morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-24
To: school's out for summer...
Miles today: 0.0

Last day of work until AUGUST! Yes! While some people would be worried about being out of work and having no income for 5 months, Will and I couldn't be more excited. What better way to spend several work-less months than to hike over 2000 miles?! I can't think of anything better to do, can you? We're spending this last weekend before we leave in Pennsylvania with my parents and two sisters. The next time we're in PA, instead of driving 4.5 hours from Richmond, we'll have walked 1100+ miles from Georgia. Awesome.Getting close now. One week from today we'll be in the car headed for Georgia. Unbelievable.
Date: 2006-02-25
To: ONE WEEK
Miles today: 0.0

On this, our one-week-before-we-start-hiking anniversary, I thought I'd take it back to where this whole journey began. I got in the car on the night that Will was interviewing for a really intense (possibly 60-80 hours/week) job at our church in Richmond and heard this song (to make it more applicable to our hike, I put some changes in parentheses): "I said, maybe we'd be better off leaving this town (city)/ You said, baby, I don't know how we'd ever get out/ Just get into the car (trail) and drive (walk)/ We could be in a whole other world (state) by midnight (next week)/ In another state of mind/ Let's live out all the plans we had for us/ When we were younger/ Let's run (walk) free, baby like we used to and/ Take our chances under/ Bluer (gray) skies, bluer (snowy white) skies.../ Can't you feel it in the air/ I just know in my heart that there's more out there/ And it could be anywhere (in the 14 AT states).../ Let's live out all the plans we had for us/ When we were younger/ Let's run (walk) free, baby like we used to and/ Take our chances under/ Bluer (stormy) skies, bluer skies." -Kellie Coffey, "Bluer Skies" As soon as Will got home, I told him I wanted to hike. To my complete surprise, (we had both really wanted that job for him), he agreed that we needed an adventure before "real" jobs and consequently, "real" life. The planning began the next day. Now, here we are, only one week before setting foot on the trail, and I almost can't believe it. Seems like only yesterday I heard that song and felt the pull towards the woods. Some of you know what I'm talking about - at times, it almost overpowered all other thoughts. I've got to get out there. Got to simplify my life. Become part of nature. This is my chance.Georgia on my mind...ONE WEEK
Date: 2006-03-02
To: Here we go...
Miles today: 0.0

Last entry before we leave. Starting to get a little nervous! First, a disclaimer. In the next several months, we'll be experiencing many new things that may, at times, be completely overwhelming, uncomfortable, and unpleasant (although we expect that it will mostly be FUN). That being said, if you stick with us (and we hope you do!), please be prepared for anything and everything. What's written here will be an honest account of what we do and how we feel each day. It won't always be pretty! Our journey will not only be physical, but emotional, social and spiritual as well. The pages to come will reflect all of these things. Hope you'll travel along with us!From now until the end, our journals will be entered by my mom (thanks, Mom! Love you!) about a week late. We'll snail mail them to her from the towns we pass through. I entered a small list of post offices under "Mail Drops" over there on the left. If you want to send us anything (we'd love to hear from you!) please use the addresses found on that page. We just ask that if you do send us something, please mail it EARLY and let us know through the guest book so we know to look for it. Encouraging words are always welcome.Thanks to all who've signed the guest book! (Christine, I love that your dad still knows me by chunk! HA!) We look forward to hearing from you all on the trail! Well, guess there's not much else to say! Thanks to our family and friends for all the love and support - we definitely couldn't do this without you! Best of luck to all the '06 hikers! See you on the trail...SATURDAY
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Here we go...

To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

We made it! A HUGE thank you to Dr. Bill and Jeanie for getting us to Amicalola Falls State Park - the beginning of the 8.8 mi. Approach Trail to the official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. What took about 9.5 hrs. to drive will take almost 2 months to walk. Sweet. After getting to the Lodge this afternoon, we spent a little while looking around and even hiked a little ways on the Approach Trail. Checked out the waterfall and took in the amazing views that surround this beautiful place. What a perfect place to begin a 2000 mile hike. The mountains seem to go on forever - or at least for 14 states. I have to admit that tonight I let my nervousness get the best of me. At times I found myself thinking "What the heck am I doing here?" But after talking to my parents and Will and watching a beautiful sunset over the mountains, I'm ready. I think I'll dedicate this walk to Mimi (my great-grandmother) who passed away almost a year ago. She was an amazing woman - tough and wonderful. I miss her every day , but she'll be walking with us. She could've made it, and so can I.So here we go! On the sign pointing to the Approach it says "STRENUOUS". Bring it on. Let's get this thing started. TOMORROW.
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Amicalola Falls Lodge

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

Day 1 - Unbelievable. We're finally here, finally hiking the AT The only thing we asked for on our first day was good weather. We got that and then some. Warm, sunny and not a cloud in the sky. All you guys at home praying for us - THANK YOU! They are what kept our feet moving forward. We love you guys! Our first day was great. After hardly any sleep, I finally decided to get up at 6:30. We headed to breakfast around 7 and no sooner than we sat down, 2 guys approached our table asking if we were thru hiking. Turns out, they had seen us on trailjournals! Great way to start the day. Had a little to eat, packed up and headed down to the Approach. Dr. Bill took our picture as did one of the rangers ( for the wall of thru hikers) and just like that we were on our way. Dr. Bill and Jeanie joined us at the tip of the Falls for a bit - Thanks again SO MUCH for bringing us down here! Once we got going, we hiked the 8.8 in about 5 hr. 8:30 - 1:30. Springer was pretty tough to get up and over but after that it was smooth sailing here to the shelter. Got here about 3:30. Saw lots of people today and ended up setting the tent up on a nice spot among some really nice people. Jonathon, Abe and Eric - one sectioner and two thrus. Also Steve, a thru, and another nice guy that I can't remember his name. Had another sectioner come about an hour before dark. It was still light here at 6:30! Son now we're in the tent, warm but a little sore. We'll sleep good tonight!   Hoping to make Gooch Shelter tomorrow. All's well in our section of the woods, hope it is in yours, too!
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 2 - Another beautiful day for hiking. Clear skies, sunny and warm. We have sunburnt faces and necks. Today was pretty tough hiking. Went over Sassafrass Mt. and Justus Mt. with a few ups and downs in between. Saw several hikers on our travels today - Eric, Abe, and Jonathon from last night at Stover (also here at Gooch tonight) and several other thrus and day hikers. Also saw Dejavue again (met at breakfast yesterday) We had beautiful views through the bare tree branches all day today. We were really feeling it today. Both of us are beat tonight. For some reason, I couldn't find a comfortable fit for my pack. My shoulder are really sore and my feet are hurting tonight. No blisters though!We're going to try to get to Neel's Gap tomorrow buy may stop early as we have to get over Blood Mt. to do so. Still enjoying the hike so far! Looking forward to a shower in a day or so.Love to family and friends!!
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsites
Miles today: 12.4

Day 3 - Stayed in the shelter last night which turned out to be a good move as it rained on and off during the night. Had a pretty good crew including Eric, Abe and Jonathon plus several new people. Started the day off under the clouds which was appropriate to the way I was feeling. For whatever reason, I just had no energy. So it was a long, hard morning as we had several ups and downs. My pack is extremely uncomfortable. No matter what we do, we just can't seem to find the right fit. May see what they can do at Neel's Gap tomorrow. Finally around 1 pm we stopped at a campsite with Eric,Abe, and Jonathon and decided to cook lunch (rather than just eat something cold). Made broccoli and cheese rice, and I don't know what was in that stuff, but after eating it, I felt like could hike forever. We made good time to the campsites after that. Decided not to go all the way to Neel's today since we're super tired. We'll have a nice relaxing day tomorrow up over Blood Mt. and down to Neel's Gap, our first resupply point. Found a few blisters tonight but after some surgery with my knife and some gauze, they're looking better. We'll see how they feel tomorrow. Got a song in my head: "The sun is shining , and this road keeps winding through the prettiest country from Georgia to Tennessee. Got the one I love beside me, my troubles behind me, I'M ALIVE AND I'M FREE, WHO WOULDN'T WANNA BE ME? - Keith Urban
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Slaughter Creek Campsites

To: Bull Gap Campsite
Miles today: 4.3

Day 4Even though we didn't get to take a shower, today was great. Started off the day by hiking up Blood Mtn, the highest peak we've hit yet. Made it to the top by 8:30am and spent some time looking around. The hike up was beautiful - through a tunnel almost. Rhododendrons and mountain laurel on either side and sometimes rock under our feet. All I could think on the way up was how glad I was that we waited 'til today for Blood. There's no way I would've appreciated yesterday as much as I did today. Amazing section of trail. At the top is Blood Mtn. Shelter - an old building made of rock - really cool. Left a note for Brett -check it out buddy! Also at the top was the most beautiful view we've seen yet. We've come about 30mi. from Springer, and you can acutally see it from the top of Blood. We took a couple pictures - hope Springer is in one of them! The hike off Blood Mtn. was rough - 2 miles of downhill. My knees were hurting by the time we got to the bottom, but I soon forgot the pain as we had made it to Neel's Gap and the Walasi Yi center which the AT actually passes through. (Pictures to come!) The guys at the Walasi Yi were awesome. They did a "shakedown" for us, which is when they go through all the stuff in your pack and tell you what you do and don't need. My pack was about 10lbs lighter (35lbs to 25lbs) after "Cornbread" was done. The bad news (although good news, too) is that I had to buy a new pack. Mine just didn't fit right and no matter what Cornbread did, he said he couldn't make it right. He said the pack torso was too small for me. So the bad news is, it was money we hadn't planned on spending, but the good news is, it's 100% more comfortable. I'm a happy hiker.The best part of the day was talking to our parents! So good to talk to you guys! (Sorry I missed you Dad! Love you!) We'll be looking forward to another call in Hiawassee in a few days. Love to all!We're camped tonight at a site with some really nice people: Crow, a retired gentleman from Alabama; Squirrel, a twenty-something from Atlanta; and two sisters Megan and Linelle (one of them goes by Crumbs, can't remember the other). Had a nice fire and good conversation tonight. We're hoping to stick with the group for a while.Our old group is now ahead of us - Abe, Eric, Jonathon, Steve, and Matt and his dog Jackson (who we camped with last night). May actually catch up to Matt and Jack in Hiawassee.Think that's all tonight. Restocked at Neel's so we're ready to go. Not too many miles today but by far the best day yet. Beautiful views, good help and great company. THIS is the life. Hope it's good in your neck of the woods.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Bull Gap Campsite

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5Another beautiful day on the trail. By the grace of God we are still completely dry (besides being sweaty). Had a great hike through the woods today. Felt great this morning and just started feeling it in my feet and knees this afternoon. Made it here by 3pm - lots of time to talk to the crew that's trickled in here tonight. We've got Squirrel, Sasparilla and Crumbs (the two sisters), Captain Hook, Hodge, Sparrowhawk, Dave, and Schlepper. There's a nice fire going here, and we've stuffed 9 people in the 7 person shelter. Should be warm tonight!We were blessed today with some amazing views. Was stopped short on a downhill section when I looked up and there in front of me was a beautiful vista. We are incredibly fortunate to be out here - every day just gets better. Missing all you guys at home, though. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.Oh! Saw some spring today! Purple crocus on the top of a mountain and a tiny purple butterfly that hiked a little ways down the trail with us. Hope the weather continues to hold. Love to all!
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

Day 6What a day! Left Low Gap this morning around 8am and made it to Unicoi Gap (~10 mi) by noon. A first for us! Ten miles before lunch, yes! Took an hour long break for lunch with Captain Hook, Hodge and Yoohoo (Dave). Sadly left Sasparilla, Crumbs, Squirrel and Schlepper somewhere behind us. Hope your knee holds us Sas! This morning we had a great hike - beautiful weather, easy terrain and moving good. After lunch we slowed down a bit heading up some bigger mountains before we hit Tray Mtn at 4930'. Tough climb, but we made it to the shelter by about 3:45. It promises to be a cold night up here at 4200'. We heard thunderstorms predicted for tonight - we hope not! In the shelter tonight with Hook, Hodge, Yoohoo and Sparrowhawk. Think we'll stay warm if we stay close. Last night was HOT in the shelter as we were packed in like sardines. Tomorrow we head into our first trail town - Hiawassee. Will either stay at the Blueberry Patch hostel or possibly split a hotel room between 5 of us. If we stay in town in a hostel, we are closer to the cheeseburgers! Looking forward to some fresh fruit, too. Just heard that the weather is supposed to be rough tonight - 3 other guys tenting up here have a radio that they heard the forecast on. May be a sleepless night but a short 10.6 to town tomorrow. Good company tonight. Me and the guys. Miss you Sas and Crumbs! Hope everyone at home is well! Looking forward to some phone calls tomorrow! Love to all.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Hiawassee Inn, Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 7For the first time since we began this trip last Saturday, I am writing this entry CLEAN! We've had our first shower today! But guess I should start from the beginning...We slept pretty well last night considering it poured for several hours. After attempting to keep my down sleeping bag dry (for about 30 min.), I gave up and just went to sleep. Had a good group last night that has carried over to today. Pushed ourselves and made it to Dick's Creek Gap by 12:15. Had our first trail magic going down into the Gap. A 2001 thru-hiker gave us cold cokes that we enjoyed in the warm sun. BEAUTIFUL weather today! Took a little side trail to an amazing vista this morning - well worth the extra little hill! Tough climb up Kelly Knob. All I could think was "shower, laundry, cheeseburger". We had planned to shower and do laundry at Neel's Gap, but the well wasn't working that day - bummer!This is getting a little random...So, anyway, we got to Dick's Creek at 12:15 and me, Swiftcreek and Yoohoo got our first hitch into Hiawassee. Met Captain Hook and Hodge here at the Hiawasee Inn and checked into our room (shared between the five of us). Instead of taking showers first, like good hikers, we set our packs down and headed to Daniel's Steak House - an All You Can Eat restaurant. All five of us got the 1/2 lb. cheeseburger (my first ever!) and ate the whole thing. Slowly walked back to the Inn and all had showers and got our laundry together. Watched a little tv for the first time in a week, too. Before we knew it, the shuttle was leaving for Daniel's and dinner. Mickey-one-Sock shuttled us down (thanks Mickey!), and this time we all got the buffet. Good fried chicken. Got back to the room and put our laundry in to wash. Just been hanging around watching Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends. Got to talk to my parents tonight - always great! Love you Mom and Dad. Think we may be in for some rain tomorrow, we'll see. Will try to get to Franklin, NC in about three days. We cross our first state border tomorrow, yes!One more side story: This morning at breakfast I took a bite of a cold snickers bar and felt something weird in my mouth. When I had my braces back in middle school, the orthodontist cemented a retainer to the back of my bottom front teeth. This morning, of all mornings, that cold snickers bar broke the right side of the retainer out of the cement. Go figure. So I ripped the whole thing out and now have two big blobs of cement on the back of two of my teeth. Oh well! Life goes on.My clothes are clean, I'm clean, I've had lots of food, and I'm sleeping in a bed. Definitely a good day! Looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow - towns are loud.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Hiawassee Inn, Hiawassee, GA

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Day 8Welcome to North Carolina! One state down, thirteen to go!After a great night's sleep at the Hiawassee Inn, we all enjoyed breakfast before getting back on the trail. Cereal, bread, juice and coffee were offered by the Inn only to hikers. Great place to stay - the guys who own the place were really nice. After breakfast we said goodbye to Captain Hook who had only planned a week on the trail (although he thru-hiked in 2004). We were sorry to see you go Captain! Hope to see you somewhere up North!I was definitely glad to get back on the trail today. Although it was great being in town for a night, I felt like I was ready to be back in the woods. Really enjoyed the hike out of Georgia, too. Got rained on a little today, but because it was so muggy, we welcomed the change. At some points we were actaully walking through the clouds. Got to the GA/NC state border and took pictures at the sign - proof that we really did it! Yoohoo and Switchback were right behind us so we took their pictures, too. North Carolina welcomed us with a tough, steep climb. Think that's how it'll be 'til Virginia. BEAUTIFUL view from a rock point, though. The clouds burned off just enough to get a great picture. We're here at the shelter tonight with Hodge, Yoohoo, Tree Frog and Show Me. Switchback, Matt and Jackson are camped close by. Looks like we'll have a fire tonight. Really enjoying this trip so far. I love being out here in the woods. We're moving a little slower than we planned, but I think it's better this way. Glad to be in a new state - makes me feel like we're getting somewhere. Good group out here - nice guys. Looking forward to some sleep and a new day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 9Really nice trail today. North Carolina was a lot nicer to us today than after the border yesterday. We gently rolled through the woods, often times under a canopy of rhododendrons. Beautiful green scenery everywhere we looked - quite a contrast from the still brown Georgia woods. Had only one mountain to climb today - Standing Indian. At 5500' it's the tallest we've climbed yet, although it was a walk in the park compared to our "Welcome to NC" climb yesterday. Stopped in at Standing Indian Shelter about 1/2 mile from the summit to sign the register. Continued on and was glad that the clouds burned off a bit before we reached the top. Unbelievable view from the summit - AMAZING! Got some really great pictures up there. So far I think I like NC better than GA. Can't really put my finger on why yet but have some time to figure it out. Think most of the time we're in NC. we have one foot in TN, too, as the trail follows the border most of the way.   Stopped for lunch at Beech Gap with Yoohoo and Hodge. Met a nice family of 5 out backpacking for a few days. Got here to the shelter around 2:30 and probably could've gone on, but made some plans to have lunch and resupply in Franklin on Tuesday. One more day of 12mi. tomorrow and then 4 into Franklin and back out 3. Probably try to pick up the pace a bit after that. Looking forward to the NOC sometime this week.At the shelter tonight with the same group as last night: Hodge, Yoohoo, Treefrog, Show Me, and Switchback, Matt and Jackson tenting close by. Fun group - think we'll all be together at least 2 more days.Spent some time today thinking about what direction I'm going to head after the trail. Decided that it's (hopefully) to far away to think about, and for now, NORTH is just fine with me. Hiking the AT is freedom. I'm loving this life.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 10 I was wrong about North Carolina - so far at least, it's been much easier than Georgia. Hiked the first 6 miles to Big Butt Mtn. in about 2 1/2 hrs.   Beautiful views and really nice climb. Then onto Albert Mtn. Steep, steep climb(at times we had to use our hands)but only about 1/4 mile to the summit, so it was more fun than tough. Spent some time at the top taking pictures and soaking up the amazing view from the fire tower. Unbelievable vista-mountains as far as the eye could see. Wish you could be here to see it too, family! Love you guys! When the clouds moved in and the wind picked up, we decided we better get a move on. Swiftcreek, Yoohoo and I headed out together and stopped for lunch at the 100.3 mile mark! YES!! 100 miles! Doing good. Started to rain a bit so we packed up and did the last 2.5 miles to the shelter in the most rain we'ver had yet. When we got down here there was a sign that said "Trail magic - 0.1 miles ahead - HAMBURGERS". Sweet! Threw down our packs to save a spot and practically ran the 0.1 miles down to the road where there was a tent set up with fresh fruit, soda, chips, hamburgers and more. Crutch, Nightstalker, Jake Break and Harold grilled us up some burgers and gave us some good info for the trail ahead. Even secured us a ride into and out of Franklin tomorrow! Great guys. Hopefully we'll see at least Crutch again further up the trail. Thanks for everything guys! We REALLY appreciate it! After the food we headed back here to the shelter where we met Denali who's out for a week or so. Lots have trickled in here tonight. We've got Hodge and his friend Alex (out hiking for a few days), Yoohoo, Denali, Treefrog, Show Me, Matt and Jackson, Switchback, and a father and 2 daughters out for a few days. Think most of the thru-hiker crowd is headed to Franklin tomorrow for resupply and lunch. Then hopefully making the NOC by Thursday. We'll see! Been sleeping really well the past two nights but have had some really weird dreams. We've had to force ourselves to stay up past dark (~7:30) so we don't wake up tired from too much sleep! Last night we started a fire and Show Me (can you guess what state he's from?) sang us some Irish drinking songs. We actually stayed up until almost 9:00pm! Past "hiker midnight" (~8pm) Think I'll try to stay up tonight,too, so I'm not so tired in the morning. Looking forward to town and making some phone calls tomorrow. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods! Thanks for all the prayers - we apppreciate them! Love to all.