and cookies (the simple things). Better yet, we were across the street from an all you can eat place. We had to readjust for civilian life so we did some laundry before heading to dinner. The restaurant was a buffet in the theme of Jesus and Gone with the Wind. Lots of jesus and Scarlet O'Hara. Interesting combo. Ate too much and then went grocery shopping for a few needed items like cheese, tortillas, and an apple or two. After watching some basketball and making some calls, we spent a good hour in the pool and hot tub. I think I would have felt guilty if we only hiked a few miles today, but we pulled 11 in 4-5 hours and our going to do another 11 tomorrow to Muskrat Creek Shelter. We're trying to get to the balds and Smokies as soon as possible (about 90 miles away). I'm really looking forward to the balds. Keep sending e-mails. It's great to hear from you!
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Hiawassee

To: Standing Indian Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up after a great night's sleep in a real bed, a full stomach and refreshed legs. Had a few bananas and some bacon for breakfast.Town days are great, but my pack feels so much heavier from the resupply and all the food I picked up at the supermarket. I'll just have to eat the heaviest foods first. Got back to the trail after a quick stop at the Blueberry patch, but had to take a shuttle back to Dicks Creek Gap. Hike quickly with Ketchup and Early Bear as the shuttle went back to pick up Unplugged and Jam. When I say "shuttle" I don't mean one of those short buses...it's just some lady in an old beat up car that we pay a few bucks for. It was a chilly morning climbing out of the gap, but it felt good to be back on the trail. We had planned on only doing 11 miles to Muskrat Creek Shelter, but we decided to push to Standing Indian Mt. Shelter, an addition 5.5 miles (16.7 total).Early Bear and I passed the time singing and creating new lyrics to songs. And of course, singing "in my mind I'm going to carolina" and our favorite by petey pablo "this one's for north carolina, come on and raise up, take your shirt off, twist it around your head spin it like a helicopter." We found Angry Beaver and Prairie Dog at the NC/GA line (Bly Gap). Unplugged and Jam were just behind and we ate lunch together at the old gnarled oak on the line. I'm finally getting my trail appetite. GA decided to give us one last "f-you" send off before NC welcomed us with two of the steepest uphills I'd been on so far. NC is going to tough. It felt great to knock off the first state though.We kept moving over more ridges and uphills--I think it was one massive ridgeline because it never seemed to end and we never hit a gap, but I might not have been paying attention. Got to the shelter, but I got my first blister and some cramping/straining in my toes. Ate an instant lasagna meal and actually finished the whole thing! Not sure if I was just hungry if it was actually edible. Hung my bear bag, played some poker with ketchup, early bear, and prairie dog (I suggested for water refilling duties, but it was for sticks instead). Lots of Boy Scouts but a few thru hikers other than our group of 7-8. Only passed a few on the trail heading north--odd. Beautiful sky but it's really cold out. Trying to push 20 to Rock Gap tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Heard some Bard owls last night and a turkey this morning. We found out what had been making those deep, pulse-like thumping noises--male partridges expressing their desire for lady partridges. We all thought they were helicopters or our hearts beating. Had two packets of oatmeal, but we were a bit slow getting out this morning. I guess a 20-miler the day before will do that. The first few miles of the trail were a descent into Winding Stair Gap. Then it got a bit more challenging. The terrain itself wasn't too bad, but the ascents were steady and endless. Unplugged commented a few times that we kept climbing to reach the gaps--which meant there was only one way to go after that--up. After one long ascent we reached our first Bald. No one is really sure why these balds exist--they're not above the tree line, but the tops are bare (bald). Many think the cherokee used to burn them for game/farming. We had to climb a bit off the AT to get to the top of Siler Bald (there's a Siler's Bald in the Smokies also) where we had a much needed lunch. We were all hurting a bit, so we took some extra time at the summit enjoying the view, but getting chilly. The rest of the day kicked our butts!! climbed endlessly up to Wayah (means wolf in cherokee) Bald. It was only 5 miles, but it seemed endless. Earlier in the day we had been chatting amongst ourselves, but now we were silent and focused on getting to the top. Feet were in lots of pain and were cramping up. Though a lot about home.Got to the top and got some nice panoramic views, including the mountains we had camped on and hiked over the previous few nights. Hiked the last 2 miles to the shelter and had it to ourselves (ketchup, unplugged, jam, chuckles, knuckles, and nathan) until 3 others joined. The trail has definitely thinned out. Ate tuna with mac and cheese and dreamed about what we were going to eat first, second, and third in town. Prairie Dog and A.B. are in Franklin and Early Bear is somewhere in between after a quick resupply in town. Hope they catch up the next few days. 16 miles to the NOC tomorrow.