morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I guess it is time to begin to update this journal a little more regularly. I have been busy trying to refine a few pieces of my gear, break in new boots, and prepare maildrops. I feel very comfortable with my decisions and plans...now let's hike!!!I have been emailing several other people who will be starting the trail within days of myself and it appears we will hike together at some point. Great! New friends already!! If emailing counts at all...we have already hiked this trail about three times...mentioned many of the significant points and areas we hope to see, discussed the possibilities of sighting animals, wildflowers, sunrises, sunsets...meeting new people...rain...rain...and more rain...hostels, shuttles, maildrops, grocery stores, road crossings, hitchhiking....you name it...I think we have covered it. Man....I think I already need a zero day!!!The next three weeks I will spend concentrating on continuing to workout...I need cardio!!! Cardio!!! Cardio!!...I live in the flattest of the flat ...only 650 ft. elevation so....stairstepper...eliptical when I can and walk fast...reallly fast to try to improve. I have been on the trail enough to know that the hills of Georgia are tough so...I want to be able to at least reach the summit without fainting!!! Just kidding...not that bad but....I do have a few silver hairs on my head and I will just have to put that head down and push on!!!We have had a gorgeous day! Rain/snow heading our way in the upcoming week...need to get out and hike and play in that to prepare so...let it happen!!Happy Hiking!
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This week is the week I set for myself to complete as many individual tasks as possible towards being 'ready' for my pending thruhike. Maildrops, errands, new phone, prep at home.....I want to have as many items finished as possible. Maildrops are my biggest issue right now. I have about half of the 15 or so drops complete but....I am out of most of my food....so off to the grocery tomorrow a.m. I need to think of some different food types and meals anyway so nice to have some time overnight to think about this.This morning I also picked up my new Blackberry curve phone....I am really excited about this! I have many capabilities now that my old phone just didn't possess. I look forward to being able to check email, send email and pictures, use a GPS, and of course...make calls. I hope this will save me a lot of computer time in towns updating my journal.Last weekend I had the pleasure of hiking in some snow. Our weather patterns are such that we rarely see snow but....we finally got about 3 inches!!! Wooohooo!!! Lots of white stuff for us. I hiked 6 miles Sat and 11 Sun with a 20 lb pack. My boots and clothing choices felt great as well as the weight of the pack. I hope to only carry 24lbs with food and water for three days....keeping my fingers crossed that I can stay that low. My good friend Nancye went with me as well on the Sunday hike. We were fortunate to get to go to Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park and had a great day. While on the trail we met a very nice couple from Nolin Lake area...Bill and Lee...they are really excited about hiking and seem to be contemplating hiking the AT at some point....so....Bill and Lee...if you are reading this.....I do hope that dream comes true for you. Nancye and I both were continuing to make a few adjustments to gear, food selections,....a trial run so to speak. It really is fun to have some one to bounce ideas off of and she is quite creative and often gives me a new way to look at things. After our hike, nancye came home with me where my husband had a nice hot pot of chili waiting for us. Ummmm there were also two bottles of wine....what a great way to end the day!   Well...not long now...I am so very ready to meet with my friends and enjoy this hike. Two of the ladies I look forward to hiking with are Grace and Stardust....I am sure you will be hearing more about them as our journey continues.   Thanks to those of you who have signed my journal. I look forward to hearing from you often.Happy Trails everyone!
Date: 2008-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone,   This entry will be a test run for my sister-in-law. She has graciously agreed to be my transcriber so today we are practicing on adding an entry to my journal.    I am soooo very excited about my hike. Several people have contacted me about hiking together so it looks like a party is necessary to start this hike! I know we will all have a great time together! The weather appears to be breaking and springtime is just around the corner. My gear is packed, maildrops are finished, and boots are broken in! Let's head to Katahdin! Thanks to all of you who are signing my guestbook. I look forward to hearing from you again and also look forward to updating you to the trail and the happenings along the way. Take care!
Date: 2008-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.08

Here we go...today my husband and my good friend Nancye and myself drove to USFS 42 and walked to the summit of Springer. It was a nice afternoon, a little overcast but I was ready to go. We had the opportunity to meet Many Sleeps who was the trail maintainer, nice man with quite a sense of humor. Looking forward to tomorrow and beginning this hike!
Date: 2008-03-29
From: USFS42

To: Hawke Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Today was our first full day on the trail. Nancye, Tree, and myself were looking forward to three days on the trail. The day started off with overcast skies and moderate temps so off we went with eager anticipation of the people, views, and hike to come. The rain continued to worsen as the day went on.....lots of rain. We did however manage to enjoy some of the scenery along the way and always enjoy being outdoors. Despite the rain we saw deer, squirrels, woopeckers, boyscouts, and one sweet young couple with a 6 year old son! Yep....they are out hiking to NC! Our original plan....and you must be willing to change your plan while on the trail....was to hike to Justis creek but decided to pull into Hawk Mtn. Shelter, have our snack, and then move on.    Due to a series of events....rain, 20 degree drop in temps, Tree not having some of his gear.....we decided to stay in the shelter for the night and then call a shuttle to pick us up at Hightower Gap in the morning. Good call.... We needed to dry out. Even with the 'mishaps' ....it was a good first day on the trail!!!!!!! Keep your boots heading north!
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Hightower Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night we stayed at the Goose Creek cabins and dried out all our gear. Ready to go again! Wes Wilson will shuttle me back to the trail and I will be hiking with a different group of friends. The weather is still not as good as I would like for it to be but at least it is staying warm! As I began my climb out of the gap a gentle rain began and the fog rolled in. Visibility was about 10 yards.....thick fog! The forest was very quiet as all the animals were snug in their nests and burrows....all the time thinking....crazy humans!! Don't they know enough to get out of the rain! I loved the solitude of the moment...it was as if I were passing through clouds only to have small pieces of the trail revealed to me for my inspection. I never realized until that moment that in the past I have always been looking UP the trail.....instead of really focusing on the immediate area I was passing through. How many of us do that everyday of our life????? Amazing....lesson number one received from the trail. The day rolled by as I clicked away the miles. Gradually there was a little lifting of the clouds and the sun did begin to peek thru...yea...now I can see...AND....hear! Yep.....off in the distance I began to hear lots of noise as the Army Rangers were training so.....now we have convoys going thru the gaps and ammo being fired in the distance! Not what you expect when hiking thru the woods but...hikers know they train in this area! Great day on the trail! Keep thoses boots heading north!
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke today to a beautiful sunrise! All I had to do was roll over on my tummy and look out the head of my tent and for almost an hour I watched the fog lift and the sun rise! Really vibrant colors. After a quick breakfast and a break in camp I was off to finally hike a full day in the sun! I wanted to hike 10.6 miles today so I tried to set a brisk pace...at least for me. The weather was warm and delightful to be in after such a gloomy, rainy start to the hike. Blood Mountain proved to be a challenge to me. I am not use to these uphills yet...will take some time to get used to carrying a pack and charging up these mountains! Finally I made it to the top and enjoyed the view. Wondeful! For those of you who have not hiked this mountain...the downhill is every bit as hard.....steep, rocky, and long! I finally made it into Walasi-Yi Inn. Pirate was there as the hostel manager and entertained us all with the Monty Python skit about Spam, some wonderful Ole Timey country music, and a 7 am wake-up call to Ghost Busters!! He is quite a character and is known in the AT hiking circles. It was a great night in the hostel. I met Lisa, Adam, Barefoot Sage, Bulldog, Ohm, and James.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

BBBBrrrrr...today was a cold, wet, foggy Georgia day for sure! Left Neel's gap about 8:30 in hopes of seeing the sun peek thru the clouds during the morning ...but...that wasn't in the cards. Dreary alllllll day ....in fact....I had a sharp cold wind with sleet blowing in my face for a good portion of the day! Life on the trail is never dull! Not too far from Neel's gap I met Lynn and Ellen. They are sisters from New Jersey who at the last minute decided to do some hiking this year. Nice ladies! The terrain today was challenging......quite a few hills...Tesnatee Gap which is a steep, long climb up and then what goes up must come down....oh the knees!!! Crossed the road at Hogpen gap and began the uphill climb towards the second half of my day. This is where I got up on the ridgeline and man...it was cold...you are on the windward or west side of these mountains all afternoon. Finally did reach Lowgap shelter...no room in the shelter so....I had to tent! Gee....I have a single wall tent so I knew there would not be much warmth tonight. I tried my best to think of tent placement and how I pitched my tent so I would feel the least amount of wind and hopefully stay dry. The night was cold but I did stay warmer than I thought....it did rain all night tho and I have some really damp...ok wet! Gear! I did meet a lot of other hikers here. The ones I knew....Ohm, Bulldog, BrrAss, Lynn and Ellen....also met Andy with his dog Presley, Colleen, team Arabian Knights, two brothers who have just come back into the states from teaching and playing baseball at a boys camp in Costa Rica, as well as several others. Team Arabian Knights are a young girl and guy who are funny,bright, and tremendous cooks!!! Their food sack is about 15lbs! Amazing! Another great day on the AT. Thanks again to all who sign my guestbook....I really like hearing from you and will do my best to reply. My cellphone coverage has been good but due to the rain I have been hesitant to get it out at times so...please be patient and I will contact you as soon as I can! Keep those boots heading north!
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Well I hate to sound like a broken record but guess what!!!! It rained again in southern Georgia!!!!! Go figure!!! Gee....the drought must surely be over at least in this section of the country!!!! We have only had two days of sunshine since I have been on the trail!!!! We have been fortunate that the temps have been as moderate as thay have been or we would have seen a lot of ice and snow so....you must always find that silver lining! The trail conditions continue to worsen...of course.....with all the rain and all the hikers.....we are really making a sloppy mess out of several areas, slick and hard to walk especially with the continuing rain! News is traveling up the trail from people who are dayhiking today that severe thunderstorms are predicted for this afternoon! GREAT!!!! Our group has decided to get a shuttle at Unicoi gap and head to Hiawasee for a day and let the rain pass. I called Ron at the Hiawassee Inn and they are on their way to meet us at the road crossing. While approaching the road crossing....BrrAss and I witnessed a huge tree falling....yep only 20 yards west of the trail! The noise was amazing!! We heard this huge crack.....somewhat like lightning.....and immediately turned towards the direction of the noise to witness this huge tree seem to implode!!! It fell from the bottom down! Amazing thing to witness!!! Taking tomorrow off trail so no journal for 4-5 Keep those boots headed north!!!
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 11.2

After a day off due to rain everyone is ready to go. First let me backtrack....no we don't get off the trail just for 'rain'! I am talking severe thunderstorms with the possibility of golfball size hail! THAT is rather uncomfortable to walk in and could be very dangerous....so...if I fail to mention this in the future...if I get off the trail due to a weather related issue....it's tough weather! OK. Back to the trail. Remember the lady Lynn I met ....she and I decided to hike together today. Her sister Ellen is resting an injury and will join us later up the trail. We finally have great weather! Believe it or not the sun does shine in Georgia. Tough section today....our first long section with large climbs but along with all that huffing and puffing comes the beautiful vistas on the top and the nice downhills on the other side. We stopped at Tray Mountain shelter for lunch.....met a hiker named Keychain who knows my good friend M &M......explained we have some trail magic at Rock Gap from her. Looking forward to the treasure hunt as everyone likes a nice sip of bourbon before bed! Lynn and I continued on and found a great campsite at Addis gap. It wasn't long before we were joined with Ohm, Venture, and Pickles. Had a beautiful sunset....absolutely gorgeous! All the while I am listening to the owls and the coyotes whooting and howling in the distance. What a night ! Another great day on the trail! Keep those boots heading north!
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Addis Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked with Ohm today.Both of us seem to be really tired....the last couple of days have been long with some pretty strenuous terrain to cover. I guess I have asked a lot from my body these last few days and it was just one of those days where you put one foot in front of the other.    We were fortunate that the weather was good and that helped to keep us going. Finally some nice vistas and some great spots to stop for breaks and snacks. I really had to just push thru....mentally and physically a tough day! When we arrived at the shelter we were surprised to see it was empty!!! Up to this point I have only stayed in one shelter due to the crowds. This was a nicely constructed Nantahala style building which has a loft area over the main sleeping floor as well as a loft area over the front porch area overhang...complete with window! Nice!! Now the mice have moonlight to see by!!!!    There was also a nice creek area nearby where I was able to take a quick bath and clean up! Wow...water really feels great after a long day of hiking!      Eventually a young man named Johnny Thunder showed up. He had just hiked out from Hiawassee where he resupplied. Nice and interesting young man. So just the three of us in the shelter. Several times in the night we were awakened by the coyotes howling in the distance. Incredible to listen to the 'night music' of the woods. This was also the first night when we could see the moon and again we listened to the owls! Pretty cool! Keep those boots heading north!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Plumorchard Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

After such a tough day yesterday......our hiking group decided to just hike to the next shelter giving our bodies a chance to recover somewhat. I know at times all I talk about is the beauty around me and all the wonderful people and things you witness along the trail....you must understand how physically and mentally challenging this journey is! You are pretty much exhausted at the end of each day.....you are dirty or cold or wet or hot .......no place to bathe, go to the bathroom, (maybe a privy) get running water........have to eat out of a bag, set up your tent...take care of many duties before bedtime.....and hang your food so that bears and other animals do not bother your food, toothpaste, deodorant....anything that has an odor.........and yet.....it almost feels like a betrayal to 'complain' about the hardships along the way. This hike is such a privilege.....you just have to appreciate all the beauty, the opportunity to witness all the wonders of the forest, the hikers, the world around each and everyday!   Who can complain about this freedom!!! The sun is out.....I am hiking with great people..and absolutely am sooooooo very grateful for this opportunity A very great thing happened today.....we crossed our first state line!!!! We are now in North Carolina!!!!! Whoopeee!!!! Now that is an accomplishment! We also met Nuclear....he is a SOBO and will finish his hike in about ten days!!!!! Go Nuclear!!!!! OK....I guess that wraps up today....Muskrat shelter is very close to a little creek.....I am going to find an area to clean up a little bit.....wow....maybe I will feel almost clean again tonight!. Keep those boots headed north!!!
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Muskrat Shelter

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

Today was a really nice sunny day with lots of small stream crossings. The trees are beginning to bud out.....there are small wild violets, buttercups, a purplish, very small plant that resembles a fern, and several buds developing on the rhododendrums....in a few weeks there will be tons of blooms here! Wow....you should come to northern Georgia/southern NC in late April just to witness the wash of color that is about to unfold. The birds are also singing every step of the way.....warblers, robins, cardinals, bluebirds, lots of woodpeckers and many birds I don't know. Spring is definately in the air today! Physically I feel better today....the old body definately needs some recovery time but Ibuprofen will have to do for now. I am trying to make sure that I stay hydrated and eat the calories I need for my body to rebuild.....vitamins and protein are definately helping. Ohm and I were the first to arrive at the shelter....Lynn and Ellen.....team Arabian Knights, BurrAss, Repack, Joel and Dicey, Andy Hot Sauce now known as Strider along with his Cur mix dog Presley,, and several others soon arrived....a full shelter along with 6-8 tents. The setting was in an evergreen cluster situated in the saddle of two mountains. The water source was a wonderful spring-fed stream that was cool and clear...helped make some nice lemonade to go along with my tortellini dinner. Speaking of dinner.......I am using my snow peak stove...which I love by the way.... And I am still on my first fuel canister...the small 4 ounce one....I think I am doing pretty well in conserving fuel! Going to sleep in my tent tonight... Nestled in under some rhododendrums....should be a good night. Keep those boots headed north!
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Today was a great hike! We had fair temps and we were peaked by the possibility of seeing a bear. Last year while hiking this section my husband and I were fortunate to see two bear cubs! Beautiful and yes a Little tense since we did not spot the mother bear....it did appear that she might be in a rhododendrum gap under the trees the bears were climbing but we never knew for sure as to her location.   An older gentlemen had told us about a female bear that has lived in this area for several years. Well. .....not today.. No bears to be seen......maybe in the smokies! After passing the area where we thought we might see the bear, we began our climb of Yellow mountain. In the lead and several yards in advance...was Strider with his dog Presley.....followed maybe 1/8 of a mile back by BurrAss.....then me, Ohm, Lynn, Peregrine Trail Dancer along with others. This was a Weds morning.....a light mist hung in the valley on the northwest face of the mountain when ever so faintly we began to hear this beautiful soprano voice accompanied by a flute rising in a soft melody from the valley floor below! One by one you could see the hikers pause as they came within earshot of the melody....we each would strain to try to see the source of this choir/voice/instrument As this was just an unbelievable event to be occurring at this very moment.....almost heavenly ....each of us never uttered a word. Slowly our faces reflected the peace of the moment....we would look back at each other, grin and nod as if to say...you hear this too don't you....then...without speaking each would gradually move on. From time to time this wondeful caressing music would arise from the valley below and follow us as we also approached the upclimb of Standing Indian Mountain. This was simply an amazing morning.    The day progressed like many others....pushing on to get your miles in....stopping to filter water.. Having a bite to eat...enjoying the company of the other hikers. Our next event of the day included hiking over Albert mtn.....a tough rock scramble on a steep incline for 4/10ths of a mile. Tough but exhilirating! Wondeful....vibrant day! Keep those boots heading north!
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Wayah Bald

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

. Slack packing.....yes!!! You got to love slackpacking when the weather is cold and rainy!!!! Yes....I know....there are those of you who think slack packing is not a purist thing to do....well...I happen to think that whatever adventure I am on, journey of the mind or soul.....does not involve the pack on my back. I had a fabulous day with six other people....we took our snacks and hit the trail to hike from Wayah Bald south to Winding Stair Gap. Weeeelllll....funny thing happened while some of us were adjusting our packs and getting ready to hit the trail.....four of our group took off like jackrabbits!!!! Yep.....up the trail they went...did you get that??? I said UP....yes they were headed north before I could even get my pack on! So....off I go to try to catch the leader...yelling as I go .....eventually we did all get together and we teased about our mishap.....called our shuttle driver and explained our situation....and off we went!! Gee...we are hiking the AT...we should know which direction to go!!! Anyway....it turned out to be a delightful day! Tomorrow maybe we can hike the section we were supposed to do today! Keep those boots headed north!
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Wayah

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Another slackpack day today.....we are staying in the foothills for a couple of days due to the mixed precipitation at the higher elevations. So far there have been reports of thunderstorms which are producing strong winds and hail to freezing rain, sleet, and snow at the higher elevations so....instead of being cold,wet, and struggling we have decided to hike a smart hike and stay low. At this elevation the temps are cold...40's...but overcast skies.....much more moderate than up above. We made great time...easy terrain as we are hiking this section north to south. This section of the trail has some pretty waterfalls and many of the trees are beginning to bud....maybe the weather is truly beginning to break. More to come.....just stay tuned!!! What a life!!! Keep those boots headed north!