morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-09-12
From: Home

To: Wesser
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Fraser FirSection Hiker09/12/2011Georgia to Maine in a northerly directionEight years of pursuing my dream :--))"Do not focus on what you have not completed; but take gratitude in what you have accomplished" Fraser FirLooking forward to getting out there and hiking some all familiar but long awaited part of the trail in the Nantahalas.Some friends remind me that I am always on vacation, or I am always getting ready for some big hike.It is in my blood- like my friend Homer Witcher says.I love people and I love the Appalachian Trail.As you know, we will head out Saturday and walk until Monday evening. :-))thanks for reading my journal this year. I promise that I am not running out of new things to say but keep journaling because I love to express my passion and gratitude for the woods.Again, thanks for taking time out of your busy day to read my story.Take care!David
Date: 2011-09-14
From: Rock Gap

To: Wesser/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

09/14/2011-WednesdayFraser FirSection HikerGeorgia to Maine Year Eight*Itinerary for our walk this weekend: Rock Gap to the NOC.Thanks to Ron Haven for getting me Kathy as a shuttle.What a sweet lady you are Kathy. Looking forward to meeting you after our conversation the other day.Allen, David and John will leave Gainesville, Georgia on Saturday around lunch time or so.We will stop for dinner in Franklin. I can think of a few great places to fill up before we hit the trail. I love to eat somewhere if I am getting on the trail later in the day, whether it be in Daleville or Franklin to cut down on carrying an extra meal.We could always go to the Fun Factory and ride go-carts for a couple of hours.In addition, it is just a few less ounces to carry on my back. After we eat, I want to take the guys to Three Eagle Outfitters.I love Three Eagles because they sell some neat stuff that other outfitters do not have.I also like Three Eagles Outfitters because they are on Siler Road. (Siler is my three year old wild child) who hiked up Mt. Pisgah about three weeks ago; this is the three year old that scaled up Devils Courthouse a couple of days after. 8--))I may have told you this before but one time we had a family vacation for a week or so at Standing Indian Campground and Bryson was four and Siler was around eighteen months old or so.We went to Bryson City for the day because it was train day and I wanted to go to Pizza Hut for my birthday lunch.Well, that night on the way back "home"/ "home" meaning Standing Indian Campground; we saw a huge sign on Hwy 441, near the Wal-Mart in Franklin.It was like a realtor sign. Professional and all.It said "this way to Siler family Reunion"   8--)))The Siler Family, which we have no relation to whatsoever has deep roots in Franklin. I wish I took a picture of that sign. It meant so much to me.In the next day or two, I wll "line out" our hiking agenda for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.I am trying to figure out what book to take to read at night. Obviously, something not too heavy and not too big. Maybe I will pick up something at Three Eagles.Stephaine is due October 24th. We are still trying to figure out a name for this baby. I guess we better figure out something soon. We need a male and female name.Middle names are always easy to establish. It is that first name that becomes challenging.Thank you for reading my journal.Have a good evening.David
Date: 2011-09-17
From: Rock Gap

To: Siler Bald 5216' Entry Three
Miles today: 7.8

Fraser Fir Section HikerGeorgia to Maine Year Eight- ¢re-section¢Rock Gap to Siler Bald 7.8 milesSaturday, September 17th, 2011 Entry three of three.My very first trip up to the top of Siler Bald was totally on accident in 2004.I was on a day hike with an ¢agenda¢It was an in/out section from Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald tower.I either did not know about the summit of Siler Bald at the time or was in too much of a hurry to pursue the out of the way blue blazer.Let me tell you, when I got to the top that very first time, I was amazed because I had hiked through here before and never had been up at the top.Siler Bald, at 5216, gets its name from William Siler, whose great grandson, the Reverend A. Rufus Morgan, helped establish the AT in North Carolina. This bald has been cleared and is maintained as a grassy bald by the USFS. The views include the route from the A.T. from Tray Mountain in Georgia to the Smoky Mountains National Park.It was dark when we got to the meadow below Siler Bald. I took off quickly to the summit to ensure that we would not have other campers with us at the top.The views to the east were of Franklin and of Sylva. The lights distantly off in the valley paled in comparison to the sky full of stars and consolations. Once we all got situated at the top, I sent a text message to my friends and family about the bears, about being on top of Siler Bald and the starry night.After getting three tents up, we all had either a snack or a quick dinner. Next, Allen went to sleep and John assisted me in ¢attempting¢ to hang my bear bag. It was at Stephanie¢s request that I hang my food. Not that I did not want to use common sense and hang the bag-she just strongly suggested it; in the event that I might have been too tired or slack to do so.The bag hanging really did stink.I could not find anything on the west side of the camping area to really get my bag where it needed to be.The next morning, the daylight would reveal some excellent places amongst the hardwoods to hang my bag.Nonetheless, my food bag was not in my tent and far enough away that ¢hopefully¢ a bear who would find it, would not associate me with it and come knockin on that front zipper door!! 8¢))I found a nice area out of the wind to call home around 11:OO pm and talk with Stephanie. After talking I made my way to my tent and the torn out pages of a book that I wanted to read.I turned on my mp3; listened to a little npr and crashed hard before laying one glance at that old book! Ha! Extra weight got me again. These books continue to sucker me in!!Good night, sleep tight, do not let that old book without a cover that is taking up extra weight bite-bite- bite 8--))) super duper smiley face!Thank you for reading my journal
Date: 2011-09-18
From: Siler Bald 5216' Entry One

To: Rocky Bald (near Wesser)
Miles today: 13.5

Fraser Fir Section HikerGeorgia to Maine Year Eight- ¢re-section¢Siler Bald to Rocky Bald 13.5 miles- easy walk. gotta love! Sunday, September 18th entry number oneNo one: I mean no one believes me when I say that next year will be a year off from new mileage on the trail.Well, I slept in BIG time today. I guess it was like ten am before we finally got going. 8--)) flashbacks from my section of Central Virginia in 2010 when it was nothing to start hiking at 9:30 to 10:00 am each day and hike until 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm.Dinner, who needs dinner when you hike that late?Or better yet, how about earlier this year, when my shuttle driver Sue had her son ¢love and leave me¢ in dropping me off at Chester Gap at 9:30 pm. I had no clue where Shenandoah National Park was or the north gate to the park.All was forgiven because they sent me into bear country with a handful of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pepsi and biscuits. 8--)))Back to the Nantahala. We descended Siler Bald on one of the most amazing views of the mountains that I have ever encountered.We climbed into the clouds. (Refer to photograph from yesterday of Wine Spring Bald)When we woke up this morning all three of us were just giggling!! Who would have thought that we would have encountered such amazing views!!The panoramic views are totally outstanding! So many fond memories of this area.I let Allen and John take a good lead so that I could listen to my MP3 and listen to RED and do a little trail maintenance.I actualy have time to give back and do some maintenance for once.I feel like I could hike this area blind folded.Remember, ¢BJ,BJ, you dropped something!!¢That is when my mother-in-law and father-in-law decided to walk up the forest road instead of the gentle grade of the A.T. when we brought then six week old Siler up to Siler Bald on Mother¢s day weekend 2008.At any rate, we quickly dropped to the Wayah picnic area and the guys had cold cereal while I had guacamole with chicken nuggets and tortillas.Umm¢¦.ummm¢¦ good. Beats any stove, or stove type meal for sure!! 8--))Here comes the climb up Wine Spring Bald and Wayah Bald!!Better than any day at work for sure!!A big shout out to my middle brother Neil and Bilko/Canoe Man!As we depart: Bear watch: eight black bears so far and no humans. We have hiked eight miles, so one bear per mile up to Siler Bald Ridge!-------------to be continued-------------
Date: 2011-09-18
From: Siler Bald

To: Rocky Bald (entry two on the day)
Miles today: 13.5

Fraser Fir Section HikerGeorgia to Maine Year Eight- ¢re-section¢Siler Bald to Rocky Bald 13.5 miles- Sunday, September 18th entry number twoThe definition of ¢re-section¢ is that I have been through this section of the trail before.Only one time as an ultra-lite backpacker:Summer solstice 2010: Winzer, who was twelve at the time (now fourteen) and I hiked up to Wayah Bald and camped underneath the tower.On the way up to the tower, we encountered a ¢herd¢ of wild hogs. As we neared the summit of Wayah, the hogs got closer and closer.The sun set that evening from the Wayah Crest was one of the best. Winzer loved it because it could not have been 60 F. When we left Anderson, SC earlier that day, it was 98 F.Bottom line, in a desperate state of ¢disorganization¢, around 10:00 pm, I could not locate my car keys (and I have not lost a pair since on any hike).Well, I decided to run down USFS 69 from 5.342 feet to the Wayah Picnic area at 4,180 feet. It was probably three miles or so and I ran it in less than thirty minutes.The calculated risk that I made was that I left Winzer inside the tent. There was no way I was going to have him go with me to look for the silly car keys.Looking back at it, I should have just waited until the am. I got into my car and after some digging found the keys and drove up USFS 69 and ¢re-united¢ with Winzer who was sound asleep.I thank God for the prayers that were answered that evening.Oh, by the way, the hogs did go away eventually after foraging for a few hours!Let us fast forward to September, 2011.For Allen, David and John, the climb up to Wayah Bald was challenging. I did as much bushwhacking as possible, allowing the other two friends take the lead.When I caught up to them on the summit of Wine spring Bald, we stopped and filtered water.Allen was reading a Louis L¢Amour novel and John was filtering water.I joined John with my magic wand and then we pushed ahead to the Wayah Bald Tower.We ran into some day hikers who were headed south.The Beech Trees at this elevation are basically going into a state of dormancy. The leaves are gone and the nuts are scattered everywhere. A field day for bears.As Wayah comes into view, it puts me in the best of moods. I scan through the channels on the radio. Able to pick up radio stations in Athens, Georgia and Ashville, North Carolina.What a wonderful part of the trail. I take for granted that we live so close to something that is absolutely so beautiful.Thank you for taking time to read my journal-------------I am going to get the maps for Pennsylvania very soon. My plan is for 2013. Northbound from Chester Gap, Virginia to Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey. We will take it one day at time though.To be continued---------------8--))
Date: 2011-09-18
From: Siler Bald 5216'

To: Rocky Bald access trail and summit (entry 3)
Miles today: 13.5

Fraser Fir Section HikerGeorgia to Maine Year Eight- ¢re-section¢Siler Bald to Rocky Bald 13.5 miles- Sunday, September 18th entry number threeThe definition of ¢re-section¢ is that I have been through this section of the trail before.After traveling up the asphalt sidewalk to the top of Wayah Bald and seeing some pretty awesome views: we climbed up to the top of Wayah Bald tower and used the land markers to determine where Silers Bald, Siler Bald, Standing Indian, Albert Mountain, Clingmans Dome, the Blue Ridge Parkway and other points of interest were as to where we were standing.This is one of those times that you just slow down and take in the scenery and use ¢perspective¢ in discovering what is truly out there.Wow, how beautiful!!We parted ways with the Bartram Trail and went hunting for water. The water directly next to the gap at Wayah Bald Shelter was not much to mention.I let Allen and John go ahead.I took some pictures of Wayah Bald Shelter and ¢hopped¢ over to the other side of the trail and found an awesome water source!! 8--))After using my ¢magic wand¢ I quickly filtered some water, mixed Gatorade powder and was back on the trail.Next, headed towards Burnington Gap 1397, I ran into ¢Lonestar¢ from guess where?? Tejas!! 8--)). We talked for fifteen minutes or so. He had been out for a couple of months; started in Roanoke. Said it had been hot, but he made my day, just talking with another long distance hiker was awesome.He told me that the bears had gotten my friends!!I continued to bushwhack towards Cold Spring Shelter, where I caught up with the dynamic duo of John and Allen. John was concerned about me and said that if I had not been there in the next fifteen minutes, that he was going to come looking for me!! I was having too much fun bushwhacking and talking to Lonestar!We debated on staying at the shelter and decided to move onto Cooper Ridge Bald. The climb up to Cooper Ridge Bald was without incident. It was just that nothing existed at Cooper Ridge Bald. Nowhere to camp.Thus, we pushed onto Rocky Bald and the Rocky Bald Trail.John seemed skeptical as we hiked up a rock face straight towards the top.I knew that we would find a soft landing to sleep in, but to him, I can see why it would not appear that way.We slept in the white pines and beech trees.I shared a tent with John and never heard a sound that night.The other two guys were awoken to violent winds and stuff being tossed around.I love it out here. This is home to me!!Home sweet home. Nite-nite- sleep tight, do not let the ragweed bite!
Date: 2011-09-19
From: Rocky Bald access trail and summit (entry 1)

To: Wesser
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Fraser Fir Section HikerGeorgia to Maine Year Eight- ¢re-section¢Rocky Bald (Elevation around 5,000 feet) to Wesser (Elevation 1500 feet) 10.0 miles-Monday, September 20th: entry number oneThe definition of ¢re-section¢ is that I have been through this section of the trail before.Well, I think, or at least , I believe that John set an alarm clock for us to get up and going early this morning.The sunrise was simply outstanding.It was as good if not better than yesterday morning¢s sunrise.The Appalachian Trail has been good to me.I will never forget the first step that I took on it some time ago.I was a student at the University of Georgia; out and about with my college roommate and we did a little hike.Wow, I thought, how brutal is this??Anyway, we got going early and Allen took off and quickly descended in front of John and myself in dipping to Tellico Gap. I let John and Allen continue uphill while I bushwhacked and did some trail maintenance.I feel like Tigger in the hundred acre wood just bouncing from one blow down and or ragweed patch to another as I make my best effort to help out the Nantahala Outdoor Club in some basic cleanup work.Ed Garvey is the one who taught me that we can all do ¢trail maintenance¢ in picking up trash and litter each time we go out.John and I lost Allen before Wesser Bald. Allen took off.We re-united with a SOBO who gave us advice on how to look out for bears, etc.. Thanks, I appreciate it. Got the drift of the whole bear gonna run off with your pack and jump in your sleeping bag thing. Sometimes it is just down right silly.No view from Wesser Bald Fire Tower as we are in the fog. From the Wesser Bald Tower it is all down hill to Wesser and the Nantahala Outdoor Center.Wesser, now that always brings up great memories. Climbing out of Wesser to Cheoah Bald is the real meal deal for those of you just wondering.I strongly advise that you do it on a full stomach with an early morning start.Unfortunately for me one time, that early morning start ended in a late morning start when my car got stuck in the mud.Thank goodness some locals took time out of their busy Saturday morning to pull me and the dog out of a big muddy mess. These guys were serious to the extent that our friends in Wesser kicked mud inside the driver window of my precious 1993 Ford Explorer.You know, I should have rolled that window up at the time!!Hey, I could not complain, they got me out of a big mess with a big 4 x 4 8--)).I tried to offer the locals from Bryson City a check or something for their time and they just waved me off. No, they told me to do the same for someone else some day.Problem is that I do not have a 4x4. Oh, Lonestar, why did you tell John and Allen about Wesser? I wanted to keep that as a big fat surprise!It is all good. John and Allen are talking about cokes and hamburgers.What an outstanding day in the first 150 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.To be continued¢¦¢¦¢¦¢¦¢¦.
Date: 2011-09-19
From: Rocky Bald access trail and summit (entry 3)

To: Wesser and the NOC
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Fraser FirLast Section Hike of 2011. (Except for anything that I do with Bryson and Siler)As I had stated before, I allowed John and Allen plenty space to get ahead. The trail was marked perfectly with little or no blow-downs.Coming down the Jumpoff, I assisted John. We tagged some killer views and then I let him continue on at his natural pace.Just inside the Swain County Line and south of Rufus Morgan Shelter; I did something that I have never done before.When you think about it: these trail maintainers "make it or break it" for us when we hike through the beautiful Nantahala or George Washington National Forest in Virginia.After I knew that John was well ahead, I used my trekking pole to clear out all of the golden rod and milk weed for what could have been one/half mile.When I finished, obviously I felt greatful and exhausted all at the same time8---). I cleaned out an entire area near a water shed where water could be found easily by day/section/ thru-hikers.During that forty-five minute routine, I almost wore myself out. It was awesome.Allen is in the lead and he is not looking back. When I slowly but surely catch up to him at Rufus Morgan, I realize that our shuttle will be in Wesser in less than one hour, so I start to run.How fun!!Thank you for following me through the Valley of Virginia and the gateway to Northern Virginia this past spring. God bless you and thank you for reading my journal!!Fraser Fir 8--)
Date: 2011-10-26
From: Home

To: North East Georgia Medical Center
Miles today: 0.0

Stephanie and I gave birth to our third child. A precious young man.Maine Ashby Little. 10/26/2011. Both mom and baby are doing well.Your prayers would be appreciated. We have three boys now!! Enough for a mini Rugby Team!!Take Care- It has been a wonderful year out on the trail. 8--))Fraser FirSecition HikerGeorgia to MaineYear Eight
Date: 2011-10-28
From: North East Georgia Medical Center

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dear Fellow Hikers, friends and family:The other evening in our very cozy hospital room, I told Stephanie the following:"Sweetheart, the magic number is forty-five""Forty-five, what are you talking about??" Stephanie asked in an exhausted voice.(Neither of us were getting a lick of sleep in the hospital; however for the first two nights: it is so worth it)"Forty five represents the number of days that it would take me to complete the rest of the trail." I figured that I would soften the blow but it back fired " The last trip that I take will be for three weeks to cut down on the expenses of getting to New England."Stephanie knows how much I want this. She did not fight me; she chose the name Maine and I went after Ashby for beautiful Ashby Gap.955 miles completed.this year: I hiked from mile marker 697 to 955 (25 mile hole in the middle).I hiked 233 miles in ten days. I climbed tinker cliffs, I dealt with the Priest, the Three Ridges and some other very difficult climbs. 23.3 miles per day.Well, this week, I bought the trail guide and strip maps to Pennsylvania. I encorporated those with Northern Virginia and Maryland and a little bit of West Virginia.the result: my next hike will be from Chester Gap (955) to the Deleware Water Gap (1281.60) on the New Jersey side. This is 326 miles of flat hiking with many rocks and boulders to contend with. After reviewing elevation profiles, stealth camp sites and water availability, I feel strongly that I could cover the mid-Atlantic from Chester Gap to the DWG , in nine hiking days. An average of 36 miles per day.If I got going by 7am and hiked "stoveless", I could do it.2012, as I stated will be an off year; however, I would start training like as soon as possible. I would be crazy not to. The steep hills in my neighborhood coupled with a back pack full of "junk" should continue to facilitate that training.Looking ahead to 2014: I could start at 1281.60 and hike at a 30 mpd pace through New Jersey, New York and most of Connecticut until I got around Mt. Everett. Good Lord willing, I stay in top shape.So in 2014: I could walk from DWG on the New Jersey line to 1584. The Massachusetts/Vermont State Line. (1584)1584-1281.60=302.40 miles. I could do that in eleven days. This would put me at 27.50 miles per day. Twenty five to thirty days or so to hike 592 miles.Something to think about. I know I can do it.thank you for finishing out strong with me in 2011. I will start my 2013 trail journal very soon and update my family journal with all of our hiking and camping trips this past spring, summer and fall.God Bless You today.See ya.
Date: 2011-11-07
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Born: Wednesday, October 26, 2011Maine Ashby LittleMaine went on his first hike in our neighborhood today.Skirting the shore of Lake Lanier and walking up into the woods or rather being carried up into the woods with many of the hardwoods "peaking"Maine, Bryson, Siler and Winzer along with Dad. What a great day in the woods for all of us.Take care..Talk to you soon.Fraser Fir
Date: 2011-02-14
To: Nowhere... yet
Miles today: 0.0

Getting Back on the Appalachian Trail Baby!Happy Valentine's Day! I am getting back on the Appalachian Trail for a section hike. I hiked the trail southbound in 2000, and I have very fond memories of hiking the trail. Since 2000, I have hiked the PCT and the CDT, and I have become a west coast hiking snob. So, the AT will be a re-grounding of sorts. I feel like this is a journey to get back to my roots, and the trail that was my first love of thru-hiking.I just booked a flight tonight, and I will be arriving in Georgia on March 9th. I hope to begin my journey at Amicalola Falls State Park on March 11 or12 - it all depends on how my visit with friends go in Atlanta. I also purchased the AT Guide, which seems to be an outstanding resource for hiking the trail. For old time's sake, I will bring the maps from my 2000 hike, figuring that I might seek some blue-blaze opportunities - yes, the CDT spoiled me!I look forward to the hike, and getting out in the woods, and reconnecting with the AT!
Date: 2011-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Updating My BlogFor the first time in a while I am updating my CDT blog with news of my AT hike. Yes, I had to make a broader announcement to the world. However, I will be making most of my AT updates through my other blog called Distance Backpacker. I will certainly keep my journal here, but I like the flexibility of the blog more.