morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-06
To: SHAKE DOWN HIKE
Miles today: 0.0

This morning about 6:30 I headed to Roane General Hospital,where I currently work,to pick up my friend Janet. She finished up the night shift at 7:00 and we headed down to Pearisburg. Janet napped a little on the way down. After an unventful drive, we parked the car at the ABC store and started out across the bridge at about 11:15. Rain had been predicted, but it was only a bit misty and foggy on the way out of Pearisburg. The Celenese Plant was visable for about the 1st 3 miles, not to mention being noisy and a bit smelly. After we crossed Clendenin Road though, things started to get much quieter, and steeper ! It seemed like we were never going to get to the top and it was so foggy that we couldn't see much. About 2:30, we stopped for lunch. We had intended to wait until we got to the top of the mountain, but we needed a break. We stopped at one of those places where the rocks look like they've been tumbled down the mountain by a giant toddler. After munching on some sesame sticks and tortillas spread with nutella, we continued up the mountain toward Rice Field Shelter. We were looking for the electric right-of-way because that would mean we had less than a mile to go. When we finally found it, it seemed to just appear out of the mist. A low hum accompanied the sight of the tower. Skirting it, we only had a few more ups and downs until we came out into a snow dusted field. The companion had promised a vista, but all we could see was the tops of clouds. A signpost soon pointed two very happy trekkers to the shelter. We came within 100 yards of the shelter before we even saw it, but once we did I immediately saw something moving around. I hollered "Hello". A disembodied voice said "Come on in, I'll put another log on the fire." For a second we thought he was serious and actually had a fire, but alas that wish was to remain unfulfilled. The gentleman introduced himself as Longhorn and we loosened our boots and climbed up into the shelter. It didn't take a long debate to decide just to camp out in the shelter rather than set up the tent in the cold muck. I fired up the alcohol stove with hand sanitizer (yes, hand sanitizer, I'd forgoten the alcohol at home. Just a note - the sanitizer will work, but it leaves a gookey mess in your stove.) We had tortillini with marinara sauce, and hot chocolate. Soon after it was lights out.
Date: 2006-03-07
To: Shake Down Hike, Continued
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up on Tuesday morning quite cold. I woke up several times during the night because my arms were numb (I had been laying on them). It had snowed about an inch and eveything was covered in icy lace. After lying around in our sleeping bags for a few minutes, we reluctantly climbed out into the chilly morning. It was kind of a slow start, but we finally headed out around 9:15 after a breakfast of instant oatmeal and hot drinks (coffee for me - I can't function without my coffee , and hot chocolate for Janet). Once we took a few pictures and then hiked back up into the field, we got the vista we had been promised by the companion. It was so clear and cold, you could see for miles. Absolutely georgeous!! I could tell that there was no snow down in the valley, but for us it persisted until we got far down the mountain. It took us about 4 hours to make it back to the car, although we did somehow manage to take a wrong turn and had to road walk about 1/2 mile further than inteneded. There was at least one new white blazed trail and we ended up on one that came out of the woods a ways down the road from where we had entered the day before. I'm not sure exactly what is going on there, maybe just rerouting. All in all it was a very rewarding experience. I learned some things that I think will help me on my journey.       1. Hand sanitizer will work in a pinch to cook your dinner.      2. I can do this!! The shake down hike really gave me some confidence   in my ability to complete the trail. Even though I'm out of shape and overweight, I made it up the mountain and I was ready to head north right then and there. I wasn't sore the next morning (well a little stiff until I got up and moving, but then it was all good). I can't wait until I get to Springer Mountain and can head north to Katahdin.Happy Hiking!!!
Date: 2006-03-26
To: Packing up and Moving On
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a long weekend!! Yesterday Mama and I packed up the rest of my stuff and cleaned the trailer I have been living in. Then we brought everything to her house and today after church we went through it and sorted everything out. I worked some on my maildrops as well, hopefully I can finish them up tomorrow.    The church annointed and prayed for me this morning. That was such a blessing. Just knowing that all of my church family is praying for me is so comforting. I'll be able to think back on this morning when I'm having a rough day and remember that all of those prayers are surrounding me and that God is right there beside me to help and guide me.    I also got to meet a section hiker from here in Summersville, Pam, who has done over 800 miles so far. It was great to talk to her and share our enthusiasm for the AT.    Squeak is getting along well in her temporary home. She's staying with Tracy, my friend Cheryl's daughter. Cheryl said she seems to be settling in ok, although she doesn't like the dog much at all. It's a relief to know that she'll be well taken care of though. Thanks Tracy!!
Date: 2006-03-30
To: This is it!!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this will be my last entry from home. Aunt Bea will update this journal in a week or so when I mail her my journal entries from the trail. Thanks to all of you who have signed my guestbook.      My backpack is all ready to go, although a little heavier than I wanted it to be. I weighed it this morning and it's 43 lbs (that includes food for 5 days and one liter of water). I was hoping to keep it under 40 lbs, but as Dad says, I'll figure out what I don't need in a week or so and can get rid of it.    We've got the camper all loaded up and we'll head out in a hour or so when Mama gets home from work. Daddy called Amicalola State Park this morning and reserved the last campsite available there for Friday night. Whew! Glad he thought to call.    I just want to say thank you to all of the people who've inspired and encouraged me in this crazy dream for mine. Especially my Mom and Dad who are helping me so much. Aunt Bea for keeping up my journal. Mandy and Casey for just being there for me. All of my family for not saying I'm crazy (even if you're thinking it!) Seriously, you all are such an inspiration to me. Everybody in the Admissions Office at Roane General - You guys have been with me during one of the most difficult times in my life and have really been there for me. Love ya!OK, well so much for my Oscar acceptance speech (as I read over that last paragraph, that's exactly what is sounds like, but the sentiment is genuine). This is it for me. I'll check in with ya'll as soon as I can. Keep me in your prayers.Love you all so much - I'll miss you!!!
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountian
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello I am April's (a.k.a. Snail) Aunt Bea and I will be making her journal entries for her. Please be patient with me I will do the best I can to keep you all updated.Well,it's been a very l o n g day. Got started this morning at 9:00. Mama and Daddy drove the camper down to the visitors center from where we camped last night in the camp ground. We said our goodbyes by the stone arch and I started up the mountian or mountians I should say, four I guess altoghter if you count the hike up to the top of the falls, which you should since it's a mile up and quite steep.Just on the other side I ran into Thurhiker Fred. We hike about the same pace - s l o w - so we ended up hiking together the rest of the way. Got to the top of Springer mountian about 6:00. It's now almost 8:30. The lasagna Mama packed for me was really good! We froze it then I carried it up the mountian. It was heavy, but very well worth it. Speaking of heavy I have got to get my pack weight down!! The scales at the visitors center weighted it at 49lbs.!! About half way up the mountian I was already figuring out what I could do without. I'll definitely be sending some stuff home at Neels Gap. I am REALLY tierd, so I am going to sleep now.            April
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Springer Mountian

To: Hawk Mountian Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The terrain today was much easier, but my feet apparently did not notice. I will be adjusting the laces on my boots in the morning. Other than that thing have gone well. I am still hiking with Fred. He is a really nice guy. We stopped at Stover Creek Shelter this morning and had breakfast. Then it was mostly hiking along the creek,up a ways to the ridge, then hiking along the ridge to the shelter. Met several really nice folks this evening. I guess the only major problem is I dropped my pack on my toe!!! OUCH that really hurt. I don't think any major damage was done. I'ts starting to rain a bit. Someone was playing a recorder earlier, sure wish they would have played longer. Apparently the Army Rangers do training around here we're hearing gun fire and planes are flying low overhead. The rumor is you catch one of the soldiers, they are supposed to turn themselves into their supervisor and get a week of KP duty. Wonder if that really true?? Well I hav a rough day ahead, so I am gonna get to bed.                                                                              April (AKA Snail)
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Hawk Mountian Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Muddy Shoes just finished playing us a song on his flute. He is the one that was playing last night. An indian rain song he claims which makes sense because there was a big thunderstorm about 6:00 this morning. I hiked with Muddy Shoes and Fred today. Or rather we took alot of breaks at the same places. Most of the time we hiked separately. Tackled Sassafrass mountain today. A tough climb! Then just after we came down off it we got a thunder storm with rain and hail mixed. Pebble sized hail stung when it hit your bare skin. That continued all up the side of Justice Mountian, then it was sunshine the rest of the way. Got my trail name today (Snail) Because I keep seeing Muddy Shoes and Fred and I am S L O W. But hey, I am making it slowly but surely. It's 12 miles to the next shelter. I am just going to see how far I can get then stop and camp for the night. Long day ahead. Goodnight.                                                          Snail
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

I'm setting around a campfire at a campsite halfway between Gooch Mountain and Neel's Gap. My headlamp broke and my filter isn't working. So I'll have some stuff to buy at Neel's. I'm going to take two days to do the next eight miles. To the top of Blood Mtn. tomorrow, then on to Neel's Gap on Thursday. Well I'm going to enjoy the fire. More tomorrow. Snail
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Campsite

To: View Entry
Miles today: 5.0

Short miles today, but a long climb up Blood Mtn. I could make it to Neel's Gap, but I've decided to stay up here tonight. It's only about 3:00. Muddy Shoes decided to press on which is kind of sad. I really enjoyed hiking with him, but I want to see the sun set and rise from up here. My right knee and foot are giving me some trouble too. I just don't want to chance hurting myself. It's so beautiful here on top of the mountain. The birds are singing, a hawk just circled on a current of air and dove down into the valley. The sun is shining but the wind is cool. Grizzley Bear will probably stay here tonight too. More tomorrow. Snail!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Blood Mtn. Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: broken clouds

Another short day today. By the time I came down off Blood Mtn., my knee was all swolen and hurting. But after a day of rest and elevation, it feels a lot better. Got up about 6:30 and saw the sun rise after a not so good nights sleep in the shelter. (hard floor, loud snoring, heard mice, yuck). Then I gathered all my stuff together and headed down the mountain.After a few minutes of confusion, I got a bunk, place to take a shower, and laundry. The guys at the outfitters went through my pack. I sent about eight pounds home and put 2 pounds in a bounce box. So my pach weight is down to about 35 pounds. Once I send home my winter gear, It'll be even less. The rest of the day I just have been hanging out with everyone here at the hostel. I saw Muddy Shoes earlier too. He is starting out again tomorrow, so hopefully we'll run into each other. I'm going to try to up the mileage a bit in the next few days. Only six planned for tomorrow, then ten the next three days which will put me in Hiawassee (Blueberry Patch) on Monday. Snail
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Neel's gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.6

Whew! Change of plans, Whitley Gap Shelter was 1.2 miles off the trail, with water, .3 miles past that. So we continued on with plan of camping somewhere between Whitley Gap and Low Gap. Unfortunately there were no camping places, so we just kept going. 10.6 miles, it felt like more though. It's getting ready to storm, hope the tent doesen't leak. I'm about to fall asleep. I'm going to sleep now. Snail
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Troy Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Muddy Shoes went into Helen, GA for a burger and to spend the night in a hotel. It was a little lonely walking by myself today, but I made it. It's just after 8 and I'm snuggled in my sleeping bag. The plan is to hike all the way to the Blueberry Patch tomorrow, but we'll see how it goes. It would be 10.7 miles. I'm planning to get up real early in the morning and start hiking. But like I said we'll see how far I get. I miss everybody at home. Hopefully Mama and Daddy can get down to see me the first part of May. I was just trying to figure out where I would be then, but I really have no idea. I've got a long day tomorrow, so I'm going to get some sleep. Snail
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Tracy Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Wow! Kelley Knob was tough! It's been a very long day. About 2 miles from here I think I'd have paid someone to come and take me home. I questioned why I was even out here. I really felt like I had no right to be out here. When I finally stubled to the clearing beside the highway, there was a lady with a dog and an SUV. What a prayer answered. I was so worried about trying to get a ride. Since I was alone I really didn't want to hitchhike. But this lady was really nice and took me right to the hostel. No one was here when I showed up, so I put my pack down and started sorting my pictures. The hostel owners drove up a few minutes later. After the grand tour, I called Mom and Dad. It was great to talk to them, but unfortunately bad news from home. Micheal (my cousin) died in a 4-wheeler wreck. It really hit me hard. I can't imagine hard thisi s for Uncle Mike and Aunt Nancy. My thoughts and prayers are with them and Jeremy and Stacy. We played Rummy later. I actually won! Of course we only plaed 5 founds because everyone got tired at about 8:30. Its almost 10 now, so I'll close for tonight. Snail
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.3

What a difference a day makes! Thank you Lord for all of your goodness to me. The last 3.5 miles into Dick's creek Gap yesterday was the lowest point so far on my trip. I was so worried about getting to the Blueberry Patch. I knew I'd have to get a ride, but I was by myself and worried about hitching a ride, So I just prayed that God would send someone to give me a ride who would be safe. As soon as I came out of the woods there was a middle-aged lady walking her little dog who agreed to give me a ride. Then I got there and called Mama and she and daddy told me about Michael. As soon as I got off the phone familiar faces started appearing. Blackfoot (aka Glicken), Mac, Aaron. It wasn't anything they said or did, just having some familiar faces around really helped.This morning Mother Nature's Son and I got a ride into town with a high school boy on his way to school in a big red pickup. He said he was already late for 1st block so a few more minutes wouldn't matter. He dropped me off at a Dollar General and I got the necessary supplies then walked back through town to the Hiawassee Inn. They weren't doing any shuttles right then, but said I could hang around and see. Such a nice man that runs that place. He gave me some juice and let me hang around the motel until someone called for a ride into town. He then gave me a ride up to the trail head. Now I've climbed the first little up and I am planning to go to the next shelter about four miles further on. I feel so much more positive today. I know I can do this! I'll write a little more when I get to the shelter. I know this is long but it has been an extrodinary day.7:10pm.Well, I'm here at Plumorchard Gap shelter. It's a pretty little Place with three tiers. There are even plexiglass windows in the top bunk area. It's just me and two guys-No Pliers and Garrett. I have the bottom and hopefully there will be less mouse activity. A guy just came in who did 23 miles today. His name is Pura Vida-or as I have re-named him (The Energizer Bunny). He saw Muddy Shoes a few days ago so thats cool. I forgot to tell you about breakfast this morning. Lennie made pancakes with blueberry sause, biscuits, eggs, sausage, coffee, and fresh squeezed Orange Juice. (yummy). Well I'm gonna get ready to go to bed so I can get an early start in the morning. Snail (aka April)
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Mountain
Miles today: 7.6

I kind of neglected my journal yesterday, so I thought I'd catch up today. Night before last I slept in the shelter at Plumorchard Gap. There were about a Zillion mice in that place, but I finally went to sleep. I don't know how long I'd been asleep when I felt someone shaking me. I don't guess I even woke up, if I did I went right back to sleep. Then a little while later it happened again so I said "What is it"? The Energizer Bunny Guy, who was sleeping on the same level as me, said, "you were breathing really loud". Like I can control how I breathe. Anyway, when I got up the next morning (yesterday) he had set up his tent and slept out there. If you can't sleep because someone is breathing loudly, you should get some ear plugs!!I hiked the seven or so miles to the Muskrat Creek Shelter under gloomy skies with an attitude to match. Just really felt yucky. Then while I was taking a break at the shelter, No Pliers showed up and asked if he could walk with me. That was really nice. I don't think I could have done those last five miles without him. It's really nice to have someone to talk to occasionally, and he was very encouraging. We got to the shelter and I set up my tent and made dinner. Another woman who is hiking alone, Janice, showed up a little later. Both of us agreed that it was nice to talk to a girl for a change. This morning I was the last one out of camp-I didn't leave until 10:15. It was a really easy 7.6 miles today With only two miles of ups. Most of the rest was relatively flat.Now I'm at a shelter with Lonestar. there are some other guys at the other shelter, but they were being rather loud-besides that shelter was full. It's really odd that there are two shelters here. One is really old and that's where the guys are (including a couple of south bounders who have been on the trail since September). The shelter where I am at is newer. I'm going to try sleeping in the shelter tonight, We will see how that goes.I've walked all over this hillside trying to get a call through to Mama and Daddy, but no such luck. I'll try again tomorrow, maybe from the top of Albert mountain.   Snail
Date: 2006-04-14
To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a ride into Franklin from France (a local hiker)- great guy. He shuttled Lonestar and me into Franklin from Carter Gap Shelter. His truck was parked about 2.5 miles down a side trail. This morning when I asled him what would be the shortest way to get into town, he said "my truck". I hadn't planned this stop, but when I woke up this morning I decided it was necessary. So now I'm at the Franklin Motel in a King Sized bed, 50 cable channels, and a hot shower. I'm just going to relax and get a ride back to the trail tomorrow.            Snail
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

(note, the calculated miles are not correct because there are journals that are missing.)I got up about 6:30 this morning and hiked to the Budget Inn where I could get a free shuttle. I ran back into Lonestar there as well as No Pliers, Egg Shells, Mac, Sarah, and Mary. I hung out there until the 11 o'clock shuttle. I kind of wish I had stayed at that hotel last night. It wasn't as nice, but from what the other hikers told me the owner shuttled them all around town. He seemed like a great guy. It was a short hike into this shelter, but it seemed like my legs had forgotten how to hike. They burned just as much as they had on the approach trail. After about an hour they loosened up though. Zero days make for tough hiking when you get back on the trail. Long day tomorrow, 12.1 miles, so I'm going to get some sleep now. I'll try to write more tomorrow.Snail
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Long day today. Started a little late at 9:30, but got here by 6:30, not too bad. Happy Easter by the way! I talked to Mama this morning and They're all doing well as far as I could tell. I got some pretty awesome pictures today. Walked with Lonestar most of the day, although he hitched a ride to Waylah Bald while I hiked the 2.5 miles uphill! (Slacker). We're supposed to get some rain and maybe thunderstorms tonight. I hope not. Well, I'm going to try to get some sleep now, goodnight. Snail
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

I'm soooo full! Lonestar and I made dinner together. First I soaked a whole bag of mixed veggies, 1 sm. bag of tomatoes, and 1 1/2 bags of mushrooms in hot water for about an hour. Then while Lonestar cooked spaghetti, I added Red Mole sause mix (a mexican sause) and a 7oz bag of chicken to the veggies. Then we split it up, mixed it up, and added a little cheese. Oh, it was sooo good. One warning though, we definately made too much. We're both stuffed and there was enough left over for another person. Took a short day today then int the NOC by about lunch time tomorrow for my birthday. Beautiful views from the Wesser Bald fire tower. I thing I got some pretty good pictures. I'm going to try to get to sleep early tonight and get out of here by about 7am. Should be in Fontana Dam by the 21st and then on to the Smokies. Good Night. Snail