morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-01-06
To: National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund Update
Miles today: 0.0

By Lefty -Happy New Year Everyone!I wanted to thank those of you who assisted us in raising nearly $1000.00 for The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (NBCCF). I received a beautiful certificate from them a couple of weeks ago expressing their graditude for the funds we raised together. Click here and scroll to "Appalachian Trail Hike" to view our sponsorship form and read more about NBBCF.I have just begun my thank you cards. Those of you who sent funds to NBCCF, on our behalf, should be hearing from me soon. If you don't, let me hear about it on the guest page:-)And those of you (over 350 of you) who signed our guest book once or twice, you'll be hearing from us too.......eventually;-) A million thank you's wouldn't be enough!Sincerly,LeftyP.S. If you want to read about Buoy and my San Francisco Bay Trail Adventure, click here P.P.S. To the amazing women at Caring in Our Lifetime, thank you so much for the beautiful picture you sent me. It's perfect! Thank you, -Lefty
Date: 2007-03-23
To: IN CONCLUSION by Righty
Miles today: 0.0

IN CONCLUSION by RightyBefore I sign off on my AT journal for good, I needed to clarify something.During my hike on the AT, many people (both thru-hikers and non hikers) would ask me if I was having fun. Almost always my response was "NO, I'm not having fun!" Hiking the AT is work, it's hard work.   There's nothing FUN about it. The days were long and hard and could be tedious. For me, even the easy days were hard and some days were just plain miserable. Believe me, I got a lot of grief about my response. Many implied that if I wasn't "having fun" then I shouldn't be doing it. Or, some said "If it's that hard, you should quit!"I feel compelled to explain two things. First, I knew before I even began this hike that it was going to be one of the most difficult things I've ever done and if I was going to succeed, I was going to have to program myself to think of hiking as "my job" for the next 6 months. Anotherwords, it was MY JOB to get up every morning (whether I wanted to or not) and hike a predetermined number of miles. I had to do this every day no matter what the weather, what the terraine, or how I felt. I'm not sure if I would have been able to force myselt to continue at times if I hadn't adopted this philosophy. There were many days when I had to talk myself into going on and there were a couple of days where I just had to get OFF THE TRAIL to rest and regroup before I could go on.Second, this was my first attempt ever at keeping a journal. I made a promise to myself, that if I was going to keep a journal, that I was going to document exactly what I was experiencing and feeling every day. There would be no sugar coating just because others were reading it! I did have one person comment in our Guest Book that "Righty was the best bitcher and moaner of all time". When I first read that entry while on the trail, I was actually surprised and a little hurt. I hadn't realized that I was coming across as such a complainer. (Perhaps I should have because Lefty mentioned that I complained a lot.) I have reread all my journal entries since being home, and I must agree that I did come off as a "complainer"; but I will not apologize for it as I was writing what I was feeling.In retrospect, even though I still wouldn't say that hiking the trail was "FUN" by any stretch of the imagionation, it certainly was rewarding! I can't even imagion not having done it. It was probably the most challenging thing I've ever done physically and I'm proud of myself for pushing through the difficult times. It was definitely a dream come true and an experience I will cherish forever.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stove Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today my brother Gary drove me from VA to Springer Mtn. We got lost trying to find the parking area. He hiked the one mile south to the actual beginning, then me and Pepper took off. We hiked about 1.5 miles to Stove Creek Shelter, and set up the tent.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Blood Stone Mtn.
Miles today: 11.0

This was a little farther than planned today. We hiked about 2 miles farther than planned, and it was uphill to the highest elevation so far. We were about 5000 ft up. We decided to camp instead of the shelter because it was infested with rodents. But the wind was so heavy I didn't sleep well. Me and Pepper and my 50 pound pack were in the tent, the stakes were down, and the wind was still lifting us up through out the night. I decided to get up before dawn, and hiked down while the sun was comming up. It turned out to be a good thing to do. When I talk about "we", I mean me, pepper, and whoever else may be camping at the same spot. This seems to change daily.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Blood Stone Mtn.

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked to Low Gap Shelter. We have put in more than 40 miles so far this week. I am ahead of schedule, and starting to realize I over planned my mail drops and am going to have to start sending extra supplies back to Lisa's. Tomorrow I am going to get a ride into Helen, GA for my first town stop and resupply.I have been hiking so far with 3 others. They are "Mouse", and "Mapman and Robin".
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn.
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked to Unicoi Gap, put tent up for shelter for Pepper, got a ride into Helen, GA with a section hiker I met earlier. I went to the post office, washed my clothes, ate at Wendy's, made phone calls, and wrote Randi. I didn't get a chance to check my email. I hitch hiked back to the trail, put away the tent, and me and Pepper went up to the top of Rocky Mtn. to camp alone.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Rocky Mtn.

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This was the hardest and strangest day so far. From Rocky Mtn, we hiked over 3 large mountains. 16 miles is the largest mileage to date. At the end of the 16 miles, I was tired and ready to find a camping spot by a stream so I could wash my clothes. Near the road is just what I was looking for. There was still about an hour of sun left, and it was a nice and dry 70 degrees.As soon as I got there I saw a man walking with his dog toward me. We talked for a little and he told me a storm was comming tonight. I thanked him, decidinding that I should make my tent as strong as possible. He said "it's supposed to be a big storm, would you like to stay at my cabin"? I said no thanks, and continued to set up my tent. He talked some more, saying he thru hiked in 2000, then left and said he would see if anyone else was interested. There was no one else behind me. I told him I reconsidered, and accepted his offer to stay in his cabin.He drove me to his cabin 4 miles from the trail. It was a 3 year old cabin. He gave me my own bedroom, own bathroom, washer/dryer, made me 4 grilled cheese sandwiches with mayonaise, 3 colas and a bag of popcorn. We watched tv, and saw storm warnings comming up every minute. We talked for about 2 hours with him giving me a lot of very useful advise from when he did what I am doing.When I woke up, I saw on the news that tornadoes had touched down not far from where I was. I would have been flooded out where I was camping at the bottom of the mountain where 3 creeks met. People like him are called trail angels, and I can see why. I didn't know I was in danger, but I taken out of harms way. The next day I told the same story to everyone I saw.I'm writing his address here so I can get it later:Ken Perkins1436 Sims Rd SEWinder, GA 30680770-867-6194
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

Ken dropped me off at 11am. I hiked 12 miles to Muskrat Shelter. I saw Mouse on the way. I started with him, but haven't seen him in 2 days. He also missed the storm because when he went to town he saw the forecast and decided to spend the night at the Holiday Inn. I want to go 20 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Big Sprng
Miles today: 20.0

Hiked to Big Spring. Farthest so far 20 miles. Surprisingly, we saw Ken at the top of Standing Indian Mtn handing out cold sodas to all the thru hikers comming through. He says he likes to hike to the tallest mountains and wait on the top for the hikers to come through so he can hand out sodas. He likes the surprised looks and appreciation from the hikers. I introduced him to Mouse and others we were with, and they all said that I told them the story. There was a hidden smile on Ken's face. We went up Albert's Mtn, which was extremely difficult after going 18 miles. There is a fire tower and a nice view from top.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Big Sprng

To: Wine Spring Campsite
Miles today: 19.0

I went into Franklin, NC. I went to the PO, library for internet, outfitter and McDonald's. I got back on the trail and continued my 19 mile day. On the way, in the morning, just as I crested a very steep and long hill, I saw a water fall. Then I saw a Capri Sun wrapper. I thought someone had left their wrapper, then I saw more. I noticed that they were in the waterfall (small waterfall). I got closer and saw about 8 of them. I realized they were full, and waiting to be "picked" from the water fall. I got one, drank it, and it gave me just enough energy to make it up the next hill. This is called 'trail magic'. It is similar to when Ken hands out sodas. People carefully plan where you will most appreciate this kind of gift, and go out of their way (sometimes way out of their way) to do this. I they usually don't want anyone to know who did it.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Wesser Bald

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked 7 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), ate breakfast, talked to friends I've met during the last week, then ate lunch. Me and Mouse ate Breakfast, and a buffet lunch in a 2 hour period. We have what's known as a 'trail appetite' and many people are eating twice what they normally would.On the way to the NOC, I met and talked to the Nantahala Appalacian Trail Club workers going out for their Wednesday work group hike. They were going to fix steps. After leaving the NOC, I was in the Smokey Mtn Trail Club section, and noticed how well they remade the side hill trail to Swing Bald. This group has the best trail maintenance of anyone I've seen so far.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Campsite 3 miles from Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked to Fontana Dam. Checked in at the hotel in Fontana Village. I went to the post office, store, and played mini golf with other hikers. Later sat around with Mouse's parents and about 20 other hikers.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rested. This is my first day off. Mouse's parents set up a tent to feed hikers. They made spaghetti and sauce. About 25 hikers enjoyed the free lunch. I borrowed a bike and rode over for the lunch, then rested most of the day. I am deciding to hike out early the next morning.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Spence Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided not to go to church, but to keep Easter in my thoughts. This is the first day of hiking in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It should take about 5 days. I hiked from an elevations of 1700 ft to 6000 ft the first day. The main thing I remember is getting to the top, and for the next day, there were small white wildflowers all over as ground cover. They were everywhere I went. And the grass that they were growing in were like Easter grass. The only thing missing were the eggs. I went 16 miles to Spence Shelter.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Spence Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

This is the best day of hiking so far. The little white flowers that look like snow are blooming everywhere, so far. In the morning, there was a lot of fog, and really looked neat on the grassy balds above 5000 ft. Lots of ups and downs along the ridges to Doubnle Springs shelter.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: 3 miles north of Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked to Clingman's dome, then went to Gatlinburg for pizza and beer. Thewn to the next shelter. I had stomach pains in the morning, prayed for them to go away. After praying, two different people who didn't know I was sick offered me crackers, then Mouse invited me to go to town with 2 others and I got some medicine. These were all things I didnt' think of myself, yet made me better.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: 3 miles north of Gatlinburg, TN

To: Tri Forks Shelter?
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up late, washed and as soon as I left the shelter a huge hail storm came. I walked along the ridges 6000+ ft in high gusty wind. Walking thru the Smokies, you tend to be in tribes because you must stay in shelters. The group (or tribe) I am with is of about 10 people. I also think it is a sense of security for a lot of people.One note on tribes. You often sleep at the same shelter with the same people who are hiking about the same pace. In the morning, you leave seperately for the most part, with the exception of a few couples. I always try to leave to hike by myself. But throughout the day, you will encounter almost everyone in your 'tribe', and talk about various things, then when you get to the next shelter, you all meet and have dinner together and talk by the camp fire. I think the tribes will split up somewhat after the Smokies.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Tri Forks Shelter?

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of the Smokeys. Ate lunch at Mountain Mommas, who is known for great cheeseburgers, then hiked to Standing Bear Hostel. (Green Tree Corner Rd.) Stayed the night and Pepper arrives in AM. (Pepper was boarded at Fontana Dam because dogs aren't allowed in the Smokies)
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Second zero day. It stormed last night, and continued into today. The weather forecast said rain all day and night, so some took the day off. I was offered a bunk in exchange for working. My job was to direct newcommers to the facilities of the hostel. It is run by Curtis. He handmade everything at the hostel and uses the honor system for resupplies and the $15/night charge. Tomorrow we'll do either 15 or 20 miles. and try to get to Hot Springs, NC Sunday night.Some people from Atlanta came to Standing Bear and made a ham dinner for everyone. I stayed in the cabin the second night, which is real nice and is built over a creek.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: moderate rain

In the morning we were ready to leave early. It was hard to tell when it stopped raining because of the sound of the rushing water under the shelter. It rained until around 1pm. We went to a shelter mid morning for a hot lunch and coffee, then 2 miles later, there was a tent set up with an ex hiker from GA (the same as who served the ham dinner) serving us cheeseburgers. We went to the top of Max Patch, which is a meadow with a 360 view, to air dry everything. It had finally stopped raining, was sunny, and we were feeling better. I sprained my leg somewhere today, and as I hiked up to the shelter at Walnut Mtn, I was in pain. We went 20 miles.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mostly down hill and enjoyable except my leg started to hurt again. It didn't slow me down, but was painful. I borrowed an ACE bandage, took Ibuprofen, ate peanut butter for protein, and drank water and made it ok to Hot Springs. Our 'tribe' met at a local restaurant and had dinner and drinks. Alot of these people will probably form different groups now, since most are leaving at different times.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

We left around 10 am and hiked to Allen Gap. Shasta and H-Bomb caught up to us in the morning and a along with Mouse, Baro, and Jane, we camped along the road. Rain is expected. My leg is still hurting after about 6 miles. I have been using an ACE bandage. I've set a goal to get into Erwin on Friday.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Allen Gap

To: Pasture by road
Miles today: 21.0

I heard that a local was offering breakfast 300 yds. away at their home. They invited me in, made me 2 Belgium waffles with walnuts, and 2 cups of coffee. They are doing mission type work by talking a little to everyone who they serve breakfast. They are not pushy, though. I was the only one there besides them, and we had a good conversation. I put the ACE bandage on before I left this morning and haven't had any more pain in that spot. It was raining all day today and was cool for hiking. It felt good. I decided to camp alone tonight and go as far as possible, so I can make it to Erwin by 3pm Friday for mail. As soon as I got my tent put up, it started storming. I put everything in, took a nap, and got some water by the creek by the road. I'm camping in a pasture. (no cows)
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Pasture by road

To: US19 camp site
Miles today: 21.0

I woke up, hike 6 miles and had a hot breakfast and coffee at the first shelter. The sun came out and about 8 more miles I dried my stuff on Big Bald. It was cold there. I continued to US 19 (about 7 more miles), and camped again. I've noticed that there is a line at 35oo' where the leaves and ground cover change. Above there is little, below it is lush. I think that may change some as I move north and the days are longer. I met a local man on the trail today. He was carrying a beg full of what looked like weeds. He said they were ramps and braidford? lettuce. I've heard of ramps before they taste like strong onions and realy good. He gave me some and said they grow naturally. They were both really good. He said the best way to cook them is to chop them and mix them with hot grease with salt and pepper. Im not sure if I would trust myself to pick them out after only having seen them once.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: US19 camp site

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin
Miles today: 11.0

I hiked to the road that leads to Erwin, TN. I went to the PO, then met Holly (Tree Hugger), Jenn (Pill Box) and Billy (RIP) at the PO and went to Pizza Hut buffet. I am deciding to stay the night as I write.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a campfire last night at the hostel. We went to the Pizza Hut buffet for lunch again today, then I hiked 13 mi to Deep Gap to camp. I saw Mouse and the rest of the group I have been with for the last two weeks. They came to Pizza Hut and are leaving tomorrow. I told them I like hiking from group to group. I really don't like belonging to a certaingroup. I'd rather hike alone, or spend time with different groups. This way I can hike longer, camp at sunset, and meet both new people and some who I may not have seen in a while.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke to rain. I'm writhing the last days entries waiting for it to stop, but am leaving in about 10 minutes anyway. I don't have a watch on this trip. I had plenty of opportunities to buy one, but decided that I prefer not having one. It helps me to judge distance and watch the sun for approximate times. Ihiked to Clyde Smith shelter for 15 miles.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

I left early heading a big day. I hiked to the top of Roan Mt., then at the next road, some one was handing out cakes and orange juice. Then I hiked over the humps? mountains. It was one bald after another. It was great weather day, too. Around 70 with sun. I was wondering how the balds became balds and "Dancer" agreed with me it must have been disease that killed the trees, or farmers or Indians cleared them for pasture. They sure are nice. I went down to Apple House shelter for 22 miles.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Elk Park, NC?
Miles today: 18.0

Another great weather day, though I was told ti may rain later. I found a large creek and am sitting in a field next to it, catching up my journal, while Pepper sleeps. Early this morning, I went to town to get a 3 day supply of food, and I saw the "Mud Boggers" and "Bright Eyes". I haven't seen them in several days. I decided I don't like groug hiking, but would rather go from group to group. I meet more people that way, and don't have to move at other people's paces. I still end up camping with people I know, or alone if I choose.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Elk Park, NC?

To: Vanderbuilt Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

I hiked in 6 miles to the Kincora Hostel. Bob Peoples, who started the hostel told me that Kincora means "kinship of the heart". It comes from an Irish word 1000 years ago when the Scotch and Irish tried to be one group of people. I cam in for a shower and wash my clothes. I rested for an hour and am headed at least to Griffith Branch, which is 40 miles to Damascus. Some people try to do it in one day, I'll take 2. I ended up hiking to Vanderbuilt Shelter.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: 12 miles south of Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I hiked into Damascus, VA this morning. Another section done. I went to the PO and cleaned my gear. I also went to the outfitter. I saw a lot of people I knew. Tomorrow will be a day off. I noticed something interesting hiking from the Iron Mts chain to the Holston Mt chain. As I came out of the Iron Mts, there was a road, telephone poles, and a school bus moving down the road (not NY, but pretty fast moving out here). The trail followed the road for a while. It was paved when I first got on it, then it became gravel, then it came to an old deserted farm, where it turned into grass with tire tracks. After the farm, it turned into grass with tractor tracks, and after the fields of the farm, it turned into a meadow with a single footpath through it. Then it went back into the mountains. I realized that is where civilization ended, and nature life began.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: White Top Mtn.

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

I hiked from White Top Mtn, to Old Orchard Shelter. I hiked with Mystic most of the day. We hiked over Mt. Rogers, the highest point in VA. There are feral horses all over the recreation area. We saw several. One chased Pepper, but no harm done. I have found that horses and cows do not like Pepper, and she will go way out of the way to avoid them.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked to Partnership Shelter. This is a nice shelter with warm showers and running water. It is also at a place that a local pizza restaurant delivers to. It is the only shelter like this that I know of, so I'm not getting used to this high living. I'm going to resupply my food in Atkins, VA in the morning.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

I stopped at Chestnut Knob Shelter for lunch. This is a fully enclosed shelter and it is a good thing. The weather was cold, windy, and rainy when I got there. I saw Buzz and Sweat Tea. I also met Pokey for the first time. I continued to Jenkins Shelter where I met Pokey again. I stayed in the shelter. This is only the fourth time that I stayed in a shelter. All the other times, I camp.