morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-07
To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I will give you a little background to this attempt on the trail. I have hikedand backpacked for many years. Not a lot each year, as work and family took priority. I know have completed the AT in sections, from Katahdin to part waythrough Penn. It was time to bite the bullet and head for Georgia and start walking north. If I kept on doing small sections, I wasn't going to live longenough to get er done. As I am from Massachusetts, the drive to the sections wasgetting longer and longer. My husband occasionally would suggest I go south and get going north. So, much to his chagrine, I have. I will be arriving at the hiker hostel on April 8. Along with me will be my niece, from Colorado, Dawn.She tries to hike with me once a year. When I told her what I was doing, and would she like to start the trail with me, she said yes. So being able to startwith a good companion, will make the journey that much better.I am reviewing my gear, planning on what to buy new, and getting food drops organized. My daughter, Debbie, has been called in to be a transcriber for me, and husband, Russ, will be moral support and team leader.The girls at CURVES, where I work, are supportive, think I am crazy, excited for me, can't believe some one would do this. Sleeping outdoors is unthinkable.But they are so much fun!!Old gray mare, (unless I get a new trail name) is my geocaching name.
Date: 2006-02-08
To: Appalachian trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have contacted a friend in Virginia who has offered to give me any help I need when I get to that area. He has given me encouragement and support, ever since we met in New Jersey. His trail name is Insomniac, and he is hiking sections once a year. I believe he has hiked from GA to Vt. This summer he and his buddy, Stumblefoot will be tackling the Whites. 2 months to go. Getting antsy.
Date: 2006-02-18
To: New Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Made a visit this morning to my favorite store, EMS. Tried out boots and selected a new pair of Montrails. Also got a new sleeping bag. I needed a larger bag, as the one I had didn't give me enough room to turnover. I got a Boreal 20 degree mummy bag. I can't wait to try it out. Hubby wants me to sleep on the deck tonight, but its brutal out there today. Winds about 30 mph and temps about 20 and its only a little after 4pm. That would make the windchill really cold. I think I'll try it when there isn't so much wind. Maybe I could set up my clip flashlight out there, that'll help.   7 more weeks to wait.
Date: 2006-03-03
To: 5 weeks to go
Miles today: 0.0

As is written often in these journals, it is so hard to wait when time is going so slowly. I have bought new boots, and a new roomier sleeping bag.I have packed up, minus water and clothes, and am at about 21 pds. I know I still have some small details to pack but weight looks promising. I work at a womens fitness facility, Curves, and all my friends and co-workersare excited. I am going to hang up that long narrow poster of the AT on the wall. Then I will try to make sure they know how to check trailjournals.com tofind out how I am doing and where I am. Maybe they will put a pushpin at my latest location. My husband wants to do the same thing at home. I have several drop boxes partially prepared. Still trying to get food ideas.I am going to make some venison jerky, so that will be a treat. And I have to prepare some gorp. I have been reading the trail journals everyday and they are putting me on the trail vicariously.(sp)? Can't wait to see all the places I read about.See you down the road apiece.
Date: 2006-03-09
To: Waiting to get started
Miles today: 0.0

I have been following the journals of those who have started hiking, with envy.I have 4 more weeks to go. One thing I am expecting, is somewhat warmer weatherthan they have been having. In Massachusetts this week end, is should get into the sixties, so I feel spring is on the way. I speak with my niece, Dawn, about one a week, from Denver. She is going to join me the first week. Getting her gear together is something she is working on. Her job keeps her very busy and she gets in late in the evening, but I knowshe is excited and committed and I can't wait to see her. Maybe I'll abduct herand make her walk to Penn. with me. Hee Hee, just joking.
Date: 2006-03-19
To: Debbie learning to transcribe
Miles today: 0.0

Hi, my name is Debbie I'm old gray mare's daughter, I'll be worrying about, and transcribing for my mom while she's on her adventure. She will be journaling from the trail and I'll be transcribing when she can't. Please everyone join me in following her travels. It's nice to be a part of this.
Date: 2006-04-07
To: Final Day at home
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow morning flying out at 6 AM. Meet Dawn in Atlanta at 11. Meet shuttleat North Spring Station at 2pm. I have butterflies in my stomach. My friends at work threw a suprise party for me last night. Balloons, champagne, food, gifts.Laughs, and more. Thanks to all of you. I will try to get journals up as often as I can.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Dawn and I hiked to Hawk Mt. Shelter. After doing the forest service rd to the summit of Springer, we hiked in warm lovely weather. We decided to sleep in the Shelter as she had never done that, and wanted to see what it was like. She had trouble with her stove and various hikers tried to help her with it. It was determined that there was something wrong with it, that could be figured out. We got our supper done and cleaned up, and it was time to get to bed. Snoring and arms flinging around at night from a fellow, next to her, who we named Biff,made for a less than restful night.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

After last nights shelter experience, we decided we would sleep in a tent tonight. I forgot to mention that last night the army Rangers had manuvers, and there was machine guns, and bombs, or whatever, for part of the night. Came across them early today, in the woods. We were very tired when we arrived at Gooch Mt. shelter, and set up our tent, got water, made supper, and went to bed.Too tired to socialize. But we enjoyed the hike and had laughs along the way. We took a one hour nap at the top of some mountain at lunch. We have a very flexible hiking plan.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

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

Got to Woody Gap, and received some trail magic from a couple that pulled into the parking lot. Cold sodas and candy bars, oh my. We fooled around and took pictures and rested.Then we decided to take advantage of the 5 oclock pickup back to the Hiker Hostel and slept in a bed. Short day.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We got dropped off at Woody gap and went forward. Our plan was to stay at a shelter tonight, but as the day went on and we finally made it to the top of Blood Mt, we decided to go the last couple of miles to Neels gap. We arrived at about 6:30 to pizza out on the veranda. Dawn (who has become"Chipper Damnit") went to bed exhausted and sunburned. There are no leaves on the trees yet and the sun comes right through. I followed shortly thereafter.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Baggs Creek campsite
Miles today: 4.0

+Stayed at Walasi-Yi Center, which is an outfitter and hostel. Their internet for hikers has been trashed so no journals until later. Deb will be getting snail mail soon. We slept in the bunkroon after pulling a tough 10+ mile day yesterday over Blood mountain. I guess the Creek and Cherokee indians had a war on it and left so many dead and wounded that the ground ran red. There is a stone shelter at the top with spectacular views, but there was no water, so we hiked 2.4 miles off the mountain pulled in at 6:30. This morning we knew we wanted a short day so we hung around at the outfitters. I had them breakdown my pack by looking at everything. I sent about 5 pds of inappropriatehome. I replaced them with more high tec and better performing items which will keep me safer. And made my wallet lighter. The worst thing was, they were astounded that I had been sold a large mens backpack at EMS in Mass. I had been wearing it and just tightened up all around. So with a big sigh I got another pack and sent home my old pack, which is perfect for Russ, my better half. Winton custom fit a pack for me exchanging hip pads and harnesses until perfect fit was obtained. A special person hiking with me paid for this behind my back. We spent 4 hours in there and got on the trail at 3 pm. Climbed mountains, gaps, stamps, tops, and what have you. We got to Baggs creek gap campsite where there was water. Mike (Uncas) is here along with a family with children out for the weekend. Tomorrow 2 miles to Hogpen gap for Dawns pick up, I will miss her dearly.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Baggs Creek campsite

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

We got on the trail by 8:15am. Over Cowrock Mt, down into Tesnatee Gap. It was a hard climb up to Hogpen Gap. We arrived at 11 o'clock and Dawns pick-up arrived 5 minutes later. We took photos, Dawn cried, waved goodbye and threw kisses. I rested for an hour, then went up and down all day. White Oak stamp, Poor Muntain, Wide gap, Sheep Rock Top and down to Low Gap shelter. Trail is much more up and down than I expected. I am putting all these names in so the folks back home get a feeling for the culture of the mountains here. Baggins is here, also John 70 years old, second time hiking the trail. Tenting are Richard and Big and Bedbug. There is a stream in front with yellow flowers on its banks. Pretty. There are butterflies all over the place. . Getting near to hiker midnight, 8 pm. It was ahot day in the 80's, but it should be fine tonight.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Heard owls in the night but got a good nights sleep. John and I both up at 7, packed up, he left. I checked on Baggins, she is not feeling well and is going to take a second zero day. I called my honey. Best part of day. Easy trail in morning. Rested at 10:30 and at 12 took lunch break and a nap. The afternoon was in the 80's again. I arrivaed at shelter in the middle of afternoon. I was done, put a fork in me. Tim was resting after having dizziness, but headed out another three miles to a campsite. Terrain too up and down for me at end of day. Alex came in all sunburned. The leaves are not out yet and there is no shade. Then Big and Bedbug came in and are tenting. Alex and I are in shelter but it is raining mice and it is not even dark yet. I am going to set up tent and he is going to sleep in his hammock.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 2.2

Windy night on top of mountain last night, but temperature was fine. Nice sunrise from tent. Headed over Blue Mountain and down to Unicoi gap. I was kind of down, with the heat, and homesick. I headed up out of the gap and changed my mind. I came back to the road at Unicoi gap and met John coming back from a night in town, and Big and Bedbug just heading up out of the gap. I told them I was going to spend a night in town, so they would know where i was. I hitched into Helen, Ga. Town was transformed into a Bavarian village in the 1960's to get some tourist money into the economy. It worked. I got a room at the Helendorf River Inn at hiker rates. Then I cleaned up and walked through the town an shops. And I ate bratwurst, walked some more and then hadmexican food and a Marguarita. I slept and watched television. Tomorrow I will find internet access and go back to Unicoi gap and start up again.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Helen, GA

To: Tray Mtn shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I am at the library in Helen to get these journals out. I am heading out now.I got a ride quickly out of town up to Unicoi Gap. The climb was up, but I amjust pacing my self the best I can. I got to the shelter around 4:30. Lots ofnice tenting spots, many hikers, maybe 13-15. Good day today
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Tray Mtn shelter

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

Windy, foggy, rainy today in morning. Hard to get going. Cold but once I got moving it was better. I was planning to take a break at noon, and as I came down into Addis Gap, Trail Magic, by the Preacher Dude. Fruit, soda, hot coffee and a baloney sandwich. Visited a bit, and then moved on over Kelly Knob. Took a twenty minute break at 2pm, and then the final push on to Hiawassee. Arrived at Dicks Creek Gap at 4:40 and caught a ride to town. Ran into a couple of gentlement I met and the trail and we had a nice dinner together. I drank a lot of sweet tea at supper, and didn't sleep to well. Tomorrow, on trail again.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

While in Hiawassee, I got discouraged, and instead of resting some more, and getting myself in a better frame of mind, I caught a bus and went home. I know, I know, BIG Mistake. I am going back on Tuesday, and continue on. I was just homesick and tired, but I need to give it another shot. I have planned so long to do this and been so excited. My husband and family have been so encouraging, they are incredible. Thanks for your messeges, I think of the gang at Curves often.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Home

To: BlueBerry Patch
Miles today: 0.0

Take Two We were up at 3am, showered and we had coffee and I had one last cigarette.Off we went to the airport. Love and Kisses, I got my boarding pass and then got a bagel and cream cheese. Boarded the plane, another one of those with a seat on one side and two seats on the other side of the aisle. moved passengers to balance the plane. Arrived at Dulles 3/4 of an hour early , the next connection to Atlanta departed 3/4 hour late. You win some and you lose some. Got shuttle to Gainesville and Joyce Morgan met me. She took me to Wendy's and then to the Blueberry patch. It is a beautiful little farm with a building for hikers and hot showers and tomorrow Blueberry pancakes, sausages eggs, cheese biscets right out of the oven, orange juice and coffee, all for a donation. Bubba is here, he reminds me of my brother Peter. He has some interesting ideans , somethin of a scientist. Ask me about him some time.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well, Bubba snores but he was in another room. Breakfast bell called us at 8:30. We prayed with Gary and Lennie and ate a hearty breakfast. Then we got a ride to trail head and we were all interviewed by some folks getting off a tour bus. a few of them went with a naturalist to walk a ways on the AT and study the woods. Three of them walked all the way to Plumorchard shelter, where I was having lunch. Popcorn and wife something, "bye bye". The left and Bubbo came, he was done for the day. I headed for Bly gap at the N.C. border and made it. I pitched tarp and made supper. It has been rainy, and cool all day. I am snug in my bag with long johns and fleece jacket and hat. Cold tonight.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Cold windy night, then rain, packed up wet. Sleeping bag got wet at the foot. Still kept me warm. Took a break at Muskrat Shelter. Dried some stuff out. Stray skinny hound dog hanging around. Tent on site, but nobody came out. It was a tough climb this morning. 3 climbs by 11. I wish I could do more miles a day, but I'll just hike everyday and see where it gets me. 5 of us here, 3 tenting. Myself and Whispers in Shelter.Grits and 2 others out side.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I was next to the last on out today. It was hard to get out of warm snuggly sleeping bag into 45 degree air and pack up. Wonderful traul and scenery. Miles of Rhododendron tunnels. Crossing streams on logs. Easy day. 1st on to shelter at 1:30pm. I could go on, but I need to get to the post office in Franklin. It closes Saturday at noon, and it is around 16 miles away and I can't do that today. So I plan to go shelter to shelter, short days so I won't spend a lot of money in town. Carter gap shelter is full with Pork Chop and Jackson(dog),Jane and Melinda, and another gentleman. Bubba showed up late, he did 12 milestoday. He is now cooking in the dark. Tomorrow should be ok except for Albert Mt.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Carter Gap Shelter

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

I lost my watch, so I don't know what time I got going. Jane and Melinda, who are from Beverly, Massachusetts and work together in a hospital. Hiking alone part of morning. As I was resting in a gap Bubba and the girls caught up to me. I hiked with the girls the rest of the day. Melinda may get off the trail tomorrow and Jane and I will hike together to Fontana Dam. This may heelp me when my spirits get low. Because I was with them I hiked further tha I planned. 12.1 miles is a new high. I also passed the 100 mile mark today. Climbed Albert Mt. Tough climb over ledges and up the fire tower. Windy and cold, some view. GOOD DAY. Rock gap shelter full up. Met up with BAGGINS again.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: clear sky

I am in Haven's Budget Inn, and for those who know, Ron is taking good care of us. Melinda and Jane and I are sharing a room. Melinda will not be able to hike any more and is going home. Jane is staying on the trail and we will keep each other company. I will get my bounce box at the p.o. tomorrow and then I will take my phone charger, carry it to Fontana Dam and charge it up there. We have a room waiting for us at the Hiker Inn. I am going to the AYCE buffet so gotta go. Thanks for the e-mails from my family and friends and followers.Just got back from dinner. I am stuffed. I ate so much I couldn't eat dessert. Although I did cruise the displays. I went to bed but couldn't sleep because of all the Pepsi I drank at dinner.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wine Spring Campsite
Miles today: 8.2

Just got the journals that I mailed to Debbie. Had breakfast with Jane and Milinda, Ron and his wife, Baggins, fellow from Denver. I got dropped off at the PO to pick up my bounce box and carried it to the motel. . Oh, I found the watch stuck inside my jacket by the velcro on the strap. Jane and I and Denver and Whispers got dropped off at Winding stair gap at 11. Climbed up and out. Jane is great to hike with. We stopped and climbed Silas Bald and took pictures, and were very proud we took the time for the side trip. Danny was at the bottom of the bald and convinced us it would be worth our while to climb up. We are camping with danny at Wine Spring Campsite. It is a really pretty grassy spot. Water nearby. I met some day hikers hwo had read trail journals and knew me. We had a campfire tonight, (Danny's specialty}. Slept well.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Wine Spring Campsite

To: Cold Spring Shelter.
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a late start talking with Danny. Tonight we are in Shelter made for 6 with 7 peaple. It is going to rain and campsite is slightly sloped so we are trying to let everyone in that wants to come in. Uphill, Danny, me, Jane, Evens(to be known as Twinkle Toes, 2 other young men are here. The day has been cool, cloundy, some sprinkles and some some sun. It was only 7.6 miles but neither of ushad much energy. We arrived at 4:30, and tired. The last mile always seems forever. Jjust before we got here we saw a tree that recently had been struck by lightning and had a gracefully curved open wound all the way to the ground. Today had lots of flowers, in fact, it smelled like honeysuckle in Burningtown Gap. Going to try for N.O.C. tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Cold Spring Shelter.

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 11.5

We had rain and thunder and lightning during the night. We all stayed dry, but we wondered about the family of 6 camping nearby. It turnes out they had strung together 3 tarps and had quite a setup. We started out at 8:20 in cold, cloudy, windy conditions with rain expected. As the hours went by the sky cleared and warmed up. We climbed Wesser Bald and up the tower, and enjoyed the view. There was a trail creww just starting work. I had them pose for a photo. Trail was steep and tricky, going down. We seemed to go down forever, and got to N.O.C. about 5 pm. This is a rafting and outdoor activities center with an outfitter and restaurants right on the the river. The cabins are a climb up the slope from the river. I couldn't believe it, another climb before I could take off my pack. Jane and I cleaned up and got something to eat at the Riverside Restaurant. "something" means I had a glass of chocolate milk, a glass of Sprite, onion rings and a double cheeseburger and shared bread pudding with Jane. We got our laundry done after Jane found some detergent in a hiker box. Tomorrow we will pick up her box and get supplies. I am not looking forward to the long uphill tomorrow. Tonight some of the current hikers relaxed with a beer or two, but I was too tired and went to my bunk to write and sleep.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: N.O.C.

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

This journal entry is tough to write, because it shows my weakness's and maybe strengths. Jane and I packed up and headed out. I was so not looking forward toan all day uphill, and was filling my head with all kinds of negative outlooks. How do I stop that! After a short stiff uphill start of rock steps, my heart wasn't in it. I told Jane, I just didn't want to do it. We hugged and she went on. I tried to get cell reception and there was none. I moved a little higher, but still no reception, I had wanted to call my honey and tell him I quit. Well, to make a long story, short, I worked my way up the trail searching for reception, and finally was so far along, I just climbed to the Sassafras Shelter. It did pour rain and had some ice pellets during the day, but I was warm enough, as it was uphill all the the way. I suprised everyone, because they were told I just got off the trail. I told them I didn't know how I got there, I was just trying to get a signal. I was pleased that I did hike today, but I have no will power to put positive attitudes in my head. What a whoose! The shelter was a two story affair with windows on the second floor. Nice shelter, but the dirt in front has been ground to a dust that gets all over everything. The trail off the ridge to the shelter, while short, is a slick, slide down a steep slope. Danny made a nice campfire which everyone sat around in the evening. Tonight, Jane and Danny and I shared the top floor, Evan was there and I think 4 others and one tenter.Also Scott stopped in and then went on.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

We three headed out last, as is our way. dan was going to try to do a longer day than Jane and I. Jane usually goes ahead and waits for me, which works out fine, she is a very patient person. When I got to the top of Cheoah Bald, Danny and Jane were both there and we took pictures. Cloudy and then thunder and heavey rain. When I got to Stecoah Gap it was raining cats and dogs. I knew there was a very tough climb ahead, so I opted to get a ride to the Hike Inn, from a young couple day hiking with their dog, but the rain turned them back.I told Jane that I couldn't look at another mountain. Poor Jane, I keep abandoning her.   Jane and Danny continued across the highway and up into the woods. I got dropped at the Hike Inn and they did have a room. Nancy washed my clothes, while I showered and put on a shirt I had that was clean, and my rainpants. Then she drove a bunch of us into town for dinner and supplies, then brought us back. I advised Nancy that Jane would be coming in, probably the following afternoon. I called home and told Russ I was coming home, no regrets. Then my daughter Deb called me to make sure I was ok, and really wanted to come home.