morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-02
To: Got my bearings back
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I walked along the Mississippi again. I knew I needed to get my bearings back after yesterday...what matters most to me? What grounds me? Nature. So I sought it on the walk. I looked (rather than walked). I saw a cormorant catch a fish, and the fish was much to large for this bird...the bird shook the littlefish (whoops, just realized, literallly, that was me by name)until it was not squirming so much, then the cormorant tried to toss it up into it's beak to swallow it... what effort was involved...seagulls were swarming overhead in case the fish slipped out...not sure of the final outcome, but it was nice to be caught up in something so beautiful and so outside of myself.As I walked along, I saw several people who were clearly living without a home-and as I watched their support of one another, I wondered how different will I be from them once out on the trail...clearly, my circumstances are different and I am blessed with abundance in my life...but in terms of so many things outwardly, we are not so different. I won't have bathed, my hair will be a disaster, I will sleep where I can. I overheard one man ask another, as they sat in a bench overlooking the river, "What is the meaning of life?" The other man said, "Shit, I don't have a clue." And so we all are seeking...As I walked into the French Quarter and away from the river, I was drawn to the Cathedral of St. Louis...it was open (this was around 7am), so I went in.Yesterday I was grasping at whatever I thought might grant me a safe and successful journey. Today, in church, I was reminded where I will seek my strength. It's so powerful that my walk begins on Palm Sunday...the start of Holy Week...so, in grace I shall walk with thoughts of what happened that week. And I will look for courage in the life of Christ...and in those people I know whose very lives inspire me-by the grace with which they live their lives.I am okay now. I am ready. I only have to go seam-seal my tent (off now to meet my friend, Dana, by the Mississippi to do that.) How silly will I look doing this? Wish I had gotten around to it in Maine, but it was cold and wet that last week...Lame excuse.More than likely, this is the last entry via a traditional computer. My pocketmail still isn't working, but I think it's me. Hopefully, I'll figure it out before I begin. From here on, my transcriber, Suzi, will be posting these. ***********Off I go. Leaving Sunday around 8am. Hiking about 9 miles that first day to the summit of Springer (unless I get a ride to the road and only have to hike .2!!!) But we shall see. I have friends joining me in Hiawassee, so that is a nice little carrot dangling out there. Peace,
Date: 2004-04-04
To: ready to go
Miles today: 0.0

Today has been filled with magic! Arrived in Atlanta, mid-day, found REI to get fuel and odds and ends. Had a spectacular drive (2 hours) to Amicalola Falls State Park to stay at the lodge. My 2 boxes had arrived (poles and food), and after signing in, we drove up to the road we'll use tomorrow. I have decided to not do the Approach Trail, but to get dropped off so I only walk about a mile up to Springer. I plan to walk to Hawk Mountain Shelter, about 7.7 from Springer. The weather is perfect! It's going to be sunny and 60 during the day and in the upper 20's at night. And no rain in sight until Thursday...a good way to begin this journey!We met some wonderful women who are at Amicalola for a retreat...and they were asking wonderful questions about my hike. They are called The Women of Zion. They did a prayer circle for me, lifting me up. It was a wonderful experience, and I'm thankful we crossed paths. I went outside tonight to light a candle that a friend has given me - a woven Shabbot candle from Israel. I will burn it between now and Easter...And now I will sleep, and I'm off early tomorrow! Keep me in your prayers- these first few days will be very challenging!
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

It's a chilly, windy night as I try to type this entry with gloves. But it's been an amazing first day!I hiked part of the day with someone I met at an AT workshop in January. Her husband dropped us off at the forest service parking lot, so we really have moved ahead a day since we didn't do the Approach Trail. Today was sunny with low humidity and 60! What a gift to start with such great weather.The walk was beautiful; a gentle steady climb up Springer, back down, then finally heading North. We had lunch next to Stover Creek, and then walked through a canopy of unopened rhododendrons and then up and up to an open area called Hickory Flats. Would have stopped, but no water, so on about another hour here.At one point, I stopped and looked backwards and thought of life: once we take a step forward, we can really never go back. Here I am, each step taking me North. I spend each day following the white blazes in one direction, always looking forward. Life is so transitory.This trail life is like starting a new life: a new name, new friends, a new home each night, etc. And yet we are who we are.What a wonderful existence (of course it's only my first day out; who knows how I'll feel tomorrow?!)Tired and cold - gotta hunker down in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

I was sitting peacefully in my tent moments ago, but the military has some night exercise going on nearby and it sounds like a war zone. I wonder what all the wildlife must do? Just run in fear, I imagine. Shortly before all the gunfire, we had an owl calling nearby. Finally, the guns have stopped. Poor folks back at Hawk Mtn. - they were closer.It has been a full day. I slept in until 8 am (which I never do)...but I had good reason, as I got up to go to the bathroom around 4 am, and as I squatted, there was a bear about 30m away. Guess she/he was more afraid of me, and ran away down the hill. It took me awhile to go back to sleep!The moon was so bright last night, all night. Rather comforting for the first night on the trail- like a giant nightlight.The walk today was even more beautiful than yesterday. Lots more ups and downs. These gaps are amazing - like the low point on a roller coaster. But the path itself is so gentle on the feet- very few rocks and lots of earth. Amidst the dead oak leaves, many violets (yellow and purple) are springing up. Sassafras Mtn. was my favorite place today. Just before, at Hightower Gap, I met Art and company (don't know all their names yet) I ended up having lunch with April and her husband and Steve (?), all hiking with Art. I shared my mango that had been getting very heavy in my already too-heavy pack (46 lbs. at the start). I am carrying way too much food, and I'm not terribly hungry, so I try to give food to others at every meal! I'll send back my radio, maybe my book (am too tired to read).I decided this hike is like weight watchers, a de-tox clinic and a meditation retreat, all rolled into one. Of course, it is so much more. But I am looking forward to the change in lifestyle.I am meeting more and more thru hikers, but don't know names yet...soon. Big day tomorrow, off to sleep.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Millers 

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hold to the difficult, then that which now still seems to us to be the most alien will become that which we most trust and find more faithful.   -RilkeWildlife: a Luna Moth, 3 turkey vultures, a squirrel and a chigger. (In the night we heard 3 owls: two Barred Owls calling back and forth, and another kind with a single note)Today was a challenge. It was 80+ degrees as we climbed Blood Mtn., the highest elevation so far. I shared my water with Riley, whose filter had given out earlier. I've been adding Gookinaid to at least 2 liters/day, but today I ran out. Nanna K, Bearbait and I stayed more or less together. Bearbait leaves us tomorrow, we go on to the next shelter. It's supposed to rain a bit, but we have been so lucky. Today I was thinking about the delicate balance between being goal-oriented in life (and on the trail), and just being open to what the day/week brings. Out here we have to have some plan - usually around a water source and how much food we have left. And today, before the climb up Blood Mtn., I met a couple (spirit Al and georginia) who suggested that I did have enough time to finish the trail by Aug 25th, but I am not sure I want that kind of schedule. It's tough to keep the pace now. I think it may take one more day than planned to get to Hiawassee. But all is well. The blister situation is better; only one broken one on my left heel. OH! I forgot to write about the great meal at The Cookie Jar in town. We all took the shuttle for the buffet. I had THE best fried chicken in the world! More from Hiawassee in a few days.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

"I like trees because they seem more resigned to live the way they have to than other things do." ~ Willa Cather"Be one with the mountain, Tina." ~ Molly CarliseWildlife: 2 Luna Moths mating!, 2 Downey Woodpeckers, 1 snake with greenstripes on either side, and too many black flies to count.I had my first real "trail magic" today: We were busy mailing things home (mailed back my radio, a book and my grey fleece vest that I love!) from Walasi-Yi, and we were already getting a late start. April Showers, who shared my mango with me a few days back, asked if I wanted to "slackpack"? She could tell I had no idea what she meant and proceeded to explain that her husband would take our packs in his car and meet us 6.3 miles down the trail at a road crossing. Who in their right mind would pass that up? So, off we went: Art, John, Dave, April, Nanna K and myself - we cruised it in 3 hours, meeting Steve at Hogpen Gap. Had lunch and then he gave us chocolate covered strawberries AND peanut butter fudge...pure heaven! Then, as if that wasn't enough goodness for the day, a woman took our picture and will email it to us. We hiked another 4.3 miles with our packs, making it the longest overall day, so far. We have about 10 tents in our little tent city...Spirit Al and Georgina from Prince Edward Island, Dave "Bone Spur" from PA, our friends from Gainesville, FL. The sky is clear and we can see stars even from this deep gap between the mountains.Too tired to think about what I thought about all day. I do recall, at one point, feeling strong and I said out loud, "Bring it on!" meaning the next hill. Doing okay, so far. I did think about all the athletes at MHC training so hard for their season, and I respect so much the effort that they put forth each day. Day 5 for me, and I do feel stronger. Blisters are okay.Goodnight.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

"The face of a moose is as sad as the face of Jesus." - Mary Oliver (in a poem called "Some Questions You Might Ask")Wildlife: 1 broad winged hawk, 1 warbler of some kind, 1 yellowtail butterflyThat poem by Mary Oliver is quite thought provoking. She ponders what has a soul? Out here, it feels like everything does...we are all woven together into a quilt of some sort.Today was my hardest day so far, and yet it was the shortest milage so far! Felt like I had no energy from the start. Over the course of the day I drank 5 liters of water (it was 80 today). Hoping to feel better tomorrow.More trail magic today: Pokey and Threepiece hiked in with sodas and hot dogs for thru hikers...amazing.No rain at all, so far. It has been a perfect first week. Getting to Tray Gap Shelter tomorrow, but there is some kind of feast just before the shelter . . . sounds great. Art is a good person to hang with! (It is a friend of his who is throwing the party!) Nite.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter

To: Swag of the Blue Ridge
Miles today: 11.1

"I wake to a perfect patience of mountains." - e.e. cummingsjust had to record this amazing sunrise on Blue Mountain...it's coming over the ridge now and it's stunning. Looks to be another great day. Onward...~~~~~~(4/10 . . . continued later)"I relied upon the moon and St. Christopher to be my guide." ~Mary Chapin Carpenter ('twas the song stuck in my head all day)Wildlife: didn't see much today, but heard the ruffed grouse doing it's mating ritual: it sounds like a drum beating.Another special day once we arrived to Tray Gap Rd.: Pittsburg, friend of Art's (and of my transcriber, Suzie), Hummingbird, Coosa and other local AT affectionadoes prepared a giant feast for all Thru hikers. I had vegetarian chili, a cheese sandwich with the juiciest tomato ever, a brownie, fritos and a coke. That served as lunch and dinner. These folks were so nice! We sat around the fire (this is around 2~4pm) ~ such a great time. I hiked alone most of the morning, but leaving the party, I hiked with Bill and Julie (whom Art named "Tape Toe" because of the way she has her toes taped for blisters). We were all staying there, but Melanie and Murphy (a pup whose is half golden and half cocker), Nanna K and I pressed on several miles to make tomorrow more manageable. We are sharing our spot with Pokey, from Miami. We can see both east and west, so we had a nice sunset and hope to see the Easter sun tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

"(i who have died am alive again today, and this is the sun's birthday, this is the birth day of life and love and wings...)" ~e.e. cummingswildlife: 2 white-tailed deer running north on the AT, 1 squirrelI've never been so excited to see civilization - Hiawassee, GA. All of our good friends from the trail are here, too: Tape-Toe, Bill, April Showers and Bone spur, Ladybug, and Art is staying down the road but will come in for dinner tonight. M & M (the dog) had to stay elsewhere due to no pets here at the Holiday Inn. It really felt like Easter as we drove to town: the fruit trees are all in bloom down here in the valley (or gaps, as they are called here). Today the entire focus seemed on getting to town. We had our first bout of rain last night and this morning, so we are all smelly AND wet. Nice to do laundry here and resupply. I have to pick up my bounce box and my food tomomorrow, and I'll send what I can up to Rainbow Springs so I only have to carry 4-5 days worth of food. I have this love-hate relationship with water: I need it, but I am carrying 6 pounds worth, and I need to cut back on the weight any way I can. My goal is to get my pack weight down to 36, with water. We shall see what I'm willing to give up...My friends from NH arrive tonight (Whit and Heather) to hike for 10 days; hope we have nice weather for them! More in 4-5-days...
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: light rain

"It takes more head than heel."-Grandma GatewoodWildlife: a pretty though unidentified grey bird w/ white wingsI really got sucked into being in town. Could have easily stayed another day. It didn't help that it was raining, either.But off we went: Nanna K, Melanie & Murphy, my 2 Waukeela (YEAH WAUKEELA CAMP!) friends who flew in last night, Heather and Whit. It was 50 and drizzling when we started - the first inclement day in 8 days...we were walking up into a cloud, more or less. It really helped me that Whit and Heather had "fresh eyes" and were in awe of the beauty around, albeit wet beauty. They were so appreciative of all the green - holly bushes, mountain laurel, etc., because in NH, it was still winter-ish. Instead of whining about the rain, I tried to see the beauty, too. Turned out to be a great hike. Art, Tape-toe & Bill are here, plus 3 women from a group of 8 (b/t 50 and 65 yrs. old). Decided I didn't want my tent to get wet, so I'll take my chances with the mice and the snorers tonight (thanks for the earplugs, Janice). It was great to catch up with people in my life while in town. I feel so supported out here. The rain will test me, as even though I've lived in New England 18 years, I'm still a Texan when it comes to rain and cold.nite-
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Campsite btwn Chunky Gal & Deep Gap
Miles today: 9.2

"That which does not destroy us makes us stronger." -HeraclitusWildlife: 2 slimy (but cute) black newtsIt's 7:15 pm and we are hunkered down in our tents, trying to keep warm. It was snowing for a short time; now it's just bloody cold. We were lucky today as we hiked, as it never really rained until we set up camp tonight. We were going to stay at Muskrat but it was misting into the shelter and we thought we might be better moving on. We had some strong thuunderstorms move through during the night last night...Heather and Whit and Melanie and Murphy all had a wet and rough ride. I was surprisingly content in the shelter. Nanna K hiked ahead today - I think she may be with Art, Bill and Julie (Tape Toe). I hope to see her again, but this train keeps adding and letting go of cars...Too cold to type more...gotta get fully in my sleeping bag. It's sleeting now!
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Wateroak Gap

To: Kinsey Creek Trail to Road
Miles today: 2.4

"...In this life we walk by faith, not by sight." ~CWWildlife: only robins as we came down to lower elevationLast night was the most miserable night I've ever had camping. We got into our tents early, trying to stay warm...and at 2 am I woke up with my sleeping bag (DOWN!) all wet. I looked up to see that one wall was leaning over, so I pressed up on it, and off slid the snow that had accumulated there. It had snowed about 3 inches, and it was blowing right into my front door! I guess I should have anticipated problems with snow, since my tent is all mesh with a fly. Probably not the best choice for the AT in the Spring. I shivered through the night, but lived to tell the tale. Decided the only option was to come into town (Franklin) and clean and dry our clothes, as tonight is supposed to be colder. It was 24 when we got out of our tents this am! We left Melanie and Murphy there, as they were still inside staying warm (Murphy had never seen snow in his life, so he wasn't too sure.Anyway, we got to a road around 2 and got a ride up to the mainroad. Long story, but April and Bone Spur (my friends who shared that mango with me long ago) yelled out of a van that was passing, and it was a hiker shuttle to a hotel in Franklin. I got my hair cut, did laundry, got a new bag (I am scared of down after last night with my tent, so I bought a synthetic one that will keep me warm, even if wet.) So, off we go again tomorrow. The shuttle will drop us off where we got off, and we should be in Nantahala on Monday. Weather looks better, but tomorrow our shelter is at 4640 ft., so I suppose it will be cold. At least everything is clean and dry now. No sign of Nanna K. and Art - hope to see them again soon. Whit and Heather are doing great! More in about 5 days...Be well,
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Kinsey Creek Trail to Road

To: Transcriber note
Miles today: 0.0

Just a (hopefully) helpful note from Suzie (spike), littlefish's journal transcriber: I got a package in the mail from her today - a little disposable camera. Got the pictures developed and have scanned some of them in. So take a look at the "photos" section of her journal, and keep an eye on that now and then in the future (I won't give you a heads up every time I get new pictures from her). Most of the descriptions are pretty sketchy based on a couple of notes she sent along. I'm not sure I've got the right date with the right pictures, and I don't know who half of the hikers pictured are, but hopefully she'll get a chance to do a better job of identifying them later. And once I get the entry for this day from her, this note will disappear! In the meantime, I'm still dreaming about my hike: www.trailjournals.com/spike/
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Nantahala

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

" And I will make all my mountains a way."- Isaiah 49:11Wildlife: mice in the shelter!A short walk, and only one hill-just happened to be 6 miles. I weighed my pack when leaving NOC -42 pounds, so that's an improvement. Last night was a great night's sleep- a queen sized bed with sheets and 7 opened windows-peepers all night long. Up here at 4500' the trees are bare again, and only a few flowers. We are all feeling good, so we may shoot for a long day tomorrow, depending on weather,etc. So odd to have Spring yesterday and now it's like we have gone back in time. (Kinda like New England!)
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

"And all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."-T.S. EliotWildlife: a BIG day~ 11 junkos,10 swallowtails,could hear several cardinals, and one yellow-black-throated-green warbler (according to the birders at Stecoah Gap).For some reason, I really hit the wall today. I felt out of gas all day. Happy to be resting now-a lovely campsite near a stream flanked by trilliums-mostly white, some pink. Heather and Whit's last night w/ us on the trail-it's been great to have them with us. -nite
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 9.2

"I hear the mermaids each to each, but they do not sing to me." -T.S. Eliot (can mermaids live in Fontana Lake?)Wildlife: no sightings, but learned that what I thought to be cardinals singing yesterday and today was actually a type of warbler.We had a great night at our campsite..a light rain, a gentle breeze, no critters. And a great walk today- nice views for miles of the dam.We all gathered for a nice dinner: Nana K., Melanie, Whit and Heather, Art and Goosebump, Dennis (the accupunturist) & Mosey. Tomorrow we say good-bye to Heather & Whit and Murphy (He goes to the kennel while we are in the Smokies.) A nice day to rest and prepare...oh, met Jan Liteshoe today- doing trail magic for goosebump. Nite.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Fontana Village

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

No - Littlefish is not ignoring us. She's having technical difficulties with her pocketmail device and hasn't been able to send anything for a while. She's working on this with the folks from Pocketmail, but isn't sure if or when it can be resolved.I got a phone message from her while I was out on a little hike myself - she said to let you all know that she made it into Gatlinburg on 4/27, should be in Davenport Gap on the 30th and on into Hot Springs on 5/3. She ran into a little snow crossing Clingman's Dome, and rain coming into Gatlinburg, but things were going well. She's just frustrated because she was so enjoying the ability to share this hike with all of you!suzie buchanan, transcriber
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap, just past Beauty Spot
Miles today: 12.0

"You cannot step into the same river twice." -Zen sayingWildlife: 2 orange salamanders (Newts?)I have begun to dread the day we hike out of town, as my pack is too heavy with food and we always have a BIG climb the entire day. Today was so absolutely wonderful!- the first 2 miles were next to, over, around, and, at times, IN a branch of the Nolichucky River. We crossed it at least 8 times, and the water was high with all the afternoon thundershowers. The early light was just breaking through the trees. And the sound of the rushing water was like a good jazz album - background music that makes you get lost in whatever you are doing. The showers held off all day, too, affording great views from the top of my favorite named mountain - Beauty Spot (4437 ft). (My favorite trail name is "Chunky Gal Trail", back in GA)...oh, and I forgot about a peak on 5/7 called "Big Butt" (4840 ft.) - Who names these places?!)In the distance, we can see Roan Mountain, the last time we'll be over 6000 ft. until Mt. Washinton...looks fun!