morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-30
To: 8 Days and Counting!
Miles today: 0.0

Rainy Wednesday here in Ball Ground and the weather is suppose to be like this through the weekend. We had wild storms with lots of lightening and thunder last night...I sure was thinking about all the folks on the Trail right now...sending positive thoughts your way.I've had a busy couple of days. Monday evening I went to dinner with one of my dearest friends, Linda! She is just not sure about my Great Adventure. Tuesday I had a great lunch with another dear friend Jaime. I was so happy to see her even if the reason for her visit to Atlanta is due to her Mom having breast cancer surgery. The good news is her Mom came through the surgery very well and is home recovering. Praises! Last night was my last Disciple Bible class until the Fall. Our Paster came and did a fun Communion for us using Power Bars. Thanks so much Dave, it meant a lot to me to share Communion with you and my DB friends...Maria, Angie, Billy, Monica, Elease, Larry, Jeff, Bunny, Rachel and Michael; I love you all and will be praying for you all. Remember to sign me up for classes in the Fall!This morning I had my teeth clean - they feel so good! I didn't want to eat but I did. Garry and I will have our weekly Wednesday lunch, I'm going to miss him for sure. Tonight I'm having wine and whatever with my friend Katja. She is an adventure gal - loves to hike, scuba, whatever; but not sleep in tepees!I cleaned out my car when I got back from the dentist as the plan is for Garry to sell it while I'm hiking. I'm trying not to think about it not being here when I get back.I also added some Notes to my iPhone of places to each, sleep and views to be sure to take advantage of that I've gotten from fellow hikers - thanks for the suggestions everyone. I welcome all input.I didn't walk this morning cause my dentist appointment was early so today will be unpack the pack day - time to do a real check of everything - I do not plan to check it again. I'll add the meds next Wednesday so everything will be ready to go on Thursday morning except filling my water bladder.My desk is straightened. Just a few things to tuck in the drawer next week. My closet is in great shape. I'll cover my clothes so they don't gather too much dust, that's for next week as well. And, we've done a great job with eating most everything in the freezer and lots of the staples in the pantry. Garry doesn't cook so I don't want to leave food that won't be eaten and will just need to be discarded. Strong emotions. I was teasing Garry that people are really going to wonder about us when I'm hiking away sobbing and he is driving away with tears running down his cheeks. Ugh! Bittersweet for sure.
Date: 2011-03-31
To: 7 Days!!
Miles today: 0.0

This time next week I'll be walking...yippee!I mailed the first drop to myself, Walasi-Yi at Neels Gap. Yes, it's early but we are leaving for NC tomorrow and won't come back till Monday evening and Tuesday will be too late to ensure it gets there by Saturday. Rural GA to rural GA could be a long route.Just puttering around today.I finished Dennis Blanchard's book, "Three Hundred Zeros". Definitely inspiring.Dinner home tonight which is great after being out 3 nights in a row and knowing we will be eating out all weekend. Tuna, roasted veggies and a nice bottle of Sancerre. Garry informed me he has the last Top Chef recorded so we can find out who wins.I had a couple of God-incidents today - love it when that happens!Hike On!
Date: 2011-04-05
To: Two More Nights in My Own Bed...
Miles today: 0.0

I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!I've done my best to not dwell on the 7th; to live in the moment, enjoy being with family and friends and not miss all the blessings coming my way.I think those times are over - I'm EXCITED!!!We had a great weekend in NC. Drove up Friday after Reunion Group - yes, it was hard to say bye, see you in October - I was grateful Carol had to be ready for a conference call so it was not a long good-bye.The weather was amazing in the mountains. I took a long walk every morning and then took Jake for a walk in the late afternoon. Slept late, took naps, ate great food and just enjoyed being with Garry.We had dinner with our daughter, Danielle, on Saturday night at Table in Asheville. We've been there several times and had great food; it wasn't as good Saturday. I do think going at prime time is not a good idea. Later is definitely better. Chocolate Lounge wasn't as good either; the champagne was!Today and tomorrow I'm cleaning up things here at home: washing clothes, storing away winter stuff (it will be nice for it to be all clean and ready to wear when I get home!)ditching old lotions and stuff that won't be any good in 5 months. Just making it as easy as possible for Garry to maintain while I'm gone. This is a big house and with the cabin and a few mail drops, too, he will have his hands full.Wild thunderstorms here last night. I sure was thinking and praying for everyone on the Trail. And, honestly praying it holds off for at least a few days once I get started. But we all know: No Rain, No Pain, No Maine!Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.Blessings!
Date: 2011-04-06
To: Tomorrow....
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! Guess I'm stunned cause I thought I would have more to say on this, my last day at home, before heading out TOMORROW.I will say it is absolutely gorgeous weather. After going out to lunch today we sat outside and watched the bluebirds in our bluebird house. The momma and papa birds are busy feeding the babies. It is amazing how they know that house is theirs cause of the size of the hole. Creation is amazing.I'm looking forward to be more amazed.We had a nice dinner at a wine/tapas place last night called Sip. The food was really good. Tonight will be beans and quinoa...just like trail food! lolThanks again to everyone who has signed my TJ. Your encouragement, blessings and wishes for all to be well are very much appreciated.Also thanks to my sweet friend, PP, in Redmond - she sent a special hug with a blessing. She said her Mother-in-law, may she rest in peace, would give them a hug and a cross on their back to keep them safe until they could hug again. I love that! Love the thought of a warm hug and a cross being traced on my back for protection. Thanks, PP!I plan to do one more post before actually leaving in the morning if I'm not so excited that I totally forget or can't type.Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.Hike on!
Date: 2011-04-07
To: TODAY!
Miles today: 0.0

T-Day has arrived!As I was getting out of bed this morning I was thinking the time has really passed exactly as it should have. Yes, I did have those moments of feeling like I was just marking time till I could set out. Those times, however, were filled with good things: time with Garry and Jake, with Danie; with friends and with rest. All in God's time.Now is the time!We'll be headed out in a couple of hours for breakfast and then up to Amicalola to check in and walk to the summit of Springer.Next post will be from the Trail.This was part of my devotional this morning and seems very appropriate for today..."...the soul may learn something of what rest is, as day after day one opens one's heart to let the sweet influence of nature's sabbath enter and reign"Blessings Everyone!Hike On!
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: few clouds

Hi everyone! My plans to update everyday are obviously going by the "side of the trail" since I don't have Internet access or phone hardly ever.Good news is I'm 30 miles in and having blast. The weather has been unbelievable. Thursday was sunny and perfect. I hiked most of the day by myself. Met up with a nice couple who were day hiking; base camp at Stover. I stayed at Hawk Mtn Friday was overcast and a nice day for hiking. A few more ups; amazing views and great folks. Stayed overnight at Gooch. Saturday was spectacular. Met a great day hiker, Cliff, before Cedar. He had a good point, that no one talks about the beauty. Well, I'm here to say, the views are amazing; the bird symphony couldn't be beat and watching the forest come back to life after the winter is an experience I wish everyone could have. Had a great surprise on top of Cedar. A local N GA hiking club was out for the day and I met Tina who knows my mother in law, Eloise. Tina, I already told Garr to tell Ms. Eloise you said hello. Thanks to your fellow hiker for the wonderful strawberries! Overnighted at Wood Hole. That was my first 12.5 mile day. I could tell I'd gone the extra miles. I've been fortunate, no aches and pains.At Neels Gap today, taking a nero. It's been fun to watch the masses come thru here.Thanks again to everyone for signing my journal.Blessings!Oh, my trail name is Scribbles.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Neels Gap

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

Chorus of frogs at Frogtown last night. Met Papa Smurf when I was hiking out. He was trail running!Made it to Low Gap around 14:30. It was hot and dry wth some great views which make the climbs worth the effort.I took a bandana bath in the creek which felt amazing; rinsed my shirt then sat and wrote in my journal.We passed a couple carrying a cello and amp early in the afternoon; they gave us a concert in the early evening and another later - it was surreal hearing cello in the middle of nowhere.So many beautiful views today. Reminds me of the saying, don't count your life by the greats you take but rather by the things that take your breath away.Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Dark and windy this morning but I was dry, warm and snug in my tent. Met the GA Ridgerunner, Razor, last night, interesting to talk to cause he has the latest Trail info. This was my first 15 mile - I did Ok. It was cool and kind of misty. Awesome day: beautiful springs, streams and waterfalls.I did better with taking regular breaks today. Got to remember to take them, have a snack, take off the Pack and sit. It's so worth the time.Not as many critters today because of the weather. I did see and hear a Canadian warbler.More of the long green tunnel; came out of Standing Indian that had grass that looked almost neon green with a round ground cover above. It looked planted - like an English garden.The top of Tray was amazing with bald rock surrounded by rhododendron - I had my first little Trail 'Oops', I was scrambling over the rocks on the decent and just sat down. The problem was the rock was so low I couldn't get my feet under me to get up. Thankfully, Slow Going was there to give me a pull.Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

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

Ok, second oops on the Trail, I woke this mowning with a puddle in the corner of my tent; apparently I rolled over on the nozzle of my water bladder an squished out about a cup of water. I bailed it out - no big deal. Lesson learned: leave the bladder hanging outside.Another great day hicing. Beautiful views of the lakes. Swag of the Blue Ridge was just that a swag of mountain peaks. I'm really trying to keep my positive attitude and it's paying off. Yesterday Mouse Hole told me that I'm always positive. My response is this is where I want to be. I signed up for mountain climbing and whatever weather God sends. I can't change any of it so I will be happy and enjoy it.I'm so blessed to have this opportunity and I plan to make the best of it.I had fabulous Trail Magic today: Ms Janet gave me a ride frI'm the Trail to the motel. Hiawassee Inn was booked so I was at Mulls. She remembered Mama D! Said we look alike and have some of the same expressions.The shower and clean laundry were a treat.Shout out to the Hholiday Inn Express: the laundromat was closed and I asked if they minded if I did my laundry at their guest laundry room. She agreed immediately and gave me change. Very nice lady.A whole bunch of us went out to dinner for Mexican. I can't recall everyone but here is a partial list: Raisins, The Cuban, Strider, Matchstix, Mr. Natural, Fling, No Problem, Billy, Slow Going, Mouse Hole, Metrix and Low Expectations.Did my grocery resuming then went to bed.Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Musket Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Week 2! Left GA, entered NC.I got up and ready to go too early. I ended up wasting over an hour waiting for the shuttle.It's all good. Lesson learned: find out the shuttle times!I took a nice break at Plum Orchard Shelter. Had it all to myself for lunch. Nice. Really gave me time to think and write in my journal. I've been journalling since I became pregnant with Danie. Long time and lots of life experiences there .So, the welcome to NC was interesting. Climbing out of Bly Gap! I said it was a great southern welcome compoets with a majestic staircase. What an accomplishment!Met Super Bubba and Balunatic on the shuttle this morning.Saw some bear scat today. There was a bear activity warning sign and bear scar at the shelter spot. Had to hang our food tonight- first shelter w/o cables.This morning we were high enuff to be looking don on the canopy of the dogwoods. I thought this is the view God has - how awesome!Also made me think of the old Carpenter's song, Top of the World.I nicknamed today the AT Obstacle course: I had to bushwhack around a newl downed tree and climb over at last 6 more, ford streams and climb rocks. Totally awesome.And, at the shelter tonight I met Hal from Saluda! Small world:Praise God, Danie got a ne j
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Musket Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Week 2! Left GA, entered NC.I got up and ready to go too early. I ended up wasting over an hour waiting for the shuttle.It's all good. Lesson learned: find out the shuttle times!I took a nice break at Plum Orchard Shelter. Had it all to myself for lunch. Nice. Really gave me time to think and write in my journal. I've been journalling since I became pregnant with Danie. Long time and lots of life experiences there .So, the welcome to NC was interesting. Climbing out of Bly Gap! I said it was a great southern welcome compoets with a majestic staircase. What an accomplishment!Met Super Bubba and Balunatic on the shuttle this morning.Saw some bear scat today. There was a bear activity warning sign and bear scar at the shelter spot. Had to hang our food tonight- first shelter w/o cables.This morning we were high enuff to be looking don on the canopy of the dogwoods. I thought this is the view God has - how awesome!Also made me think of the old Carpenter's song, Top of the World.I nicknamed today the AT Obstacle course: I had to bushwhack around a newl downed tree and climb over at last 6 more, ford streams and climb rocks. Totally awesome.And, at the shelter tonight I met Hal from Saluda! Small world:Praise God, Danie got a new job.Hoe on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Musket Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Cold and windy this morning. I ate a cold breakfast and got out quickly.Today was costume change day: I could not decide whether I was hot or cold and kept switching jackets, glIves, hats... Crazy.Easy walking today with no views cause of the mist. I made good time with nothing to look at.It was a sensory day - smells and sounds!Walked in the NC Bear Sanctuary - didn't see any yet.I tried to eat lunch at the summit of Standing Indian - it was too windy. A out 2 hours later I stopped and had a second lunch by a beautiful stream.God and I had a good discussion about the women at LASP.Another awesome day!Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Carter Gap Shelter

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

I ate my oatmeal cold this morning mainly cause I was ready to get up and moving after the long rainy night. Neither of those was bad. I'm enjoying the oatmeal with the extras I add like cinnamon, brown sugar and the raisins and nuts from my trail mix. And the storm was a storm. I actually slept pretty well. I did have some bizarre dreams though.Anyway, I packed a wet tent and headed out early. It was so neat cause almost as soon as I got on the Trail the weather cleared and it was like I was walking on virgn land cause no one was out before me. The day cleared and was beautiful.I stopped at Mooney Gap and dried my tent. Got to say, the tent may have been soaked but I stayed dry...thank you, Judy!As I was hiking this morning I saw a sweet little salamander - red with black dots. Then there was an amazing view. One of those layers on layers of mountains. The sun was peaking thru the clouds as they mover across the mountains. The hard rains also had all the creeks flowing and springs popping up everywhere. That reminded me of the song about let it rain and bring Your streams of refreshing. The earth was refreshed by the rains; and the streams were in unexpected places just like God's blessings.My nickname for the Trail today was the AT River.Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I just realized I haven't been correctly posting my sleeping location. Obviously Neels Gap was the hostel and Hiawasee was Mulls. All the other night I've been in my tent except last night - that was first in a shelter. Great fun with Yoga Boy, The Cuban, Strider, Daydreamer and me! Nohing like spending the night in a shelter with 4 20 year old guys. It was cold and windy. I did cold oatmeal again and was out around 7 AM. I didn't want to miss the shuttle and a room at the Budget Inn. Ron was driving the shuttle and it was just me so I got to talk to him and hear his story. Great guy and absolutely can not b surpassed for service to hikers. Stay at his places if you can.We ended up with quite the group: Grasshopper, Strider, Fling, No Worries, John Wayne, The Cuban, Bullet and myself for lunch. Later in the afternoon, after hostin a birthday party for his twins who turned 13 today, Ron came back and shuttled us all to the Walmart and Ingles. He would have gone to the outfitters if anyone had a need. As I said, Ron is great. Give him your business if you can.So, I'm clean, my clothes are clean, my tummy is full and so is my food bag. I didn't plan too well out of Hiawassee and had to stretch my food. I won't have that problem between here and NOC or even snack all the way to Fontana!Talked to my Sweetie! He is a great 'support person'.It's almost 9 PM, dark, time to go to sleep.Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Franklin

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Went to Staymie's for breakfast - really good, quick and reasonably priced. It was a bit more of a walk from the Budget Inn than I would have liked - the food was good.It was close to 9:30 before I got on the Trail and I was the first to the shelter at 16:00. With the long stead climb and taking breaks, that was pretty good.I chatted with 5 women and a guy; cool, he was he son of one and wife to another. Also chatted with a couple with a cute lab puppy named, Lucy. And a second couple from Alpharetta with a cute dog named Morgan. Sure made me miss my Jake.Took a blue trail to see the old Ranger Station. It was interesting; built in the early 1900 and used till 1967. Grady Siler was the first Ranger, thus the Siler Bald name. Also went up on the Wayah Bald Tower. Great 360 view. I could see the fire tower on Albert and all the distance I've walked - amazing.Lesson for today: don't let my appetite cause me to buy more than I'm willing to carry.Plan for Tuesday is 10.6 miles to Wesser Bald and then a zero day.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I debated with myself all day about sticking to my plan of doing a 10 mile or pushing through to the NOC. NOC won out, I hate to say, because everyone else was doing it!There was a beautiful full moon and in the near distance I could see lights twinkling. Probably Franklin since I was walking in that direction.Sounds like there is a weather system moving in, the winds were booing early this morning. I was really hungry when I woke up. I did get my food bag and fixed cereal just as the sun was rising. First time I've had breakfast at sunrise - special.I got out right after 8 am so took a break around 9:30. Thanks again to Tina for the tip on carrying a bottle to drink water from the springs instead of carrying water.I heard 2 owls calling to each other last night.Th creaking old trees sound spooky, like old doors opening.Lots and lots of beautiful wildflowers. Yesterday there were literally acres of pretty white flowers with a magenta stripe in the petals and yellow stamen.Scat, i've seen plenty of bear scat. Some quite fresh but no bears.I also saw a red-headed woodpecker flying through the forest.I'm so excited by the critters and I love listening to the birdsong and the burbling water; seeing the bleached out leaves on the ground and watching the mist lift of the mountains.I'm content.took a really qui k break at Cold Springs, a neat old whole log shelter. The bugs were really bad so I got off quickly.Met Snorkel when I took my lunch break. She was bound for a burger and beer at NOC!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-20
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday was my zero day. Nice! I slept late then had a great breakfast of whole wheat pancakes, eggs and coffee. It was clear when I got up but I watched the rain move in. Wr got a good shower and then it was clear for the rest of the day. Either way was fine with me. I was glad it did clear cause I did get to go whitewater rafting. The Nantahala River is beautiful and it was fun. Got soaked to the skin including one boot...I should have worn my crocs but I was in a hurry and ran down there with my boots. Oh well, I've had the boo and my socks by the heater and hopefully it won't be sopping wet by the time I put them on.After breakfast I went back to the outfitters and bought a new sack for my cook pot then I reserved a bed in the bunkhouse. Ends up I had it all to myself. Not too many women alone and they do segregate the women and men. Nice setup and it appears Gipcgirl slept in this same bunk...It was almost 3 PM when I got back from rafting; I had peanut butter on Ritz, th last cup of diced peaches and some trail mix whil sitting by the river watching the kayakers and writing in my journal.The gang started showing up; scored a free beer and everyone started talking abou dinner. M&M went around 17:30; I went up to the bunkhouse about 45 minutes later to change into my long pants then met SG and we went to dinner. I had a Cesar salad with chicken. Not as good as breakfast. Folks were going back to watch TV which didn't sound appealing so I opted for my bunk with my journal and book.I talked to Garry in the morning; all is calm at home which is always good to hear. He and his sister cleaned off the screen porch so the family can gather there next Sunday, Easter, for lunch. I'll be in Fontana and am hoping for a sunrise service or at least a mountain to have my own worship service.Also exchanged text message with Mama D; she was having the first meeting for her new job yesterday - yea!The leaves are really coming out at the lower elevations. It was beautiful yesterday looking up at the mountain and seeing all the different shades of new green leaves.Praise God!Thank you to everyone who has been following me and those who sign my journal. I love hearing from you and if you leave a valid email address I do my best to answer you personally when I have Internet access.Hike on!Scribbles