morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-10-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been following Cuppa Joe's journal through this year (05) along with some of the other hikers. Iloved the idea of GLGE ( go light go easy). Cuppa Joe made the daily trail hike seem very intresting and positive. I've been practicing on my composer, camera and other gear.Maybe I'll get it right after a while.This weekend I think a short trip up to Shuckstack mountian and then camp overnite and back to Fontana dam will be a good way to see how myself and gear get along.The weather here in Georgia very nice with all the reds, golds and colors in between on the trails.
Date: 2005-10-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've started to sort my gear with the view of going as light as I can this time.A new sleeping bag is a must and will it be tent or tarp? I've about decided to start out with my tent and as it gets warmer change to the tarp.I'm going to journal with the 'composer' or something similar this time.If possible a weather resistant digital camera would be nice so I can post mypictures quickly. Shoes / boots and clothes will also be on my list. It looks like my starting date just got moved up due to a layoff at Gulfstream Corp.I'll be starting in Febuary, o6 after my taxes are done, etc.This weekend I want to check out my gear on the AT on what I call the 'Sack', around Standing Indian Mountain and camp ground near Franklin, NC. The weather is not supposed very good but maybe its a good thing to see if I'm warm and dry at the end of a bad weather day.
Date: 2005-12-14
To: Rockin' Robin
Miles today: 0.0

Well-- Here I am. Faithful sidekick to Tybee Pete--AGAIN. This time I will be editing and working on his Trail Journal for him. In June, GI Joe & I will meet him on the trail and hike around a bit. One way or another he will make it to Maine--even if DWB & I have to cremate him and drive him to the top of Mt. K ourselves.The Crazy children, GI Joe & I wish our Gramppa Pete, Sir, and Daddy much luck & love.
Date: 2006-01-26
To: Maine 5,000,000 Steps
Miles today: 0.0

I've still not made up my mind about my tent. It is a good one but weighs in at 4+lbs. I'm thinking staying with the old tent until late spring and then go with a tarp tent.I've been wearing out this old railroad trail trying to get in hiking shape. Also have been trying to increase my stepups to 30+ minutes with full pack. The only real way to get in shape for the trail is to hike the trail! I am knowing these things but I'm a truly lazy person and it's hard.Reading some of the '06 trail journals makes me think this will be a fun year of hiking. It is fun meeting new people and hearing new ideas and stories.Later.tybeepete
Date: 2006-01-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I bought a new MRS pump water filter last weekend. It seems to me that this the safe way to go. Pills in the waterbag is a bummer, the taste is yulky.It seems like all the nit noyd stuff just keeps comming up to bite my tail.Some of my friends threw me a going away party Saturday, lots of good food and libations! They said that they were going to have another party after I leave to celebrate my leaving!!Oh well, Id like to start on Sunday or Monday (Febuary 26 or 27) If I can.Tybeepete
Date: 2006-02-28
To: We're Off
Miles today: 0.0

Today is Tuesday, February 28. Robin will be driving me to Springer and dropping me off. I have all my gear packed just need to sort through my bounce box before we go.Last Waffle House for 2,000 miles. Anyone who needs to get in touch with me can email me at petebaker@pocketmail.com or can contact Robin. She will get any messages or other things to me.You can contact Robin Jones at 404.658.4006 (w), 404.281.6932 (c) or 202 Everhill, Peachtree City, GA 30269.Stay Tuned over and Out!Git'R' DoneTybee Pete & RSpringer Mtn.Robin came busting in to wake me at, 0430. 'Time to go old man,I'm dumping you off on AT and outta my hair!We finally got going at about 1030AM.Ihad to give my two grandaughters a double dose of hugs and kisses before they got off to school. Then a few other small chores. The day was beautiful and the ride to Amiclola Falls was filled with father daughter talk. We checked in at the ranger station. There must have been 60 or 70 people ahead of me. It seems that the through hikers are starting earlier every year I weighed my pack at 40 lbs with four to five days of food and a liter and ahalf of water.We then drove to the parking lot at the base of Springr Mtn. and Robin hiked with me to the top where we signed the register and took pictures. When we got back to the parking lot I threw on my pack. I say threw it on, I should have said wreseled it into position grunted to close all the clasps. A hug and kiss from Robin later and I was on my way. When I got to Stover Creek Shelter there was nobody there so eat and setup my tent, made some lemon tea, just kicked back and enjoyed the day.After awhile and more food, Lipton red beans and rice I setteled for some sleep. Later,Tybeepeteocking Robin
Date: 2006-02-28
From: springer mountain

To: stover creek
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

Robin came busting in to wake me at, 0430. 'Time to go old man,I'm dumping off on AT and outta my hair! We finally got going at about 1030AM. I had to give my two grandaughters a double dose of hugs and kisses before they got off to school. Then a few other small chores. The day was beautiful and the ride to Amiclola Falls was filled with father daughter talk. We checked in at the ranger station. There must have been 60 or 70 people ahead of me. It seems that the through hikers are starting earlier every year I weighed my pack at 40 lbs with four to five days of food and a liter and a half of water. We then drove to the parking lot at the base of Springr Mtn. and Robin hiked with me to the top where we signed the register and took pictures. When we got back to the parking lot I threw on my pack. I say threw it on, I should have said wreseled it into position grunted to close all the clasps. A hug and kiss from Robin later and I was on my way. When I got to Stover Creek Shelter there was nobody there. So I ate and setup my tent, made some lemon tea, just kicked back and enjoyed the day. After awhile and more food, Lipton red beans and rice I setteled for some sleep. Later,Tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Howdy--Last night around 7:30 after dark I was awakened by lights shining around it was two late ariving hikers. One had the new piezo high intensity light and the other had a dim orange light. We spoke and then I was off to twilight land.When morning arrived the guys that came in late were Brad and Chris. They were fresh out of the Marines. Brad was carrying an 80 lb pack and Chris a 115 + lb pack! We talked for awhile and then I was off. I hiked to Long Creek falls and stayed so long that I was late getting into Hawk Mtn shelter. I just had time to setup my tent and get somthing to eat. I met the following hikers, D Turtle, M Turtle, Stumpknocker,Scout,Applepie,Ajax,Jazzy Pants,Boulder,Hit,Miss,Water Monkey and Shane (Waterless).Git'r doneTybee Pete
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Howdy--Today the weather was very cold with high winds all day long. It was tough climbs over Sassafras and Justus Mtns; and then...... there was Phylis Spur.I decided to setup my tent along the creek just before reaching Gooch Mtn. shelter. It was here that I met Ducky Knuckles. He and three other guys wereout on a short week hike. It was cold last night but I stayed warm in my new sleeping bag.Late. tybee pete
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Right Before Gooach Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 1.3
Weather: clear sky

Ducky Nuckles told me that one of the guys sleeping in the hammocks fell onto the ground dute to the high winds last night. I broke the tent down and packed up. The pack felt as if it weighed a ton. hiked to Gooch mtn shelter 1.3 miles. Decided to restup and give myself time to get stronger. The company was nice at least a dozen people in the shelter and seven or eight including myself tenting. A big fire and lots of fun and funny discussions. Almost There came cruising by on a short day hike. He was dresed in a bright yellow shirt and bright green shorts. his pack matched his shirt and shorts. He was about as funny as could be. One of the girls tried to name him Tulip!Well, it's after dark and getting cold. Tomorrow is to Woody Gap and into a nice warm shower and bed.later, tybee PeteP.S. Remember,The world is a grindstone, weather it wears you down or shines you up, depends on what you're made of.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Gooch Gap Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

After a good nights sleep I crawled out of the tent packed up and started hiking. The other hikers were up and gone. The trail went over Sassafras Mtn., an unnamed mtn and around Ramrock Mtn; then finialy down to Woody Gap. All along the way Senior Citzen keep meeting me and encouraging me. They were just out on a leisurely Sunday stroll. I'd just crossed the highway when Deja-Vu drove up and started passing out trail magic (bannas and cokes). I just barely mentioned that I planed to stay at the Hi Valley cabins, when he volenteered to give me a ride! Trail Magic! I checked in and was the only one in the whole park. I'd just completed with my meal and was setting on the front porch drinking hot lemon tea, when little aircraft about the size of a piper cub landed on an airstrip that I hadn't noticed before. It taxied right up to the campground office and shut the engine down. A man and woman got out started checking the campground over. Later I was going through my gear and discovered that my gloves and hat were missing. Bummer.Tybee Pete
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Woody Gap

To: Nowheresville
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I walked back to Suches grocery store (a mear mile and a half). The ladies recomended that I call Josh and Leigh at the Hiker Hostel. I called, and Josh soon came by to pick me up. I've arranged to be let off at Woody Gap and a slack pack all the way to Neels Gap. We'll see.Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

After a huge breakfast at Hiker Hostel Josh droped me at Woody Gap at 0820 with just a lite pack,a snack, 2.5 ltr of water and just hiking poles. The hike up Big Cedar Mtn. on a cool,sunny day was easy. About half way up, I spotted brown grouse trying to sneak away. She had her feathers all ruffle up and she acted like she would have given me a cussing if she could have spoken in people talk. I couldn't get to my camera fast enough, so no picture. I have to practice my camera quick draw. Then down to Dan gap over Granny Top,past Dockery Lake Trail then up and up and up Burnnett Field Mtn. I finaly got to Jarrard Gap at 12:30. I arrived at Woods Hole shelter side trail after going around Turkey Stamp Mtn.By this time, it was 2:30PM. I still had the approach to Blood Mtn. and the Blood Mtn climb and decent to do. I topped out on Blood Mtn. at 5:00 PM then after a hairy trip down I made it in time for dinner at 6:20PM. Needless to say, these old limbs were beat up and tired. I've finialy made it to Neels Gap 31 miles in 7 days. Slow, but you have to start some where.Git'r done but slowly!tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Rocky Knob

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last night as I came off the trail at Neals Gap,Alpine (employee of Mountian Crossings Outfiters) yelled out that he was taking a group of hikers to town (Blairsville) for AYCE bufett. It was the best deal I could have had. In addition I got a break on the hostel rates because Mtn.Xings was having trouble with their water. So the end of a great day. The next morning's weather was was cold and windy. As I was getting ready to do some laundray when I spotted Paul from the Hiker Hostel. Right there I decided to give my legs and knees another days rest! After all, I've got untill Oct 15th.
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Cowrock Mtn
Miles today: 5.2

Josh and Leigh's Hiker Hostel is too good because they make the hikers feel so comfortable that we don't want to leave! While I was there I saw Cimmeron, a lean young man of 80 years. He wasn't thru hiking the trail,just doing some day hiking. Big Tex from Hong Kong was there along with a young lady that was going to hike alone. So while the lady and Big Tex were being shuttled to Springer Mtn., I was shuttled back to Neals gap. The first climb (there is always a climb after a gap) was to Levelland Mtn. where the views were splendid. As the day wore on the weather got worse,the wind picked up and looked like rain. I got to a campsite on Cowrock Mtn. and decided to set up for the day. I was tired and sleepy so I crawled into my tent and sleeping bag, and made some lemon tea. Afterwards I'd buttoned up my tent and was half asleep when someone yelled if it was Ok if they setup next to me. Of course I didn't mind.The wind howled and it poured until about 1 AM. latertybeepete
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Cowrock Mtn

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

When I awoke I discovered that the wind had blown rain in near my feet, not much but it doesent take much to make a mess. So I got up,cleaned up the tent and packed up. The other hikers were still buttoned up as I started out.The weather was perfect for hiking. After three or four false summits of Cowrock Mtn. it was down to Testnatee Gap. I took a packoff break and started to make the almost 60 degree climb up and over Wildcat Mtn. As I crossed Hwy 348 at Hogpen Gap, three trail angels were there to treat me to sodas, cookies, and other goodies. The trail angels were a man, his 11 yr old son, and the cutest little 3 yr old trail angel. It was fun to watch; then I went back to the trail. I hiked up and over White Oak Stamp, Strawberry Top, Poor Mtn., a long climb over Sheeprock top and then a long smooth path down to Low Gap Shelter. The shelter was full with a dozen section hikers so I setup about a 100 yards away. Later--tybeepete (some have started to call me Ty Pete).
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cold Springs Gap
Miles today: 4.5

After getting started, I found that I was still tired and sleepy so after a bit I stopped and made some hot tea, ate a fruit bar, and took two 'I' vitiamns. The hike took me over Poplar Stamp Gap and down to Cold Springs Gap. I came upon realy a nice campsite and decided to take another break. While I was there, it occured to me how good it would be to just go to sleep. The weather was cloudy and rainy; so I setup my tent and crawled in for a nap. I was asleep in about five minutes. The next thing I knew someone was asking if I minded some company. I just yelled ok and went back to sleep. Latertybeepete
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Cold Springs Gap

To: Rocky Knob
Miles today: 4.1

When got up there were two other tents in the campsite. They were still asleep when I left. The weather was beautiful, and I was feeling great. The climb out of Cold Springs Gap and to Chattahoochee Gap was a sweat maker. The rest of the hike to Blue Mtn. Shelter was around Red Clay Gap and Rocky Knob. Finally I came to the shelter water source, about 100 yds from the shelter on the AT. I stopped and got water there. When I arrived at the shelter,fellow hiker Spoons was the only one there.Soon, Parkay and two friends, one of them had a trail name of Cruc (short for crucial arrived. Parkay is a young grade school teacher that was able to escape from that mad house and join the great AT adventure. Her two friends decided after they had been there awhile that it would be a wonderful thing to hike down to Unicoi Gap catch a ride into Helen, Ga get some beer and bring it back to the shelter! I thought they were joking until they left 5:30 PM! Nobody reminded the boys that it was Sunday in Ga!! NO BOOZE Sales on Sunday. I didn't hear from them after that but was told by Parkay they had gotten back very late. This was the first shelter that I've stayed at since starting the hike. The shelter floor was very hard compared to the ground in my tent.The best part of being at the shelter is the privy! Latertybeepete
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Rocky Knob

To: Holiday Inn, Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: overcast clouds

When I got up this morning I had every intention of going into town at Unicoi Gap, getting suplies and then back to the trail. What happened was...... that Chuck Clampet picked me up and delivered me to the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee. So what the heck! I just took three days off!!Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Tray Mountain

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

I checked into the Holiday Inn. and when I'd cleaned up went down to Hardees for a couple of cheese burgers. I got to talking to a fellow named Pete Conners about my hike and before I left Hardees I'd arranged for Pete to drop me off at Tray Mtn. Gap so tat I could slackpack back to Unicoi Gap and then hitch a ride back to Hiawassee. So I did't have to have a zero day. The rest of the day was spent on the internet answering e-mails and just piddling around. Later, tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Hiawassee GA, Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning I packed up and was ready to go. I'd been having pain in my right knee so decided to stay another day and get some ace bandages for my knees. I am so lazy! Thats what I like about doing this by myself, and my way. Big miles are still in my future. Later tybeepeteEditorial Comment from Rockin' Robin (a.k.a TruthSeeker)Slow and Steady wins this race.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Plumb Orchard Gap
Miles today: 4.3

The morning started off cold, windy and overcast. Actually, when I was below the crest of mountian on the west side, the hiking was good and it was warm. When I got to the other side, it was feezing. It seemed to take forever to reach the top of the first mountian, but for the most part the rest of the hike to Plumb Orchard Shelter but wasn't too bad. I got to the shelter around 3:30 PM. By then, the sun was peeking out of a clearing sky. I was the only one there until about 6:00PM when Joey, Sam and Jack showed up. Joey was a big guy that was going to college. His wife Sam,a small tough funny lady was going to college, too. Jack, what can I say about Jack? Except..... he weighed about 60 lbs, three ft tall, humpbacked, white and had a long skinny tail that made two perfect circles. He had sweet disposition however. Whats not to love about such a pet as that? Joey and Sam set about gathering wood to make a fire on this cold evening. I'd already eaten so I wasn't hungry when they started roasting winners for hotdogs. Plumborchard is a three decker shelter and I sleeping on the first deck and they, including Jack slept on the second deck. Well I'm sleepy now. Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Plumb Orchard Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: broken clouds

The next morning I got up early,quietly packed up, and left as silently as I could. The hike was a long and sometimes hard hike to the GA-NC stateline/ Bly Gap. I took the obligatory pictures and decided to put up my tent. The weather was turning cold and looked like rain. Besides I was very sleepy.Later Joey, Sam and Jack stopped and set upfor the night. The got a beautiful fire going. I hoped it wouldn't rain for they didn't have a tent. Joey rigged up a wind break for them to sleep under cowboy style. It was very cold but Joey,Sam and Jack made it through the night.I on the other hand snuggled into my warm sleeping bag,in my warm tent. Thankfully it didn't rain.Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Bly Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joey, Sam and Jack were up and packed early. They had to get back to their lives in the real world. I on the other hand have what seems like forever to be out here where I only have to do something or move at Pete speed!When you enter NC, the first climb is a steep hard climb. I heard one hiker call it a 'boot licker' (that is the climb was so steep that he could almost lick his boot when he took a step up).When I got to Muskrat Creek Shelter, nobody else was there. Soon other hikers started comming in..... Dash, Pondwater, Scot and Jenn, Sir Hawk, ketchup, Mud flap and Daisy, Frosty, Cindy, Caboose and Walkabout. Eli, Possum and U-Haul stopped by and went on to Standing Indian Mtn.I was feeling cold and sleepy so into my warm sleeping bag and off to dreamland. There were six hikers including myself in the shelter. It was cozy on a really cold night.Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Camp Grounds, Franklin NC
Miles today: 8.0

When I could see that it was getting light, I slid of my bag and started packing up. I made hot chocolate and ate cheese and summer sausage. I was feeling a little queasy so I was really late getting ready to go. I was the last out of the sheltereditorial comment from Rocking Robin (a.k.a Truth Seeker) Is that the breakfast of champions or an Old Marine missing MREs or in this case K RATS?.The trail started off real smooth and easy. After taking three 'I'(ibuprofen) vitimins. I started feeling better. The rest of the hike to Deep Gap lake was hard work because of the many rocky sections. The rocks were loose and be ankle breakers if I wasn't careful.There were a group of boyscouts waiting for the last stragglers to show up. They were a good group of tired kids. As I was taking a break I started thinking about the Whopper waiting for me in Franklin, the Devil made me take the blue blaze Kemisy Creek trail to Standing Indian Camp grounds!The campgrounds were closed so being that it was starting to rain I setup my tent and went to sleep.Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Standing Indian Camp Grounds, Franklin NC

To: MicroTel Franklin, NC
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I broke my tent down and packed up and was out of there by 07:00. There was a light but steady rain and temps were in the 40s. I hiked up to the AT via Long Branch Trail that cuts the AT at Glassmine Gap. I made it to Wallace Gap and started up Rocky Creek Knob at about 9:30AM. On the way up, I discovered trail magic at the first stream. It was fruit juice packets with their own little straws. I scarfed a couple of them. After a long, wet three miles over the mountain, I stepped out of the woods at Winding Stair Gap parking lot. I saw Cruc there and asked about Parkay. He said she was about an hour behind.So I walked to the side of Hy 64 in the rain. A sweet lady named Lisa M stopped for me and delivered this old dirty stinky hiker to the Franklin Microtel. Later tybeepete
Date: 2006-03-22
From: USFS road 69 X the AT

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 7.2

USFS road 69 X the ATThe morning started well, a member of the Nantahala Hiking Club picked me up at 08:00 and dropped me off back at Winding Stair Gap.I was on the trail by 08:30. The climb was up to Siler Bald Shelter, on over the Siler and down to Wayah Gap. There is a picnic area there and with the weather turning cold, windy and wet, I decided to setup my tent there. So there I was just me my tent and sleeping bag thinking how much my my fellow workers at Gulfstream would envy me. What merry life this is!Tybeepete signing off, Git'r Done!