morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-10-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well dear reader, it is well past the time for me to put fingers to keyboard and close this journal. It pains me to do so. I so do not want this journey to be over. Whenever I think about it being over I am filled with a sinking feeling I can only describe as dread. I do not want this thing to be over! I'm back to living my normal life, which I sometimes missed so much while hiking and now seems devoid of challenge and excitement.Perhaps I was foolish in putting so much stock in hiking the Appalachian Trail. It certainly became an obsession with me, and occupied so much of my time even when not hiking. Anyway, enough of this, I'm being too morose. Let me focus on the journey itself.I have been asked what my favorite state is. To this question, I must answer Maine. It is a land of wonders. The trail is a mix of easy and hard goings. Straight-up climbs and flat meanderings, moss covered rocks and beautiful ponds, and challenging fords.   Avery peak and the Bigelows were perhaps my favorite views. And of course Katahdin which will always be a special place. I've been asked to what was my favorite area or part of the trail. To this, I must answer the Grayson Highlands in Virginia with the wild ponies and barren highlands. My favorite spots in respect to views also include McAfee knob, Charlie's bunion, and of course Avery peak. And then there is the wildlife. Encounters with deer snakes, including timber rattlers, black rat snakes ,copperheads, blue racers, indigo, black snakes, ribbon snakes and garter snakes, toads , turtles, frogs, newts, coyotes, moose, moths, mosquitoes, ponies and even a horse, and several moose, are among the most cherished memories. Oh yeah, there was a beaver in Virginia. Grouse in Maine. I saw wild turkeys in Pennsylvania. A skunk in Georgia. Squirrels eating pinecones Maine, chipmunks in every state I think.And of course the people. Wow, the people. I could go on about the people for days. They are really something to talk about. Without my experiences with people, I never would have done this trail. I'd like to thank you dear reader and all the others who have signed the guestbook. I must give a special thank you to all the trail angels both those I've met and those you simply are nice enough to leave goodies on the side of the trail.I doubt my love affair with the trail is over. I'm sure I'll be back again. I doubt I'll ever actually do it thru hike. I just don't have the stamina for such an undertaking. However, I'm sure I'll be back.Love to all,
Date: 2015-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Several years ago during a vacation in the Smokies in the early spring, my husband and I drove up to Newfound Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses through the parking lot. It was freezing cold with snow and ice on the ground and a strong biting wind that was blowing fiercely. I got out of the car and started down the AT just to say that I had been on it. Something magical happened to me during that very short hike. It (the AT) gave me chills, and not because of the weather. It sucked me in and stole my heart. It didn¢t want to let me go. Even though I was freezing, I didn¢t want to stop because I felt like I belonged there. It understood me. I sensed a buzzing of all the souls that had passed through there, and I was now one with them. Ever since that day, I¢ve had a deep longing to be there. It daily pulls at me and wants me to come back. Sure, there are lots of other really cool trails, but the AT is special. It wants me. I can¢t explain it to a ¢non-believer¢, but I feel it in my heart.I¢m going to do a section hike - Amicalola SP to NOC. Chris (my husband) and I fly to Atlanta May 7 and we plan to do the Approach Trail that day. I hear it¢s brutal. I can¢t wait. :-)
Date: 2015-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I hit the trail one month from today!! I¢ve noticed that more of my time is spent on the details of gear and food preparation, and I need to work harder at making sure that I keep hiking to stay in shape for the trail. I¢m hiking with a backpack full of birdseed to simulate the weight of all my gear (that is still spread out all over the bedroom)! My spreadsheet has every item with it¢s weight, and I constantly try to figure out how to pare it down to the lowest possible weight burden to my back. My itinerary has daily destination goals, mileage info, food lists, and resupply info. I¢ve contacted the places where I will send my resupply boxes, and checked on places to get a shower. But WHOA! Back up a bit. My number one concern is that I have a meaningful experience with this hike. I know that I must deal with the details in order to do that, but I¢m sure that when I actually hit the trail, all of those things will be forgotten and just fall into place (IF I have done them correctly). I look forward to making discoveries, learning lessons, and meeting new friends; in other words, keeping an open mind, letting God show me new things with each sunrise, and marveling at His creation.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

Chris (hubby) and I hopped out of bed at 3am, drove to the Indianapolis airport, got on a plane to Atlanta, rented a car, and drove to Amicalola State Park. We went to the visitors center, signed the hiker log, took the obligatory pictures at the archway to the Approach Trail, put our backpacks on, and started to hike. We left at 12:45, just as the 80 degree sun was getting into 'bear down' mode. This was not good because I had sweat running down my back before the first 50 yards of trail. I've heard that the Approach Trail is strenuous, but believe me, this gives a whole new meaning to 'strenuous'! It was a painful 8.8 miles straight up with several water sources that were bone dry. On the positive side, the falls at the beginning of the trail were spectacular and made the trail worthwhile. We also met some VERY interesting people. My complaint is that we walked the most strenuous 8.8 miles of my life and it doesn't count as Appalachian Trail miles because it just takes you to the beginning of the AT up on top of Springer Mountain. Sigh. So we're hiking in Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. Isn't this where they film 'The Walking Dead'? So I not only need to watch out for tics, snakes, and bears, but zombies too! At least I carry a hiking pole to spear their heads. Oh, we made it to Springer Mountain and took the also obligatory pictures at the beginning of the trail.   Then we continued on to Springer Mountain Shelter campsite where we set up camp while it rained on us. Quickie dinner, then we passed out from exhaustion.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: scattered clouds

After a cold, restless, rainy night spent in the tent, we got up, filtered our water for the day, retrieved our food bag from the bear poles and ate a nutritious breakfast of cold pop tarts, hard boiled eggs, and super beets. Yum. Breakfast of champions.We hiked back to Springer Mountain to say goodbye and pray together. Chris was going back down to leave and go visit relatives while I continue on. It was so hard to say goodbye.The trail was busier today because a lot of cheaters actually drove up to the top of Springer instead of hiking the approach trail. I'll try not to mention that they are cheaters and pansies again, but it might just slip out. Once again it was a sunny warm day but there were plenty of water sources. The trail even followed a stream for several miles and I love the sounds, smells, and cool breezes. The dirt sparkles here. It looks like a little diamonds in the dirt but it's just flecks of mica. It even makes the rocks sparkle. I got a close-up view of the dirt when I twisted my left ankle and fell on my knees. It's okay. I rubbed some dirt on it even though I'm already covered with dirt. And I went through a section of pine forest where the aroma just about knocked me over!I really enjoyed talking with the hikers that I met on the trail today. They are all such terrific people! And most of them will be staying at the shelter where I plan to camp tonight. I got to Hawk mountain shelter about 4 o'clock, erected my tent - then I immediately crawled inside for a quick nap, after which I filtered water, cooked dinner, and hung my food bag on the bear poles. About 5:30 it started to rain and thunder really hard. I guess it will be another wet cold night inside my light little tent
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up this morning to some kind of animals howling and whooping at each other. And then the birds started and there was no going back to sleep. Everything was wet from last night, including my one and only pair of pants. Still no service on my phone to let anybody know I'm okay, and I can't update my trail journal! But you know what? I'm hiking the AT, so everything is good.At first the trail went down a bit, but then I had to climb up Sassafras mountain(where the singing birds were amazing)then go down and back up Justus mountain. At the top of Justus, I got enough phone signal to call Chris and let him know I'm doing great. Unfortunately, the signal only lasted a minute.I made it to Gooch mountain shelter by 2:30! I must hike faster than I thought. There were four of us that fixed hot food and chatted about our progress. I've been concerned about the fact that I've had no appetite and have had to force myself to eat, but I found out that one of the guys is having the same problem. I fixed mashed potatoes and chicken and ate more than I expected to eat. I must be adjusting to the stress I'm putting my body through.At 3:30, one of the guys decided to hike another 8 miles and try to get into town before the pizza place closes. Good luck!Someone mentioned that Deliverance was filmed about 10 miles from here, and now everyone keeps singing banjo noises. Will it ever stop?I also talked to a guy from Ireland that gave me some great places to hike when Chris and I go to Ireland for our anniversary.It clouded up and started to rain again. Yippee.Tomorrow I will hike five miles to Woody gap, then into the town of Suches to resupply and buy a shower. I reek!
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0

It poured rain all night until about 5 AM. I woke up several times to sop up water inside. My tent was covered with mud, leaves, and one end had a big puddle on top of it. Everything is soaked.Hiking was the usual up and down today. The views from Ramrock mountain were gorgeous! It was a 5 mile stretch of no water, so I filtered almost two liters before I left. Halfway up Ramrock I went to drink from my platypus, but I got only gurgles and air. The water had all leaked out. The bottom of my backpack and my pants were soaked with it, but I hadn't noticed because everything was already wet from the rain. I hiked with no water.When I arrived at Woody gap (which turned out to be a busy parking lot for a recreation area), I sat down on a rock. I must've looked thirsty because a woman walked over with a bottle of water and said, "Could you use a cold drink of water? Could I be your trail angel?" I almost kissed her. Her husband gave me a cup of ice. God is good, isn't he? This nice couple was here on vacation from Michigan, and they have kids that live in Fishers and Muncie. Small world isn't it? She always wanted to hike the trail, but she has foot problems. Next best thing is being a trail angel and helping hikers.I went to the Hiker Hostel to pick up my resupply box, take a shower, dry out my gear, and get a pizza for dinner. I love that place! They are the best! But as nice as they are, I'm anxious to get back on the trail. I have the dreaded Blood Mountain to cross next!
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Woody Gap

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

What a great day! Hiker Hostel should change their name to Hiker Heaven. I started out well rested, well fed, dry, and clean. Life doesn't get any better.Started hiking at Woody Gap where I left off yesterday and continued north. A couple miles in, I stumbled and twisted my right ankle really bad. I heard it crunch as it rolled. I rested a bit, then decided to get to the next stream and soak it in cold running water. When I arrived at the stream, I stuck my hiking pole in the ground to walk down, and startled a big snake that went slithering into the water. Don't ask me what kind it was, because my mind was in panic mode and happened too fast. Needless to say, the stream idea was out and I took two vitamin I (ibuprofen) tablets instead. As I moved north I ran into less and less people. Most hikers I've met were getting off trail at Jarrald Gap and detouring around Blood Mountain for two reasons. One, it's a wicked hike up. Two, it's an 'excessive bear activity' area and regulations require a bear resistant food canister if you are staying overnight. Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law, Barb, I got the required bear container for Christmas, and I was able to head UP the mountain instead of around.It was a very spiritual climb for me today. I was all alone and I sensed God's arms around me, keeping me safe. As I climbed, I saw changes. The types of trees changed, the groundcover vegetation changed, the types of flowers changed (and yes I stopped to take pictures of all of them), and the birds and the bird songs changed. But everything was beautiful. Every bit of God's creation is beautiful. I spent quite a bit of time thanking Him.Of course the moment was broken when it suddenly clouded over and there was loud thunder. I said aloud, "Seriously God? Again with the rain?" Fortunately it just sprinkled a little, then the sun was back.I made it to Woods Hole shelter, a small hike off trail. There was no one there and it seemed a bit creepy, but I didn't really have the energy to move on. It's early and I'm sure other hikers will arrive soon.Tomorrow I go over the top of Blood Mountain!
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Wood's Hole Shelter

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a very difficult challenge. I was the one and only person at the Woods Hole shelter last night. Creepy. I set out to finish my trek up Blood mountain. When I arrived, no one was there except two guys that were still asleep in the shelter and I didn't bother them because there were beer cans all over. I took a ton of vista pictures because it was gorgeous, even though it was cloudy and raining. (Surprise, surprise.) On the way down Blood mountain, I started getting nauseous. I had to run off into the bushes twice with diarrhea, and it took all my energy away. I started the zombie shuffle down the mountain. It seemed like 50 miles before I got down to Neels gap. That's the place where the AT actually goes through the middle of an old historic building that is now an outfitter store. I went in and got a Coke and talked to the employees about my problem. They had a couple suggestions: maybe it was a tick bite I got 3-4 days ago, or maybe it was water that I didn't filter correctly. I could only wait and see.I left and did the zombie shuffle for half a mile, then stopped and cooked some instant mashed potatoes and chicken for lunch. It really helped. I also made sure to drink plenty of water.A couple miles later, the water became a problem. Two water sources were dry and I was really low. I got to where I had planned to stop for the night and the water source was dry there too. You'd think that there would be plenty of water because of all the rain, right? At one point I asked God if He could do the fish and loaves thing with my water. I had to laugh when I sucked on the hose and got a mouthful of water! It wasn't much, but it was enough.I was forced to be flexible and look for water AND a new place to spend the night. Twice I went off trail to find water and the sources were puny and took a long time to filter. It was frustrating.I headed for the Whitley gap shelter. I was beyond exhausted when I got to the turn off, then realized that I had to take this trail 1.2 miles to get to the shelter! I was not happy, but since I hadn't seen any people in the last 36 hours except Neels Gap, I was hungry for hiker conversation. Unfortunately when I got there, the place was empty and I had to go another 0.3 miles for water. Ugh.I miss hubby, I reek, and I lost my sunglasses in the bushes of one of my diarrhea runs. Oh, and I'm about out of TP. I don't have a square to spare.I'm sure I'll be smiling again in the morning, won't I?
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Site of former Rocky Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5

About 1 am this morning, the wind started. (It was about the same time some unknown animal stopped screeching.)   It sounded like I was in a huge bowl and the wind circled around and around. It would blow like crazy, then pass, and I could follow it by the sounds in the trees. It would circle around and blow the tent like crazy again. At 2 am my tent gave up and one side caved in on me. It was really cold and windy outside and I could still breathe, so I went back to sleep with the pole on top of me. Heavy sigh. Got up, ate breakfast, broke camp, and started hiking. There weren't any spectacular views today because the leaves are coming out more and blocking the view of the mountains. Today was a 'stare ahead and move you feet' kind of day.   I'm getting better at frequent rests to keep the feet happy. Once again this afternoon, I ran dangerously low on water. According to the guide book, I would be going five miles without water - and it was a really hot sunny day with lots of mountain climbing. Yikes! I finally found a big rock wall that was dripping water. I took my bag and caught the drips, then filtered it. It took a long time, but it worked!Today I hiked more miles than my original plan. I wanted to get close to the road crossing that goes to Unicoi Gap because I have a resupply there tomorrow. I want to get there early and get some good food, shower, and rest.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Site of former Rocky Knob Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 3.4

It was unusually quiet last night. I didn't hear any animals unless you count bugs. I could even hear my heart beat. Needless to say, I slept like a rock. Today I go to town.I only had to hike 3.4 miles to get to the road crossing this morning but it was very difficult. The trail was all big rocks in some stretches and it bothered my right ankle. (It's swelling up again.) In other areas, the trail was smooth and I scooted along quickly. I had what I call 'metronome legs'. My song of choice today was 'Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth'. (The real title is probably shorter, but that is the first line anyway.) While I sing, my legs are the metronome. Of course the song is in 6/8 but my legs took it in 2 (for you music gurus). I did great until I forgot the words and had to nn, nn, nnn through the song. At least my legs kept going.At the road crossing, I found several cars from local people hiking. I asked some guy which direction it was to Hiawassee, but he was from Pennsylvania and clueless. Did I mention that Hiawassee was 11 miles away? Another car pulled in a few minutes later and stopped. I walked over and asked him which way, and he pointed in the direction his car was pointed. "Any chance you're going there?" He said he was there to pick up some hikers and take them to Neels gap, but he lived in Hiawassee and was going there after. I just looked at him.... Finally he said, "OK I can take you." YES!! I said, "I don't smell very good." He said, "I know. I'm ready for you." He held up a bottle of cologne. It turned out to be a really nice hour drive through the mountains and Sam had some great hiker stories. For six years, he and his partner had actually owned the hotel where I was going. It broke his heart but the new owner didn't care for the place like he had done.I had a resupply box here, so it was a busy afternoon of sorting food, doing laundry, taking a much-needed shower, and eating food that hadn't been dehydrated first. It seems like I've walked more in town than I did on the trail!
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

ZERO (Zero mile day)I spent the day packing this next week's food, resting my ankle, and forwarding my resupply box on to my next stop - Franklin, North Carolina. Also hit Daniel's AYCE (all you can eat). I highly recommend the place. Thanks for all your prayers and messages. I can feel God holding me in His hands. I feel a closer relationship with Him than I've ever felt. There is an unceasing conversation going on and it's apparent that He is my constant companion I depend on Him for everything, including my next drink of water. This has really been a life-changing experience.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Hiawassee

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was hard. When I look at my map, I can see that I occasionally went down with mostly ups, but it felt like I did nothing but go up! I was well hydrated from being in town yesterday so I was soaked in sweat all day too. Not long after a road crossing, I passed a couple that were out for the weekend. They both had backpacks, but from behind her rhinestone studded sunglasses she was wailing because it was too hard, and she was waving her long manicured nails in the air like she was trying to dry them. I thought about slowing down and watching the drama but decided I was probably just being nasty. I quickly passed and didn't even glance at the poor man. (And let me say that there is nothing wrong with big heavy rhinestone studded sunglasses! They're just a bit inappropriate here on the AT.)I reached the shelter area early and almost went on, but I need to take it easy on the ankle. There is a guy here that has been nursing his Achilles' tendon for two days. I'm running into several wounded and weary hikers, and I've even seen some quit and go home already. I made a late lunch of mashed potatoes and chicken, with plenty leftover for a snack later. I need to eat every bite, or we will have bears tonight!I'm seeing new flowers on the trail and I try to get pictures of them all for my Shutterfly book. It smells great, but the bees are everywhere. I pitched my tent, filtered my water, hung my food bag, blew up my air mattress and now I'm ready to sleep. No signal today so I can't talk to or text Chris. That always makes me sad. I'll catch him tomorrow on the first mountaintop.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

I woke up this morning with a very tight feeling. My hands were swollen and I couldn't get my eyes open. I touched my face and was a bit alarmed. I got my camera out and took a selfie because I have no mirror in my pack. Oh my. I must be allergic to something because I am a swollen mess. I can hardly see! Anyway, not being able to call in sick, I got up at 6 when I heard raindrops on the tent, packed up, and headed out before my tent was soaked.Today I crossed the state line! Woohoo!! Hello North Carolina! I took the traditional picture with the NA/GA sign but it's not pretty because of my swollen face. On the North Carolina side, the trail changed. It got narrower, rockier, and steeper. It was hard work. I'm told the NC trail is going to be more difficult overall than GA.It was raining and I was getting chilly, so I stopped at Muskrat Creek Shelter. I found some old friends from early in the hike and some new friends too. It's so easy to be instant friends because of our common experience. It's also strange how you can hike alone all day, then run into other people at the shelter. There were about 25 of us there. We built a fire, dried out, cooked our food, and decided to stay for the night. Two guys came up with a small styrofoam cooler attached to a backpack. It contained a 22 ounce steak on dry ice. They cooked it over the fire while the rest of us drooled and talked about where we were going to eat when we hit the next town.