morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-13
To: Prep. Day #4 entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just received GG's first handwritten journal and will try to update this by day. Here goes:Wow-here I am?Phil and I left Tracy's in Raleigh at 8:10am. Arrived at the hiker hostel about 3:30 pm - no one there - weren't sure we had the right place and Phil didn't want to leave until we knew for sure. Two other hikers - SWAMP DAWS & STINGER came along - they are section hikers & will finish up to Mt. K in July.   The hiker hostel is a wonderful place - log cabin, holds 17 hikers and for $25. we got a bed, shower, breakfast and a shuttle to Springer. Good deal!Also staying tonight is CATWOMAN (who also has an on-line trailjournal), TRISCUIT, RIBBIT & LONGHORN. They all started on Saturday, but when they found out a strom was blowing-in last night, they shuttled here for and inside room. 5-WAY,had a bypass 5 years ago. He's hiking for a fundraiser for the American Heart Assoc. He has a great website: Appalaciantrailheartwalk.com. He also has ICKY hiking with him to do a video journal. If he finishes, he may be on Jay Leno. Also here is CARNIVORE, DAVE, PI, & LONSOME POLE CAT. When driving here from Raleigh I had a lot of "Tummy Tickles" from excitement and nerves. Everyone here is very nice. Pretty sure most of us will be at the same shelter tonightUntil tomorrow!Good night Mr. Marposa.~Entered by Vicki for her buddy GG. Happy trails GG.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Springer

To: Hawk Mtn
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

AND THE ADVENTURE BEGINS:Last night at the hiker hostel was very windy, w/some thunder & heavy rain. It was very good to be inside - dry and in a bed. Got up about 6:30 am for a breakfast of coffee, oj, pancakes, eggs & grits.We left about 8:10 am and arrived at Springer about 9:20. The hostel shuttle dropped 10 of us off and we had to hike to the start (that part I didn't count).Walked about 1/2 the time w/others and 1/2 alone. I got to Hawk Mtn Shelter about 2:05 - great time for the 1st day. Would have like to have hiked longer, but the next camp was 6 more miles - farther than I wanted to go on my 1st day.The shelter holds about 12 people and has a privy. This will be a busy camp tonight, so far about 8 tents and the shelter will be full.This morning it was 52 degrees when we left the hostel. Where the road curves off before (below) Springer, it was 39 degrees and windy. It will get in the teens tonight - ick!Today I hiked in shorts; started in fleese and t-shirt - but the fleese came off - too warm.A trail-runner came to our shelter today (they are kind of like a ranger). His job is to educate us hikers -- his big talk today was about bears - said there are about 1,000 bear along the GA trail (about 70 miles). Said to be sure we hang our food!Didn't see any animals today, also no flowers. Lunch was on a side trail at Long Creek Falls - cheese & a tortilla w/mustard. Supper was about 5:30 - mashed potatoes & chicken gravy - Yum! w/hot chocolate.We were all in our sleeping bags about 7PM - dark. There was a full moon & when I got up during the night to use the privey, didn't need my flashlight.The hike today was much easier than I had expected w/1 exception, 1 climb was 1/4 mile up 500 ft. That's a 20% incline which is a butt-kicker. I noticed tomorrow we claimb Sasafras, which is a 1 mile climb and up 1,000 ft. Another butt-kicker!I'm surprised the "no sore muscles!" But--both knees are sore.Vitamine I, here I come - Gotta get rest now...So until tomorrow-Good night Mr Marposa~Entered by the flying fingers of Vicki - hee hee...
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Hawk Mtn

To: Gouch
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Got up at 7am - cold outside but sky clear and sunny. There were 6 of us in teh shelter last night. I was at a wall, which will not do again - the wall side is colder.I slept w/my down jacket & ended up taking it off & pushing it to my feet which finally warmed up. Breakfast - oatmeal & tea. Left camp about 9:45 - a beautiful day, no clouds, temp about 30 degrees - hiked in t-shirt and shorts. The shelter holds about 14, so far have 6 and 17 in tents. I arrived in camp about 3pm. Had 3 big up & down's and my knees still hurt. Otherwise, I'm in good shape. Someone had a weather radio & we are to have more of the same weather until Sunday.The are 11 Iowa College students camping tonight - their Spring Break.Five of us left from our initial stay at the hostel. The others are ahead or behind us. Will be losing CATWOMAN tomorrow as she is retuning to the hostel to try to get rid of some of the weight she is carrying.Not sure what I will do tomorrow as teh next shelter is 12 miles - the book shows 7.3, however the signs show 8.A glance at our typical day: Get up, eat oatmeal & tea, put everything in backpack and then walk, walk, walk and walk. When in camp at night, we hang out & talk, cook supper, get water, talk somemore & go to bed at dark.I SAW A FLOWER TODAY - A VIOLET I THINK...Left my ditty bag behind when I left camp today, but 5WAY picked it upand brought it to me - the hikers are all nice people.Had some left-over dinner, which we have to "pack out" - can not leave or burn trash/leftovers due to the bears. So I have a bag of trash I am carrying & will throw out at next stop, Neels Gap (2 days).-Good Night Mr. Marposa
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Gouch Gap Shelter

To: Jarrad Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Left camp this am about 8:15 - Went to bed last night about 8pm w/3 hikers on the lower level of the shelter, when I got up this am, there were 5---didn't even hear them come in - I must have been OUT!Today was a beautiful day - started cloudy, but turned SUNNY! We are "Stelth" camping tonight - which means not at a shelter or campground. Included are 5WAY, & MIKE & SHERRY. ICKY, who is doing the video for 5WAY hurt his knee and is going home to see a Dr. How disappointing to leave after 2 1/2 days.Lunch at Woody Gap which is a picnic area on GA 19. Had some more butt-kicking hills - both up and down. Still feeling good though, except for the knees.SAW ANOTHER FLOWER! A BLUE VIOLET. Also saw hawks.Stopped for a break and just listened---nothing----how peaceful.We're about 5 miles from Neels Gap, but have Blood Mtn between us. Blood Mtn is the highest point in GA. So I guess, another butt-kicker coming up!Mike & Sherry who are from this area keep saying "take it slow". I need to remind myself that this is a WALK, not a race!In my tent waiting - how cozy - food is hung. I think my bag has lost about 5 lbs from the food I've eaten, but doesn't feel any lighter. I have a mail drop in Neels Gap tomorrow sowill be adding about 6-7 lbs. ICK!The hiking is very challenging. I'm going up & down hills that I wouldn't even ski down! I can vouch for anyone w/joint pain that needs to loose a few pounds, that the weight makes a huge difference. I see this every day when putting on my pack. After hiking w/the pack & then taking it off, i feel like I will fall over forward.I was so happy to do a day over 10 miles...Wa Hoo!It's getting late - almost 8pm, it's so quiet...I'm still where I want to be.Good night Mr. Marposa~Entered by Vicki - GG you're wearing out the ol' fingers...it's ok though, we're loving this!
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Jarrod's Gap

To: Neals Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Everyone, I spoke with Gloria's daughter, Tobi, yesterday and she said her dad, Phil, is back from dropping Gloria off in Georgia. Gloria should be on her third day hiking. Go Gloria! Stay warm!Anyway, we will be updating this journal as we hear from Gloria. Stay tuned!~Vicki - Hopeful section hiker w/Gloria in Virgina!!!! UPDATE FROM GG'S HANDWRITTEN JOURNAL - RECEIVED IN MAIL ON THURSDAY 3/23/06HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE!Last night was the 1st night in the tent. NO Rain! Had a lot of wind though. The flapping of the tent made me think that someone was outside. Woke up about midnight and thought it was getting light outside, but it was the moon, so bright!Had elevation up to 1000 ft, up and down.... Blood Mtn gets its name from an Indian war. So much blood, the trails turned red.The hostel today has 2 rooms, bunkroom w/about 15 bunks and livingroom/kitchen. It also has a store. Still having knee pain, so went into the store and bought knee support. This store is actually an outfitter. When I explained my problem, they suggested the support. Hope it works.Hiked mostly w/5WAY today and w/a few others now and then.Yesterday at Woody Gap, CATWOMAN went back to the hiker hostel.She didn't know if she would go on or not. However, today at Neals gap, she came walking in & plans to go back out tomorrow. Someone went thru her pack to reduce the wt. I hope she does well, she was so disappointed--I'm glad she's back.Got in to the hiker hostel about 2pm. Did laundry & had a shower. Boy! That felt nice! Someone went into town for pizza for dinner - I could only eat 1/2, so saving the other 1/2 for breakfast.Here tonight are Sara (Trail name NEFFA)I(or S)carus, Brandon - trail name unk, 5WAY, and CREAKYBONZE. CREAKY started last year & had to come off the trail due to injury and is back this yr.Can't describe the view from Blood Mtn. Beautiful w/a clear sky and warm. AhhhMy next chore is to pack my re-supply and try to get to bed by 7:30. One thing we get is lots of sleep!A little history for ya all: Everyone who is a "thru-hiker" Georgia to Maine, has a trail name. If you start w/one, it could be changed, but if you start w/o one, something will happen and it's how you get one. One guy's name was changed to Big Z. Guess why name is GG? It's for Grandma Gloria. It's strange walking into a camp hearing everyone calling out these strange names.Good night Mr. Marposa. (ok, I've been typing this on all of your journals now GG - what's up with it? Who is Mr. Marposa???)This is the end of GG's first handwritten journal received on 3/23/06. ~Vicki
Date: 2006-03-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Talked to Phil, GG's hubby today, who talked to guess who!!!! GG herself! Yay. She is spending tonight in a hostel in Peek (?) Gap with some folks she's met on the trail. She hiked 10 miles today, which is the longest day so far. It's been cold at night (GG says in the teens, Phil doesn't believe her). Phil says he kicked GG's butt at golf on the way down to Georgia - so is this true???? He's trying to do the laundry, but can remember how. He asked me if it was ok to wash his underwear with the towels on the "heavy duty" setting.OOOOEEEEE. We're all glad to hear GG is doing well! So, till next we hear from our mighty hiker - ta ta.~Vicki
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Neals Gap

To: Camp site (Stealth camping)
Miles today: 8.0

OK everyone; Vicki was great at keeping Gloria's journal up to date with her messages. I saw in her last entry that said she was going on vacation and now it's my turn to fill everyone in on Gloria's events. Well, I also was on vacation in Roatan Honduras and just returned home late on 3-25-06. I spoke with Tobi, Gloria's daughter on Sunday evening, who had the next set of paper journal notes from Gloria. Here's my attempt at adding them to Gloria's journal. I will try to match Vicki's typing skills - - but no promises.********************Day: 5   Date: 3-18-06   Mileage: 8 We left Neals Gap this morning at 11:30 a.m. Wenton at Neals Gap will go through your pack with you to talk about proper equipment and give you a pack fit that is why the late start today. Even with the late start, still got 8 miles in. We stopped at 6 p.m. and had just enough time to set up camp. We were eating when it got dark. It is now 7:45 p.m. as I am writing this journal. The sky is clear and it is a bit windy.While walking today I saw in bloom a crocus and a few daffodils. That was a real surprise. There were some real kick butt hills today. The knee supports help a lot!!! Also, Wenton, who I mentioned earlier, went through my gear and had some real concern about my 25-degree sleeping bag. So I bought a liner that will get about another 8 - 10 degrees of warmth. He said it will be cold in the Smokey's. Better safe than sorry.Yesterday, I called home and my girls. It was so nice to talk with everyone.Husband, Phil, will leave tomorrow to go to Colorado skiing with his brother, Bob, and will be gone for a week.Today was beautiful - again. When we started it was cloudy and a bit cool. The sun came out. It doesn't take much to warm up while hiking.I have started seeing Junkas(sp?) birds. I did not see them myself, but some other hikers told me about seeing Baltimore Oriole'sThere have been so many beautiful views. I take a picture and then the next view is even better. While walking today we saw several trail maintenance crews out on the trail. Each state has hiker clubs that maintain the trails. They re-blaze, make places for rain run off and move around huge rocks onto steps. We also saw many day hikers today. I had to remember it was a weekend.It's getting late, so time for me to turn in.Good night Mr. Marposa.********************Written log mailed by GG 3-22-06, received 3-25-06, entered 3-27-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Everyone, Haven't heard anything from GG since I spoke w/her hubby, Phil. However, I picked up her daughter, Toby at the airport here in Kalamazoo on her return trip from visiting little sister, Traci and family. She said GG called her from the hostel also. Said she had been traveling with some folks that were doing a charity hike. Toby wasn't feeling well, so that's about all I got from her.Also, I noticed that another hiker, www.trailjournals.com/marcC, mentioned in two of his journals that he had met GG on the trail - see his March 15 and March 16 entries.Until next we hear from our buddie - Cya.~ Vicki
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Camp site

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day: 6   Date: 3-19-06   Mileage: 10   Total: 39When I wake up every day I still cannot believe I am here!!!We have now completed 39 miles. I am at Blue Mountain Shelter tonight. This is a shelter for 7 and we already have 8 in it as it may rain. There are also 4 hikers in tents. Staying here is, NEFFA, MARCO, two guys from PA state, a couple from Chicago, a couple from NC state, 5WAY and SLEEPER. All here are hoping to make it to Maine.Today the trail was not supposed to be hard. FAT CHANCE OF THAT! We had some real rock climbs. The trail looked like a rockslide and you had to be real careful.Tomorrow - The next shelter is 7.7 miles and everyone here hopes to be there for tomorrow. It is amazing how we keep running into each other. Also a lot of fun when you know who you are staying with. We had a nice campfire at the shelter tonight and all sat around talking. Now it is late 7:45 p.m. (wow) and everyone is settling in for the night.I wanted to talk about some of the bathroom challenges. They're are called privies at a lot of the shelters BUT they are mounding privies which means - - solid waste only. You still have to pee in the woods. Also, since there are no leaves on the trees it is hard not to be seen. We also have to bury 6-inches any waste including the t.p.(toilet paper). You have to be about 50 feet from the shelters and 100 feet from the water sources. So as you can see, there are challenges!Time for lights out. I will write more tomorrow. Good night Mr. Marposa.********************Written log mailed by GG 3-22-06, received 3-25-06, entered 3-27-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Springer Mt. GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Received a call from GG the night before last on my cell phone, but I missed it. She left a message saying that she was staying in a hotel in Hiawassee (sp?). Later I found out from Toby, that she had spent the night before all squished into a shelter that sleeps about 7 and they had 10 or 12. They all needed to get out of the ice storm.I also heard from a friend that heard from a friend, that she has been hiking with some folks about her age - GG is 55. This group of 50 somethings, get up early and get out on the trail, while a group of college-age kids get up much later, but always pass them on the trail. Hee hee. Just keep smilin' GG.GG also said that she would be mailing her written trail journal so that we can update this site with her adventures, locations, and miles. Sarita will be taking over as I'm headed for Florida for two weeks for some r&r. So, unless I get any updates before I leave tomorrow, Cya all in two weeks.~Vicki
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Trey Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: snow

Day: 7   Date: 3-20-06   Mileage: 7.6   Total: 56Left the shelter this morning at about 8:25 a.m. We had three BIG ups and downs. Made it to Trey Mountain at about 3:00 p.m. I know there are more direct routes to these shelters! We had rain most of the day - it was windy part of the time. Towards the end of the day there was ice on the rocks - had to walk VERY carefully. Tonight we have rain, sleet and snow.In the 7-man shelter, there were 10 of us. We are crowded but will sleep warmer. Here tonight is: NEFFA, 5WAY, MARCO, MR BREEZE, MAD DOG, the PA college boys, SLEEPER and SUFFERING BASTARD. We also have HANDLE BAR tenting.Everyone is sitting around in sleeping bags just talking. Kinda cozy. We will sleep warmer with so many in the shelter. The wind is blowing in the one open side.There was a lot of what I thought was glass around the trail. Come to find out, it was ice from the trees!I think tomorrow we are to have another rainy day then it is to get better.By the way, I have not seen many shelter mice, so far. The second night I did feel a couple drops on my bag.Even with the rain - I would rather be on the AT than working!!!Can't believe a week down! When we get through Unicorn Gap, the "Just The Rileys" were going to hitch into town due to the weather. It is tempting but you don't get far when you don't hike.Another thing, TOO FAR, TOO FAST, GO HOME. We need to start out slow. I know getting done early means I could go a few more miles - but it is not good to press too much.Time for me to go to the privy one last time and then snuggle in for the night.Good night Mr. Marposa.********************Written log mailed by GG 3-22-06, received 3-25-06, entered 3-27-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

There has been quite a gap of time since we received the last package of journals. I spoke with Phil last week and the mailman hadn't delivered the next package from GG at the time we talked. I called the house this morning (Sat 4-8-06) and Tobi (GG's daughter) said they just received the package of journals on Friday. Since I was going to be in Lansing, I went over and picked up the notes so I could get them in for GG's readers. So here goes...********************Day: 9   Date: 3-22-06, Wednesday   Mileage: 11.6 Total: 78.2We are in North Carolina (NC), YEA!!! Also this was my highest mileage day WAHOO!!!!We left Hiawasse at 8:30 a.m. and were back on the trail by 9:00 a.m.The Holiday Inn was very nice, but I just did not sleep well. I kept waking up throughout the night. The hotel had a continental breakfast with fruit, bagels, toast and cereal but I did not eat it. I was carrying so much oatmeal with me; I wanted to eat it to lighten my pack a bit. Walking with six days of food increases pack weight big time.The finishing walk through Georgia (GA) was beautiful. We started out our hiking day at 31 degrees, a bit chilly, and the sky was clear. The mountains were awesome. There was even some snow still hanging on to the top of the mountain, but it was all melted by the time I got up there. It is so strange to stand on the top of the mountain and look around. All you can see is more mountains for the whole 360-degree view.I made the GA/NC line in good time. After crossing into North Carolina (NC) I got my butt kicked. It was up, up, UP and not many switch backs. It seemed like it would NEVER end. Oh well! Still it was one state down.I arrived at the shelter at about 4:00 p.m. and it felt real good to be there. I hiked 11.6 miles in 7 hours. Tomorrow we hope for the same.Most of the people I have been hiking with took a "0" day (that means no hiking), and stayed in town. We hikers need to do that to let our body recuperate. On the trail today I met a couple from Raleigh, Tim and Elaine (both retired). Elaine started the trail with her husband but had planned to get off the trail in Wesser as she has two grandchildren that are going to be born soon and wants to be there when they enter the world. Tim will continue on the trail. They are a very nice couple. Also here tonight is SUFFERING BASTARD, Nick and Aaron, TIN CAN, OLD REB, COHIBA, MORNING FIT and OUTBREAK.My knees are a bit better, but I now have a blister on the back of my right knee and am hoping that it gets better soon.We do not have bear cables at this shelter, so I had to hang my own food for the night.It was a great day - I am looking forward to more just like it. I will sit at the fire until bedtime.Good night Mr. Marposa.********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-8-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day: 10   Date: 3-23-06, Thursday   Mileage: 12.5 Total: 90.7Boy was it cold last night. I was so glad I bought the bag liner. In the morning someone told me it was 20 degrees. Who would ever sleep out when it is that cold????The campfire we had last night was very nice. When I went to bed I did not feel cold. During the night it kept getting colder - and so did I.I forgot to mention about yesterday. I saw two more new flowers: Bellworts (sp?) and Dandelions. Also the privy at Muskrat shelter was nearly full and NASTY!! Also last night after dark NAILEY and SLIDE SHOW slept on the ground under an overhang.Today was a nice hike, cold but not too many hard spots. It was cold all day long. I never did get to take my fleece off.I left the shelter this morning at 8:35 a.m. and got to Carter Gap at 3:00 p.m. Total walk time 6 hours and 25 minutes for 12.5 miles.Tomorrow we have a really tough climb, 500 feet in .3 of a mile. That will be a HUGE butt kicker!Right now it is sleeting and snowing - looks like another cold night. So I am going to get ready to settle in.Good night Mr. Marposa********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-8-06 by Sarita for Gloria