morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-01
From: WISE SHELTER

To: TRIMPI SHELTER
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

SLEPT IN A LITTLE AFTER THE OTHERS LEFT, THEY ARE OUT EARLY TO GO TO TOWN. I TRAILED BEHIND A COYOTE PUP FOR A FEW MINUTES BUT COULD NOT GET A CLEAR PHOTO. SPOOKED A GROUSE AND SAW 5 MORE PONIES. HIKED A LONG ,LONELY 20 MILES TODAY WITH RAIN ALWAYS THREATENING. IT IS COMING DOWN HARD NOW AS I JOURNAL ALONE AT TRIMPI SHELTER. NEAT COBBLESTONE WITH BUNKS. YESTERDAY WE FOUND PEPSI ALONG THE TRAIL, TODAY SOME SCOUTERS LEFT SNACKS AT THE SHELTER. I LOVE TRAIL MAGIC.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: TRIMPI SHELTER

To: PARTNERSHIP SHELTER
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

SLEPT GREAT WITH THE RAIN ON THE TIN ROOF. THE SHELTER WAS IN A VALLEY OF ABSOLUTE DARKNESS. TURKEY GOBBLING WOKE ME UP AS THE RAIN SLACKED OFF TO START MY WALK. THEN THE RAIN CAME BACK, THEN THE SLEET, THEN THE SNOW, THEN THE 40 MPH WIND. I PLANNED 17 MILES BUT CUT IT SHORT AT THE PARTNERSHIP SHELTER. I FORGOT TO MENTION I MAILED MY COLD WEATHER GEAR HOME FROM ERWIN! I HAVE BEEN COLD A LOT SINCE THEN BUT MY PACK WEIGHT IS BETTER. THIS SHELTER IS SUPER NICE. THE VISITORS CENTER FOR MT. ROGERS IS CLOSE BY. THE PHONE WORKS AND PIZZA HUT DELIVERS TO THE HIGHWAY NEARBY.BILL,EARLYBIRD,BOOMERANG, AND I SPLIT 2 PIES WITH BEVERAGES. BILL GOT RID OF THE RESIDENT BAT SO WE ALL SLEEP A LITTLE BETTER IN THE FROZEN LOFT!
Date: 2005-04-03
From: PARTNERSHIP SHELTER

To: RELAX INN
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

WELL IT WAS COLD LAST NIGHT AS THE SNOW BLEW IN THE EAVES OF THE LOFT. FOUR OTHER WEEKENDERS CAME IN REALLY LATE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO LODGING DUE TO THE BRISTOL RACE. STARTED OUT THE DAY IN 2 FEET OF SNOW THEN THE SUN CAME OUT AND MADE IT ALL SLUSHY. STOPPED AT AN EARLY SETTLERS FARM/MUSEUM (1870). KILLED AN HOUR WHILE I DRIED OUT A BIT . THEN IT WAS ON THROUGH SOME NICE VA. PASTURES TO THE RELAX INN. AFTER WALKING 11 MILES I HAD TO EXPLAIN TO THE MANAGER OF THE HOTEL THAT I WAS AN A.T. HIKER AND THE NASCAR PRICE OF LODGING ($200) WAS NOT VALID SINCE THE RACE IS ALMOST OVER (2:PM). I TOLD HIM I WOULD PAY NORMAL RATE OR WALK ON SO HE CAVED AND I WAS THE ONLY GUEST AT THE HOTEL THAT NIGHT! PUT MY HIKING POLES IN THE WINDOW TO SIGNIFY TO MY FELLOW HIKERS THAT THERE WAS RUNNING WATER, FORECAST, PHONE, ICE. EARLYBIRD STOPPED IN AS SOME OTHER FOLKS DID. THEY WANTED TO DO MAGIC SO WE LET THEM TAKE US 2 BLOCKS TO D. Q. SHORTEST HITCH EVER. LUANDRY, SHOWERS, PHONE CALLS ,ICE CREAM,TRUCKSTOP CHILIDOGS. IT IS NICE TO GET OUT OF THE SNOW 50 YARDS FROM AN INTERSTATE GAS STATION.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: RELAX INN

To: STEALTH SPOT
Miles today: 20.0

LEFT THE INN RECHARGED WITH SUN SHINING AND 60 DEGREE WEATHER AHEAD. I USED THE WHOLE DAY TO HIKE 20 MILES TO A NICE STEALTH TENT SPOT WITH STARS OUT BRIGHT. SCARED UP A GROUSE THIS MORNING AS HE SCARED ME ALSO. CROSSED MANY STILES THROUGH PRIVATE EASEMENTS. VERY NICE SCENERY. MET RISK AT BREAK. HE IS INTERESTING .(NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE, HOMEADE KNIFE,KILT,AND CANOES).
Date: 2005-04-05
From: STEALTH SPOT

To: CAMPSITE
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

WOKE WITH THE SUN AND HEADED INTO A SUNNY 19 MILE DAY. WALKED THE RIDGE OF "GODS THUMBPRINT" ,A HUGE CRATER LIKE SPOT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY GOING TO BE THE SITE OF THE BILTMORE ESTATE. IT IS A 9 MILE RIDGE WALK. I RAN OUT OF WATER UP THERE AND BEGAN DEHYDRATING(STOPPED SWEATING AND URINATING ,ACHING JOINTS). I FOUND A BOULDER VALLEY WITH WATER RUNNING BENEATH BUT I COULD NOT REACH IT. AFTER 10 MIN. OF SEARCHING I FOUND A HOLE TO GET A FEW OUNCES AT A TIME. I DRANK IT WITHOUT TREATING IT. I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE MY ONLY WATER PROBLEM OF THE DAY BUT IT WAS NOT. THE LAST 2 MILES OF THE DAY CROSSED LITTLE WOLF CREEK 12 TIMES. MOSTLY 6' WIDE AND 6" DEEP. BROKE A LOG (WET FOOT) . SLIPPERY ROCK(OTHER FOOT WEET). THE AGGRIVATION LED TO RUNNING WILDLY ACROSS SPLASHING AND, CURSING. SO AT MIDDAY I HAD NO WATER AND AT DAYS END MY BOOTS WERE FULL OF IT. TENTING OUT NEAR A STREAM AND BOOMERANG. THE LOCAL CHURCH HAS A MAGIC ICE CHEST FULL OF APPLE AND ORANGE JUICE! IT REACHED 75 TODAY AND THE SNOW AT THE UPPER ELEV. REALLY SAVED ME FROM DEHYDRATING INTO INSANITY!
Date: 2005-04-06
From: CAMPSITE

To: JENNY KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

APPLE JUICE STARTED MY MORNING. SEEMS IT MAKES ME DO WHAT BEARS DO IN THE WOODS. SOFT SPOTS ON MY FEET FROM SLUSH WALKING LAST WEEK HAVE BLISTERED FROM CREEK JUMPING YESTERDAY. SCARED ANOTHER GROUSE, IF I HAD A GUN I COULD BE EATING BETTER! GOT IN TO JENNY KNOB SHELTER WITH BOOMERANG AND "E" AFTER 18 MILES. THE RAIN HAS BLOWN IN A BIT THIS EVENING AS A TURKEY CHATTERS WHILE I JOURNAL. I HIKED TOPLESS TODAY. I GOT NO TIPS BUT I DIDNT SEE MANY PEOPLE! TRYING TO SHAKE THIS HIKER TAN. MILES ARE SLOWER TO BABY THE FEET. I CHANGE SOCKS OFTEN TO STOMP THE MOISTURE OUT OF MY BOOTS. I SHOULD TENT OUT BUT THE RAIN HAS ME IN THE SHELTER WHERE THE SNORING OCCURS. I TWISTED MY ANKLE TODAY AND WENT DOWN LIKE A SACK OF POTATOES. THIS IS ABOUT MY TENTH ANKLE TWIST BUT MY FIRST SLAM. THE TREKKING POLES HAVE REALLY SAVED MY BUTT A FEW TIMES , ESPECIALLY POLE VAULTING ACROSS SMALL STREAMS.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: JENNY KNOB SHELTER

To: DOCS KNOB SHELTER
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

GOOD SLEEPING TEMPS LAST NIGHT. THE OWLS WERE COMMUNICATING WELL. A LITTLE TO WELL AFTER A WHILE! WOKE TO TURKEY GOBBLING THEN WOODPECKERS AS I HAD BREAKFAST. WALKED 25 MILES TODAY, HALF OF IT WAS IN THE RAIN. WALKED 8/10 OF A MILE OFF THE TRAIL TO HIT A DINER(CHEESEBURGER,MILK,PHONE). I PUSHED ON PAST WAPITI SHELTER AS THERE WAS SOMEONE ALREADY THERE SNORING AT 3:PM! GOT TO DOCS KNOB SHELTER WHERE I MET "E". IN COMES BOOMERANG FOR THE NIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A RESIDENT GREY SQUIRREL IN THE FRONT YARD. NOW I HAVE ONLY 8 MILES TO PEARISBURG WHERE I WILL MEET MY HOME PEOPLE AND END THIS SECTION. I MUST RETURN HOME TO MY TEENAGERS AND EARN MONEY FOR NEXT YEARS SECTION. I HAVE ALREADY MISSED PRE SEASON OF MY SONS BABE RUTH BASEBALL TEAM, WHICH I HELP COACH.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: DOCS KNOB SHELTER

To: PEARISBURG VA.
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

I AWOKE TO THE SOUND OF NOTHING , WEIRD? THE SKINNIEST RACOON I HAVE EVER SEEN CAME CREEPING AROUND LAST NIGHT. GROUSE SOUNDS AS I BREAKFAST. I SET OUT FOR MY LAST 8 MILES. GOT CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOWN TO HEAR THE NOON BELLS. I ALSO HEARD SIRENS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 22 DAYS. GOT IN AND SAW EARLYBIRD AS SHE WAS HEADING OUT. WALKED THE MILE UPHILL TO THE CENTER OF TOWN. FOUND OUT THERE IS NO POOL AT ANY OF THE LODGING. SO WHEN MY FATHER AND CHILDREN ARRIVE TO SHUTTLE ME BACK TO INDIANA I THINK WE WILL GET OUT OF THIS TOWN. IT DOES NOT IMPRESS ME. I HAVE TIME TO KILL SO I CHILL AT THE D.Q. BURGER AND BLIZZARD AND ITS OFF TO THE LAUNDRY. THE PHONE IS FUZZY AND THE BATHROOM FLOOR IS FLOODED. THE POLICY HERE IS PUT UP A "USE AT OWN RISK" SIGN INSTEAD OF FIXING IT! EVERYTHING IN THIS TOWN IS BROKE INCLUDING ME! BOOMERANG AND"E" SHOW UP AT THE LAUNDRY SO WE HANG OUT THEN BACK TO THEIR ROOM TO RELAX WHILE I WAIT FOR MY RIDE.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: PEARISBURG VA.

To: KOKOMO IN.
Miles today: 0.0

THIS YEARS SECTION OF 350 MILES WAS A LOT COLDER AND A LOT LESS SOCIAL AS THE YEAR BEFORE. I ONLY SAW A FEW NORTHBOUNDERS IN MY 22 DAYS OUT. I STARTED A MONTH EARLIER AND 270 MILES NORTH OF SPRINGER. I EXPECT THAT MY FUTURE SECTIONS WILL BE SIMILIAR TO THIS BUT I WILL GO BACK TO SPRINGER SOMETIME FOR ALL THAT BEGINNERS COMRADERY. THE FEW I MET THIS YEAR WERE GREAT COMPANY AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. "EARLYBIRD" , A TEACHER IN N.H., "JUICE-KEY" JUST OUT OF THE ARMY (IRAQ), "BOOMERANG" , A PROFESSIONAL FROM ATLANTA "BIG DADDY D" RETIRED AIR FORCE LIVING IN VEGAS THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING THE A.T. WHAT IT IS !
Date: 2004-12-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

One month to go - some serious planning going on. This will be my second, complete thru-hike. In 2003 I completed a SOBO. In 2004 I started a NOBO, but opted off the trail around Harpers Ferry.My job ends on 12/31 and my apartment lease is almost up. I'd like to join the March crowds for my hike, but have decided instead to add some winter weather and start in early January.I've always enjoyed winter backpacking - having done so for years near my home in West Virginia. I'd also like to make use of the shelters as much as possible - the crowds will not be too heavy during the winter months!!!I think it is safe to say that I am a AT purist; a gear nut; and a ultra-lite backpacker. I'll comment more on all of these later.
Date: 2004-12-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been hiking on the Trail since the late 1970's when I was stationed in the Marines near Wash DC. Back then I used to do section hikes in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.I the 1990's I moved up to the area around Harpers Ferry, where I have been since. During the summer of 2003 I completed my first thru-hike. Started at Katahdin on my birthday (July 15th) and headed south. Last year I started a NOBO thru-hike and kept on getting off and back on the trail for personal reasons up until Harpers Ferry - where I then got off for good. But, crazy as it sounds, by this past July I found myself back at Katahdin and heading south for the second time. As I write this, I am in the process of completing #2 SOBO. If I manage to stop taking off so much time to make these journal entries, I hope to be finished soon.This upcoming thru-hike is planned for early January for several reasons:1. I will still have my "hiker legs."2. I BADLY want to get a NOBO thru-hike under my belt. I have often thought of a NOBO thru-hike as being a "pure" thru-hike (please don't get critical).3. After my SOBO's, I have learned to fend pretty well by myself. I kinda like the idea of some solitude during the first part of the winter NOBO.4. Believe it or not, I LIKE staying in shelters - and this gives me a better opprtunity to do so.5. After all the years living in West Virginia, I have done quite a bit of winter backpacking. So I am kinda looking forward to some snow and cold on the trail.
Date: 2004-12-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

RESUPPLY PLANSMy past thru-hikes have pretty much used mail drops. This time I want to try buying as I go for some variety. The only exceptions (planned, anyway) are those places that mail drops are recommended: Fontana Dam, Harpers Ferry, and a couple of places further north.One thing that kinda interests me is where to resupply between Hiawassee and the NOC. In the past you could leave a mail drop at Rainbow Springs and/or stay at their campground. But now, I understand, they are closed down. This means either going into Franklin (10 miles off the trail) or carrying about seven days of food between Hiawassee and the NOC. If you take that option, then you have to completely resupply at the NOC.
Date: 2004-12-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After some research and help from other Trail Journal hikers, I've made some modifications to my initial resupply plans:1. Mountain Crossings (Neals Gap) is open during January for small re-supply.2. Will buy one week of food at Hiawassee grocery store. This will carry me past the now-closed Indian Springs campground, not get sucked into Franklin and arrive at the NOC. 3. I've verified that the Hiawassee Inn will be open during January.4. Will mail one week of food to Fontana Dam Post Office. This carries me through the Smoky's.5. Mountain Momma's (I believe) is closed during winter months; BUT, Standing Bear Hostel is open during later part of January and February.
Date: 2004-12-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

What's wrong with this picture of me on Springer? It was taken in warmer weather. I hope to have a newer picture of me, same spot, in about a month when I start my NOBO. Not sure if there will be snow yet - we will see.The preparation part of this hike is winding down. All gear is in place and logistical details are worked out. If I can wind things up at work in time, I'm shooting for Springer on New Years Day. If not, perhaps a couple of days later.I've had some wonderful feedback from a number of folks. I'll try damn hard to keep the entries detailed and current while hiking. Just remember I will be making all the entries and will be dependent upon the availability of libraries and other places with a connected computer. (By the way, does anyone know of a connected computer before Hiawassee? What about Neal's Gap?).I've had some comments about my gear list - especially about my carrying a trowell. Yes, I've got one of those Wal-Mart orange plastic trowells for my poop holes. Yes, it doesn't fit the mentality of a lite-weight hiker. But I remember many times in the past having a hard time using my boot to dig a dump hole - at least more than a few inches down. Come on folks - LNT says it should be six inches deep. On the other hand, quite a few folks said that, since I am staying at shelters as much as possible, I should have plenty of privys. Good point, well made. Will probably only make a few more entries before I pack up and head down to Springer in a week or two. For those of you who emailed me for copies of my planning spreadsheets - I hope they help. For those of you who still would like a copy, please try to email me within the next week. My email address is:mark.ogle1@verizon.netHere are the spreadsheets I have created:A list of the post offices along the trailA list of shelters along the trailA list of average low and high temperatures between Springer and Mt. WilsonA gear list I am using for my winter start to this thru-hikeA "planner" for estimating how much a thru-hike will cost you.Best wishes to everyone over the holidays.
Date: 2004-12-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Due to last minute work requirements (they won't let me leave!) I have let my start date slip to January 3rd. I'll do the Approach Trail that day and be camping at Stover Creek Shelter that night. If you haven't done the Aprroach Trail before - don't let it faze you. Every so often you will see signs on the Approach Trail that say what the percent elevation the grade is; and give you an estimated time to hike to Springer. Don't let them bother you - just take your time and rest when needed.According to the weather channel, looks like the Georgia mountains got their first snow this past weekend. Should be some more by the time I start. Good - looking forward to it. I've mailed out a couple of supply parcels and am looking forward to testing some new gear this weekend with a three-day trip on the AT in Maryland. Weather here should be down in the teens at night - will make for some good test conditions.As mentioned before, I'll be doing my own Journal postings during the hike. Shouldn't be a problem, but will only be able to post when I can find a online computer. Not sure if they have one at Neals Gap, so am planning on making my first trail posting at Hiawassee. That should be around January 10th.A lot of folks have asked me to keep them up-to-date on the conditions of things so they know what to expect when they start later. I'm planning on covering trail conditions; what is open/closed; weather; prices, etc. If anyone can think of anything else they would like me to keep track of, just send me an email.Merry Christmas, everyone.
Date: 2004-12-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Winter Weather Conditions:Several folks have advised me on the current snowfall base in the Smokeys - thanks.WeatherUnderground.com lists the current base at Mt. LeConte at 25 inches. Newfound Gap is at 14 inches. Although the trail does not go over LeConte, it does pass through Newfound Gap. And, there can be expectations of blown drifts on the trail exceeding 20 inches at the present time. This accumulation amount gets very close to the depth where "posthole" hiking difficulties justify use of snowshoes. The effort required to posthole reduces your daily mileage, burns up more energy (requiring more food) and is tiring.If anyone else is anticipating hiking in these conditions, and considering the use of snowshoes - remember to factor in your TOTAL (body and pack) weight in selecting a snowshoe. Also, the snow base in January is not going to be packed.I have noticed there are a few fellow hikers heading out before me. Maybe they will have packed the base just a bit on the trail. That would be nice (for me but not them). It is kinda like during the warm weather months you can always tell if you are the first hiker out in the morning - you run into all the spider webs.
Date: 2004-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Slight change in gear:Have decided that snowshoes PROBABLY will not be ESSENTIAL (note my qualifiers) so I am going to mail the shoes to Fontana P.O. and decide when I get there if they are needed. If not, I'll mail them back.The shoes I use are the Atlas 830 30" version. REI carries them. You are looking at spending about $180 for them. They work well with non-rigid boots that require the ability to flex as you hike.I will stick with carrying the crampons because during my SOBO in 2003 I definitely experienced icy trail conditions in many areas. I've noticed a lot of hikers (who carry crampons) opt for the yaktrax or similar type of "ice walking" devices that are not true crampons. There are two problems with them: First, their durability over a given period of use; 2) If they do not have a suitable number of "points" there is a tendency for your foot to lose it's "grip" in the ice as you step forward.The crampons I use are the Kahtoola Traction System EXT. They can be bought at REI. Cost about $130 and weigh just a little shy of 16 ounces. These are crampons that are designed specifically for "ice walking" and have slightly shorter "points" accordingly.
Date: 2004-12-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Merry Christmas, everyone!This Christmas weekend is one week before my start at Amicalola. Having a three-day weekend, I opted to head out onto the Trail near Harpers Ferry for a final test of gear, the new pack, a new alcohol stove, etc. You might be wondering how I'm making this Trail Journals posting while out in the boonies. Well, I stopped by Harpers Ferry and was able to locate a "wireless hot spot" where I could use my laptop to email this. Very slow connection, but pretty impressive when you think about it. Unfortunately, there is no way to use the laptop on the trail due to battery life, durability, weight, etc. And, in all honesty, I feel such use on the trail is in conflict with what the trail represents to me. IMHO.Spent last night at David Lesser Shelter, about 9 miles south of Harpers Ferry. Not surprisingly, I was the only person there last night. Not just Christmas, but also the cold - recorded 12 degrees at 10pm.Part of the reason for this pre-hike trip was to test some new gear I'm carrying. Perhaps most important is the Vargo Titanium Alcohol Stove. I wanted to see how this stove would do in the cold. Overall, I was pretty impressed. You have to pour alcohol into a center hole in the stove. You keep pouring alcohol until there is a small pool of fuel visibile. It seemed to me that it took more than one ounce of fuel to create that pool. Later I measured and it was about 1.5 ounces. The reason for creating the pool of fuel in the stove is to prime the stove by lighting the pool and letting the flame heat the rest of the stove. As the fuel vaporizes, the burner holes lite up and a solid flame occurs. It took about 8 minutes to heat 2 pints of water. After removing the pot, it was easy to blow the flame out (to save the remianing, unburnt fuel).Once the stove was cool it was easy to pur the unused fuel back into the fuel bottle. You can actually use on the the stove's folding legs as a "spout" to pour the fuel back. So, even though I had to pour more fuel than needed into the stove, I was able to recover it afterwards. Okay, that's it for now. It's dark and cold outside and I need to get back to my tarp - yes, I'm tarping out tonight to see how it does in a light wind but no precip. I'll also follow-up with some info about the Granite Gear Vapor Trail pack and how it does when I get back from this pre-hike.
Date: 2004-12-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last minute details before departing for Amicalola on Saturday.Forgot to mention one experiment I tried during my test-hike last weekend: Some folks suggest putting your water bottle in you sleeping bag with you at night, to keep the water from freezing. Don't think I would do that due to fear of leakage. However, I did do this: I have a 2-liter Platypus water bottle I use in camp. Before going to sleep, I wrapped the Platypus in some clothes and used it as a pillow - outside of my bag. In the morning it had not frozen - apparently the warmth/movement of my head prevented the water from freezing.Weather forecasts from Springer to the Smokeys look like plenty of rain for at least the first 3-5 days in January. Highs in the mid 50's and lows in the mid-40s. Not exactly the "snow and cold" I had anticipated. I do have a feeling winter will show up before long, though.
Date: 2004-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my last entry before starting the Approach Trail on Monday, January 3rd.Here is my rough schedule for the first month in case anyone would like to keep track:Jan 3rd - StartJan 8th - Hiawassee (overnight at Hiawassee Inn)Jan 13th - NOC (will check for any items sent)Jan 17th - Pick up mail drop at Fontana Dam Post OfficeJan 24th - Overnight at Standing Bear hostelJan 27th - Will check for mail at Hot Springs Post OfficeI'll post entries here as often as possible. You can also email me at mark.ogle1@verizon.net and I'll check and respond.Best wishes to everyone whether you are hiking with your feet or in your head.
Date: 2005-01-03
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the Approach Trail at 9:50am and completed the trip to Stover Creek Shelter at 5:10pm. Total of 11.4 miles but only 2.5 are on the Trail, itself.Today was the first of a number of warm weather days - highs in the 60's and mostly sunny. Met two local hikers on the approach trail and a father and two daughters while stopped at Springer Mountain. The register on Springer Mountain shows there are several thru-hikers who started on the 1st. Plus some others who were kind enough to bring some drinks and eats to the peak for a New Years celebration. A lot of congrats go out to those who were kind enough to do so.FYI - The US 42 parking lot near the Springer summit is now FREE to park at. I know that last year that site was a pay site for those who came up to Springer in a vehicle. But they have reverted back to free parking for now.Overall, a good first day. My one liter Platypus got a hole in it and don't think it can be repaired. I'll pick up a fruit drink bottle down the road as a replacement.Weather is supposed to be good for at least the next week.Pack is carrying 30 pounds without any problem. Very comfortable. It is a challenge to fit all my winter gear and food inside. Am using the outside pockets and lashing bulky items to exterior straps. Looks like I brought too much food and have enough to go to Hiawassee, where I should be by Saturday or Sunday.It is totally dark by 5:30pm and have to use head lamp to cook dinner/clean up/etc. Works fine, just don't know how many batteries I will have to go through. (Not many, as it turned out).Tight schedule ahead to get to shuttle at Dick's Creek Gap by 3pm Saturday. Will have to average abouit 13 miles per day. Will try to leave a bit earlier in the mornings - say 9am. I'm terrible about getting up in the mornings.