morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-12-29
To: Our Greatest Challenge
Miles today: 0.0

Tagless and I are just finishing a wonderful holiday time with our families. Since the week of Thanksgiving, we have been on the road to Michigan, Florida, home for a little bit, to Lyons GA and now we are back in Michigan. This year¢s Christmas gifts included AT pendants, maps and T-shirts to encourage friends and family to think about us on the trail. Our daughter and husband had special t-shirts made for Tagless and I and Trey and Campbell, our grandkids. We are soaking up as much family time as we can before starting our six-month hiatus on the Appalachian Trail. I have always considered missing family (including two loving dogs), especially our two growing grandchildren, as potentially the hardest part of our trip. I keep telling myself that it is a once in a lifetime experience and that we will be better family members because of it. We know that not many grandkids can celebrate having Nanas or Bubbas that have backpacked 2170 continuous miles. I also keep in mind that we should finish in time to make Halloween costumes, chapple pie (for our son-in-law Hayne) and Christmas pajamas next year.As we begin our last two months of organizing and planning, I feel my heart beating faster and faster. Tagless and I have had many fun and unique adventures together and I¢m sure this will not be our last. He is my comfort, support and inspiration to live a full life - my best partner.
Date: 2009-01-08
To: Back In The Saddle
Miles today: 0.0

As mentioned in a previous post, Tag-along and I have been ¢on the road¢ since December 20 visiting family in two states ¢ driving over 2100 miles. Now that we are safely back home, it is time to seriously resume our physical training through hiking daily. Our goal is to hike at least 2-3 hours each day - 5 or more days a week.We are fortunate to live in an area with scenic hiking trails nearby. One of the most beautiful options is Cloudland Canyon; a state park located in northwest Georgia just three miles from our home. Southeastern families looking for memorable camping would be well served to check into Cloudland Canyon. Words cannot convey the beauty of this place. It offers 3 hiking trails, including the West Rim Trail that follows the top of the canyon and the new Sitton¢s Gulf Trail that works its way through the bottom of the canyon. Both are about five miles in length. Hiking Sitton¢s Gulf requires a descend and ascend of 497 stairs ¢ quite a workout!Our trek in Sitton¢s Gulf yesterday was especially memorable due to the amount of water rushing through the canyon. We¢ve had over five inches of rain the past few days, resulting in huge waterfalls and fast moving whitewater. Tag-along and I wore our Sealskinz waterproof socks with thin sock liners, the third field test of this great product. Once again, our feet stayed dry despite being submerged repeatedly. We have each decided to carry one pair of Sealskinz on our thru hike to use during cold wet months. When the weather warms up we¢ll ship them home.I continue to test and enjoy my new Pacerpoles. Noticeable benefits include great power on the up-hill climbs and good control on the descent. Due to the handgrip design, it is very easy to place the tip of the pole on the ground precisely where I want it. See our Gear section for a picture. I¢ve decided to use Pacerpoles on our thru hike. Tag-along has ordered a pair as well.
Date: 2009-02-08
To: The Perfect Day - Great Weather and Good Friends
Miles today: 0.0

This has been a memorable week! Dane (Tagless) fulfilled his last commitment as an educational consultant on Thursday. Too bad we never followed through with our personalized license plate idea ¢ DUN WRKN.We also enjoyed the company of four northwest Georgia thru hikers this weekend. Our special dinner guests Friday evening included Sourdough (Greg Foster), Sidewinder (Heath Foster) and Molly, and Maw-ee and Paw-ee (Deb and Charlie Tucker). Sourdough and Sidewinder are graduates of the thru hike Class of 2006. Both have a GREAT spirit and Sourdough has added enthusiastic support to our planning. Back in 2006, Sourdough worked out an employment release time of 6 months and 13 days to complete his thru hike. We love the fact that he savored every one of those days on the trail ¢ precisely completing his thru in exactly 6 months and 13 days.Maw-ee and Paw-ee are graduates of the thru hike Class of 2003 and have thousands of other hiking miles under their belts. Tag-along and I had the good fortune to meet them on a Lookout Mountain trail one cold day last fall. They are fast becoming good friends! Maw-ee and Paw-ee have sewn and created a lot of their equipment and have some great ideas about hiking lightweight. We are so excited for them as they leave around April 15 to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Go Maw-ee and Paw-ee! We will be with you in spirit and we know you will be with us as well. Yesterday we enjoyed a seven-mile hike at Pigeon Mountain with Maw-ee, Paw-ee and our longtime friend Tim Cocker. With temps in the low 60¢s and a light breeze, the weather couldn¢t have been better. When we got to the top of Pigeon, we encountered a huge single sandstone boulder that had a deer stand ladder on the side. We all climbed up and enjoyed an incredible 360-degree view while eating snacks.Although four years have passed, it seems like yesterday that we attended a free weekend backpacking clinic at Amalacola Falls State Park. It was after hearing a thru hike presentation by Josh and Leigh Saint that we decided to work toward this goal. In just 22 days, our goal becomes a reality. We can¢t wait!
Date: 2009-02-16
To: A Letter To Our Dogs
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Bernie and Splash,We have some news to share with you. We¢re going on a fun adventure in the woods - one that will take us away from you for a long time, 3 dog years (6 months) to be exact.You¢ve probably sensed that something is up. When we are working in the kitchen, making food and putting it in that noisy dehydrator thing, there you are - always checking things out. You constantly sit at our side watching when we organize our walk in the woods stuff. Bernie, as the older dog, we expect you to keep a close eye on Splash and set a good example. Don¢t ever go near the road! You both can swim in the pond, but try not to track up the house with mud. Discourage Splash from barking at our horse, Clipper. And PLEASE ¢ when the mailperson drives to the house, don¢t chase her all the way down the driveway when she leaves. You both know better!Bernie, do you need to get sprayed by a skunk again to know that getting near one is a bad idea? Hopefully you¢ve learned your lesson after four stinky encounters.Don¢t worry - you will have human company to supervise and care for while we are away. Your friend Walt, our house sitter, will be staying with you. When he can¢t be there, Matt, Elizabeth and Eli will stay and you can take care of them. It would be best if you sleep on the floor at night. We¢ll let you sleep with us on the bed again when we get home.We are really going to miss you, but don¢t worry ¢ we will come home.Your Loving OwnersP.S. ¢ When we come back a Lassie Come Home run across the field and jump into our arms kind of reunion would be great!
Date: 2009-03-02
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Our six month walk in the woods is about to begin. We have arrived at The Hiker Hostel located near Dahlonega, GA. It is a full house tonight. Other hikers staying tonight include Big Boots, Radio Freq, Steve, Tom, Erin, Southside, and Randy.Three years ago Tag-along and I attended a weekend backpacking clinic at Amacolola State Park. While there, we enjoyed an inspiring presentation by Josh and Leigh Saint who successfully through hiked in 2000. Josh and Leigh are the owners of this beautiful hiker friendly hostel. Our commitment to tackling an AT thru hike emerged that very day.Without a doubt we will experience our fair share of inclement weather. It looks like we got lucky this week, however, as a warming trend and sunny skies are forecast for the next five days. Yea! Most of us at the hostel got together and had pizza delivered. Tomorrow morning we will enjoy a large breakfast here at the hostel and then get shuttled to the start of the trail.Special thanks to our dear friend Julie Clark who supported getting us here and returning our vehicle home.Our next report will be from the trail. Until then...
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

After a fantastic breakfast at the Hiker Hostel, our shuttle dropped us off at the Springer Mountain parking lot at about 9:30. We backtracked .9 miles to the official start of the AT, then turned around and headed north.Our cold weather gear was tested today as temps were in the mid 20's. With a base layer, long sleeve pull over shirt, and lightweight wind jacket we stayed comfortably warm throughout the day. A hikers' rule of thumb is begin walking slightly chilled knowing you will warm up within 10-15 minutes. We've found that to be true.We had to blow out our water bladder mouth valve tubes after drinking as they froze within minutes.Our starting pack weight was about 33 pounds. That includes all winter gear, 6 days food, and 2 liters of water. Like most hikers, we will consume heavier food items first. In another day we should be under 30 pounds.As you might expect, we are meeting many interesting people along the way. Hikers camping with us here at Hawk Mountain include Grommet, Storm, Loon, Rocket, Chopper, Dodger, Rachel, Justin, and the infamous Minnesota Smith.All in all it was great first day on the trail!
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Gap Tent Site
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Tag-along and I left camp this morning later than normal, thinking it would be a short 7.3 mile hike to Gooch Gap Shelter. After arriving at Gooch, we decided to continue another 1.4 miles up the trail. We have our longest day to date tomorrow. This added effort today will reduce tomorrow's mileage to 11.2 miles.We hiked throughout the day with Dodger, a "younger" gentleman about our age. Dodger is a coorporate pilot, currently unemployed. We found that we had a lot in common and greatly enjoyed his company throughout the day.The predicted warming trend was noticible as the day went on. Again, we are so lucky to be enjoying such mild weather in early March.Although it is only our second day out, we've really been touched by the Trail Journal Guest Book entries and emails. Thanks to all of you that have offered your support!Note: Pictures will be uploaded next Monday.
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Gooch Gap Tent Site

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

This was a long and physically challenging day. The mud and snow on some parts of the trail added to the stress on our tired feet and legs. All of us here at the shelter (9) are fairly ezhausted.The weather was sunny and warmer - a beautiful day for hiking. Again, we enjoyed the company of Dodger who is becoming a great( trail buddy.When we arrived at the Woods Hole Shelter the water source was not well marked and we passed it up. No problem - we melted snow to meet out water needs. It's getting cool and windy, but we are snuggled for the night in our Tarptent and warm Montbell sleeping bags.Tagless and I received a number of guest book entries and emails toda) and really appreciate it. We look forward to responding to each when we are in town next week.This is already becoming a great experience! We're having a ball!!
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Wildcat Mountain
Miles today: 9.9

Tagless and I are starting to sleep very well. Last night was our best night's sleep.We got our earliest start this morning, breaking camp and hiking by 7:30. We climbed Blood Mountain and then descended into the outfitters store in Neels Gap. After picking up some needed resupplies and taking showers, we hit the trail again. It was sad leaving some hiking friends behind (most decided to stay overnight in the hostel there). No doubt we'll see Pack of Divas, Egghead, Jess (The Professor), and Dodger somewhere up the trail.Some hikers took advantage of the hiker shakedown at Mountain Crossings to eliminate unneeded gear. Dodger will be taking home two bags worth. We enjoyed meeting Mosey and Dulcimer Dave (the Lippy's) and hope to spend some time on the trail with them in the future.Tonight we're camped on a narrow ridgetop on Wildcat Mountain with Rachel and Justin. They seem to be hiking the same distances we are. It's a great camping spot facing east and west where we can enjoy a beautiful sunset tonight and sunrise tomorrow.We're getting stronger each day and our feet are holding up well - no blisters!
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Wildcat Mountain

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was our longest day at 11.8 miles - a picture perfect hiking day with sunny blue skies, moderate temperatures, and a light breeze. By mid day we were walking in shorts and a short sleeve hiking shirt. In spite of the added mileage, we were less tired getting into camp this afternoon. Perhaps we are beginning to get our trail legs.We are camping this evening at the Blue Mountain Shelter. The shelter is filled, but we are set up away from the crowd in a small group of tents. Rachel and Justin (we camped with them last night on Wildcat Mountain) are here. Cloe, Grampa Hugh, and Jeremiah, hikers we met on the trail today are in our little tent city as well.We are camped once again on a mountain top facing east and west - offering both a sunset and sunrise view.We've had some questions via email and our Trail Journals Guest Book about some particular pieces of gear we use and will be glad to address those Tuesday when we have a zero day (rest day) in Hiawassee.Love to family and friends back home!
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Trey Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was another warm beautiful day. With all of the great early March weather we've had this week, there will be no whining on our part when inclement weather sets in. Although we hiked just 7.8 miles today, there were two major mountain climbs and decents which were physically challenging. We probably won't be mentioning mountain climbs and descents in many journal entries because it would get redundant - they occur almost daily on the AT. At one point today we had a feeling of being on the top of the world. The path took us along the top of Trey Mountain. The mountain top was only about 75 feet wide and the view was incredible off both sides. We continue to meet more great people everyday. You hear a lot about how special the community of hikers is, we already have a special bond with many new friends. New trail acquaintances the past day include Miss Moosey, Billy Hoot, Cotton Tail, Rancid Crabtree, Montana Mac, Flamethrower, and Jamie. We also were happy to see Smith Machine. and Augie Doggie (a retired couple about our age) and Jess.Tomorrow we hit the trail very early to hike over 11 miles. We'll be picked up by a friend at the trail road crossing outside Hiawassee and provided a real bed to sleep in tomorrow night!
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Trey Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Tag-a-long and I were very motivated to complete our mileage goal yesterday because we knew that our good friend, Wendell Christian, was waiting at Dick's Creek to pick us up. Wendell and his wife Nancy really rolled out the red carpet, giving us free use of their home, a computer, SHOWERS, and an incredible meal. We hereby bestow the title of "trail angels" upon both Wendell and Nancy. Thanks so much! This morning Wendell dropped us off at the Holiday Inn Express in Haiwassee so that we could enjoy a zero (rest) day. The Holiday Inn Express offers free use of bicycles to do errands in town, which came in very handy.Tomorrow we'll be picked up by a local shuttle at 8:30 and hit the trail again. Our next town stop in four days is Franklin, NC.We've received several questions about gear this past week. Here are a couple of those along with our responses...Virginia (Winkle) asked..."I was wondering if it is a pain blowing up the Big Agnes air mattress every night. Or does the comfort out weigh the effort?"Without a doubt, to us the comfort outweighs the effort. After a hard day of hiking, we desperately need a good nights sleep and typically get one from the BA, This aspect of camp set-up is well worth it to us. Having said this, we do benefit from splitting camp chores. Usually Tag-a-long blows up both air mattresses while Tagless takes care of water resupply. Here's a tip. It isn't necessary to blow up your BA all the way, because you generally will let some air out to find your comfort "sleep number". Experiment with how much air is just enough.Wes Justice commented..."I'm very interested in unerstanding from a real-life user how the Pacers compare to poles with traditional handles."The Pacer Poles are working out incredibly well for both of us. One major plus is that we don't experience any undue pressure on the wrist as compared to traditional poles. With this being the case, we rely on them more (i.e. put more pressure on them) particularly going downhill. I (Tagless) have had no downhill knee pain this week, even after extended decents. That's a first! The PP really aid the uphills. Having said this, we don't use "proper" Pacer Pole technique 100% of the time. We are more consistent using the recommended technique on the uphills and downhills. We tend to use the "proper" technique on the straights when we want to boogie or if we are excessively worn out. Another plus, they are very easy to place the tips precisely where you want them on the ground.Those interested cam see the Pacer Poles in our "Gear" link.We will continue to offer feedback about our gear - good and bad. Feel free to share questions.
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is a milestone because we completed Georgia. YEAH! Because we resupplied for the next five days, our hike out of Dick's Creek Gap was with heavy packs. The bag of brownies that Wendell and Nancy Christian sent us off with must have weighed five pounds. That's no longer a problem as we (with the help of some fellow hikers) consumed them all.It's really a different mentality when we shop now, as we always look for high calorie food choices. Also we are making some shifts in our diet beginning this week. For example, our quick get out of camp breakfast is a shake made with two instant breakfasts, powdered milk, hot chocolate mix, and instant coffee. It's too time consuming to cook or heat water in the morning, and get in the miles. Tag-a-long and I are eating two lunches - one during a rest break early in the day and the other later. We are also incorporating protein powder (Muscle Milk) and an electrolyte drink daily.Tonight we are camped in a hollow at Bly Gap, we are in North Carolina. Others here include Lefty, Rachel, and Cindy.
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap Tenting Area
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a wonderful day of hiking! Temperatures remained in the high fifties and skies were overcast. We had the trail to ourselves, encountering only two other hikers. Lefty, a very nice gentleman from Minneapolis, joined us for our morning walk and lunch at the Standing Indian Shelter. We also met a southbound thru hiker, Mr. Magoo. He started his thru at Mt. Katadin (Maine) in August, took some time off during the winter. He should complete the trail in about one week. This is his second thru hike.We are expecting rain the next few days (freezing rain tomorrow morning). No whining here - we've been extremely fortunate so far. As our friend Mawee says, "we'll be thinkin' about you as the rain comes to fill up all those delicious springs for you". What a good way to look at the rain - we need fresh and clean water on the trail to drink.Our tarptent is pitched at Beech Gap under several Mountain Laural trees. They will provide a natural leaf rooftop over our shelter. We expect to be very comfy tonight regardless of the weather. Tonight we are eating bean burritos with fresh shallots, cheese, and sauce. Figuring out what to eat is kind of fun. We are eating very well.Here is a hello to Sponge Bob and Big Boots, we know you are way ahead of us now. Happy trails to you.
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Beech Gap Tenting Area

To: Big Springs Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The North Carolina woods have taken on a different appearance. We aren't seeing the mountain pines which were so prevalent in Georgia. The North Carolina woods are filled with mountain laurel and continuous "tunnels" of rhododendram. The saw tooth (constant up and down) nature of Georgia's mountains has subsided somewhat. Before we completely leave Georgia behind - here is a bit of trail fact. All of the privies that we saw in Georgia have handicap ramps and regulation handhold bars next to the "toilet". Also all privy rooftops have been removed. We don't mean to be insensitive, but a wheelchair bound person would have to be helicopter dropped to get into these areas. We'd like to have a chat with the bureaucrat that decided these regulations should be enforced. Our first question..."what were you thinking??".We hiked in moderate rain most of the day. Our rain gear performed exceptionally well. Tonight we are at the Big Springs Shelter with Rachel, Cindy, and Lefty. Tomorrow we head out early as we are getting a motel room in Franklin.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Yesterday was our second day camping and walking in steady rain. Moderate showers continued most of the night Friday, as we slept near the Big Springs Shelter. Once again, our Henry Shire's Tarptent kept us dry and cozy. It continued to rain as we woke up, so Tag-along and I loaded all of our gear into our packs (one at a time) while in our tent. With packbacks loaded and rain gear on, we then jumped outside and quickly broke down the Tarptent in a minute or two.The 9.1 mile hike to the Winding. Stair Gap US 64 road crossing put us over the 100 mile mark! Franklin is 10 miles from this road crossing, and we didn't have a final plan for getting shuttled into town. Just as we were about to call some shuttle service phone numbers Cracker, a local hiker, pulled into the parking lot in his white pick-up and offered us a ride into town. Sweet!We are staying at the Ron Haven Budget Inn - a motel that caters to hikers. They offer everything a hiker would need - inexpensive clean rooms, washers and dryers, computers, and free shuttle service to the local outfitter store, grocery store, and back to the trail. Tag-along and I worked yesterday afternoon resupplying, drying out all our gear, and doing laundry.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Franklin

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Note: Photos have been added to previous journals March 10-14. Also 22 pictures have been added to our photo section. With rain in the forecast today, we decided to extend our stay one more day and cancel our planned zero at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. This worked out great as we'll be hitting the trail tomorrow morning with many of our favorite hiking friends who are also here in town - Pack-A-Divas, Lefty, Cindy and Rachel.This morning we walked across the street to have breakfast at Miss Janet's new hostel. Until last year, this gracious lady had one of the most beloved hostels on the AT, located in Erwin, Georgia. We thoroughly enjoyed her excellent meal and incredible hospitality. Those of you that have stayed with Miss Janet know exactly what we mean. Incidentally, Miss Janet sends her best wishes to our hiking friends back home - Mawee, Pawee.Sourdough, and Sidewinder.We feel very fortunate to be getting stronger while having no physical problems. Our feet continue to do great - still not the first blister!Tag-along and I continue to enjoy the physical challenges the trail brings, as well as the many interesting people we meet everyday. What a great adventure!