morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-01-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am starting my Journal. Mail Drops: I started going through "The Thru-Hiker's Handbook" and I am deciding my mail drops. Gear: My gear is set, "kind of." I have to decide which equipment will fit my needs and still be light enough to carry. I have some favorite equipment that weighs more. Do I want to give up "likes" for weight? Food: I have tried all the Knorr rice and pasta dishes. I have selected the ones I like. I saw that some hikers add olive oil to their Knorr dishes to add calories. I have not tried this. Start date: February 27, 2010 tenative. My grandaughter swims for the Chateau Elan swim team and I will take a few days off and I will go home to see her swim in the Gwinnett County Swim Meet in late June and early July 2010. Work: I retired last year. Training: My wife and I work out with a trainer two days a week and I walk seven days a week. I found a 20 lb training vest and walk with it. Mental: I decided to walk the trail last year but it was way into the future. A couple of weeks ago I went though a panic attack. "Why did I decide to do this? Will my wife be OK? Will my grandkids know me after six months?" That has passed and now I am excited and ready to go! HAPPY TRAILS
Date: 2010-02-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Seabear Wrote: Greetings.  I could be the devil's advocate and try to talk you into starting after the ides of March. The snow up here has been unending with no break in the pattern in sight.  "Unfortunately for winter-weary Asheville residents, more winter weather possibly starting Thursday and going into Saturday seems to underscore the meteorologist's view. Weather patterns that have given the mountains cold temperatures and unusual amounts of snow and ice likely will last into the spring. A long-range outlook for February through April predicts persistent cold weather. And forecast models call for plentiful precipitation."I listened to Seabear and changed my start date to March 21, 2010 HAPPY TRAILS
Date: 2010-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just 9 days until I start my hike. This is my target:Climb Katahdin 9/15Maine 8/15 to 9/14New Hampshire 8/1 to 8/14Vermont7/19 to 7/31Connecticut and Massachusetts7/9 to 7/18New York7/4 to 7/8New Jersey6/24 to 7/3Pennsylvania6/11 to 6/23West Virginia and Maryland6/8 to 6/10Virginia4/30 to 6/7North Carolina & Tennessee4/3 to 4/29Georgia3/21 to 4/2
Date: 2010-03-19
To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I'm down to two days. Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. It is 75 degrees at Springer today.Sunday will be a day of storms. This is a fitting start for me. Monday the weather will be rain mixed with snow and 40 degrees.I am still feeling a bit anxious and wondering if I can walk for over 6 months over tough terrain to Maine. I question if I will be a good backpacker because I don't like thunderstorms, and I'm afraid of heights. My next post will be from the AT as the newest Thru Hiker. Thank you Dottie for putting up with me the last 43 years and for helping me get ready for this adventure.HAPPY TRAILS
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Springer

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

Muddy's LaunchPosted by Judy, Muddy's daughter. Our journey began from the northern suburbs of Atlanta with the first stop at McDonald's in Dahlonega as the meeting place for Muddy's launch team. His launch team of 7 consisted of his wife, kids, two grandkids and Sea Bear and Cotton Patch who are both veteran AT thru hikers. From there we headed to Springer Mountain via the very wet and sometimes soupy FSR 42. We reached the parking lot around noon-well behind schedule. Muddy's launch team, minus his 7 year old grandson Mitchell and his wife Dottie, hiked up to the summit in the rain and fog to sign in. After a brief photo session and a grand tour of the Springer Mountain Shelter and privy the team headed back down for another photo session and to watch Muddy disappear into the fog. He called it a day early at Stover Creek due to the yucky weather, sleepless night prior and the 35 pound backpack that is a new addition to his wardrobe. Small steps...Track Muddy Here
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Stover Creek

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light snow

After a very stormy night in the Stover Creek Shelter Muddy woke up to an inch of snow on the ground. He hit the trail after 9 a.m. and walked in the snow 5 miles to Hawk Mountain to find the shelter was full already mid-afternoon. He set up tent here to spend the night. Track Muddy Here
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was Muddy's first 10 mile day. He hit the trail a little later this morning so he could let everything dry out from yesterday's snow. He started out at 9:45 and ended his day at Gooch Gap before 5 this evening. He caught a shuttle to Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap and is resting comfortably in the Hostel after a nice shower and some baked ziti brought in by a local church. He said his back, knees, hips and ankles are all in good shape but he is sporting some nice blisters and will probably loose part of a toenail. The forecast for tomorrow looks to be promising for Muddy with sun and 70!Track Muddy Here
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Muddy woke up early this morning in the Hostel and had a big egg and sausage breakfast. He was able to get a good charge on his phone and caught a ride back to Gooch Gap where he stopped yesterday. He stopped briefly at Big Cedar Mountain for a lunch break but didn't stay long for fear his legs might shut down if idle too long. He ran into some Army Rangers from Camp Merrill(hopefully doing drills) as he approached his stopping point for the day. He said they had one guy immobilized on the ground and about 6 guys pointing automatic weapons at him. He reached Woods Hole Shelter around 4 p.m. and set up his tent nearby. Muddy has a short 4 mile walk tomorrow to his truck at Neels Gap where he plans to take the weekend off and drive home to resupply, evaluate his gear, and enjoy 21st century amenities that I'm sure will no longer be taken for granted. He plans to hit the trail again on Sunday.Track Muddy Here
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

Today I moved quickly over Blood Mountain in a light rain. Yesterday was a great day on the AT with blue skys in the 70's.   My truck was left at the parking area 1/2 mile from the Neels Gap highway crossing.I am now at home with a hot shower and ready to re-supply for Sunday. I am taking two zero days at home before I head back out.Thanks Judy for keeping my Journal for me.Track Muddy Here Happy Trails
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Posted by Judy, Muddy's daughter. I have figured out how to track Muddy using photos he takes with his phone through SmugShots using Google Maps, maybe. He doesn't have a GPS locator other than his iphone so this is what I am using. Click on the pins to see his photos.View Track Muddy in a larger map
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Muddy started the day with a fabulous breakfast at The Blueberry Patch Hostel. They had pancakes and blueberry syrup, eggs, biscuits and gravy and a feast of other items. After a shuttle, Muddy started the day out at Neels Gap and stopped almost 11 miles later at Low Mountain Shelter. The rumor here is that bears enjoyed another hiker's food the previous night at this same shelter by ripping the bottom of the suspended food bag open. Muddy is hoping that his food bag is really "bear-proof" as it claims!Muddy's knee is angry today after his longest walk thus far. Hopefully with some rest and anger management it will be fine tomorrow.
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Somewhere past Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Muddy left Low Gap Shelter about 8:30 this morning after a cold night in the shelter. He walked 11 miles again today passing up the Blue Mountain Shelter and GA 75, the portal into Helen, GA. When he passed GA 75 he thought about hitching a ride in for a nice meal and a cold beer but kept on walking since it was early and he felt great. His sights were on Tray Mountain Shelter which was a bit too ambitious for his feet. He ran out of gas around Rocky Mountain and decided to set up camp near a stream. He said it is the spookiest place he has yet to stay and the first time he is alone for the night.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Somewhere past Rocky Mountain

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

It turns out that Muddy did not end up "alone in the woods" last night as he thought he would. A section hiker and his dog (I didn't get their names from Muddy) ended up camping with him just past Rocky Mountain. The exhaustion Muddy felt yesterday afternoon when we spoke disappeared after a good night's sleep and he stopped just short of 12 miles today. He was full of excitement at the prospect of reaching the GA/NC border tomorrow. Our conversation was short due to the intermittent cell signal and low battery but it sounds like he was able to take pleasure in some scenery which hasn't been apparent to me in our conversations until today. He was able to see a beautiful Fontana Lake after his exhaustive climb up Tray Mountain. The weather was definitely on his side! Tonight muddy is at Deep Gap Shelter but he made a comment that he most likely would not sleep in the shelter anymore unless the weather was bad. His iphone battery was just about gone so let's hope his tunejuice charger will work some magic with fresh AAA batteries or it will be a while before the next update. Hopefully Muddy will be in touch before he reaches Franklin, NC as we have planned a rendeveouz this weekend for a day off the trail or some slack packing. Keep walking Muddy...
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

Muddy is in North Carolina a day ahead of his schedule!!! He left Deep Gap Shelter Thursday morning and stopped when he reached Bly Gap just inside the North Carolina border. He remarked how he was not overwhelmed at the GA/NC border and in fact would have likely missed the sign if there had not been a group of scouts standing by it. He camped in his tent near the famous old twisted tree. The mornings are still a bit cold for Muddy and he says it is hard to get moving and he has to change into cooler clothes after a couple hours of walking.Friday when we spoke he was close to Deep Gap and was shooting for Beech Gap to spend the night in his tent. He is really motivated to get into Rock Gap early so he will have the afternoon to get cleaned up and run some errands in Franklin. He has reservations at the Franklin Motel and will meet up with six of his closest family memebers there. He is hopeful that Emily, his 10 year old grandaughter will walk with him the 3 or so miles from Rock Gap to Winding Stair Gap on Sunday. Hopefully the next update will be from Muddy in Franklin, NC! Happy Trails!
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Carter Gap

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 16.0

I pushed it to get into North Carolina and over did it. My legs and joints all hurt. I have five active blisters that I plan to rest tomorrow, Easter Sunday. I am discarding my boots and going to my Solomon shoes.It was great to see Dottie, Emily, Mitchell, Judy, Kevin and Harry at the Franklin Motel. The Motel is full of thru hikers this weekend as the Franklin April Fool Trail Days and Hiker Bash is taking place today.Tomorrow Emily and I plan to hike over from Wallace Gap to Winding Stair Gap. I will have completed 107.7 of 2,200 miles of the AT.I wish I could have been with Jenny and Jeff at the family dinner at the compound in South Georgia. I have had cell service (AT&T) almost the entire way so far.Next up is the Nantahala Outdoor Center and then Dottie is going to meet me at Fontana Dam, North Carolina. Seabear will meet me after the Smokies.I have met so many interesting thru hikers and enjoy the stories from each as we sit around the camp fires at night. I have only camped at a site by myself only twice and I hear every noise when I do this. Yesterday I saw my first snake. He was next to a stream that crossed the trail. I dont know who moved the quickest me or the snake.HAPPY TRAILS
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Wallace Gap

To: Winding Stairs
Miles today: 3.3

Today was my greatest day on the trail. My granddaughter, Emily hiked with me over Winding Stair Gap. She led the way and has now hiked with me in Georgia and North Carolina. Today was a short day on the trail but it kept me from using a zero miles day.Tomorrow Cookie Man aka Harry is going to slack pack with me from Winding Stair Gap (107.7) to Wayah Bald (117.8). Then Dottie and family will say goodbye to me and I will go on to the Wayah Shelter.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Winding Stairs

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a long day for Muddy. After a ride up the long winding paved 1310 and a dirty USFS 69, which still had an icy patch, he began the day at the top of Wayah Bald and hiked backwards without his pack down to Winding Stair Gap. He had the company of Harry, aka Cookie Man, who is my father-in-law to keep him moving. He hiked the trail backwards today since he had the luxury of a ride to the top and the ability to slack pack and to make the journey mostly downhill rather than up. Five short hours was all it took to navigate the 10 miles. Muddy and Cookie Man were picked up at Winding Stair Gap and went into Franklin for an early dinner at McDonald's and then the Honda Minivan made its way back up to the top of Wayah Bald again. Here we all watched with wonder as he crammed two giant plastic bags full of "stuff" into his pack which he had removed earlier in the day. Muddy then made the .10 up to the stone firetower while I carried his pack for him and said his goodbyes. He left us there and walked to Wayah Shelter only to find it full and absolutely no place to pitch a tent. He ended up 4 extra miles further before he found a place to stay for the night. Four miles he doesn't have to walk tomorrow!
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Muddy has a bunk for the night at the NOC, or Nantahala Outdoor Center. This where the AT and Nantahala River intersect and it contains bunks for hikers, restaurants, laundry, general store, and outfitter. He plans to take a zero day here tomorrow to rest and care for the blisters he is sporting. He was able to make it here today due to the exta miles he had to walk to find a place to camp yesterday. He also got to walk an extra mile today after leaving his glasses at the shelter where he stopped for lunch.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

According to Muddy today was just as beautiful as yesterday was yucky. He sloshed in the rain, lightning (his favorite), thunder and cold wind for 16 miles yesterday from the NOC to Brown Fork Shelter. He was wet through and through because he sent home his North Face rain jacket for a lighter and apparently less waterproof jacket. Today was absolutely beautiful, despite a bit of chill, and he walked 12.7 miles from Brown Fork Shelter to the Fontana Dam "Hilton" Shelter. This shelter is just a few tenths of a mile from the Fontana Dam Visitor Center which actually has bathrooms with running water and a shower for hikers. It is also the southern gateway to the Smokey Mountains. Here he will get a permit for walking through the Smokeys. Muddy will take Saturday and Sunday as zero days in Pigeon Forge, TN and then catch the trail at the top of Clingman's Dome, the hightest summit on the AT, and walk downhill back to Fontana Dam. That's the plan for now! Happy Trails!
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dottie met me this morning at Fontana Dam. I will take a nero day (near zero) and zero day tomorrow. I got my backcountry permit today and I will start into the Smoky Mountain National Park Monday.It should take me about 6 days to get through the park. I have heard some of the most beautiful parts of the AT are in the park. I am excited about this part of the trip.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Newfound Gap

To: Derrick Knob
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Muddy is somewhere in the Smoky Mountain National Park between Fontana Dam and Newfound Gap. He started his hike backward from Newfound Gap in order to take Clingman's Dome without the rough climb. He planned to spend Monday night at Derrick Knob Shelter. The Smokys have a large population of Black Bears that enjoy hiker food this time of year. Perhaps Muddy will catch a very distant glimpse of one to tell his grandchildren about as my grandparents did. They spent a great deal of time camping in the Smokys and always had a story to tell of a bear chasing my grandfather while my grandmother was safely locked in their camper. Will update when Muddy reaches Fontana Dam!
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Muddy crossed over "Rocky Top" today which is a smaller peak that sits just below Thunderhead Mountain at 5440'. This is the inspiration for the famous song written by a song writing duo, Boudleaux and Felice Bryant, in Gatlinburg, TN. I hummed this all day dad thanks to all that country music you forced me to listen to as a kid:Rocky TopWish that I was on old Rocky TopDown in the Tennessee hillsAin't no smoggy smoke on Rocky TopAin't no telephone bills.Once I had a girl on Rocky TopHalf bear the other half catWild as a mink but sweet as soda popI still dream about that.Rocky Top you'll always beHome sweet home to meGood ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top, TennesseeRocky Top, Tennessee.Once two strangers climbed old Rocky TopLooking for a moonshine still Strangers ain't come down from Rocky TopReckon they never will.Corn won't grow at all on Rocky TopGround's too rocky by farThat's why all the folks on Rocky TopGet their corn from a jar.Rocky Top you'll always beHome sweet home to meGood ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top, TennesseeRocky Top, Tennessee.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Muddy spent the night at Mollies Ridge Gap, hiked to Fontana Dam and secured a ride back to Newfound Gap and once again is making forward progress. Not sure where he will spend the night as his phone call was brief due to intermittent phone signal.He did say the view from Clingman's Dome was outstanding.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Self Portrait in Smoky Mountain National parkClick on the pic to see Muddy's AlbumMuddy is at Cosby Knob Shelter tonight and is going to try for Standing Bear Farm tomorrow. He said the Smokies are rough and his hip hurts. Communication with Muddy is still difficult so hopefully tomorrow he will gain more cell signal.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Tri Corner Knob

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

AT Past Charles BunionClick on the pic to see Muddy's AlbumMy First Month and The Smokie Mountains:I do not have any bear stories. I did not see a bear or hear a bear. Although a few days before I arrived at Icewater Shelter a thru-hiker was hanging his bear bag and a bear came into the shelter and snatched his pack and took off with it. Going through the Smokey Mountain National Park was amazing and rough. I will always see views from Clingmans Dome. I had the crap scared out of me at Charlies Bunion. I was walking a ledge at 5905' and I could look straight down to 1000' feet. I prayed all the way around it. I do not like high places.Just down the trail from Charlies Bunion I ran into 500' of trail covered in snow/ice. My treking poles saved me time and again as I slipped my way through.I started through the smokies with the seven miles to Clingmans Dome and started backward down to Fontana Dam. At Fontana Dam I paid one of the Lodge employees to shuttle me back to New Found Gap. I started back down the other side out of the Smokies.My legs, knees and hips hurt as I started from Icewater Shelter so I decided to take a half mile side hike and camp at Pecks Corner. I arrived at about 2 PM. There was one section hiker at Pecks. He started talking crazy and spooked me so I slowly went back up the half mile and back to the AT and on to Tri-Croner Knob Shelter. Two other hikers had left Pecks because of this section hiker. I did not arrive at the shelter until 7:30PM. This was the low point of my AT hike. Also that I could not call Dottie through the Smokies added to my distress.The next mornig I got to talk to Dottie and Judy and I felt alive again. This morning I started early on an all down hill trek and arrived at the Standing Bear Farm. This is in Davenport Gap, TN. Real food and pizza is available. Internet is available here but my AT&T i-phone still has no service.The hostel has a trip to town in a little while and I am going to the Dollar store and by a pre-paid Verizon Phone. Judy says Seabear wants to meet me at Max Patch on Monday. While on the move, I am going to push on to Hot Springs on Sunday. I will be waiting at Elmers Hostel on Monday for Seabear. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Davenport Gap

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Click on pic for Muddy's AlbumIn four days short of a month's time, Muddy has walked 253 miles (more than 10% of his trek) through three states, created and cured two feet's worth of blisters, stepped on one copperhead snake, eaten 22 bags of Knorr Rice Side Dishes for dinner, and worn two sets of clothes for 23 days and encountered one crazy person. He has also lost 15 pounds, two sets of gators, one water bag, one stool and a pair of glasses which after walking backward a mile he found. He has been sore every night.Tonight Muddy is sleeping near Roaring Fork Shelter after walking 15.4 miles in a cool drizzle. Tomorrow he plans a 17 mile day into Hot Springs, NC where he will rendezvous with Seabear, his nephew, Monday for some slackpacking (hiking during the day without a pack).
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slack Packing - This is when you hike the AT without your pack.Today Seabear (Jimmy) met me in Hot Springs. We had an early Breakfast and I started slack packing at 8:30AM. After 6 miles he met me again and we went to lunch in Hot Springs. Then I went back on the trail and did another stretch of 9 miles. We finished off the day at Outback; "What a way to hike the trail." Tomorrow I will take a zero day at Jimmy's house in Asheville.SAD BEARS: One of the tales going around the thru-hikers is that the forest service and park rangers are having to round up bear cubs. Last year there was a shortage of acorns which the mother bears use as a bulk up for hibernation. The cubs nurse all though hibernation and many of the mother bears died this winter leaving the bear cubs alone. The cubs are being transported to a Knoxville rescue center.TURKEY: At one of the shelters a wild turkey tried to roost on top of the shelter. With the rain and the wind the turkey kept sliding off. After about the fourth fall the turkey gave up and went into the shelter and stayed with a full shelter of thru-hikers.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Allen Gap

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today Muddy hiked with Seabear 6 miles to Little Laurel Shelter. He is sporting his new lighter weight tent (22 ozs.) and sleeping bag (1 lb.). He said his base weight (without food and water) is 21 pounds.Muddy and Seabear will hike together until Saturday.Muddy's Photo Album