morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-28
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today we left Ellsworth at 7:15 am, anxious to get home to Wolfeboro to get settled before a family dinner at Pete and Sue's, who also live in Wolfeboro. On the way home, Kevin called from Seoul, Korea and I was so happy to share my adventure of the last few days and how I slept on the picnic table, as he had, 4 years ago. It was wonderful to hear his voice. On the way home we stopped at LL Beans, so Skiman and I could buy a few clothing items that fit our new physique! Skiman had lost about 30 lbs and gone from a 36" waist to a 32". He said he weighs what he did when he ran his first marathon and was a young Air Force pilot. He looks wonderful! I have lost over 50 lbs and was surprised to wear a size 10 in the jeans and shorts I picked out. There are many jokes on the trail about how long it takes hikers to gain the weight back they have lost. (The punch line is "Fat chance!") I know from experience on the Long Trail that what I lost in 3 wks took 3 months to return. I am hopeful of beating the odds and will try my best to keep this healthier body feeling the way I do today. It put a smile on my face remembering that in the end, my fully loaded pack and body weighed almost 25 lbs less than just my starting body weight. No wonder I didn't mind carrying a pack! I arrived home to flowers and balloons from the colleague who hiked with me in Crawford Notch, Anne Corson, and flowers from my sister in law, Sue. There are many e-mails and telephone well wishes that are heart warming. It was great to have a family dinner to see my sister, Bonnie, and my newly widowed Dad, who is doing just great. Pete presented Skiman and I with personalized Catchup and Skiman AT t-shirts! I spent quite a bit of the day doing laundry, unpacking and getting my trailjournal up to date. The whole journey has not yet "sunk in".
Date: 2007-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

If all goes according to plan one week from now I should be passed out at Stover Creek Shelter I am so excited   I have waited two long years for the chance to do this again went to Sam's and picked up a mountain of food to be organized and boxed before I leave and also went down to REI and bought the "Thru hikers Companion" not really my favorite trail book in the past, but this year they really have put out an exceptional product   I really can't say enough about it totally redone BRAVO ATC   well all I have is a week to wait can't wait to get out there and get away from the city and live life at my own pace for a while   I hope everyone who is already out there is staying warm and dry Good luck to everyone attempting it this year hope to see you out there.            Happy Trails
Date: 2007-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Spent all day packing food boxes and getting them organized to be sent off to me down the trail   Thank God I have my parents to help coordinate all of this or my dream would just be a lost cause. I sent off my first box today and I am planning on sending off two more, after that I will be depending on them to keep me well fed. It is something kind of hard for me to allow, I have tried my hardest to be self sufficent ever since I was old enough, but everyone needs a little help sometimes. No matter what type of Magic happens to me along the way my parents are my two all time Trail Angels. Still trying to get all my gear organized, I have got everything I need I just have several options on what to take. It seems everything has a pro and a con, it can be very nerve rattling sometimes, but thats okay, no sweat I am sure that I will make the right choice when I need to. Even if i don't it would only be a matter of time until I would recieve the piece of gear that I desire.   I am rambling on about a bunch of stuff I have so much going through my head. I miss everyone back in Roanoke, Va I hope all is well with my girls at the Wildwood. Soon I will have all the time in the world to get all my thoughts in order and maybe I will make a little more sense. Only a few more days until I am dropped off at Amicalola and I can't wait.
Date: 2007-02-24
From: Home

To: Amicalola Falls State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well this is it I am sitting at home for the last time. Soon I will be leaving for the Falls State Park, going to hike around the Park today, fo retrieve my hiking partner in Gainesville return to the park have a few brews with my buddy and my dad. Tommorow I will wake up and start heading North. A little anxious, but I am about ready to jump out of my skin with excitment. My pack weighs a healthy 40 -45 pounds, a little much right now, but I am sure I will par down within a few days. Food seems to be the big weight burden, but it is not like I can't eat, I'll just eat all the heavy stuff first. Next time you'll hear from me I should be posted in Hiawassee. With that I am done Thanks so everyone who has helped me get here and happy trails to all that are already out there.
Date: 2007-02-25
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Poured on us at Amicalola all night long. My hiking partner MeanJoe and our buddy Stuart showed up at about 3:30 a.m. after a long drive from Va. They decided to sleep in the truck so they did not have to deal with the weather. I woke up with about a quarter inch of standing water in my tent I attribute this to poor pitching. Either way the rain let up a little bit and my dad and I decided it would be a prime time to break camp and head to the lodge for some food. So we woke the boys up and went down for a very disappointing meal at the lodge. Stu and my dad left and MeanJoe and I started walking North. Abouth 15 minutes into the hike it cleared up and we had a beautiful day to Springer. We arrived on top at about 4:30 what a great view. Went down to the shelter cooked dinner and then went back on top to catch the sunset, it was amazing. There just is not a better way to start a hike like this, hopefully I will be able to get the pictures uploaded before too long.
Date: 2007-02-26
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Our first "real" day on the trail was anohter beautiful day. A little chilly in the shelter that morning with the winds howling, but we didn't care. We were so stoked to be out there doing what we are. We met Woodstock and FallingRock and Twofer on the way down the mountain, have not seen them sice though. I hope they are doing well. A pretty but, uneventful section had to climb Sassafras Mountain, boy am I glad to have that at my back. It isn't the hardest mountain out there, but there is something about that hill that just irks me. Got down to Justus Creek and met Paleface and Texas. Went on to Gooch Mtn Shelter and met DocNarley and Woodstock again, but he tented out when we put all of our stuff in the shelter. I guess we aren't cool enough for him. Besides that everyone we have met has been super nice good luck to all of them.
Date: 2007-02-27
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Blood Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to anohter beautiful day and more of the same challenges. The Ga Trail is awesome, very well maintained and it goes through some beautiful forests. Pretty easy walk from Gooch to Woody Gap were we had lunch under the sun on some tables at the gap. After that we climbed Big Cedar Mountain that has outstanding views to the South East. After that we kept walking to Slaughter Creek were we cooked dinner and then walked up Blood Mtn. in the moonlight no lamps or anything it was pretty neat. The selter up there was empty so we had it all to ourselves. Sunrise the next morning was out of this world, quite a beautful place to be. Could see Atlanta out in the distance along with Stone Mtn. Just amazing how far you can see in the clear morning air.
Date: 2007-02-28
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got down into Neels Gap got the maildrop and some food. Kicked it around there for a few hours and met Ole' Yeller and Singe. Got everything situated and headed out of there about 1. Did I mention we have another cloudless day. Leapfrogged Ole and Singe all day. Great views from Cowrock and ohter places. The trail has so much beauty it is hard for me to recall. Got into the shelter right at dark. Cooked food and got all cleaned up getting ready to lay down for the night when we hear this roaring coming from the gap. Right when we get outside the shelter a huge c-130 fly right above our heads not exactly expected. Besides that pretty uneventful night.
Date: 2007-03-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

RAIN!!!!! It had to come sometime. Walked from Low Gap to Blue Mtn in the pouring rain wihtout any break 7.2 miles. Rained hard all day long, MeanJoe and I decided, after being thourghly drenched, that we would catch a hitch down into the town of Helen to dry off. That's were we are now getting ready to head back out to get up and over Tray. Very excited I love this part of Ga. Feeling really well and can't get enough I just love what I am doing. Hello to everyone back home I hope you are all well. Happy Trails
Date: 2007-03-02
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Powell Mountain
Miles today: 0.0

DEATH MARCH Leaving Helen a little later than expected we headed up Rocky Mtn and Tray mtn with full bellies. Great views from the top of both of them. Another beautiful day the weather is supposed to be great for the next week so we are defintely going to take advantage of it. We walked all dayn long and finally found a place to set the tent up. We got some food in our belly and passed out hard. Nice day but, it was one of those ones that just dragged on.
Date: 2007-03-03
From: Powell Mountain

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early packed up camp and booked it down to Dick's Creek Gap. We had an ealry pick up time of 8:30 and we wanted to make sure we were there. We showed up at 8:15. After a little while our ride from the Hiawassee Inn showed up and we were taken into town and promptly set up with a room. Very nice service from them, Ron and Sam are very nice men who have gone out of there way for hikers. Picked up our mail drops and ate and pretty much just laZied around the room all day long. It was nice to just relax for pretty much an entire day.
Date: 2007-03-04
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up Sunday morning got some food from the Huddle House and packed our food up and hitched out of town. A very nice man picked us up on the edge of town and took us all the way back up to the gap. Another beautiful day. We proceeded to climb up into North Carolina 8.7 miles or so to Bly Gap pretty uneventful, we were ready for a new state. When we got to the state line it was just about sunset, windy, and cold. Not too cold though, the temps were still managable, but right when we got into the shelter area everything went frozen. Within ten minutes the water in my water hose was frozen also the water pump. After a day of entirely climbing this was the last thing we wanted, so we got the water, straight up. Nothing better than some pure mountin water. We got our camp set up and cooked dinner. Luckily there was a group of kids from Virginia Tech who had a huge fire built. Ate dinner around the fire and quickly got into the tent, outside it was easliy into the single digit temps.
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up around 7 but could not get out of the tent until about 9. It was really cold. Got out, and immediatly I was miserable all my water was frozen I was frozen everything was sooooo cold. It took me several minutes to get comfortable to these conditions. After I was able to function I went on with the normal chores of the morning, cook, eat, break down camp, get water, pack, ect. It eventually warmed up and we were on our way to 5,498 foot Standing Indian Moutanin, what they call the "Grandstand of the Southern Appalachians". Easy 2.5 mile climb to the top, it was just so warm and beautiful that MeanJoe and I lost about two and a half hours sitting on top. After sunbathing in the wonderful warm sun we had an easy walk down the hill and on to Carter Gap Shelter. At the new shelter area were FedEx and Dice and some section hikers, so we decided to go back down the trail 40 feet to the old Carter Gap Shelter, kind of warn down, but it was postioned well and blocked the wind. The fire from last night inspired us to build one tonight, got that going, did all the night chores, which are pretty much as the morning ones, just backward. It is always nice at the end of a day to just kick it in the bag. Slept well
Date: 2007-03-06
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 103.5

Got out of camp pretty late. Kinda slept in and just lazied around the camp until 10:30. MeanJoe calls me a time nazi, I just like to be productive. walked to Mooney Gap for lunch and prepared for the trek to Albert Mountain. What a beautiful stretch of trail on another beautiful day. The climb up Albert reminded me a lot of Dragon's Tooth, a mountain near Roanoke. The climb was up boulders that in some spots you kinda have to scramble over, what fun. Got to the top and just kicked it for about 3 hours, the warm sun makes it hard to be motivated to move onward int the shade. Walked down the hill in the late afternoon to Rock Gap, we were going to stay at the shelter, but we decided to move on anther half mile to Wallace Gap were we stealth camped, so we could be closer to Franklin.
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Wallace Gap

To: Fanklin
Miles today: 0.0

Didn't go anywhere today, we caught a ride out of Wallace into Franklin. We weren't going to stay here, but after some discussion we decided it would be in our best interest. Did or getting ready to do all our town chores so we can move out early Thursday. Don't know where we will end up but it will be a little closer to Maine. Also we are staying at the Haven Budget Inn, Ron the man that owns this place is by far the nicest trail angel I have ever met. He has gone above and beyond for all AT hikers. Anyone hiking around Franklin, NC I would highly recommend this place. Also my milage has been totally screwed up, but the total miles you see are the miles we've walked so far, hopefully for now on I can keep up with the daily miles. Happy Trails
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Wallace Gap

To: Siler's Bald
Miles today: 7.3

Woke up in the hotel on Thursday morning ready to take off headed North. The only thing that needed to be done before we left was EAT. Ron and his wife took MeanJoe and I to the City Cafe for a great meal. Then we went back to the hotel and loaded up the big hiker bus. He drove us up to Winding Stair Gap, where there were 12 hikers waiting to be taken into town. We had to change shuttles because the bus couldn't go any further, so Crutch, and KTR took us the rest of the way to Wallace where we began our days hike. We went up and over some mountain and back down to where we just were Winding Stair. After a short break, we started climbing Siler's Bald. What a beautful hill, we pulled into this unnamed gap and the forest just opened up. We pretty much just wasted the rest of the afternoon on top. The view is to die for, almost 360degrees of unbroken mountains. We decided to stay on top and Singe and Ole' Yeller stayed on top with us. They built a fire right at sunset and we all just had a good ole time. Beautiful weather again, but rain is in the forcast, no big deal though. There is a saying out here that goes "No Pain, No Rain, No Maine" and I must say, it is the truth. After the sun went down, and I left the fire, I let my eyes adjust and looked up. I have never been able to see so many stars before, the sky was absolutely FULL of stars, and right in the middle of them all I could see some sort of spacecraft fly through the stars, it was so awesome. Cold night, but cozy in the tent. Oh by the way as of the 7 of March, it has been 6 months since I have smoked a ciggarrette(?, I am not the best speller), so I am super proud of that.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Siler's Bald

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 1.7

We woke up today and MeanJoe's foot was giving him some serious pain. So he called Ron from Franklin about a ride back into town for the day. As always Ron was willing to help out. We packed up camp as Crutch and KTR were sent our way. Though I am not hurt I decided to come out with MeanJoe, loyalty is big to me, and he has been loyal to me when I was in need. So we are kind of stalled out here in town, but hopefully his foot feels better on Saturday and we can continue our journey to Maine. We leave out of here really early tommorow, and we will put in a full day trying to reach the N.O.C. sometime on Sunday. We now have all sorts of people around us so seclusion might be in short supply, but that's okay, half the trip is the people you meet. Singe, Ole' Yeller, and Dice, we will see you up the way hopefully before, or in, Gatlinburg. Happy trails to all. Oh by the way, MeanJoe has been renamed Redcoat by DocNarley, I hope it sticks.
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The foot is still giving MeanJoe (Redcoat) some problems so we decided it was best to kick it in town one more day. We leave rain or shine early Sunday morning. We have to get moving North but we have to cautious to injuries. Don't wasnt to screw the trip up. It is all good. Happy Trails.
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We believe that we were poisoned. We ate at a Mexican spot here in town and something about it did not settle with us. We woke up this morning not feeling very well, but we did not think much of it. We were dropped off at Wayah Gap and we started walking. About 500 yards North we both lost our guts. MeanJoe got it way worse than I did, he is suffering BIG time. I am starting to feel better, but this whole day sure did kick my morale between the legs. It is just kinda frustrating, because both of us just want to get going again. Trying to stay positive though, hopefully we will be able to move out of here (for good) tommorow. Thank you to Mrs. Greene for putting us up in this hotel for another night. A big thank you also to CliffHanger who gave us a ride back into town. Anothre beautiful day too bad it was wasted being sick. Right now I am starving so I am going to go and try suff something down my throat. Trying to keep our heads up about the whole situation. Happy Trails.
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Wayah Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 8.7

Another beautiful day. A past hiker named Apple dropped MeanJoe and I off at Wayah Gap and took our all our gear with him top Burnintown Gap which allowed us to slack pack almost 9 miles. Boy it sure is nice not to have to carry all that weight for a few miles. We got to the top of Wayah Bald at about 11 a.m., great views of where we have come from and where we are going. In the distance we spotted a lot of smoke, but did not think much of it. As we walked down the hill we found out that the fire was coming from a controlled burn right on the AT. The Forest Service had the trail taped off and a detour route set up. We took the detour and came across more Forest Service personnell lighting the backburn of the fire, it was very impressive, I have got some pretty good pictures that hopefully I will be able to load up soon. We met back up with the AT at Burningtown Gap where Apple was setting up his camp waiting for us. He had more stuff back in Franklin that he needed a little bit of help with, so we went BACK into Franklin got his truck loaded up and then he took us out to dinner. What a great guy. We got back to the gap and decided to stay there for the night. Applke had a huge heated tent set up with a lantern and stove, chairs, all the amenities that hikers crave. We helped him set the camp up the rest of the way, and sat down to some popcorn and country music and talked the night away. This man is outstanding, he just has such a big giving heart for hikers, I am going to keep in touch and come back to help him next year.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Burningtown Gap

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 12.7

Woke up at the gap and Apple cooked us cinnamon rolls, and coffe. Right when they were done we had hikers, Cedar, Flower Lady, and Moonwalker, come into the camp so they were able to recieve some of the magic. Got out of the tent for the first time to meet another beautiful day. Walked up to Cold Spring Shelter and found out that our buddy Sacretes had spent the night there, so we knew we were close to him. Had a great walk all day long, got to the top of Wesser Bald that offered up 360 views. Walked down to the N.O.C. got there right at 7 when the restaurant closed, but they allowed us to order and get some drinks. After we were done with that we asked about camping, but thay were all booked up, so we had to catch a ride into Bryson City and stay in this run down motel. It sucked, but the gave us the room for a dirt cheap price. i was not a happy camper.
Date: 2007-03-14
From: N.O.C.

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a hitch back to the trail, and picked up our mail drops at the N.O.C. We pretty much just lazed around the N.O.C. until 12:30. We hiked up Swim Bald, 6 miles up, it sucked worse than any hill we have climbed yet. On top we found the remanants of someones gear that was absolutely destroyed by some big animal, kind of eery, but we did not think too much of it. Got to the top of that hill and praised the lord that it was over. Got up to Cheoah Bald, which is right after Swim Bald uugghh. At least Cheoah offers great views, but while we were on top we realized that the top was pretty much a huge toilet. So many people have come up there and crapped in plain view of the trail, quite an eyesore. Out of water I did not spend too much time on top. We hike down to Locust Cove Gap where we met back up with Sacretes. We set up camp built a fire and talked well into the night. It is nice to finally have some steady company.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: N.C. 28
Miles today: 17.1

Woke up to a small rain shower, packed up camp really quickly, and got our move on. Pretty uneventful day, no views just nice hiking. Ate lunch at Brown Fork Gap Shelter, and contiued our day. Got to Cable Gap Shelter right when the rain started coming down. Sacretes was sitting there waiting for us. I came in first and MeanJoe shortly behind. Th three of us made the choice to push on to the next shelter despite the rain. Got soaked on our way down to the road, got there and MeanJoe decided to put the three of us up for the night in the Fontana Inn. Come to find out the entire village has a new owner and is renovating everything, it is all so much nicer than in the past. Got there right when the resaurant closed, but the good people there let us eat and drink. We were pleased to find out that we caught back up to Buchwacker, Taken, Caboose, and Pegasus, and the R.I.B.s.