morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-23
To: Welcome To My Home
Miles today: 0.0

I haven't written about my equipment much, because up until now I've had all my gear in Emily's room in two piles, possible and pack away for a weekend trip. Today I made the move to decide what to take and what to leave behind; welcome to my home for the next 6 months. The items are as follows: MSR Hubba Tent Thermarest 3/4 pad REI 15 degree sleeping bag Down jacket Wool Hat Fleece Mittens Synthetic long johns Frogg Toggs rain pants and jacket Fleece pants, for sleeping Synthetic long sleeve shirt for sleeping Down boots Crocs (3 pairs of footwear, beginning to resemble my daughter) sports bra 2 extra pair undies 2 extra pair Smart Wool socks Toothbrush & paste Chapstick Bic shaver Hotel size soap and shampoo Purell, 2 oz Camp soap, 1.5 oz MSR water filter 25 doses of water purification tablets in case my filter fails MSR Whisperlite white gas stove fuel canister Titanium 1 quart pot 32 oz nalgene bottle 2 liter Platypus leatherman knife, very minimalistic 30% Deet toweletts to start out with Sun scream Camp towel Disposable wipes, dried Headlamp just like Krista's TP Plastic trowel First aide kit Maps Digital camera Duct tape Trekking poles 3-8 days foodI packed it in my brand new REI Ultralite backpack. I'm sorry that I didn't get out and hike with my new pack, but I have been on the treadmill with it and it seems much better than my old Kelty back that would have added 3 more pounds to my carrying weight. Right now I'm at 32 pounds w/o water. I will be carrying 2-4 liters of water with me at 2.19 pounds per liter. It depends on how far to the next water source. The key will be filtering water at each water source and drinking as much as I can at the water source. If it's in me, then I don't have to carry it.As I walk, I will be making an evaluation of each item that I carry. If I don't use it often enough, I will try to talk myself out of carrying it and send it home. I hope to send the down jacket home after I get through the Smokies. Anything I can do to lighten my load can only make it easer.So there it is. Home Sweet Home.
Date: 2008-03-31
To: Suches, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm still pinching myself,trying to determine whether this is a dream. This last week has been life in fast forward, trying to get my mail drops packed and planned, wrapping up last minute details to for those I leave to take care of life as I knew it, and spending just as much time with family as I possibly could.In fact Saturday is a blurr.I want to take a minute to thank everyone who has either listened to my dream and plans for the last 30 years. They are way too numerous to mention, but they know who they are, and I'm sure that they have checked my blog 10 times already looking for an update. I couldn't have gotten to this point without each one of you. Some listened, some plotted each section of the trail with me, some tasted trail meal concoctions {sp}, some were updated on the weather in Suches, GA all winter. One person lived the planning stage more directly than others, that being my sweetie, and without his love and patience and acceptance of who and what I am,this would remain fiction; and for this I am forever grateful. My family will never know how sincerely grateful I am for understanding,or if not understanding, just dealing with my absence, so that I can finally check this item off my Bucket list. And to my employer for the L.O.A., and all those there rooting for me. To all of you, it's been ! a scream, and I thank you for getting me to this part of the journey. There has been great joy in the dreaming stage.Yesterday started out with breakfast with my family at a local diner. I wish I could have sat and talked at length with each one of them, but the rental car placed closed at noon and we needed to run a few last minute errands. My daughter, Emily, is driving me to Georgia. We had to switch rental cars because the lighter didn't work and she is all about power supply. The GPS was an invaluable instrument in our travels, as I65 was closed in Gary,IN and we might still be drving in circles if not for the GPS. I'm still trying to figure how I can plug it into a tree to keep from walking in circles on the trail.Our destination for the days was Scottsboro,AL. Wrong state you say? We are here to discover the Unclaimed Baggage store. Then it's off to Amicalolo Falls State Park Visitors Center to register as a thru hiker, get my number, and hopfully have time to see the falls. Then it's off to the Hiker Hostel.It's happening, guys and so far, so good.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Georgia

To: Springer Mt
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

It's april fools! For everybody that thought that this was a cruel April Fools joke and that I would be home on Sunday, April Fools. For those of you who think I am a crazy fool, it's my day!I finally get to get out there and experience the dream. My plans are hopefully well laid plans. I met a couple of dudes that plan on finishing in 4 months. Emily wants me to hang with them.Whatever the future brings, I will stay safe and well. Hang on, we are going for a ride!
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Springer Mt

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

This morning I started out at the Hiker Hostel, which is about 30 miles from the trail in Dalegonea (sp) Ga. It was 58 degrees, but the world was full of mist and a slow and steady drizzle which made the morning feel cold and damp. We were fed french toast and eggs at the hostel, and shortly thereafter I bid farwell to my sweet Emily.Perhaps the good-byes are what keep people from doing a thru-hike. These last few days have been some of the hardest days in my life. I need to thank Emily for driving me from Wisconsin. She indeed had the hardest job, prolonging the sadness of good-bye. We will be stronger for this. From the beginning I have never given a definitive reason as to why I find the need to leave my family, whom I love so deeply, and kick my butt traversing a long and difficult journey. But everyone I know hears me say all the time that everything happens for a reason, and here I am. I still have not comprehended the enormity of my task, but once again here I am and I'm in awe of this experience.Thank goodness the weather man was wrong (go figure). We started the drive in the rain. Had some difficulties finding Forest Road 42, but arrived at the trail around noon. Needed to back track .9 miles to start on the top of Mt Springer. Roger the ridgerunner was there and signed me in as a thru-hiker. Went back to the parking lot, loaded on our packs and walked to this shelter.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gouch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

It started raining at the beginning of the day and the fog socked us in. The temps were comfortable, but I was wearing too many layers under my Frogg toggs and I was more wet on the inside than I was on the outside.We got to the shelter around 4 pm and it was raining so I deceided to stay in the shelter. It's a drag packing up in the rain. I'm still working on the organization of my pack. When I want something, it's usually on the bottom, leaving me no other choice than to pull everything out. I haven't lost anything yet, and that is an accomplishment for me.After arriving at the shelter, I grabbed my sleeping space, dug what I needed out of my pack, made dinner which just happened to be my comfort food ,cream of tomato and Ramen. Food has never tasted this good.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 5.0

A sudden storm came up last at 9:11 pm. I'm told that I sat up and said "9:11, I need to write that in my journal; I'm a freak like that." I was sleeping at the time. I remember the strong winds, but I get the best sleep in storms. I think the "freak" term will become a theme-I've had a headache from not drinking enough water, so today I drank like a fish. I'm told tomorrow will be 6 miles w/o water. Because of that I plan on drinking lots of water tonight, referred to as "cameling up".Today was the hike up Hawk Mt. I've come to the conclusion that a mountain is simply a series of zigs and zags. The zig is the part that goes up, and the zag is more level. There was one zag that kicked my butt. My method of surviving the zags is to count 32 steps , then I get to rest and catch my breath. They say that it takes 2 weeks to get your "trail legs". It also is a real mental game to get through those 2 weeks. I've started out small, so I have faith.At the end of the days hiking, I had a signal on my phone, so I could send a text that I was safe and sound. That was the frosting on the cake.I do have a slight problem; My Msr Whisperlite stove won't pressurize. As soon as I'm done journaling, I need to try to figure it out. Otherwise I will buy a different stove at Mountain Crossings in Neels Gap.Tomorrow I climb 2 mountains, going 8 miles. I need need to eat well, drink well and sleep well.There was only 1 mouse in the shelter last night. A youngman left his plastic bag of nuts in his pack which was hung right above us. Smile rescued us by throwing the bag outside the shelter scattering the nuts so the mouse wouldn't make so much noise.Speaking of noise, right above us the military is doing a helicopter excersise . So much for peace and quiet, we'll settle for peace.Thanks to Bobbi and Always Fine for helping me figure out what was wrong with my stove. One of the gaskets needed oiling!At 9:00 pm 97 army guys came through out campsite. They were out doing night vision exercise. It was an awesome sight. They were out for 4 days with a total of 3 hours of sleep. My life is easy.Sleeping in a tent tonightLife is good.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Gouch Gap Shelter

To: Suches, GA
Miles today: 5.0

Tough day. It misted all night into the morning. We decided that since there are two distinct paces in our group that I would be in the slower group. Mind you that I have graduated from 32 to 64 step increments and if the 64th steps get me to the top of the incline, I keep on going. It may sound like I'm not having a good time, but this is not true. When the fog is so thick that you can't see 50 feet in front of you, there are no vistas to gawk at, you simply walk. Counting my steps not only gets me through some tough hiking but becomes a rythm, almost a meditation for me.Just into the hike, a member of the group fell. Later we stopped for me to tend to hot spots. These are areas on your feet that feel hot which usually turn into blisters if not attended to. My partner found that when she fell that her water bladder had come unclosed and leaked into her pack. We found a watering hole for her to get water and after filtering her water, it dumped and we had to start over. You can only laugh.It was suppose to be an easier day today, but as the light rain became heavier we just walked w/o resting. If you count the brief rests in between my 64 steps, then we rested.The last few miles were very rocky which when wet require special attention. We past a water slide, we called it, towering about 50 feet above. No pictures today on the trail due to the rain.We arrived at Woody Gap intending to get a shuttle. We called the General Store in Suches, and a kindly gentleman heard that we were looking for a ride two miles into town. It was decieded that the mountain roads were soaked in with fog and entirely too dangerous to hike. We piled into the back of his pick-up and it was like being in a roller coaster. He was our first trail angel.There is a pretty strong weather system comming in that is capable of producing thunder storms and has produced tornados in Arkansas, so we are in two cabins tonight. A kindly man drove us into town and I stuffed myself at the Two Wheels resturant. They really put out an excellent meal, and the place is adorable.Final thought of the day is, it's been rough these past couple of days with the weather and trying to get this old body in shape, but there has never not once been a moment that I didn't feel comfortable with the situation. When I find myself missing the ones I love, I think on the memories we have made and I get my smile back.Life is good
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Suches, GA

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Steady rain, the hypothermic kind when you are a few hundred feet up farther in elevation. I'm learning about elevation and what a difference a few hundred feet can do. We've elected to stay warm and dry. I zeroed @ Neels Gap today. When I arrived, I walked into Mountain Crossings and told them I needed to be shook. A shake down means you pull EVERYTHING out of your pack and a experienced hiker, acting not as a salesman but a fellow hiker with the jazz, combs through your items and makes suggestions on how you can lighten your load. At the beginning of the trip I was carrying 42 pounds with water. I walked out of the outfitters with a minor hole in my pocket(I was prepared for that) and the ability to lift my pack w/o grunting to put it on. I've changed from a Whisperlite stove system which uses white gas to an alcohol stove; Hailee, I won't be setting fire to any picnic tables anymore. I switched out my 2# down coat with a Mont-bell that weighs just ounces. I changed from using a bladder system and Nalgene bottle to (2) liter Platypus bottles. I started having to lash my Thermarest, sleeping bag and tent to the back of my pack, now they are inside protected from the elements.I read many a journal that raves about this place, and I concure! I thank Squirrel for his patience with my resistance and all the time he spent with me and the questions of mine that he answered. I tried to absorb all the knowledge he shared with me and I know his efforts will take me farther than my 45 pounds would have taken me.I talked to my family on my cell. I'm on the side that my family needs to be kept informed of my progress and safety. Talking to family fills me up with energy, warmth and love. I will rest well tonight, and so should they.I'm staying at the Neels Gap Hiker Hostel. It's in the basement of the outfitter. There are 16 bunks and I'm on the top bunk. I'll be sure to go to the BR before lights out @ 10 pm so the whole crew does't have to listen to me fall to the floor.Speaking of listening to me, Always Fine said that I was hollering @ him during the night to stop snoring and it wasn't he that was snoring. I apologized and asked the group that they not hold what I say in my sleep against me. That happened to be a particular hard day hiking and I was totally exhausted when I got to the shelter. Maybe I'll stick to my tent.We slept late this morning and when Trillium came to shuttle us to Neels Gap, we were short on time and I didn't get to eat breakfast. The GATC (Georgia AT Club) set up spread of food. In the middle of my shake-down Squirrel let me go out. I had a hot dog for breakfast, immediately followed by a hot dog for lunch, later following up with a cheeseburger for dinner. They left 2 watermelons in the hostel and anyone who really knows me knows that I attacked that puppy.I thank all who have signed my journal. Your words of support are a blessing. I am not able to reply to all, they are appreciated.Tomorrow I return to the trail with a lighter load.It's all good.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

This was the first 10 mile day for me. Didn't get out of Neels Gap until 9:30. The trail was relatively easy until I got to Wildcat Mt. I need to learn to look at the maps with a different perspective. First of all, my Wisconsin roots keep me calling these hills instead of mountains; and believe me they are mountains. I need to look at the incline and the distance that it is spread out over. Wildcat was an increase in eleavation of 3138 to 3428, which doesn't seem like much, but when the bottom and top are only a 1/2 mile apart, the mountain kicks your butt. When I see that the mountain has switch backs, I know I'm in trouble.The final part of the day seemed to never end. I didn't get to camp until 6:00. Had time to set up my tent, eat, hang my food bag, and get water.I discovered that my water filter was not working correctly. I did get it fixed. Now I just pray that my intestines are tough. I've been drinking unpurifyied water for the last 5 days. Live and learn.I got up to do my business at 3:00 am and the fog was so thick that I could not see my hand in front of my face. I didn't go too far because I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to find my tent again.The low was only 48 degrees, but the humidity was 75%. My sleeping bag is a synthetic bag and it kept me nice and warm.It's still all good.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Easy day today, so I dawdled. Everything was wet when we awoke, so everything got packed wet. Breakfast was oatmeal. I haven't been eating enough, but I just haven't gotten my hiker hunger yet.My fellow workers will be happy to know that I am 5-S-ing my pack. While at the outfitters, I got some bags and SORTED my stuff and created categories. Everyone loves my technology bag where I store my Pocketmail, phone charger, battery charger, camera charger, spare batteries and extra memory cards for my camera. Then there is the personal hygiene bag, containing my toothbrush & paste, comb, and floss. I have my first-aide bag with antibiotic ointment, bandaides, moleskin, cotton swabs,and other supplies condusive to treating minor ailments on the trail. There is my medicine bag with 30 days supply of vitamins and perscriptions. And last but not least my snack pack where I carry the food for the trail. Now I can find everything, as long as I remember to put things back where they belong. I believe thats the SUSTAIN part of the program. I've decieded the SHINE part is not possible here.I had two trail angel incidents today. While I was eating my lunch, a couple who were slack packing 14 miles came upon me and had lunch with me. If my memory serves me correctly, they were Gayle and Al. They not only gave me a sandwich, but offered to carry out my garbage for me. I love those people. The other angel pumped 2 liters of water for me. It was a member of the boy scout troop camping just above us. It was his good turn of the day. I just love the scouts.For those of you that are not fameilar, a Trail Angel is someone who does somethine special for an AT hiker. It could range from a ride into town to providing a meal or snack, or carrying a hikers garbage out for them to help them lighten their load.Today 2 friends, Roots & Little Step hiked 13 miles to catch up with me. I had been worried about them since we separated. Tonight I will sleep well. It's all good!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A hard day, but a good. Went up 2 huge mountains. Started out in super thick fog and light rain. I was disapointed because the weather said it would be sunny for 3 days. On the way down to Georgia, my Emily taught me how to Goggle the weather with my cell phone. What a godsend that has been.The day started on a descent, which is my chosen way to start. I sang Rocky Mountain High at the top of Rocky Mountain, a 1000 climb followed by a 1000 mile descent. I seem to have started getting my hiker legs. I was starting to become impatient with myself. I can certainly see how many people quit in the first week. It's a mind game. Yesterday I dealt with being homesick all day. If you let that get to you, it can make the miles slow and difficult.Immediately after Rocky Mt the ascent of 1300 feet began to Tray Mt, my destination. Towards the end, my engine wore out, but all in all the day went well. I feel stronger every day.Tomorrow is the pilgrimage towards town. Hiawasee, GA. Pretty big miles, but as I see it on the map, it looks relatively easy, except for the 1000' ascent of Kelly Knob, which is at the end of the day. I want to be in town by 3:00 to leave time to get clean.Camping with Roots, Little Steps, Micro and her dad, Newt and Alex, Mudslide, Col. Chaco, Boone, Thor and two dads with their daughters are on an overnight.As night drew near, the air became cold and damp. The guys built a campfire to warm ourselves; the first campfire of my hike. Everything was still so wet from 3 days of rain. Luckily Mudslide had carried some fire paste from a hiker box along with a little denatured alcohol doing the trick to start a fire. I could see stars tonight and as I looked east and west the lights of towns could be seen on the horizon. Funny how towns are sometimes what we run away from, but sometimes run back to.It's all good.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 10.8

Got up @ 6:45 am. I had town on my mind, so packing up was completed in record time. The pack feels lighter becaues my food supply has been depleted. I have also been experimenting with different packing methods. I have found that if I pack my food on the bottom of my bag, I not only have more room for other items but it distributes the weight more evenly. Because of this I carry my lunch and snacks for the day seperately.My anticipation of the day was well founded. The hike up Kelly Knob of 1 mile took me an hour. Much of the days hiking was down hill. I have found my downhill knees and enjoy picking up my speed and increasing my mileage. But as always, too much of a good thing makes for the balls of my feet getting really sore. I also have a small blister on my leftfoot near my heel. I have been ever so fortunate that my feet have accomodated my travels. I have seen feet that look like a patchwork quilt, dressed in bandaids, and moleskin.I have been aware of the possibility of running into a wild boar. I believe this species was brought in to the states from Europe. They breed fast and run rampant here in Georgia. I did see some hunters this week with their dogs. The boars burrow in the ground tearing up the land. All along the trail there is evidence of the wild boars.I arrived at the trail head at 4:00, making it an 8 hour day. I was picked up by Gary Poteat, owner of the Blueberry Patch. This place is awesome, 7 bunks, microwave, fridge, shower, laundry done for you, life truly is good. They operate this hostel as a Christian ministry and it truly is a wonderful place. Hand-crafted beds made of tree trunks and a bench made of a slab of wood obtained from the mill. I will sleep well tonight.We called the Hiawasee cafe for the dinner menu. Meatloaf, 3 vegetables and dessert for $5.50. We await our grub.I end this message so I can download this to Emily so she can update my journal, but more so, that I can get my messages from family and friends. Those messages are my motivation to hike fast and be back by them.Staying in a hostel with Kelly her dad Bryan, Roaman, Chimpmonk, Powder River from Wyomning,and Joe.I am truly blessed to be loved by so many.