morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-17
To: Traci's Bulletin Board
Miles today: 0.0

I spent the day in surgery at Washington County Hospital and was blown away by a bulletin board that Traci Snodderly had put together in the Operating Room. Several months ago Traci heard of my hike and volunteered to take care of some publicity and fundraising aspects of the hike. After I formally presented the Free Hike to the OR Staff I gave Traci an AT map that she could use to track my progress. To my surprise she put together an entire bulletin board about the hike.
Date: 2006-02-19
To: Last Training Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Took my last training hike today with a short 6.2 mile hike back up to High Rock. It was clear but quite cold. On my way back down I stopped at Devil¢s Racecourse Shelter and set up camp. I hung my hammock, spread out my sleeping bag, unpacked my gear, and hung out recumbent thinking how great this all is. I am physically and mentally prepared for this jaunt in the woods. Last week was one of melancholy for both Jennel and me. Now I am pumped and I think Jennel is ready for us to move on. Rock on!
Date: 2006-02-22
To: Five Days
Miles today: 0.0

As my start date approaches (Feb 27) I am metamorphosing back to my granola/skater ways. I am saying "dude," "rock on," and "stoked" like a punk teen. Slang better illustrates my excitement.We made a run to the store and picked up the food with which I'll leave. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be made up of any combination of gorp, pop tarts, pepperoni, snickers, PB&J, bagels, deer bologna, oat meal and granola bars, dried fruit, multivitamins, and ibuprophen. Aqua Mira laced water with a Prevacid will wash it down and keep it down. Gnarly!
Date: 2006-02-23
To: Trinkets
Miles today: 0.0

I am being sent onto the trail with some trinkets to remember the family at home. These, I¢m sure, will be the most pleasurable ounces I¢ll carry. My son gave me one of his squishy dinosaurs, my daughter gave me one of her hair doodads, my wife gave me heart-shaped material sprayed with her perfume and a laminated picture of the three of them.
Date: 2006-02-24
To: Super-PAC
Miles today: 0.0

The rascals at Robinwood Orthopedics could not just let me walk out of the office and onto the trail. Oh...no. There was a big send off luncheon, mushy comments, gifts and cards, and all kinds of ways to turn me into a blushing, self-conscious dweeb. The kicker was the t-shirts. Patti Demory evidently designed these red "Superpac" t-shirts which the entire staff wore today. The front says "Robinwood Orthopaedic Specialty Center supports Ken Berry, Super-PAC, Bone Pac 2006, Appalachian Trail" The back has a guy of my likeness with hiking boots and a walking stick walking up the trail. Of course he is in a Superman tights and a cape. I hope to make ROS proud! I am humbled (and more than a little embarassed) by their attention.
Date: 2006-02-25
To: Departing Thank Yous
Miles today: 0.0

As I set off on this "Free Hike" I must make it clear to all that despite the fact I am setting off on this hike alone there are multitudes of folks that have sacrificed to allow me to do this.The single most important person that I can't begin to adequately thank is Jennel. She is a fantastic wife and an extraordinary woman. Her sacrifice cannot be overstated.Of course I must thank my kids who I will miss and who will miss me.A huge thank you to Robinwood Orthopedics for allowing me to take a leave of absence to persue this dream of mine. There are many folks who have to drag themselves out of bed to get to a job they dread; that is not the case for me. I enjoy my career and the wonderful people with whom I work.Thanks to the Community Free Clinic for the work they do and the added incentive they provide to complete my hike. I am proud to be contributing to its longevity.Thanks to the donors, pledgers, and supporters.Thanks to my colleagues, friends, family, community.Now let's thru-hike this Appalachian Trail together! Heading North tomorrow.
Date: 2006-02-26
From: Springer Mtn, GA

To: Stover Creek Shelter, GA
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

Georgia greeted me with open arms. It was a beautiful clear day and Jennel, the kids, and my parents summitted Springer with me. Because it was late in the day I promptly headed North. I got to Stover Creek Shelter at dusk. The hardest part of the day was watching the family drive off.
Date: 2006-02-27
From: Stover Creek Shelter, GA

To: Woody Gap, GA
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The night was very cold. I arrived to Stover Creek at dusk and there just isn't much to do after dark at a shelter. Four other guys were at the shelter and we all cashed in at about 7:30pm. I was not tired and just laid there for hours. I dozed on and off throughout the night. I got out of my bag at both 12:30am and 4:30am to get moving just to get warm. Instead of jumping back into my bag at 4:30am I packed up and headlamped it for 1 1/2 hours. Because of my early start I got to Gooch (my intended destination) at noon. No way am I hanging around camp for the rest of the day and night, so I packed up again. At Woody Gap I was picked up by Leigh of the Hiker Hostel. I wasn't planning on a 17+ mile day but it was great. Feet, legs, and knees feel great. I do have a touch of what hikers call "monkey butt." You will not find it in any medical text but it is the circular chafing of the posterior caused by the seem of pants/shorts. If you experienced it you know exactly what "monkey butt" is. I look forward to seeing Jennel tomorrow for our scheduled rondezvous.P.S. Happy 33rd Birthday to me.
Date: 2006-02-28
From: Woody Gap, GA

To: Neel's Gap, GA
Miles today: 10.6

Blood! The word for the day was blood. I slept like a baby at the Hiker Hostel. After reading some email and updating my journal I simply could not keep my eyes open, therefore I would take a short nap before making my dinner. It was about 7:30pm. I woke up at 6:30am. I don't think I moved all night. Jennel got word to me that she would meet me at Neel's Gap which was great news. I packed up and was back on the trail at about 8am but left without checking my water quantity. Up the trail, sure enough, I ran out of water. After consulting my data book, my only water source was at the base of Blood Mtn. Finally, I got to the stream but had to wait 30 minutes for my chemical purifier to work before I could get a much needed drink. A hiking group (the Mtn High Hikers) came along while my water was being treated and I must have looked pretty pathetic because they gave me a huge apple, grapes, crackers, and a candy bar. The purifying time went by much faster eating. Thanks MHH. Then, Blood Mtn! Now I have read much about the AT and there are many mountains that get the respect of many hikers and get singled out by name (i.e. Tray, Big Bald, Clingmans Dome, Washington, etc) but I don't remember Blood. I got worked by Blood! When the ascent begins with stairs you know it is going to be tough. I took a picture of myself smiling at the top I was so happy to have made it. Then there was the descent! I got my first blisters not on my feet but my thumbs. Me and my trekking poles were flailing all over the place. I would have been more graceful if the mountain just balled me up and tossed me down the trail. I can see Blood giving folks second thoughts about thru-hiking. Blood Mtn - glad to be past that big fella. I met up with my wonderful wife at Neel's Gap. We drove to town so I could get some resupplies. We bought pizza and shacked up in a dive in Cleveland, GA
Date: 2006-03-01
From: Neel's Gap, GA

To: Low Gap, GA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Jennel at Neel's Gap this morning for her long drive back home to Maryland and my long walk back home to Maryland via Maine. I hope she makes it safely. I am the first hiker to Low Gap Shelter. I put in a tough 10+ mile day and arrived at about 2:30pm. It was too late to make it to the next shelter and I was beat. I purified water and have started a fire. I am waiting to see if anyone else will join me. I liken my waiting to waiting for dinner guests; you clean up, prepare a meal, start a warm cozy fire wondering if the guests will keep the date. I know of no one planning to stop at Low and haven't run in to many Thrus. I bought some groceries yesterday with my ROS Debit Card. Thanks girls!
Date: 2006-03-02
From: Low Gap, GA

To: Deep Gap, GA
Miles today: 22.0

I was ultimately joined by three wonderful Southern gentlemen from Alabama at Low Gap so my guest preparations were not in vain. Gear Guy, Rocket and A-hole (so named by the other two on short notice) are on a 4 day section hike. I laughed into the night with these guys. Rocket snored so loud that A-hole camped away from the shelter just to get away from him. In the morning they sent me off with luck and a packet of salmon. They said I better finish my thru or they'll come to Hagerstown and tell everybody that they are friends of mine. Now there is motivation. Today I put in my biggest miles yet securing my first 1% day. The 22 miles were very hard with tough ups and tough downs. Got into Deep Gap at dusk and it was none too soon for my feet.
Date: 2006-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well this really isn¢t my thing but I figured that there may be a few folks who are watching and wondering ¢where on the trail is Ken?¢ As of Wednesday morning I left Ken who was heading north from Neel¢s Gap, which is 30.5 miles from Springer. He was happy, healthy, and having fun. He was also ahead of schedule. He called me this afternoon/evening. I got that it was Ken but was not able to get where he was and then the signal faded. While I was there the coverage was terrible. So this is why there haven¢t been the updates. I¢m sure his intention was to update almost every day. There may be a mass update when he gets to a place with any kind of substantial signal. Hope this is helpful to those interested. We¢ll do our best to keep you up to date on the happenings of Ken aka Bone Pac.                                                The Support Team, Mrs.Bone Pac
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Deep Gap, GA

To: Muskrat Creek, NC
Miles today: 15.1

Stayed at Deep Gap with Taco, Pyro, and Grizzley. For those of you who think I am out walking in the woods for the fun of it, I'll have you know that I am conducting intense scientific research. I have developed hypotheses: Hiking causes foot pain.The more the hiking the more the foot pain.Going down sharp inclines greatly increases foot pain.Foot pain is masked by heavy breathing and gluteal, soleus, and other pains when going up sharp inclines. I will continue to test my hypotheses in the days ahead. Entered North Carolina today. Georgia treated me well and I appreciate her hospitality. Whereas Georgia greeted me with open arms, North Carolina tested my resolve right away with huge climbs right over the border. My feet were so sore I cut short my day at 15.1 miles. Looks to be a real cold night. Thanks to the trail angel at US 76 who gave me the apple, lemonade, and whoopi pie.
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Muskrat Creek, NC

To: Big Spring, NC
Miles today: 19.3

Last night taught me that I do in fact have to replace Jennel for another sleeping partner: my water bladder. It was very cold last night and my my water bladder was frozen and the hydration tube was solid ice. I had to hike with it under my fleece for about two hours before I could get water through it. Rambler, Bigfoot, John, and P-something were all at the shelter with me. My foot pain experimentation is ongoing. I made a new discovery. My hat has a pulse! I blew it off at first but with each successive climb I am noticing it more and more. If I stop my gasping for air long enough sure enough there it is; the boom boom boom of my hat. The Appalachian Trail: the trail of scientific discovery. Shacking up at Big Spring Shelter tonight. Looks to definitely be another cold one tonight. Looking forward to going into the town of Franklin tomorrow for a resupply, call to Jennel, shower, and warm bed. I hope to update all my trail journals while in Franklin as I have lousy to no coverage on trail. Thanks to the trail angel that left a Coke at Deep Gap (USFS 71) for me.Happy Birthday to my sister Krista/i. Another beautiful day today and because the climbs were not so acute I was able to put in some good miles despite my foot pain. I've got a dose of tendinitis primarily effecting my EHL. Every time I lift my big toe a zinger goes across my MTP joint and the dorsum of my foot. This pain is greatly exacerbated by the decelerations of downs. Every other part of my body is enjoying the trek. My foot just hasn't decided it's having fun yet, but it'll come around. Made a huge summit to the top of Albert Mtn (5250 ft). You don't hike to the top; you rock climb. At the top is an observation tower which I climbed. It was probably built by the forest service ages ago 'cause it is old and rickety. I was shaking like a leaf on this thing but knew I would probably never be back. Beautiful view, took pics, and scurried back down. I arrived to Big Spring Shelter and there was a spat going on between two guys over hairdos, alcohol stoves, and I don't know what all, but I was not getting involved so I built a fire. Gary stayed and Matthewsky left. Seems the fight has been going on for days. Weird. Taco, Minnesota Smith, Gary, and myself were all at the shelter.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Big Spring, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

I got on the trail early this morning so that I could catch the 11am shuttle to the town of Franklin from Winding Stair Gap. Caught up with Matthewsky on trail and he was still fuming over his fight with Gary. A group of college campers gave me a Snickers bar which is a fast way to make a friend with a hiker. Thanks. Dave picked me and Matthewsky up and brought us into Franklin. Ahhh, Franklin. Sheets, laundry, food, phone, etc. Got my room and jumped immediately into the shower. Saw myself in the mirror for the first time in about a week - yep, still ugly. I put on my rain gear and stuffed every article of clothing I have into a stuff sack and went to the coin laundry. Forty minutes and $4.00 later I was a new, fresh guy feeling quite rejuvenated. Ate at Subway and went grocery shopping for my 6 day resupply. The food should last me to Fontana Dam (just prior to The Smokies). Talked with Jennel for about an hour and all is going well with her and the family. I look forward to seeing her again in Gatlinburg. Over 100 miles in! I will update when I can. Thanks for the email, love, and support!
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring, NC
Miles today: 15.8

Ron, the owner of the budget inn, drove me back to Winding Stair Gap at 9:45am. Another beautiful day on the trail. I'm catching up with Thrus that left before me. There are all kinds of folks out on the trail - a variety of ages and backgrounds. Of the folks I have met the youngest fella has been 19 and oldest 70 and the youngest woman 24 and oldest early sixties. Folks are dropping out. Injuries aplenty - mostly blisters, knees, and fatigue.Met a great trail angel today. This guy drives from Texas every year to camp out for two weeks and give passing Thrus "trail magic." He has a huge tent. I was hiking along and he invited me to have a soda and Resees. Sat down and chatted. Thanks to Apple the Trail Angel
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Cold Spring, NC

To: NOC, NC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to snow. Trekked all day to reach the NOC for a shower. I'm working on verse memorization while on the trail. Seeing so many folks leaving the trail prematurely (Stumpknocker was forced off trail today after taking a bad spill and now cannot move his left arm. Sounds like either a proximal humerus fracture or rotator cuff tear) keeps one verse inparticular running through my mind. Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Matthewsky bought me dinner this evening. I had the all you can eat taco bar. My appitite is increasing and I am beginning to knock off that extra 15 lbs I packed on prior to setting off. Matthewsky, Julie Ann, Dreamer and I are together at the NOC and have been together for the past couple of days.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: NOC, NC

To: Brown Fork, NC
Miles today: 16.0

My hardest day yet. I have had some difficult climbs but today I had two long sustained climbs bookending my 16 mile day. The NOC sits at 1740 ft and it took me 4.5 hours to reach Cheoah Bald summit at 5062 ft. Many more ups and downs were finally capped by a painful climb from NC Route 143. I called it quits at 4:30 and set up camp at Brown Fork Gap. I'll bet no one else will put in that many miles coming out of the NOC so I'll be alone tonight. Heading to Fontana tomorrow which puts me at the base of the Smokies. Yeehaw!
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Brown Fork, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was alone last night and except for to mice rumaging around on my pack in the middle of the night all was uneventful.I've been thinking about it for three days but have been hesitant to say it. I can't stand it anymore. So I'm coming right out with it. North Carolina is way harder than Georgia. I haven't wanted to upset any Georgians out there but really their mountains need to be downgraded to 7/10 from 8/10. NC can definitely hold its 8/10 status. North Carolinians grow their mountains large and they enjoy showing them off - by making hikers hike every last one of them. And you can't just cruise along the side, bouncing from mountain to mountain. No. You must hike to the tippy, tippy top and down to the very, very bottom then back to the tippy, tippy top again. It takes hours to get anywhere because you're always going vertical.I made it to Fontana Dam. Start the Smokies tomorrow. Oh, and by the way, its straight up. Thank you NC.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Derrick Knob, NC
Miles today: 23.0

Jennel is either trying to motivate me or kill me. I finally found a working phone at the vistors ctr at Fontana Dam. I said to her, "I'll be able to meet you at Newfound Gap (Smokies) on Sunday."To which she responded, "Oh...(pause)...I'm planning on coming down tomorrow.""I am at Fontana Dam," I say."It's only 40 miles." she saysOf course I'm thinking that I've got to hike 40 miles in two days and I'm down at Fontana Dam and have to get up into the Smokies where I will climb numerous mountains including Clingman's Dome which is the highest mountain (6643 ft) of the entire Appalachian Trail."I'll be there about five tomorrow." I say.Now I'm hikin' like a madman.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Derrick Knob, NC

To: Newfound Gap, TN
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was able to complete the 40 mile task that Jennel set before me these last two days and I met her at Newfound Gap at about 5:30pm. I definitely need a zero day.Stayed last night with Messenger and Braveheart I'm over 200 miles!
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Newfound Gap, TN

To: Tri-corner Shelter, TN
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got into Tri-corner just before it started pouring. A huge front came in and there was power behind it. I was with two thrus (Walt and Brian) and a trail/shelter maintanence crew of nearly a dozen. Winds, thunder, lightning, heavy rains and hail kept us all up for hours. The hail hitting the corregated tin roof was deafening. I was sure a blow-down would take at least half of us out. Except for my food bag being saturated (it was hung on the bear cables outside) all was intact and dry.Lots of ice and snow on the trail made for difficult hiking.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Tri-corner Shelter

To: Waterville School Road, TN
Miles today: 18.1

It was cold on the mountains today. The front that blew in was a cold one and I wore more clothes hiking today than I usually do and I never got completely warm. Mostly down today and as I sit here I can feel the day in my quads. Alas, I am out of the Smokies. Staying the night at Standing Bear Hiker Hostel tonight. The mountains won't be quite as big for a while so I should be able to put in some big mile days.Staying here with Wayfarer.Thanks to the trail angel (Ice Cream 2002) who left the case of Mountain Dew on ice at the steps of Waterville School Road.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Waterville School Road, TN

To: Roaring Fork, TN
Miles today: 15.1

Forget what I said about putting in high miles after the Smokies. I had a couple of long mountain climbs that prevented that from happening - Snowbird Mtn and Max Patch. I've got another good climb tomorrow prior to reaching Hot Springs."Ken, why is it all you talk about is climbing mountains," you ask?Buddy, because that is all I do! I do have a prediction on the NCAA tourney (that's not mountains), though. Go Jayhawks!
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Roaring Fork, TN

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the evening yesterday cutting up with Brian and Walt. Both are Thrus and this is the second time we met up on trail. It is fun to exchange notes on all the hikers we have passed or have passed us. It is a complex game of "telephone" or a weird gossip network. No phones, no TV, no anything - just laughing at each other and other hikers.Hiked all day to make it into Hot Springs for a resupply, shower, library computer time, laundry, phone, etc. Hot Springs is surrounded by mountains and you view the town literally from thousands of feet up and then descend upon it. As I hiked down switchback after switchback to get to town I imagined a coversation between a resident small child and mother:"There's another one, Mommy.""Yes, honey. They're called hikers and they come from the high places all around here. Most are in search of food and showers. They are very strange but are generally harmless. I want you to stay away from them as they are very bad smelling. Don't worry. They come every afternoon and evening but leave back to the mountains in the morning leaving behind lots of money."
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel, TN
Miles today: 19.6

Awesome trail magic today! I am nearing the end of my day with about six miles left to go when I see a sign from Trail Angels Hercules and Fal giving notice to all long distance hikers to follow directions to their house for a meal. It was exceptional! They served me homemade wheat bread, Belgian waffles, pork stew, Coke, and a huge bananna split. As I was eating we were joined by Jason, Jessica, and Jolly Green Giant who were all served with large amounts of food. Thank you Hercules and Fal. I appreciate your hospitality, grace, ministry, and food.Prior to the visit to Hercules and Fal's home the day was spent climbing out of Hot Springs. There are great blazes, signs, and crosswalks that tell you you are on the trail going in to town but leaving the markings are not as obvious. One has to wonder if Hot Springs wants you to stay. Anyway, I got off trail a couple of times and misdirected but eventually got on my way.Oh, did I say I left Hot Springs with a belly full of eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, OJ, and chocolate milk? Awesome!
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Little Laurel, TN

To: Hogback Ridge, NC
Miles today: 21.5

Big hiking day today - 21.5 miles. Not much else. Jolly Green Giant thinks I should write about how I pawned off my near empty jelly bottle on him to pack out. Hey, he liked the looks of my jelly and I was out of bagels. Big Bald Mtn tomorrow. Town of Erwin the day after.
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Hogback Ridge, NC

To: No Business Knob, TN
Miles today: 20.6

Spent all morning climbing Big Bald. He is just that - Big and Bald. A frustrating aspect of climbing these balds is that you work very hard to summit them, sweat is pouring off you, then you reach the top and there are gale force winds cutting right through you. You spent all that time and effort climbing in hopes of standing (or sitting) and enjoying the view. Instead you rush off the mountain before the wind turns you into a popsicle.It was beautiful up there on Big Bald.The rest of the day was spent hiking in order to get in spitting distance of the town of Erwin. I'd like to get in town early so I can spend much of the afternoon and evening recuperating. Feet are swollen and I have a nice ingrown toenail so the feet could use the time.