morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-02-19
To: 2nd prep
Miles today: 0.0

   Just got finished babysitting the great grandboy for the granddaughter, life is moving fast. Waiting for Possum to come over so that we can order a new rainsuit for the trip. I think he is going to buy a Marmot PreCip like mine. Possum is my running partner around these parts and is planning on hikeing to North Carolina with me. I think he may go further, he is catching the bug. Just a few items to buy for myself left, waterproof gloves and a shirt. Possum and me are heading up to his cabin in Elijay, Ga. this weekend to walk the approach trail and visit the outfitter at Neels Gap. I've walked most of Georga from Nimblewill Gap to Unicoi Gap. This was hot weather hikeing, so I'm ready for the cooler hiking. Possum and me are used to camping as we have serval properties on the Flint River to camp and hunt(Thanks Richie Coleman!). Getting all bills, etc. taken care of, cleaning up, moveing my gun collection to the store, all going good. Friends have been stopping by the store to check on my departure date and offer help to my daughter Amy during my trip. Thank God for all the good friends I have here in this small town. I have owned and operated a small pawn shop in my home town for the last 26 yrs. Ready for this trip!!!! No spot checking gold for six months and phone calls down to a minimal! Well good night I need to get a gun parts order off tonight. See you on the trail. Grits
Date: 2009-02-22
To: Amicalola Falls State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Howdy everyone! Possum and me took off to his cabin in the Cohutta WMA, Saturday. Got up Sunday and headed to the parking lot at top of Springer Mtn. and found 2 to 3 inches of snow. We led Grumpy and his wife up mountain for start of his thru hike. Also saw Ox on his departure from shelter. Both were excited about there trip! Hike was easy with us walking down hill, but I bet it would be a heck of a day walking up the mountain. We stopped about halfway down, ate lunch and had a beer. Snow was on the tops of the mountain with it gone abouth half way down. What a set of steps up the falls. I salute all walking up with your packs. We are thinking of going back to Amicalola Falls March 8 to a thru hike seminar. I live about 150 miles south of trail head and 160 miles from Possum's cabin. My cousin has a cabin near Neels Gap, thanks Jimmy and Kay for all the use of the cabin. Stopped by Outfitter at Neels Gap and picked up my gloves, one of last items I needed. They were putting new carpet down and it was hard to move around inside, will stop by next time and look some more. They are very friendly and always get my money. Trip home went badly as we had the water pump go out as we were fixing to hit the interstate. $350 later we were on the road again. Lost phone somewhere along interstate when I pulled over to remove my jacket. Had insurance but did not have backup for phone numbers. Well this was my third prep so I guess I will be online with this entry. My buddy Barry Helms, (alias Skunkwks), came by tonight to help with journal. He will be handling my journal from home. Lots of things left to do tonight so catch you later. GRITS
Date: 2009-02-26
To: Getting Fired Up!
Miles today: 0.0

I'm getting more excited and nervous every passing minute lately. I've been reading everybodys journals and tasting the trail on weekends lately, done got so fired up I would leave tomorrow if I could. Skunkwks and me plan to meet Possum at his cabin 3-14 and head to parking lot at top of Springer on 3-15 am to sign in at trailhead. Possum and me will slack pack most of the first ten days. We both have cabins near the trail and Skunkwks will be our support team for first ten days, the he heads back home. He probably will catch up to us in Gatlingburg again for a day. He is a good friend and haveing him drop us off and picking us up everyday goes beyond friendship, he is a real angel, trail angel that is. Look for Barry(Skunkwks) at cross roads, he might be found doing some trail angel stuff. Can't miss the guy with the three legged dog! Amy, my daughter, and her family will spend the first 2 days with us and hopefully hike some with us. Her husband, Aaron, I'm sure will hike 1 day with us. Hope to get pictures up soon, still trying to decide on camera, got serval here at store and will pick one out tomorrow. I plan on buying most of my food along the way and have very few maildrops. I do plan on bumping a box up the trail for some items. Times up here tonight, got other things that have to be done. Hope to meet a lot of you on trail!
Date: 2009-03-12
To: Almost Gone!
Miles today: 0.0

Tic, Tic, Tic, getting nearer! Getting last minute things done this week, more to do than I have time. I camped out last weekend at Three Forks and went to the thru-hikers seminar at Amicaloa Falls with Possum Sunday. Camped out On the Flint River near Thomaston Tuesday night. Sure was beautiful weather and that big moon was killer. Will put up pictures tomorrow. See everyone Sunday.
Date: 2009-03-14
To: Gone!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday morning at 6:30am, I'm here fixing to leave for Ellijay this morning. Will be on the trail tomorrow morning. Barry will be updateing my journal next time I assume. Amy, Longhaul, and everyone else I guess I will meet you tomorrow on the trail. Grits PS. Good luck to everyone and hope your trip goes as planned.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Springer Moutain

To: Hightower Gap
Miles today: 8.3

Possum and me took off from the top at 11:40am after registering at the park visitor center. My number was 214 and numbers 150 to 300 must have also started as we saw plenty of people in the shelters. Saw Longhaul at start Sunday morning. It rained off an on all day long. Hawk Mtn shelter was covered up with campers. We got to Hightower Gap at 3:45pm soaking wet. Skunkwks picked us up and carried us back to Possum's cabin in Ellijay for a hot shower and a dry nights sleep. Will sleep well thats for sure. Wore blisters on both heels, will tape up tomorrow morning before leaveing.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Hightower Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Departed Highttower Gap on our second day. Skunkwks let us out at the road crossing at 11:25am, Another late start. Rested and ready to go, we made good time and was at Woody Gap at 6:10pm. We seem to walk about 2 mph last two days and so far have felt pretty good so far. The blisters on my heels are a little worse but caused no pain so far while walking/ They hurt when I first start off and are sore when I take my boots off. In between it is just a discomfort. Packed everything up and moved over to my cousins Jimmy and Kay Parrott's cabin. Getting closer to Neel's Gap where thier cabin is nearby. Shorter commute in mornings. Looking forward to a hot shower and bed tonight. Off to bed early tonight. Good luck and good night.
Date: 2009-03-17
To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Got a cup of coffee and biscuit at the store in Suches before leaveing Woody Gap in foggy weather this morning. Started at 8:15am this morning and the fog lifted to our first sunny day. We shed clothes all day as the temp. got up today. Thank God for that sun. Everyone on the trail commented on the first day with no rain since starting. We met a nice couple, Angie & Shane, along the way. Feet are sore but holding up. Fixing to soak in a tub of hot water and medicated soap. Then one more Bud and off to bed. Short day tomorrow as we need to shop for a backpack for Possum. Possum got a promotion today as he was renamed Governor Possum. He slows me down and keeps my speed regulated. He is planning to hike to Standing Indian and then meet up with me a few days later. Well the tub and bud are calling. PS Thanks for all the support from my friends and family, I think of all of you as I walk. Every hill I tell my self that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Remind me of that later I will need it. See you tomorrow. Grits
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Neel's Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

Started from Neels Gap at 8:40am and had no problems finishing at 12:20pm. The last climb from Tesnatee Gap was tough but short. My blisters are still with me but only hurt when I start out walking, after a couple of minutes I guess I just tune it out and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Gov. Possum making it fine and in no hurry. So far the phone is working most of the time, at least when we really need it. Skunkwks was waiting at Hogpen Gap and we took off looking for an early out between Hogpen Gap and Unicoi Gap, none found with easy road access. Might camp tomorrow night if we don't make it to Unicoi Gap before dark.First day with my pack? We will find out tomorrow. Amy seems to be running the store fine and as predicted, I miss the kids already. More tomorrow, if not, Skunkwks takeing over journal duties. Later GRITS
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up this morning and after sleeping on it we decided to throw on the day packs and make it to Unicoi Gap. Longest hike since starting out. We left Hogpen Gap at 7:40am and I was waiting at Unicoi Gap at 1:50pm for Skunkwks. Plan on going over to Gov. Possum's Cabin and washing clothes tomorrow, buying him a backpack, and talking to Stan about camping out with us in Swallow Crk. WMA. Hopefully Stan will be our taxi driver for the next few days as Skunkwks heads home and takes over duties doing my journal. I'm tired and fixing to pack things up for tomorrow. Grankids, (to many to list today), Poppa loves you and misses you. Busy day tomorrow and lots to do tonight. Bye, Grits or Poppa.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Tough miles for me today. The pack weighs a ton. Just kidding, it's heavy though. Made more miles than I thought but got in later than I like, 6:30pm. Didn't give a lot of time to do much, just set up tent and go to sleep. Slept like a wore out baby.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't up and started until 10:40am tthis morning. I walked with a guy named Mark or alias the drifter and camped short of the shelter tonight. Called it a day at 4:30pm. Close to the miles I need to get. I'm trying to average ten miles a day for now. I getting more use to the pack but slow on packing up and getting going in the mornings. Tired again tonight will sleep good even with the bear sancutary sign nearby. Bear reports are all up and down the trail. I've seen lots of signs of hogs and one turkey. One foot in front of the other.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

15.3 big miles today! Tired but got an early start and camped at 4:30pm. The hike up to the fire tower on Albert Mtn. was a butt kicker. The last hundred feet were tough as I am a bit afraid of heights. Trail Angels were set up at a road near the top. Got a fried egg sandwich, orange, and a coke. Just at the right time. Made me forget Albert Mtn. for awhile. Hoped to meet up with Stan tomorrow but can't get cell phone connection to set up times. Will call him from Franklin, N.C.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Rain came in around 4:00am. Pack got wet and I was in no hurry to get started as I wanted to hook up with Stan today. Hike didn't take to long but the wind was blowing hard and the rain was cold. Got in touch with Stan Berry and him and his wife Brenda are driveing over from Ellijay tomorrow to run me around and carry me back to the trailhead. Walked down the trail today and when I got to the hwy. there was a Jeep from the Thomaston Ford carlot there. Guy used to live in Zebulon and wholesale florist supplies. Had food, coffe, and snacks for us and a tent to keep the rain off us while we waited for Ron Haven to pick us up. Staying tonight at the Budget Inn in Franklin. Ron Haven caters to us hikers and drives us around in his old school bus. Bed and shower were great and the 14oz. ribeye was great also. Early start tomorrow as Stan and Brenda will be here early. Don't know when I will get back to the journal, may at N.O.C., three days away. Bye for now and remember one foot in front of the other. Grits
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Hi Yall!   Skunkwks here, with news that Grits was safe and dry today, enjoying the hospitality at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Only problem seems to be trying to keep things dry during the torrential rain the last three days. Trail Angels continue to do their heavenly work, And Grits wants to say thanks on behalf of himself and countless other hikers. Also recieved excellent service at Ron Havens Budget Inn. They are hiker oriented and offer a great experience!   Thats all for now, maybe the weather Gods will be kinder for a few days, and our intrepid hiker can continue to log good miles.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

Walked in the rain now for almost whole of trip, and tired of it. It was cold and rainy when I walked into N.O.C.. Wanted a hotel room and tried to catch a ride into Bryson City, NC, but nobody wanted to pick this drowned dirty creature up. Can't blame them though. Went back to NOC and stayed in bunkhouse, washed clothes, ate pizza, and slept dry. Actually my equipment is working quite good. You are going to sweat when wearing the rain suit or get wet from the rain. My sleeping bag and tent have stayed dry, My clothes and me stay pretty wet though. Enough of this for tonight. Thanks Rusty and Bee for checking on me. Tough day and lots of miles today. Time for sleep.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Not that many miles but a climb up to Cheoah Bald, Elv. 5062ft, but ice was forming on the trees and snow was trying to fall. It was cold so I buttoned down and walked on. Dropped elevation to 3750' nd made camp. Good day and lot of climate change. Fontana Dam and the Smokies comeing up. All for tonight, sleeping comes early. Trying to walk with a 25 year old experinced hike is wearing this guy out but I get up every day and walk. Randy, Julie, Steven, Toshia Teal trying to call y'all but phone service and batteries scare. Thanks for the message. Like family with these people.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Pretty day for a walk today, walked with Slagline for awhile today, Stopped at Stecoah Gap for a snack and break today, I continued on to Cable Gap Shelter where I camped. Stopped at Brown Fork Shelter long enough to leave my longjohn bottoms and watch. Not intentionly of course. Saw Mark there, Fontana Dam tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

In the Smokies! Big walk today, Good walk though, going to bed early tonight in shelter, got fence across front of shelter to keep bears out. Bear signs everywhere and reports up and down trail of bears getting food bags. We hang our food at night from cables or ropes to keep bears from our food. We thought about sleeping with the gate open and our forks and knives ready and show the bears that he might be supper and rug before morning. Gate was shut though. Good night.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Very long and hard day today. Check out the miles, 18, my biggest day yet! I was rushing to meet the family for the weekend in Gatlinburg and had to hump those extra miles. Man on a mission, I was. AS I walked past the last shelter before I hit Newfound Gap I hollared hot room and food ahead to those in the shelter, I kept moveing. I hitched a ride down to Carr's Motel and spent the weekend with my family.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Mt Katahdin, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello everyone, welcome to my Appalatian Trail Journal for my attempt at a thru-hike in the year of 2009. I'm resting for one last night in Roswell, GA in the comfortable home of my cousin who will be bringing me to the trailhead atop Springer Mountain tomorrow morning. First off, I just want to thank all my family and friends for all their support in helping me get to where I am right now. The continuous support has been amazing and I cannot wait to get out the mountain tomorrow and finally start walking. As of now it looks like I am in for AM showers but the rest of the day looks clear. I'm gonna need to get used to walking in the rain anyway, my head is still held high and my gear will hopefully be able to handle the rain. My pack weight before food and water is around 35 pounds, with food and water i will be carrying somewhere in the vacinity of 45-50 pounds at a time. We will see how long that lasts, at this point I think i'm carrying only necessities. However, I will quickly find out what is realy essential to me.I would like to send a special thank you to R & W Rope Warehouse for donating some high quality line for me to use along my walk. Whether it's to hang my bear bag, or to keep my tent on the ground I'm sure I will be finding plenty of uses for the high quality products they gave me to use. You can check out their website at www.rwrope.com.I will be updating this page as often as possible along my trip, if you would like to get in touch with me please do it through e-mail seeing that my cell phone will almost always be turned off. Thanks for checking in on me, I can't wait to see you on the flip side.Jay (Groove)
Date: 2009-04-02
From: AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

To: HAWK MTN SHELTER
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Got a Call from Groove last night. He did the approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park to the Springer Mtn shelter on Wednesday under rain filled skys. He has made his first discovery "His pack is too heavy" and is slowing him down on the up hill climbs. On Thursday he continued his trek and has landed at the Hawk Mnt Shelter. He is staying in the shelter with a number of other hikers. He feels fine and is enjoying meeting fellow hikers. His plan is to lighten his pack at Neels Gap outfitters about 23 miles ahead, they have a qualified staff that can help him out. Until he reaches Neels Gap he will have to follow his mantra " one step at a time, slowly but surely". Groove
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Gooch Mnt Shelter

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Groove text us last night. He had his first double digit milage day, about 10 1/2 miles. He is camping tonight at Jarrard Gap elevation 3260. He will get to try out some of his new gear, as this is his first night camping. He should have a short trek to Neels Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center tomorrow about 5 miles. There he will get together with an outfitter to go through his bag and try to lighten his load. We are hoping for a call from him tomorrow which will give us more details on his trip.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Got a call from Groove today. He is doing well. Feet and knees are fine, shoulders are sore from heavy backpack,and lungs capacity need improving from just being out of shape. But all in all he is well and plans to keep on truckin. He had only a five mile hike today, but that 5 miles included going up and over Blood Mountain elevation 4461 feet his highest peak so far. Upon arriving at Neels Gap there were Trail Angels serving hamburgers and soda, almost heaven. He is staying in a cabin tonight about 3/10ths of a mile down the road. He will have a bed a shower and a roof over his head. He is sharing the cabin with "Phoenix Rising, Gumby, and B Chucker". Tomorrow he will have his backpack "shaken down" by the outfitters which should lighten his load. His says to tell everyone that he misses them, but his journey has just begun.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a Text and a picture from Groove. He says to tell everyone that he is doing great. He left Neels Gap with a lighter pack. It now weighs about 41 lbs with food and water. The weather in Georgia yesterday was in the mid 30's with high winds and rain. The weather did not deter him as he hiked about 11 miles over the murky trail. He settled down at the Low Gap Shelter, which was full so he slept in his tent. He woke up this morning to a snow covered trail, the picture that he sent is updated to his photo site so you can check it out. Todays weather is for a high of 40 and a low of 26 with rain and snow showers through this evening.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a call from Groove last night and he is feeling great. I found out that they removed 18 lbs from his pack at Neels Gap, no wonder he was sore. He woke up to a snow covered trail yesterday. Snowed throughout the day with high winds off and on. Trail was very rocky and extremely slippery from being wet from the snow. But the hiking was easier for him due to his lightened load. He is hiking with Phoenix Rising and they are starting to get there hiking legs. They had planned to camp somewhere between Blue Mountain and Rocky Mountain when they found a note on the wall at The Blue Mountain Shelter from Matt(Gumby) letting them know that he had hitched into Helen, GA and had a room at the Helendorf Inn. Plans changed and upon arriving at Unicoi Gap they hitched a ride to join up with Matt and B-Chucker. They were able to warm up and grab a shower. Once warm and clean they ventured out to the "Watering Hole" for pizza and beer. They had a great night.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Per text from Groove,He hitched a ride from Helen Ga back to Unicoi Gap. The day was a roller coaster. The first five miles included an ascent up Rocky Mountain ele. 4020' back down to Indian Grave Gap 3115'and then a long climb back up Tray Mountain 4430 ft. The next five+ miles included a descent through Wolfpen and Steeltrap Gaps 3500', an up and over at Young Lick Knob 3800', back down to Swag of the Blue Ridge 3400'and one more climb over Round Top 3960'. Then back down to Sassafras Gap where he made camp. He says he is feeling great and looking forward to going into Hiawassee Ga tomorrow.