morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

One Week!!! Yep, I am down to one week before I will be on the trail. Really getting excited now and just hope I am organized and ready to go...if not...I guess I will work it out later.    I spent last weekend cooking for my family and grandchildren, we had a great time visiting and watching the video "Appalachian Impressions". Great video by the way! Tonight our son is driving up from Nashville to see me before the big hike...he is really excited for me and hopes to at least come see me on an occassional weekend trip. Hope so!    Next Saturday we are having an AT Kickoff party with family, friends, and my hiking buddies in the Sierra Club. It will be great to see everyone then. Sunday we drive down to Amicalola Lodge and then.....Monday morning.....that is when I will hook up with Sourdough and his son to start my hike!! Come on good weather!!! (JUst thought I would throw that in there...I know it is March and it is supposed to be snowing and cold but one can hope...!)   Wow! Time is going by so quickly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband for his support and transportation while I am gone on this journey. You will be a great help and I look forward to each mile you can hike with me. I also want to thank my good friends in the Sierra Club...many of you have accompanied me on many hikes which has helped me to learn the skills necessary for backpacking...a special thanks to Roger and Rita! They are great friends and have inspired me to "Live Large" as Rita says!! I'm going for it Rita!   To all of you who have made entries in my journal I appreciate hearing from you as well. Take care all! The countdown has begun!Bluebelle
Date: 2006-02-26
To: Amicalola Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Well today is the day we head south! My husband and daughter will be driving me to Amicalola Lodge where I will hook up with my hiking partners tomorrow morning to begin our journey! Everyone has mixed emotions...anxious, ready!, happy! Let's start getting some miles behind us! I can't believe the weather forecast...we should have a great first few days...thank you, thank you!Last night we had some friends and family over for an AT kick off party! We had a great time visiting, eating, and tossing back a few! I will miss my friends and family here but know I am in for a real treat in getting to know my "trail family" to come. What fun! I need to take this opportunity to thank some of my friends for the thoughtful cards and gifts they brought last night...thanks...I will think of each one of you often! It meant alot to me to see the support of all you guys!Well I need to get a few things ready for the trip south..not a long journey..5-6 hours. Tomorrow all my planning will be put into action! Let's do this!! Stay tuned everyone...will keep you posted as much as possible.Live Large!!!
Date: 2006-02-27
From: Amicalola Lodge

To: Springer Mtn.
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I am going back and trying to catch up my journal today (3-11-06). This is the first time I have had internet access since the beginning of my journey so I am anxious to let everyone know where I am and how things are going. My first day on the trail was filled with anticipation, fear, exhiliaration and dread at the thought of leaving my family behind. I hiked the approach trail by myself and had great weather! Picked up two hiking buddies on the trail and made the summit that afternoon about 3. Sourdough and Sidewinder caught up to me in about 30 minutes and after the pictures at the top we headed for the first shelter. We opted to tent to try to get out of the wind and had a chilly, windy first night. Good to be on the trail though. Here we go! GA-ME
Date: 2006-02-28
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we hiked 7.6 miles with a sidetrail to Long Creek Falls on the way up. The waterfalls were beautiful! Nice sidetrail. Met two other hikers along the way...both of which have already dropped out. The trails and shelters in Georgia get an A+...they are great with the maintenance , signs, and blow downs. Hiked with Elliot, Sourdough, Sidewinder, William and DRoc most of the day. Trail was a little softer and less change in elevation...weather great...until evening...here comes that Ga. wind again. Somehow I missed the memo about the winds in these ther' hills!!! It blows through here like a freight train in the evenings and all through the night. This makes for a quite cold and uncomfortable evening and night...next time remind me to bring a tent that is not so airid!!!!   One night at a time. Missing my family and have a couple of blisters but I think I can push through!!
Date: 2006-03-01
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Met some new hikers today!   Hiked a little with Happy Feet, Swiss MIss and met Stumpknocker. All very nice people and looking forward to seeing them more on the trail. Most everyone is hiking faster than I am so I will probably continue to change hiking companions until I hit my stride and can do the miles..   please give me strength!!   Physically Georgia is supposed to be as hard as the Whites!! What a way to start! I am learning more each and every day about myself. Physically stronger than expected but not as strong as I had hoped! It will come with time I am sure. Miss my family. I do hope we can get together throughout this journey...I need all of you in my life! Friends too!!! I hope some of you do try to hook up with me somewhere along the line....that would be great support!!Got to run...hills to hike.
Date: 2006-03-02
From: Gooch Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked 12 miles today!!! Building strength and endurance each day. Camped tonight with Norwoody, Curly, Happy Trails, Sidewinder, DROC, Cayenne Pepper Steve, Bushwacker, and Cookie.Man you can really get dirty and stinky out here. We have had great weather but while we are in this "training" phase I really work up a sweat on the uphills and then cool down in the wind on the downhills and straight stretches! Oh the joys of being in the woods!!! I am camping mainly in my tent. I think I will stay in the shelters some but you have to be able to get your mileage in early to get on the of those spots!! Feeling the physical fatigue of the past few days....we are all usually in bed by 7 and we do not get up until 7!!! Amazing just how long you can rest.OK - more to come later.
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Wow!!! Met my first trail angel today - Frasier Fir - he met me early on the trail today and offered me a cold Sprite!!! It is amazing how the simplest things in life can make your whole day out here!!! I am spending the day today at the Walasi-Yi Center, doing laundry, taking a shower, buying and organizing food and eating!!!! We all ordered pizza,,,,I guess there were 20 hikers in the hostel tonight. It is really cool to met all the people - we range in age from 19-=62 so quite a vast difference! So many stories, out of college, between jobs, retired, hiking for a cause...lots of reasons for people to be here!!Early to bed tonight....we have 11.7 miles planned to do tomorrow.
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Man did I screw up!!!!! I left my pans and stove at the hostel last night!!!! I realized it of course when I tried to "cook" today! Luckily some of us have cellphones and began calling back to the hostel. Pirate and Pebbles are on the hunt for me...maybe they will find it..I am sure I left them in the floor by my bunk when I was cleaning out my pack!!! One thing about the community of hikers on the trail....everybody is very honest and helpful...we depend on each other for what could be life threatening situations at times...great to know that someone out here has always got your back!!!! A few more hikers have started hiking with us today... we have hiked some with Compass, Tortoise, Morwoody, Bear, and Superman. Great crowd! Thanks Superman for letting me use your stove and heat some water tonight!!!Hiked over 11 miles today..off to bed..Bluebelle
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Left Low Gap shelter this morning at 8:45...a little late...like to get away by 8 but it was really cold last night and had a hard time getting going.   Only hiking 7.3 miles today...shorter and nice day. we have really been fortunate with the weather...spoiled I guess!   Hang in there weather until we get through the Smokies please!! Anybody out there that can do a little weather dance????   Us hikers would appreciate any break we can get!!!!Heading into Hiawassee tomorrow. Bushwacker having trouble with knees and blister....needs rest and ice...The trail is an awesome experience. I am still working very hard physically and not enjoying myself as much as I would like but know if I can just hang in there I can build up strength and the "fun" part will come on soon.Miss my family...love all of you and wish you could see and experience the best of this trek. Thanks to all for your help in preparation and support along the way.Love ya, Mom aka Bluebelle
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Amicalola Lodge

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

03-04-06The internet was down at Neels Gap when Charlotte was there So I (Tree)am going to make an entry for her. This is my interpetation so It may not be completely accurate. Forgive me if the altitudes,miles and things like that are wrong. As of Friday at 1pm Charlotte made it to Neels Gap Which is about 30.5 miles up the trail. She has had some good and bad weather. She is very tired and putting it in her words " My ass is Kicked !" for those that know Charlotte know that is a very strong statement for her. She has decided to take today to do some laundry and stay in the hostle at Neels gap tonight and decide if she is going to stay any longer tomorrow. Being cold plus yesterday she was wet has taken its toll. This is probably as hard as it gets Only being on the trail a short time and very long days plus hiking in the cold rain and fog up Blood mountain (about 4600 - 4800' I think) has been hard. Here spirits are good though. Today she was asked if she thought she would make the whole way she said If I make it that's great if I don't that's great too! So I know she is tired. On the other side she has met many wonderful people. and has had a good time talking to everyone and finding out about them. There were a couple of young college age men that had left about an hour and a half before Charlotte. well she passed them in about 3 hours on the trail. They had decided the previous night to hike the AT. They had no experience, so there they were. One of them had a gallon of water tied to his pack and the other had a pack that was probably his school book bag. His sleeping bag was tied to the outside and had no weather protection. It looked to be maybe a 25 degree bag- maybe. I had made a statement that they would probably pull off the trail the next day. well they made the first week and are doing well, So you never know how folks will do. And I will not make anymore statements like that. Except that youth is wasted on the young !! I am glad for all of them and I wish I was there struggling and just as miserable.03-05-06Charlotte has left Neels gap She had met her first trail angel before getting there I think his handle is Frazier Fur? I hope that is right. She has met Stumpknocker and many others she can write about later. Next stop NOC ( Nantahala Outdoor Center) Since the Internet was down at Neels Gap she has not seen any eamil since she left. Maybe she can respond at NOC I made her carry a cell phone (for my sanity) So if I hear any more I will post another entry Go Bluebelle Go Write her if you can Tree (I am her husband for those who don't know me)
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 0.0

DADDDDDD GUMMMMM --- it can get really cold in these damn hills!!!! Woke up this morning to 22 degrees INSIDE my tent with ice crystals inside and out!!!! How's that for testing the old mental fortitude... had to say it freaked me out a little bit...shed a few tears and told myself I can't do this!!! Took a few days to convince myself that I can...not sure of myself yet. Hope I can stay out here long enough to feel self reliant and secure...if I should leave the trail early I don't want it to be for those reasons!!! Thank goodness the sun came out and warmed me up!!! Now I can keep going a little further!! GA-MEBluebelle
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Amicalola Lodge

To: Hiawassii
Miles today: 0.0

Charlotte hitched a ride to Hiawassii and spent last night in the Lodge. Laundry, Bath, food, resupply, and of course rest. She has been hiking at about the same pace as Cookie and Bushwhacker. She had left her stove at Neels Gap accidently so they sent to Hiawassii where she was able to recover it. It's all part of the learning curve I guess.Still no internet where she stopped. Maybe at NOC you can hear from her instead of me.Many vistas many new friends and already a good sense of accomplishment. Georgia must be the hardest part. It's like trail bootcamp. Getting used to the miles everyday and working out calories.Sleeping outis something that takes getting used to. I will write again when she calls. Tom
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Addis Gap

To: Hiawassii
Miles today: 0.0

Left Addis Gap this morning--hiked 5.8 miles in 3 hrs! Home Brew has now joined out entourage---heading to town for some R&R..... sure feel sorry for the ladies that have to clean the rooms after the hikers have come to town!!! Most of us take two or three showers ,,, have laundry to do.....packs to rearrange....bless you!!!!Bushwacker staying in Hiawassi...hope to see him on the trail again. Also met a hiker named NSome...he may be hiking with us a while as well.Surprisingly enough this spring chicken has already outlasted many, many hikers.....a lot have already dropped out of the journey!!I am having to push myself as this is still a very demanding physical journey....I hope I can maintain...would be very easy to come home and sit down about now...kicking my butt but hiking longer days and faster now!!Love to all--- come hike with me!Bluebelle
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Camping tonight at Bly Gap beneath the infamous gnarled oak tree you see in so many pictures. Hiked 8.8 miles today in 5 1/2 hours. It was really hot today - so hot I have salt marks on my pack straps from perspiration. Snake now hiking with our group...he is from Birmingham...nice young man. We left Bushwacker behind....I think mentally he is out of the game...sorry to lose you Bushwacker...prove me wrong and pick us back up further down the trail!!! Yea we left Georgia today!!!! One state down!!!! Now into North Carolina!!!Going like hell!Bluebelle
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Man did we luck out and get in the shelter tonight! Home Brew, Cookie, NSome, Bear, and myself. The wind kicked up about 7 and we had one heck of a rainstorm and windstorm for hours!!!! There must have been severe weather reports flashed all over the tv because when we ran into people the next couple of days they all asked where we were when the storm hit!!! Thank goodness we called it an early day and stayed put!!! Woke up the next day to a glorious sunrise and great weather again for hiking...continuing to have a little trouble with one area on my right foot...hope this heals and does not keep me off the trail...cross your fingers.Looking forward to tomorrows hike!!Bluebelle
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Standing Indian Mtn Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

hiked 14.4 miles today!!! The first half of the miles was not too strenuous...mostly ridgeline..and then we hit the second half...a few bumps to climb over as Cookie likes to call them and at the end of the day we had to make an almost vertical climb for about .4 of a mile over Mt. Albert. Tough for me...range of motion to climb some of the stoney sections was almost more than I could do. I did it though and had one heck of a blister to prove it...same place...this right toe is not looking good. Tomorrow when I am in Franklin, NC I will need to try to get some iodine or something else to use....will keep hiking!!!! Hey -- where are all of you women hikers out there -- anybody over 30 ??? I have only met three other lady hikers and they are all in their early 20's....come on ladies lets hit the trails!!!   Put down those brooms and mops, get off those computers, hang up that laundry and get out there or here!!!! Maybe only a week at a time but let's get going!!! Paula- gear up-- Nancye---pack up--- I will try to keep you informed so we can do some sections together -- long weekends or something...Remember -- it is not the length of the journey that is important -- it is the outcome!!!Bluebelle
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Staying tonight at the Haven's Budget Inn...They are very accomodating to hikers. Ronnie - the owner will shuttle you all over town (he picked us up at Wallace Gap) as well as to the trailheads...great people...try to stay here hikers and keep this community supported!!!   Cookie, Bear, Snake, NSome, and I are here to shower and do laundry....man it feels good to get off the trail every 3-5 days and clean up!!!! Bathes are a wonderful thing!!!!!!!   and Ice!!!! what simple luxuries and add to our lives!!!Thanks again to all of those who support this effort. I love you all and look forward to seeing you soon and or meeting you in the future.OK - need to call my family....BluebellePlease note -- the total mileage to date is 103.5 not counting the approach trail!!!! All total is 110 miles!!! Yee ha!!! Will need to try to edit the mileage counter when I can!
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Franklin, NC

To: Silar Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good Morning Everyone! I have a few minutes now waiting on the shuttle to take me back to the trail and thought I would spend a few more minutes thanking all of you for your encouraging notes!!! They all mean a lot to me! This trek is absolutely one of the hardest things I have ever done but I am seeing a side of people and a world you will never see unless you get out on this trail! This community is phenomenal! You have to experience this for yourself, no words can explain how quickly the bonds form, the fantastic awareness you begin to develop of the nature around you, and the physical transformation of your body! I am bone tired, sore from head to toe, only had 3 showers in the last 14 days, and looking forward to more!!! I want to let Frasier Fir know how much I appreciated his early morning trail angel run on Blood Mtn. as well as Crutch who is setting up trail magic in Wallace Gap. Also found out Stumpknocker broke his arm....really hate to hear that and hope your recovery is fast and gentle.Paula and Nancye --- I will try to stay in touch ---I think southern VA. would be a great place to hook up. Please give me some idea of your free times and when we approach those dates I can let you know approximately where I will be.I laugh and wonder how long I will be able to stay out here on the trail....one day at a time...but hope to keep heading north. I have felt such accomplishment so far...next couple of weeks involve crossing Nantahala Outdoor Center and then Fontana Dam and into the Smokies. If I can retain my hiking buddies during this stretch they will be a great help.Continue the journey!
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was Tough! This was one of those dreaded days on the trail, feet swollen, left knee continuing to swell and become very tender on downhills, rain, wind...and I am having some gear problems. I have learned a lot on this trek about myself as well as the gear and may be facing the possibility that this attempt needs to be a long section hike. I think I need to get off the trail, regroup and organize, and maybe make this trek again. I also know that the next attempt needs to include my husband. I have enjoyed the people I hike with but at the same time disappointed there are not more women and people my age to associate with.Along the trail today I did get to meet Apple. He was a most welcome and gracious Trail Angel who has set up a large tent area (12 x 24 approx) in Burningtown Gap. Apple will start a hike (he does not know if it will be a thruhike - just wants to hike as long as it is fun!) April 1. He has driven up from Austin, Texas to offer hot chocolate, hot dogs, candy, cold drinks, coffee.....he has done this the last four years in a row! Thank you Apple!!! On a rainy day like today this was a very welcome site and treat! Good luck with whatever portion of the trail you do!Crossed Wayah Bald today - completely fogged in with the rain and clouds. Took a few pictures of the tower built for John Byrne who was a forest supervisor in this area. Hopefully will down load my pictures soon and you can get a better idea of what I am seeing.Arrived at Cold Spring Shelter about 3:30. Still rainy and everything I have on is wet. This shelter was built in 1933 by the CCC and has definately seen better days! Cookie, NSome and I were later joined by Stinky and Orangatang who tent camped in the rain. Compass came along later and stayed in the shelter with us.Sure hope my knee calms down!
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning at Cold Spring Shelter to clear blue skies but with a very cold, sharp wind blowing. Obviously the cold front associated with the rain has come through and the temps have dropped about 30 degrees. The trail between this shelter and NOC is tough!! Long arduous uphills and downs with rocky or rooty terrain making footing tough at times. I feel pretty good but the downhills have definately taken a toll on my left knee -- now swollen to twice the normal size....I think I have a problem... Hiked over Wesser Bald today and wow the views were great. You can see Lake Fontana and the Smokies from here! Luckily the sky was clear!Finally arrived in NOC...feet and knees are shot...will take a zero day and see if I can continue...I think I am ready to go home anyway. I have learned that I want to hike more of the trail but with my husband and a few different gear choices....my tent is not appropriate...great Schire Tarptent...I have met about six others who have the same style I have but all agree this tent is not warm enough to use at this time and they are all investing in new tents before the smokies. Also discovered there is no room at the hostel tonight so must hike 1.5 miles up the highway to another motel! Great - I need to hike uphill with my pack on these knees but no choice so....up we go!After arriving at the hotel many of the kids I have been hiking with are piling into rooms to cut expenses and I have decided to share my room as well. Just not enough accomodations here and this area certainly does not cater to hikers!!!Had a hot shower and lots of Vitamin I....will see about the knees!