morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Hanover NH

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello all,I had said prior to starting this hike that if I found myself hiking by myself to much of the time I would come home. I had also said I'd go as far as my body would take me. Well these two important factors in a enjoyable hike for me came together and on Friday I walked into Hanover NH and made the decision to end my hike and go home.I walked 1733 trail miles and countless miles off trail in 138 days. I'm proud of myself and wise enough to know when it's time to stop. To tell you the truth though I was scared to death to go into the White Mountains by myself.It was a fantastic experience. I feel very fortunate to have been able to go through such physical, and most of all emotional and personal growth.There are 442 miles left to this journey. My husband told me I had to finish it before I could go on to another adventure. Maybe next summer we'll see.Getting home was simple. Going back to Hanover to resume will be easy as well. I just reverse my steps.Friday at 11:40am I boarded a free bus (orange route) in front of the Hanover Inn. This took me to White River Junction about 10 miles from Hanover where there is an Amtrak Station. The bus runs every hour Monday through Friday to WRJ. In WRJ there is an Elderhostel in the Cooledge Hotel across the street ftom Amtrak. I got a room for the night. I boarded the train at 11:00am the next morning. Amtrak does come all the way to Atlanta but the seats were full from Washington DC on so I got off at the Baltimor airport arriving around 10:30pm. I had everything in my backpack for a comfortable night on the floor. At 4:30am I was in line to get my ticket for the 6:10am flight to Atlanta arriving at 7:45am.The cost of this trip home was $70 for the train and only $36 for a Delta buddy pass.I hope to had more to this in a few days after all has time to digest.Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.Until next time.Bicycle Barb/Barbara Corley
Date: 2006-12-12
To: GO
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

GO. Well, it looks like I¢ll take my first step on the Appalachian Trail on March 6th. For many of us who share this dream of thru hiking the AT it will have taken a lot of time, money and energy to take that first step. We have had to rearrange our lives to accommodate this trek. That first step is the longest one. After that we will only need about 4,999,999 much shorter steps to reach the other end of the trail. I would like to extend my best wishes for success to the class of GA-ME 2007. (ME-GA 2007 too)
Date: 2007-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my final Prep entry. I¢ve entered my ¢Mail Drops¢. Please read the Mailing Tips at the bottom of the list. I will try to add Planned Arrival Dates and more Mail Drops as my hike progresses.My wife, Betty, will be doing most of the journal entries for me. If they fall behind it will be because she hasn¢t received any updates from me. Without her support I would not be attempting this hike at all. Thanks Betty.Thanks to everyone who has shown an interest in my hike. Relatives, friends, neighbors and former co-workers have all been very encouraging. I would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Chizmar's 4th grade class at Forest Hills Elementary School in Sidman, PA. My niece Lynsie is in her class; they will be following my progess. All that¢s left to do is to walk north.
Date: 2007-03-05
To: Hiker Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi, all-this is Tim's wife, Betty. He called today to say he made the trip down to Georgia with no complications, unpacked his backpack, and is enjoying the beautiful scenery. After a dinner out, he will be dreaming of his hike tomorrow. (Ok, I added the dreaming part.)
Date: 2007-03-06
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Jeff (Minnesota) and I started together at Springer Mountain. Met Miss Parkay, Swiss Miss, Leprechan, Dr. B, Flint, Grey Fox and many others.It was a beautiful day, cool and sunny. The hike was fairly easy with good scenery. Stopped for lunch at Long Creek Falls. Started hiking from the top of Springer at 9:30 and got to Hawk Mt. Shelter at 2:00. Tented. It was a great day in the woods.Thought: "Today is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it."
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Hawk Mountain shelter

To: Gooch Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 6:30, confirmed that I hadn't been eaten by a bear. Decided to continue hiking north. Another beautiful day. Harder climbs and descents than yesterday. Ate lunch at Justis Creek. While there "Soul Man" gave me a trail name; Beach Bum. Will see if it sticks. Met Keith (later Freight Train) from Portland Maine and White Crow from Kentucky. Got to Gooch Mt. shelter at 1:30. Set up tent, filtered water then rested. Hiked on & off today with Jeff.
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Gooch Mountain shelter

To: Blood Mountain shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 7:20. It was another good day on the AT. Was planning on spending the night at Woods Hole shelter but decided to press on to Blood Mt. Ate dinner on a large rock with a great view from the top of Blood Mt. There are no tent sites here so I sheltered here with Jeff, Miss Parkay, Mr. Parkay, Grey Fox, Captain Hook, Drew and Steve. Spent the night in the company of one very friendly skunk and many unfriendly mice. I'll tent whenever I can.Miss Parkay, Grey Fox, Mr. Parkay, Captain Hook, Swiss Miss and Leprechan are former successful thru-hikers who got together for a week long reunion hike. It was great spending time with them.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Blood Mountain shelter

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started hiking this morning at 7:30. Stopped at Neels Gap for food resupply and hung around at the Walasi-Yi Center chatting with other hikers for about an hour. Met up with DR. B, Flint, Blissful and her son Paul Bunyon. Received my first trail magic today when Skipper (Blissful's husband) was at a road crossing with his van. Had a hot dog and a Mountain Dew. THANK YOU Skipper, your timing could not have been better. The weather was great again today. Got to Low Gap shelter at 4:30. Tented.
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Tim called today around noon. He was finished hiking for the day-said he didn't want to push too hard and do another 12+ day. We talked for almost an hour (which was great for my heart for I was sorely missing talking to him!). His words and his voice spoke of how beautiful the scenery is and how much he is loving his "walk in the woods"! He walks alone, but has been meeting up with people at the shelters: Dr. B, Blissful and her son, Jeff, Gray Fox, Mr. Parkay, Miss Parkay, Drew and Big Steve, Flint, 357 Magnum, White Crow, and a skunk which spent the night inside the Blood Mtn. shelter in the same room! Needless to say he didn't get much sleep Thursday night! My keyboard for some reason is giving me hiccups, so most typos are from my not double checking missed letters-not poor spelling...apologies for them.Please check out photos for additions (thanks to Drew and Big Steve).First WifeFrom Beach Bum:Left Low Gap shelter at 8:30. Arrived at Blue Mt. shelter at 12:00. Met 357 Magnum (does not carry a gun), Laura, Twig, Johnny Hand, Limestone and Conquistador. Conquistador got his name while passing a group of Boy Scouts and one of them asked if was going to hike all the way to Spain.Thought: "There are 7 days in a week, Someday is not one of them."
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Daylight savings time started today. It doesn't get light until 7:30 now. Started walking at 9:00, arrived at Tray Mt. shelter at 1:30. The routine for my hike has been to spend the day hiking alone. At the end of the day all the hikers hang around the shelter and talk. I'm meeting many really good people...a very interesting group. At the shelter now are White Crow, Blissful (Virginia), Paul Bunyon, 357 Magnum (Ohio) and Limestone (eastern Washington state).I expected to enjoy hiking but the AT is exceeding my expectations. The climbs are tough but I feel good. Life is good on the AT.
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Left Tray Mt. shelter at 7:45, arrived at Dicks Creek Gap at 2:00. On the way down Kelly Knob I met the famous Warren Doyle and his wife. Both very nice to to talk to. 357 arrived at Dicks Creek Gap just after me. Within 10 minutes we were able to hitch a ride to Hiawassee, GA with a "Good Old Boy" in a pickup truck on his way home to North Carolina. We are both staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee. They have chairs, electric lights, a shower, toilet, TV and climate control. All the stuff missing from the trail but the trail views are much better. Took my first shower in 7 days, boy did it feel good! 357 and I ate at an AYCE buffet at Daniels Resturant right beside the H.I. Express; very good. For $7.50 I think we got our money's worth.I plan on taking a ZERO day tomorrow ( no hiking miles) just to rest up a bit.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I decided to take a zero day today at the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee, GA. I'm feeling good but my body is telling me that a day of rest would be wise. Today I can casually resupply, update trailjournals and eat town food. I tried to upload photos from my camera but was unsuccessful. Never cared much for computers! I mailed my camera memory stick home so with luck Betty will be able to get them uploaded soon.Greetings to Mrs. Chizmar's class. Tomorrow I should leave Georgia and enter North Carolina. It is exciting to complete my first state. 13 more to go.
Date: 2007-03-14
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a shuttle from the hotel to Dicks Creek Gap and started walking at 8:15. Arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter at 3:30. Presently I am the only one here. I did not see any hikers today while walking. It was a warm day with some tough climbs. Left Georgia and entered North Carolina today. Felt good. Set up my tent and filtered water. Met Calamity Jane, Duckwalk, Micro, Signage, Colonel, and Justin(Skip).
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Muskrat Creek Shelter at 9:00, arrived Carter Gap Shelter. Started raining about 1.5 miles from Carter Gap. Sheltering with Duckwalk, Signage, Micro, and 2 students on spring break. Ate lunch at the top of Standing Indian Mtn. with Duckwalk and Micro. This is the first mountain on the AT over 1 mile high-5498 ft.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Carter Gap shelter

To: Rock Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Left at 9:30 and arrived at 4:00. Rained hard all night, but I stayed dry in the shelter. Got some very good trail magic between Big Butt Mtn. and Albert Mtn: potato soup, hot dogs, corn chips, and soda. These are the 3 trail angels that sometimes cook on a large saw blade, but no blade today. Met and sheltered with Jared and MaryBeth, Marshall, and M.A. Duckwalk and Signage also. Foggy all day but no rain. It will be the coldest night yet.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Rock Gap shelter

To: Siler Bald shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Tim called today. I hadn't heard from him since he left the Hiawassee hotel-no phone coverage. He is still having a great time even though he has had to walk in the rain and wake up with ice in his beard! Because he took the extra day off, he is now meeting new people: Donna Logan, Duckwalk, Micro, the Colonel, and Calamity Jane. He has hiked over 100 miles or 5% of the trail, as he put it. I received his photo card with pictures on it from March 6-11. He especially wanted me to put the photos on his site with fellow hikers in them so people at home can see that their loved ones are doing well. So if you are reading this and are interested these people are in Tim's photos: Blissful, Paul Bunyan, Limestone, Conquistador, Johnny Hand, Twig, 357 Magnum, Laura, Mr and Miss Parkay(are they related?), Captain Hook, Grey Fox, Drew and Big Steve, White Crow, and Jeff.1st WifeStarted at 9:00, arrived at 2:00. Very cold day. Lots of hoar frost that never melted. Water bottle had ice in it this morning. Sheltered with S.C. Dave and Duckwalk. It was so cold I got into my tent and sleeping bag at 6:00 PM to stay warm. Met Paw Paw and Silver. Paw Paw is 89 years old and attempting a thru hike.
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Siler Bald shelter

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

Tim said there was a trail angel here with a large dome tent and food to share. Around 12 people spent the night in the tent, but he chose to go up the hill to the shelter-one less hill to climb in the morning. Had his first encounter with a bear-trail angel had set up a silhouette of a bear and tim got his picture taken with it. ;-}1st WifeStarted at 8:00, arrived at 3:30. Very cold night last night-10 degrees. Met Loner Boner on Wayah Bald. Got trail magic from Apple in a dome tent at Burningtown Gap. Met Bonnie Catherine. Signage is back after missing loop trail to Siler Bald Shelter last night. At shelter with S.C. Dave, Signage, Duckwalk, Loner Boner. Marshall and M.A. tented just up the trail.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Tim called tonight. He is at the NOC in a room with electricity, a bed, bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the Nantahala River. There are a lot of people there spending the night. He is sharing the room with Duckwalk. Duckwalk is a fisherman from Alaska. Tim said they are planning on hiking together for awhile as they go into the Smokies. Donna Logan and other people were showing up as he was hanging up-sounded like they were going to have a party in the room. He sure sounds like he is having fun!1st wife(Betty)Hiked 8:30 to 3:00. Spending the night with Duckwalk at the NOC. Other hikers today: 357 Magnum, Freight Train, Sigage, Jared, and MaryBeth. Long steep walk down into the NOC but the views were great. Had dinner at NOC with Duckwalk, Signage, and her friend MaryAnn. Signage will zero here tomorrow. Duckwalk and I will resupply in the moning and continue hiking north.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started at 10:00 and arrived at 2:00. Long 3000 foot climb out of NOC. Met Habitual Hiker andUmbrella Lady. Also at the shelter: Duckalk, Twiglet, Loner Boner. Darrell tented. Also with Skip.
Date: 2007-03-21
From: SAssafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

First day of spring. Walked 8:15 to 1:30. Walked up hills, walked down hills; very steep, good day in the woods. Sheltering with Duckwalk, Twiglett, Bonnie, Loaner Boner, and 3 college students from Swannie College.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived at NC29 road and took a shuttle into Fontana Dam. Picked up mail drop.Thanks to Betty for the camera memory chip and candy, to cousin Debbie for the card and trail mix, to Mom and Dad and Kim for their cards. I appreciate the words of encouragement. The candy and trail mix were more than I could carry, but it was easy to share with other hikers. Duckwalk, Texas, and I had a good dinner at the restaurant. Shuttled back to the Fontana Hilton shelter. Many hikers there. Met Cedar and Flowerlady from Maine. Cedar is nursing a bad knee.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Started 8:30 arrived 2:00. I had a difficult day today. Don¢t know what it was, but I struggled walking most of the day. 14 hikers in the shelter, 11 in tents(including BB), and 2 cowboys. Entered the Great Smokey Mountains today. Rules here are if there is space in the shelter, you must stay in the shelter. If the shelter is full, then thru-hikers must leave and tent. Camping is not permitted along the trail.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

For the past couple days I have been hiking into Tennessee and back to North Carolina. That makes 3 states hiked in so far. Still about 260 miles to get to Virginia. Climbed Clingmans Dome today. It has the highest elevation on the AT at 6643 feet. Sheltered with Duckwalk, Skip, and 4 college students from Missouri.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Duckwalk, Skip, and I hiked to Newfound Gap and hitched a ride from a very nice man in a Lincoln Navigator into Gatlinburg, TN. Checked in at the Family Inn, did an AYCE buffet at Shoneys, and am now just resting and digesting. Feels so good to be clean and fed. The 3 of us plan on taking a zero day tomorrow. Once again, my body says it¢s time for a rest. I am really enjoying the hike so far. The days are hard-lots of strenuous climbs and jarring descents-and the nights are long-in the sleeping bag at 8PM, up at 7 AM-but the beauty and simplicity are rewarding.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatliburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Tim is in Gatlinburg, TN until Wednesday morning when he will get a ride back to the trail head with a "trail runner"-a guy whose job it is to live on the trail for 10 days and educate people about how to live in the Smokies leaving it the way they found it. He happened to take his four days off in Gatlinburg at the same time as Tim and offered him the ride back(15 miles). They had met on the trail. Tim asked me to thank everyone who sent him something at Fonatana Dam. His next mail drop is Hot Springs,NC around the 3rd of April. While he doesn't need any food, cards and notes are always welcome. He shared his extra food with other hikers, especially Twig who was running out. While in Gatlinburg he bought another backback because the one he was using was causing backpain-like a pinched nerve. He went to an outfitters and received a lot of attention from someone there showing him how to make adjustments on this new pack. He expects to be at the end of the Smokies in about 3 days. 1st WifeGot up early and ate a very large breakfast. Rested. Ate a very large lunch. Rested. Replaced my backpack. The Osprey I was using was pinching a nerve near my shoulder blade and causing some pain. Ate a very large dinner. Rested. Gatlinburg was a good rest stop.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Walked from 10:45 to 4:45. Mind Shatter (the trail runner) gave Song, Harmony, Skip and I a ride back to Newfound Gap. Duckwalk hitched a ride since the car was full. Expected to see Duckwalk at Pecks Corner Shelter but he must have pressed on to TriCorner Knob Shelter, another 5.2 miles. The shelter at Pecks Corner is full so all the thruhikers are tenting. It rained today with some thunder and lightning. Got wet but it lowered the temperature and that felt good.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Walked fro 8:00 am to 4:00Pm. There was a light rain off and on most of the day today. This is my last night in the Smokies. Skip stopped for the day TriCorner Knob Shelter. Duckwalk, Skip, and I are now on separate hikes again. Met thruhiker Rutabager today. The shelter is full so all the thruhikers are tenting.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.4

Completed the Great Smokey Mountains today. Don¢t ever let the corporations or the politicians take away even one acre. Those mountains truly are a national treasure! Spent the night at Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Celebrated Twig¢s 25th birthday. Caught up with Duckwalk, Twig, Moon pie, Pebble, Sunnyside, Rutabager. Met Iceman, Wire Nut, and Sprocket.Next stop Hot Springs to rest up.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Green Corner Road

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Tim told me that when he came to Max Patch Road there were 4 Trail Angels, previous thru hikers, with a grill and serving pork chops for dinner. They then came up to the bald where Tim was sleeping and camped with the group of hikers there. The next morning,these trail angels served up more pork chops and fruit for breakfast. Tim sure does love these surprises.1st WifeLong uphill out of Standing Bear Farm. Good hike today. Got great trail magic at Max Patch Road from 4 previous thruhikers and Robin, Moon Pie¢s mom. Had 2 pork chop sandwiches, 2 cokes, Gatoraid, 3 oranges, and an apple. THANK YOU!80% chance f rain tonight so all are sheltering: BeachBum, Duckwalk, IceMan, Wire Nut, Moon Pie, and Twig.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, I was surprised when Tim called from Hot Springs today. That's a big mileage count, I think! So many hikers in town, no room at the inn-Tim ended up paying $10 to stay in his tent at campground real close to the train tracks...heard the whistle blowin' every two hours through the night! 1st WifeRained for a couple of hours today. Got wet, but the woods had a different feel in the rain. Pushed on into Hot Springs today with Duckwalk, Twig, Icemman, and Wire Nut. No rooms are available, so am tenting in a campground near train tracks for $10. Seems strange to pay to sleep in my tent. This was my longest hike yet. Feet are a a bit sore, but other than that I feel fine. It¢s raining and I¢m tired so good night all.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Moved into Alpine Motor Court tonight. Got a shower, did laundry. Spent the time with Montana Steve. While having a meal at the diner, discovered a journal there from a local 4th grade class that asked hikers to write entries about their trail experiences. Tim wrote that another 4th grade class in Pennsylvania is following his progress. Tim left copies of his journal and his photo card to be mailed while in Gatlinburg and it hasn't arrived here yet. Because I am leaving for the left coast, I probably won't be able to add the photos until after the 16th, assuming it gets here eventually. It would be sad if it is lost in the mail. 1st WifeSpending a zero day in Hot Springs, NC. After hearing trains come by a couple of times in the night, it is good to have a room in the Alpine Court Motel.Nice place with good rates. Enjoying hot town food and cold beer at the Paddlers Pub with many other thruhikers who are moving in the same ¢bubble¢ I am. Did laundry and completed a food resupply.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

He called Wed. and told me about a fantastic lightning storm Tuesday night that lasted for two hours just after midnight. His tent kept him dry through the rain and wind-this was the first real test for it.1st wifeEasy hike today, but too far to push on to the next shelter. Micro was here when I arrived, but she was moving on. Tim(not BB), Bus Driver, and Karen are also moving on. Lightning, wind, and heavy rain tonight. My Squall 2 tarp tent kept everything dry.