morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok it looks like Im off again to the AT for another trip. Today I turned in my 2 week notice to quit work. Yep no more job. Last year I got a 30 day leave of absence and hiked to Hot Springs with Max Power. It was a great time, but too short. So over the last year Max Power and I have kept in touch and we are ready to go again. Money will be short for both of us but heck its not the destination but the journey.My wife will join us for the first 4 days to Neels Gap, then she will return home. As for the time until the hike starts, Im going to get into much better shape than last year. My wife and I have already been hiking and she is doing great. I will up the mileage as time allows.So to all of the follow hikers that remember me, sign my guest book ( so I'll know you saw this ) and I hope to Cya on the trail.
Date: 2007-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok today was another day at work. Its hard to work and not think of being on the trail again. Thoughts keep going through my head as I see old fellow thruhikers.For those interested, I have a youtube video up covering my 2002 AT hike up through Damascus. Here is the link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xQO7bT6zzUI hope you enjoy it and leave comments if you wish. This video can show and explain alot more than I can with words. The hike is about the journey not the destination. Its the people that make up most of the enjoyment.More later, its late and time for bed
Date: 2007-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok today is Sunday and I have the day off. My wife and I are going to hike in the GSMNP ( Great Smoky Mountain National Park ). We plan to hike at least 6 miles, every 3 days until March 15. Then I plan to hike 8 miles every other day for a week. Then the last week of March, its everyday, with lots of uphills. When we hike, we always carry a full pack just like we were on the actual AT hike. And we hike in the Smokies where it is Never level. Great place to train.Last year, I didnt train at all and it was not good. This year will be different.Ok its off to check my gear and drive to the MountainsPS: We live 15 minutes from the GSMNP Life is good !!
Date: 2007-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok its just 30 days now until I leave for Springer. I have been looking for people leaving when I do and have found only a few on Trailjournals. It seems most will be leaving in March. I talked to Joshua at the Hiker Hostel and he had a VERY busy day on March 1st. We have spots set aside for the 3 of us. You see Joshua and Leigh run one of the best Hostels on the Trail. And they will shuttle you to Springer or anywhere else close by. Great people, Great service and I'm glad they are there.Along the trail there are several Hostels that are great. Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap, Cloud 9 and the Blueberry Patch in Hiwassee, Ron at the Budget Inn in Franklin and of course Jeff and Nancy at the Hike INN at Fontana. These are all stops one should really make. Once again great people, great service.Ok thats all for now, Cya later
Date: 2007-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I got a new Toy to try out on the Trail. Its a Creative Labs 1 Gig Nano Plus MP3 player. It uses just one AAA battery, lasts up to 20 hours on a single battery, holds 1 Gig of songs ( about 550 ) and weighs less than 2 Oz. This thing rocks !! Sunday during my hike, I got into a ZONE real quick while listening to the music. I was doing better than 3 MPH while the music was playing. Wow, what a difference. The ear bud headphones are not perfect fit to my ears but we will continue to test it and see.I will also use this to record notes about my hike using the microphone recorder. Your hiking days are long and hard and this may be a big help on some of the uphills. Get my mind off the work and just enjoy the music.Cya Later,
Date: 2007-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good Morning, today should be a great day. My wife and I are going to hike again today in the GSMNP. We plan to do 8 miles of which the first 2 miles are 1600 feet up in 2.1 miles. The trail is called Crooked Arm Trail and its a great trainer. The trail then continues along a nice ridge overlooking Cades Cove. The wife is preparing a nice picnic lunch and we will soon be ready to go. I cant wait until March 15 as thats my last day at work and after that I can hike as much as I want. I will plan many trips ( multi Day ) to the GSMNP and I hope to get to meet and Greet the thrus as they come through the Smokies. Yesterday I received 20 Lithium AAA batteries to use on my MP3 player. Im hopeing that they will extend the battery life to over 30 hours per battery. So far I love this thing.Ok cya later and have fun
Date: 2007-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterdays hike was a good one. Great weather and lots of good views into Cades Cove in the Smokies. 8 1/2 miles with a 1600 foot uphill pull for 2.2 miles. Thats the kind of training I need.I got my new trail runners yesterday as well. Montrail Hardrocks. Before I used the Montrail Vitesse which is a great shoe. The Hardrock is a bit stiffer, has a wider forefoot and Gel absorb in the front. The Antiroll heel is still there which was a great feature of the Vitesse. Of course I'm breaking in a new pair of Superfeet ( Greens ) with them. You have to beak these in slow or you will get sore feet, so I'm wearing them around the house and such for a few days.Today is a full work day so I have to go now.Cya
Date: 2007-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I will go back to the Smokies for 3 days of hiking. My plan is to meet Chaco and Snappy at Mollies Ridge today, Hike to Spence Field and Thunderhead Tomorrow, then back to Cades Cove on Sunday. Weather should be good with highs in the upper 50s and lows near 35 Degrees. Not bad for the Smokies this time of year.Ok I have to go get ready, You All have fun now, Ya Hear
Date: 2007-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok Yesterday I hiked up to Mollies Ridge Shelter in the Smokies. Beautiful day with highs in the 60's and bright sunny skys. Left at 11:00 Am and arrived at the shelter at 3:30 PM. 8.3 miles with a 3000 foot elevation climb during the first 5 miles. Then down 800 feet and back up another 800 feet just for good measure for the next 3.3 miles. Chaco ( has a Trailjournals Entry ) and Snappy arrived close to 6 PM from Fontana Dam. They are doing the entire Smokies trip from one end to the other.Carl ( Greybeard ) the Ridge Runner was there and it was good to see him again. A real nice guy.Combat ( SOBO ) was there also and looked in good shape and said he was having fun. He left in August of 06 and is now about finished.On Saturday ( the next day ) Snappy discovered he had the Flu. After a call home, he found out all of his people at home had it too. Since he was leaving everything he ate on the ground, it was decided by all that he should go down to Cades Cove where his parents were headed anyway.So Instead of going to Spence field, I went down to make sure Snappy got there OK. I gave him some EMERGEN-C nutrient additive to his water in hopes that some of it would stay with him.We hauled Butt down the Mountain in record time and met his dad at the end of the trail. Chaco is going on and looks in good shape. He stayed on the AT and we last saw him leaving the Russell Field shelter. Good Luck to you Chaco.Over all it was a Fun trip and got to meet 3 super people. Thats whats great about the trail.
Date: 2007-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I got bad news today. Max Power broke his foot and can't go. This is a real bummer. We have talked about this for a year now and it looks like he has to wait until 2008. Its probably the best thing to do as money was going to be very tight for him. Max Power SAVE your Money !!! My wife and I are going to Springer anyway and I'll wing it from there.My wife and I are going back to the Smokies today for another practice hike. I am trying out my new Montrail Hardrocks and new Superfeet. I know better than to try and break in the superfeet on a 8 mile hike but heck I.m going anyway. If my feet start to hurt, I'll just stop and change into the old insoles. I'll let you know how the new trailrunners do.Ok I'm out of here, Cya later
Date: 2007-03-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok today is my last day of work. I'm glad and sad both at the same time. Good bunch of people to work with. Remember last year they gave me 30 days off to hike the AT some more.Yesterday my wife and I did another 8 mile hike. She is doing great. No pains, good pace ( 2 miles per hour or better ). We did 2, 1 mile pulls and another short but steep 1/2 mile one. Of course this was in the Smokies. I even found a good spot to train next week, where I can camp and do 12 miles in various loop sections.I did alot of weight measuring on my pack. It appears that I will be at 18 Lbs without Food and water. About 28 with. It was fun to weigh every item that you take with you. You would be surprised at what some stuff weighs.Ok, its off to work and I need to find a LARGE box to carry stuff from work back.Cya
Date: 2007-03-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all, and yes I have been hiking. Today will be the third day in a row going to the Smokies. I found a great hill to train on. Its 700 feet up in 3/4 of a mile and on a 2.2 mile long trail. It ends at a nice campsite and starts close to the park entrance. Today I'm going to do this trail 3 times for a total of 4.4 each time or 13.2 miles total. Thats 6 hill climbs for a total of 4200 feet of climbing.Saturday, I did 8 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes and Sunday, my wife and I did the same 8 miles in 3 1/2 hours including breaks. She is really doing good with a hiking pace of almost 2.5 MPH.From here on, its a daily hike to keep the shape and build endurance. Wednesday I plan to go back to Mollies ridge and visit a few thruhikers. It should be great weather for those 2 days.Enough for now and hope to cya all on the trail.
Date: 2007-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok its back up to the AT for a 2 day hike. I'm going to Mollies Ridge from Cades Cove. 2500 foot climb to the AT, then off to Mollies by way of the AT in the Smokies. Brian of Ultra light Adventure ( ULA ) sent me a new improved Hipbelt for my ULA P-2. This one is stiffer and is 4 way adjustable and a slightly smaller size. I have been losing my waist size some and I need one that will fit after a few months on the trail. Yes it still has the Hip Pockets !! Thank you Brian !!I love to eat Slim Jim's and Cheese for lunch and while hiking. Yesterday I almost ordered some Online off ebay, but held off. I'm glad I did because I went to a Food Wholesale warehouse and found them on Sale. I bought about 75 of them 49 cents apeice, what a deal.Off we go and cya in a few days ( or on the trail )
Date: 2007-03-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok I'm back from a 2 day trip in the Smokies. Got to see a few thruhikers, Hello to: Limestone, Elga the Yogi, Eleven, and Treeman. Also guess who I ran into on the way back this morning from Mollies Ridge? SGT ROCK of www.whiteblaze.net, Yep he was cruising in style. Gearskin Pack, Lots of cool lightweight goodies. We stopped and talked for about 45 minutes. He just got back from Iraq and it was good to see him again. Welcome back Sgt Rock !!!When I got to Mollies Ridge, I discovered that I had made a Big Mistake. I had left my Big Agnes Sleeping Pad at home and brought the Hennessy Hammock instead. They both have similar sacks in black and I guess i reached for the wrong one. Have you ever slept on a shelter HARDWOOD platform with no pad? Well its no fun. After waiting until nightfall, noone else showed up at the shelter, all of the thrus went on to Russelfield or Spence. Hmm, I have a Hammock but I cant pitch it outside because its against the rules ( $500 fine if caught ). Well noone else is going to stay here, then I have the WHOLE shelter to myself. So I put the Hennessy Hammock up right there in the shelter. Cool huh? No wind, No rain, no people and I was pimping big style ! A great nights sleep for sure.Today my insole on my right foor didn't fit right and was bothering me, so I am thinking of switching from the Green Superfeet I have always used. I picked up a set of the New Montrail Enduro insoles that you heat up to mold to your feet.I just got finished with the process and they feel good so far. We shall see after the next trip.Laters and Cya on the Trail
Date: 2007-03-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok its Saturday here and I am back from the Smokies again. It appears that I have a big problem. The Montrail Hardrocks I bought are not working out. They are quite a bit different in the front of the shoe. My old Montrail Vitesse ( No longer available ) were cut narrow and these newer Hardrocks are cut wide and my right foot is moving around too much. The left foot is fine. I have tried 3 different insoles, 4 different thickness of socks and nothing is working.So today I went and tried on about 20 different trail running shoes. I got it down to 2 shoes. The Montrail Continental Divide and the New Balance 873 ( the new model of the 872 OR ) The Montrails fit very snug and feel more like my Vitesse's but are heavier feeling. The New Balance feel very light and breath well ( lots of mesh ). The New Balance store will let me try them out in the woods and return them if not ok, so I'll try them out tomorrow. If they dont work, then I'm forced to get the Montrail Continental Divides and go for it, as they cant be returned once used. Wish me luck as I know I will need a comfortable shoe to go the distance.I spent 3 more days in a row hiking and today was my off day, it seems strange to not be hiking Oh well theres always tomorrow with the wife.Cya on the Trail
Date: 2007-03-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok my wife and I are back from a 9 mile hike in the Smokies.First off about the shoes. The New Balance 873 worked well. They feel very light and breathe great. They feel so light you wonder if you even have shoes on. I still wonder about the durability of these shoes, but heck, I'll try them anyway. After 9 miles, I didnt adjust them at all and never took them off. No pain, No fit problems, they are just so darn light. 11.5 oz ( 326 grams )each. Thats lighter than the Inov-8 Terroc's, 330 grams, a new very light weight trail runner thats making a good name for itself ( they just didnt like the shape of my right foot )If you try to look these up, you wont find them These replaced the 872OR of last year and will hit the market in the next few weeks. Also they are blue and not yellow like last years. Thank you New Balance for letting me try these. Originally I was going to use these as my street shoes, who would have fiqured? My wife did good also and even asked if a hill was harder than Sassafras Mt? I think she is starting to relate pretty well Ok its off to eat and fiqure out how much water to put in these new Dehydrated Vegees we got.Laters
Date: 2007-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok gang, one week from today we will be on Springer Mt. April 5th is the magic day. My gear is ready, almost got all my food and can't wait to get started.Wednesday I went on a nice test hike. 8 miles over 2.5 hours. I might have slightly over did it as I have a small pain in my right knee. I am hoping it will go away so I am resting it for a few days. I am taking Glucosamine with MSM and I hope it will help over time. My New Balance trail runners allow alot more freedom and movement on my feet and I think that is what did it. They are amazingly light and I love them, but will have to be more careful than with my old Montrails.I am still trying to decide on which pack to take. Choice 1 is my ULA P-2 loaded with food and water weighs 27 Lbs carrying a Big Agnes inflateable sleeping pad.Choice 2 is a GVP G4, 7 Oz sleeping pad, total weight with Food and water about 23 Lbs. I took this pack on my 2002 hike but didnt like it because the pad would slip up and drop the pack too low on my hips and shoulders. I have since fixed this problem and it carrys much better.I am afraid that the Big Agnus Pad will spring a leak, so thats my biggest worry. No worry with the Closed Cell Foam pads and They double as my pack frame. Also as weight goes down ( lighter bag and lighter stove and kitchen, alcohol, no winter clothes ) the GVP will be at 18 Lbs Total with food and water which is great. I think I'll start out with this pack and see how it goes the first 4 days, then switch if needed.Ok back to the food stuff.Cya later
Date: 2007-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok its Saturday here and I am bummed out because I forgot about the April Fools Bash at Ron Havens in Franklin. I wish I was there but we have too much work and details left to take the time to go. My wife is finishing up the last of her jobs at work and I'm trying to make sure we dont forget something.Yesterday I went on another test hike. Knees did better although my feeling is that my feet and knees are not use to no Superfeet. I may try the Montrail Enduro Insoles to see if they help any. Oh well, if I still have a problem by the time I get to Neels Gap, I'll just buy some more Superfeet Insoles.BTW, I forgot to memtion that my son, Captain Chaos is also starting with his mom and I from Springer. He is getting married on July 13, so we need this time together. He will hike to Neels Gap with the wife and I and spend 4 days in the woods with us. He hiked the AT in 2005 and knows his way around the trail. It will be good to hike with him again.So far I have decided to try the GVP G4 Pack for the first 4 days of my hike and see how it handles the weight. This Pack weighs about 14 Oz Empty, trimmed up and Modified. I have fixed and modified everything I can on the pack and think I have it down right now. About 22 Lbs total weight WITH Food and Water. Not bad and thats the reason I'm taking it. Also I'm afraid of the Big Agnes Inflatable sleeping Pad springing a leak on me. That would be a bummer, but I hear it happens. At least this pack is deposable and should last until I switch out to summer gear, then the ULA P2 will be killer. Or I can stay with the GVP G4 and be carrying less than 18 Lbs Full weight. Options and choices, at least its nice to have choices and not forced into any one set of gear.I will be glad to just get out and hike so I can stop worrying about this gear stuff, but its got me bugged big time. With all the free time on my hands, its all I think about now. Tomorrow my wife and I are going back to the Smokies to go to Newfound Gap and meet some thruhikers and do some Trail Magic. Then we will hike up to Icewater Springs Shelter ( 6200 feet )and back. Should be alot of fun.Ok Gang, its getting close, 4 more days and we are off.Cya on the Trail
Date: 2007-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok this is my last day at home. My wife is finishing up her last day working for a few days and I'm finishing up my Food drops. On our way down to Springer, we will drop off my food drops at the various locations. This will help my wife so she doesn't have to ship as much.Ok I got a final weight on my pack. 22 Lbs WITH 3 days Food and Water. Not Bad, but since this is my 3rd trip, I guess I should have it down by now.I just read a guys journal that is carrying 52 Lbs. The other day he cut his finger and didn't even have a bandage. How can you start the trail with NO First Aid kit? Unbelieveable.Tomorrow we will drive down and stay at the Hiker Hostel. Joshua and Leigh Saints run the place and its great. They will shuttle us to Springer Mountain where we will start. Me , my wife and my son, what a family, all starting on the AT. Of course I'm the only one going distance.Cya gang and next report will be tomorrow from the Hiker Hostel. Wish us luckCya on the Trail
Date: 2007-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok this is it. I am at the Hiker Hostel with my wife and Son, Captain ChaosWe just got back from Dinner and feel good. Tomorrow we head out to Springer and on to Neels Gap.Combat ( SOBO ) is her and finishing up his hike. Good to see him again.It will be at least 4 days before I can update, so.....Cya on the Trail
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Springer Mt

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Ok we got off from the Hiker Hostel and made it to Springer Mt. by 9:30. Combat ( SOBO ) finished his southbound thruhike, CONGRADS !!My wife, Son ( Captain Chaos ) and I hiked in great weather to Hawk Mt shelter.Along the way we met, Chris and April and Dog, Buddha, Sweetwater, John from Texas, Don G, Texas Jack, 3 Young guys, and a few others.That night the temperture dropped down to about 24 degrees and cold.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

My son and Wife got off the trail and shuttled to Neels Gap due to the extreme cold and since the next shelter was 12 miles away, its was best to get off now. I went on to the shelter and was the first to arrrive at 3:45 PM. I was making great time all day.Once again a record low temp for Georgia, 17 degrees. Enough said, too cold for a hammock !!
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Got to Neels Gap and Mountain Crossings by 11:00 and met my wife and son there. My wife took Chris and Aprils dog home to be picked up by their parents.We had a big Hikers Feed and enjoyed the Real food for a change.My wife and son went home and i enjoyed the rest of the day relaxing at the hostel.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Ok back on the trail and climbed several Mountains, Levelland, Cowrock and Wildcat. The last one Sheep Rock Top was the hardest after a long day. Another very Cold night. When will it ever get warm??Stil hiking with John, Iceman, Mignon, Boognish Rising, Usual Suspect,Sweetwater, Leadfoot and Rebecca, Doggie Bag, and of course Texas Jack.Of course once again it was Cold !!
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mt Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

Ok I intended to stay at the Cheese Factory site but upon getting there the wind was blowing very hard through the gap. I listened to the weather report on my MP3 Player and heard 70 % chance of rain, so I packed back up and hiked up and over Tray Mt to the Tray Mtn Shelter. Of course it was full with another big group I had caught up with. So I slept UNDER the shelter through another very cold night with Rain. 15 Miles not too bad for this early in the GaMe.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Tray Mt Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

I intended to go for a sort day today to Deep Gap Shelter but it was cold and Raini8ng, so I hiked an extra 3.3 miles to Dicks Creek Gap to get to Cloud 9 Hostel, which is where I am now.Still hiking with John, Boognish Rising, ( Boogie ). The 3 of us have hooked up as we hike at the same speed. Good group for sure.Inyto town to Daniels Steak House for a AYCE buffet. Then to Ingles for a Resupply. This is a nice Hostel for sure.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Cloud 9

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We left Cloud 9 at 8:00 AM and left Dicks Creek at 8:30 AM. It was a nice climb up the hill to the state line. One state down and 13 to go. Saw the Old Gnarled tree and climbed Sharp top where I did a Turtle. A Turtle is a backwards fall onto your back. Quite amusing to say the least. We were the first people to the shelter, so we got our choice of spots. The next day was supposed to rain so we planned the next day out. John ( Big Brother ) and Boogie were still with me.