morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-01-29
To: Winter Tree...Blue Sunny Skies
Miles today: 0.0

Today was one of those beautiful days you see in the spring. Sunny blue skies and 60 degrees. We haven't seen this kind of weather in N GA in a long time. Could spring be just around the corner? It was a day that I hope is repeated over and over again in March.Mail drop schedule is complete. That's one major thing checked off my list. Unfortunately there are quite a few more things on that to do list. I'm getting there...slowly.The time is getting shorter and I'm getting more nervous and jittery. I'm trying not to look at the whole picture and instead just focus on 100 mile hikes. I will try to stay focused on the moment and get immersed in life on the trail...that simple life. I'm looking forward to meeting all my fellow hikers of 2011. I love this quote...Every moment in life is a snapshot. Capture the ones you can, but cherish every moment.I think I just have one more purchase and that is a pair of cam lock Leiki poles. They will be so much easier to use when I set up my Lightheart tent. I'm looking forward to carrying about 1 1/2 pounds less in tent weight. I will soon figure out my base weight. I'm hoping for around 20 pounds. That would be great.Now it's time to move on to organizing and filling those mail drop boxes.
Date: 2011-03-01
To: Time Is Getting Close
Miles today: 0.0

I thought it was time to update my journal a little. I've been dealing with some medical issues that had me wondering if this hike was really going to happen. At worst I was hoping for just a delay. So far all my tests have been negative. That's a good thing. I just have two more tests and if all is well I'm hoping to get the go ahead from my doctor to continue with my plans. Time is getting really short.I've really gotten behind with mail drop preparations not knowing if I was going. I really have a lot of scrambling to do in the next couple of weeks. I can't believe that in two weeks my feet could be hitting the trail. I'm quite nervous and have betterflies, but I guess that's normal.I went for a day hike on the AT Saturday. Perfect weather...weather you dream of and hope for every day while hiking, but know that won't happen. On our way up to Woody Gap we gave a SOBO thru hiker a ride to the Hiker Hostel. I'm sure by now he has finished his hike. I walked from Woody Gap south to Gooch Gap with Ranger Bob whom I'll be starting the trail with. We only saw one thru hiker. We also gave him a ride to the Hiker Hostel at the end of our hike. Glad to have been able to provide a little "trail magic."Just letting everyone know the creek at Gooch Gap is flowing nicely in case you are in need of water when you reach there. It's not too far down off the trail.Little buds are starting to show on the trees in the lower elevations. It won't be long now and those leaves will be popping out giving the forest a whole new look.
Date: 2011-03-09
To: 5 Days And Counting
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe that in 5 days my feet will be hitting the trail. If there is a forecast for rain Monday I will postpone the start a day or so. I know how bad that must sound, but hey...living so close to the trail I have that option to start in perfect weather. What happens after that I have no control over. I'm at the mercy of Mother Nature.I have unsubscribed to all the many emails I get from different companys so Greg won't have to deal with deleting emails all day.My first 8 maildrops are packed and ready to go. It seems now that the older I get having medications arrive at the right time are more important than food. The rest of my maildrops are mainly for medications. I will probably be tired of the food I've packed and will feel comfortable enough to buy items along the way.I'm packing my pack tomorrow. Hope that goes well.
Date: 2011-03-12
To: My New Home...away from home
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my new home away from home. I think I have the set up of my new Light Heart tent down. Judy was very helpful explaining what I had been doing wrong. We went over the set up last weekend at Appalachian Trail Days at Amicalola Falls State Park . This tent has saved a pound and a half on my total weight and that makes my knees very happy. I'll have plenty of cross ventilation on those warm muggy nights.Our bathroom is being remodeled and they're starting Monday so that has delayed my start date a day or two. I couldn't leave Greg to get everything out of the bathroom and closet by himself. This way we'll have the weekend to take care of that and I can focus on Monday to get my pack together.More later as I pack my pack.
Date: 2011-03-14
To: A Roller Coaster of Emotions!
Miles today: 0.0

My mind is racing with a gambit of emotions...from sadness to excitement and everything in between. Sometimes it's hard to deal with. I'm trying very hard not to think of a 6 month absence...that sounds like a life time. Instead I'm telling myself to just think of today...worry only about today...tomorrow will take care of itself. I'm going to celebrate each 100 miles and go from there. Thinking about and focusing on 2000 plus miles is too much to comprehend.I'm so thankful to have a loving unselfish husband that is fully supporting of this hike. Without his support this trip would never have come about. We're going to miss each other terribly. I know the real journey for both of us will be mentally coping with each other's absence. Then there are my two furry golden girls. I'll miss watching those tumble weeds of hair float across the room, their warm nudges and their soft furry bodies that are great to snuggle with. I'm sure I'll have some hair clinging to my clothes when I leave...it's everywhere. I call them golden threads of love. I know I'm rambling on, but I just had to jot these thoughts down.
Date: 2011-03-15
From: Home

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Its been a relaxing day...watching moviesbeing togetherlunch with a great friend with real silverware and napkins...thanks Candyloving up on my goldenstalking to kidsI think I'm ready to take the first step. Pack is ready, checked and rechecked. It weighs in at 29.8 pounds. I wish it was less, but it is what it is. I will re-evaluated everything when I go home for the night at Neels Gap. Got to sleep on the Tempurpedic mattress as often as possible.Looking forward to meeting everyone out on the trail, enjoying nature and just being.Life isn't about weathering the storm, it's about learning to dance in the rain.
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cool, cloudy breezy morning as we made our way from the parking lot to the top of Springer Mountain. We took the usual picture, but there were no views. There were quite a few people heading up as we were on our way back down to the parking lot.It was hard to say good-bye to Greg even though I knew that I would see him again, 4 days later at Neels Gap. I kept turning around to capture one last wave.The sun came out around noon and I was able to shed my rain jacket and later my vest.Ranger Bob and I stopped at Stover Creek Shelter and had lunch.My pack for some reason is really bothering my shoulders. That has never happened before. In fact it feels miserable. I was glad to see the sign for Hawk Mountain Shelter. I couldn't have walked much further.The area around the shelter is packed. There must be at least 40 people here. Most everyone is tenting because it's such a gorgeous evening.Dinner is eaten and the camp chores are complete. The sun is shinning, but it will be setting soon. The temperature has already turned cooler.No wildflowers yet.I'm tired and happy to be in my tent. All in all a pretty good day.Thankful for...sunshineshelter signwater easily availablenot to many climbsa flat place to lay my head
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Started out in the morning wearing my rain jacket, hat and gloves, but it wasn't long and I started shedding those layers finally unzipping the legs off my pants and putting on a short sleeve shirt.The day ended up being very warm and sunny. With no leaves on the trees yet there isn't much shade.When I took my pack off during one of my stops I noticed that my shoulder harness was coming unstitched away from my pack. Not a good thing. I wasn't going to be able to walk to Gooch Gap our planned destination. There was no way this pack was going to make it. I was lucky to get a cell signal on top of Sassafras Mountain and called Greg to pick me up at Cooper Gap...a half mile further north.On our way down to Cooper Gap a trail angel had left 4 gallons of water right at the gap. That was a welcome sight as the warm sunny weather is making me drink a lot.Greg arrived in about 1 hour and we headed up to Mountain Crossings at Neels Gap. Winton said it was time to retire this pack so I had to purchase a new one...a Granite Gear...a nice purple one!Ranger Bob and I have decided to slack pack the next couple of days and give my shoulders a little break.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

A slack pack day from Woody Gap to Neels Gap.We were joined by Wayne, one of our friends for the hike to Neels Gap. It was a perfect day...cool, breezy and sunny. The views were great.We met up with Rebecca whom we had seen the first day. We enjoyed her company. It was so much easier walking up those mountains with just a day pack.On top of Blood Mountain there was some trail magic...cool water, brownies and trail mix. I couldn't resist those brownies and had 3! We were greeted by Greg and Anna...Ranger Bob's wife at Neels Gap with nice cold drinks.
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: Hog Pen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

We are getting spoiled living so close to the trail with all this slack packing. It has been nice, but I know it will soon be time to put the pack back on.Candy and Greg joined us for this section of the trail. We met Rebecca at Neels Gap and the 5 of us made our way north. There are a lot of people on the trail today. We enjoyed the view on top of Levelland Mountain while we ate our lunch.When we arrived at Tesnatee Gap, Gordon a trail angel was there with his van offering hikers Gator Aid. Gordon is the one that helps Chuck Norris and his group when they hiked the Florida Trail.The hike up Wildcat Mountain is a tough one. I slowly put one foot in front of the other. At times I feel like I'm hardly moving. We were rewarded again with trial magic at Hog Pen Gap. A church group has hot dogs, chips and drinks. They even have chairs for the hikers to sit on while they eat. There are so many wonderful people out on the trail.Another hot sunny day on the trail.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Hog Pen Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail was pretty good today. The ups weren't to steep and there was an old road bed which made the walking pretty easy. It was cool and breezy which made hiking so much easier compared to the previous few days.We were going to stop before Blue Mountain Shelter, but when we realized we only had 3.5 more miles to go, the thought of a pizza and beer pulled us down to Unicoi Gap and a call for a ride.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Tray Mountain Rd

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A shuttle ride up to FSR 698 and a hike south to Unicoi Gap.I saw my first little wild flower today...bluettes...and it's the first day of spring.It was fun running into people we had seen earlier. It made for some interesting conversation.The hike up Rocky Mountain was tough, but once we were there we were rewarded with some great views. It was hard to find some shade to have a little break from the hot sun.Trail magic again at Unicoi Gap. Eveyones generosity is greatly appreciated.Tomorrow it's time to put the packs back on. We have had a few easy days. Now it's time to get back to work.
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Resupply and nice treats from Anna, Ranger Bob's wife. Boy did those Cheetos go well with my sandwich.Saw some wildflowers today. LYF (little yellow flowers), daisies, violets and what appeared to be spring beauties. The trail of course went up out of Dicks Creek Gap. That's only natural...what goes down must go up. The trail was quite lonely today. Really didn't hear any birds. The only sounds were that of my poles hitting the rocks and my huffing and puffing as I accended the hills.Along with us at the shelter tonight are Heart Song, Turtle Feet and Drummer Boy. We had a nice dinner together sharing in friendly conversation and talk about gear. This shelter is very nice. It has 2 upper lofts besides the spacious lower deck and a picnic table which makes it so much easier to cook.The weather forecast for tonight is thunder storms. It just can't seem to make up its mind what it wants to do. One minute it's cloudy and breezy and then it will clear; blue skies will appear and the sun will come out. This pattern plays back and forth.No sooner did we finish dinner and the rain began. I'm thankful for the shelter and not having to pack up a wet tent. I just hope there are no mice.My knee feels pretty good. I'm walking very guarded. Basically slow and steady. That should be my new trail name because that's how I move.Thankful for...cool breezesseeing wildflowersnice clean sheltercool running water
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sunny day, but cool and quite breezy. Goodbye GA...hello NC!Had lunch at the boarder of GA and NC. The climb out of Bly Gap just seemed to go on and on. What a way to welcome you to NC. I felt like I was barely moving. It seemed like my feet were in slooooow motion. The trail was very steep. I was leaning forward as I climbed. I was almost afraid to stand straight because I felt as if the weight of the pack was going to pull me backwards and I would go tumbling down what I had just climbed. And I certainly did not want to repeat that climb!It's so discouraging to be passed by people who have walked twice as far as you. But I guess youth has its advantages, but non the less its discouraging. They just look so refreshed and bouncy. I seem to have one speed...SLOW, but steady.Its very cold here tonight. The shelter is full and quite a few tents are set up in the flat areas around the shelter. Some people have built a nice large fire and the warmth is appreciated. I hope I'm warm enough tonight.It's going to take longer to get to Winding Stair Gap then I had thought. I think I might run out of food. I'll have to be very conservative.This shelter is very full and I know everyone is going to be heading to Carter Gap Shelter and since I'm slower than everyone else I'm sure I won't get space in the shelter. Rain is in the forecast which doesn't make me happy since its so cold. I wish there was a road crossing where Greg could pick us up. Cold and wet doesn't make me happy. I know I'm a pansy, but its so convenient to bail out living close to the trail when nasty weather hits .With the exception of the cold I feel pretty good.Thankful for...blue skiesshelter signwarm firegloves
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

Goodbye Georgia. Hello North Carolina. Sunny Day, but cool and quite breezy.The climb out of Bly Gap just seemed to go on and on. I felt like I was barely moving. It seemed like my feet were in sloooow motion. The trail was very steep. I was leaning over as I climbed. I was almost afraid to stand straight.Slow and steady, that should be my new trail name because that's how I move.Thankful for...cool breezesseeing wildflowersnice sheltercool running water
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Winding Stair Gap at 9:45am in the rain. Not a very good start to the day... Hated leaving Greg again. I've been home so much that it was so hard to leave.   Made the 3.9 mile hike in pretty good time. The rain did let up, but it remained cloudy. It didn't take long for the body to start heating up with the uphill climbs.   The climb to Wayah Bald and the tower seemed to take forever. I didn't think we'd ever make it. There were no views at the tower - cloud cover.   The shelter and surrounding area is quite full. This group moves so fast that they are at the shelter long before me.   Late dinner tonight. I can't believe it's 8:15 and I'm still awake. It's pretty cold tonight, hope I stay warm.   I'm really missing Greg. I have my doubts that I can continue much farther. Being separated is much harder than I thought it would be.Winkle
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

The trail was fairly easy right out of the shelter. We knew there was going to be trail magic compliments of Grits-09 at Burrington Gap. We arrived too late for breakfast, but were just in time for cheeseburgers, chips and a coke. Grits-09 provides all of this food for a whole week. He has quite the set up: large coolers, a grill with a griddle for pancakes and a huge tent complete with a heater.   The descent into Tellico Gap was a long one. My knees were ready for a rest. Some snacks and gator aide fueled me for the ascent up to Wesser Bald with a tower on top.   I was trying to hussle to Wesser Shelter to try to get a spot in the shelter. Heavy thunderstorms are predicted for the night. Been kind of moving with a group of young guys that have been going from shelter to shelter. They all move much more quickly than me. This is the first time I have ever run into shelter "hogs". They take over the shelters and don't make an effort to make room for anyone else.   Lucky for us slower guys, they decided to push on to Rufus Morgan Shelter, which is one mile from the NOC so they can get in early and get out the same day. Hopefully they'll get further ahead of us.   Strong storms were predicted to arrive at 4am; they did arrive at 3:41am, pretty much on target. There was strong thunder, lightning and heavy rain until about 6AMWinkle.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Wesser Shelter

To: The NOC
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: moderate rain

I don't seem to have my packing down well. It takes me quite awhile to get organized in the morning.   It was a little chilly when I left the shelter, but it wasn't long before I was shedding the rain pants and jacket to just walk in shorts and a T-shirt.   My legs seem not to want to move this morning. They feel so heavy.   The view at the jumpoff was incredible. There was a white sea of clouds from the valley floor below with the mountain tops rising above.   The steep rocky descent off of the jumpoff was a little tricky with the wet rocks from the rain during the night. In some places, it was just easier to sit down and ease myself down the larger rocks. My center of gravity was closer to the ground.   I was glad when the large rocks disappeared and the trail became more like a trail.   I walked alone for most of the day, only being passed by about 4 other hikers.   It was a long 5.9 descent to the NOC. I arrived right at lunch time. Boy, did that hamburger, salad and coke taste delicious.   Right before the NOC I noticed quite a few flowers blooming - white trillium, violets and some little white flowers that resembled a daisy.   Rebecca and I are sharing a room in a cabin. It was great to stand under that HOT shower and have clean clothes.   Looking forward to a bed with sheets and a real pillow, not a pillow made from a clothes bag.   A sit down breakfast is first on the agenda tomorrow morning.Thankful for... shelter space not having to pack up a wet tent no rain while hiking real food a bed and pillow Winkle
Date: 2011-03-31
From: The NOC

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

It was wonderful to sleep in a real bed last night, with a flush toilet and a HOT shower!Great pancake breakfast at the River's End Restaurant at the NOC. This was going to be the fuel that will help me climb the 6.9 miles to Sassafras Shelter.There were a lot of blow downs adding to the difficulty of the trail. The trail followed the Nantahala River for a while. I watched it disappear the higher I climbed until I finally lost sight of it.There were many areas of the trail that were covered with large boulders making the footing a little more tricky and slowed the forward progress.Had lunch at the Nantahala overlook. I could be proud of myself...I had really done a lot of climbing. The river and road were way down there. The elevation at the NOC was 1723 feet and at the lookout the elevation was 3789 feet. The lookout was not the final climb. Swim Bald was at 4691 feet.My pace picked up considerably when I reached the top. I was anxious to get a spot in the shelter. I knew many people were headed there and I of course was passed by the young and fast hikers. Made it I did...thankfully.The temperature was dropping quickly and there were about 25 people squeezed in every space possible. A wintry mix is predicted for tonight. It's very cold already.I feel pretty good. Just move slow on those steep uphills. I don't know how long that will take to improve. I need patience I guess.I miss Greg and my furry girls a lot. What a wonderful understanding and supportive husband.Thankful for...shelter spaceviewshot chilecup a souphat & gloves
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A pretty good night sleep in the shelter. We were so crammed inside that if there were any mice they wouldn't have had room to move.Woke up to frost on the ground and very cold. The fingers just can't move too good when it's so cold out. It's very difficult packing up.It was a difficult climb up to Cheoah Bald at 5,062 feet, but the scenery was beautiful. The trees were covered with rhime ice, which was quite beautiful against a crystal clear blue sky. You could tell it was really cold because the rhododendron leaves were pointed down to the ground trying to conserve and stay warm. It was windy and cold on top of the bald, but the climb had heated me right up and I started shedding layers. Views were great.Most of the day was spent going up and down with one big down to Stecoah Gap. We were hoping for some sun when we reached the gap, but instead it just got colder and colder and windier and windier. We had the luxery of some picnic tables, but were unable to linger long because of the cold.Immediately out of Stecoah Gap the climb began up Jacob's Ladder. Why don't the maintainers of this section of trail use switch backs? It would make life so much easier. When I would stop to rest I would have to lean back against a tree to keep from falling backwards.We were going to stop at Brown Fork Gap Shelter, but it was full and the tenting wasn't that great. So we decided to push on the 2.9 miles to a campsite at Cody Gap. This will get us into Fontana a little earlier in the day.I was very tired by the time I got to Cody Gap, but it's only me so I had to pull strength from within and get water, set up my tent and cook dinner. Need that dinner for energy for tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Cody Gap

To: Hike Inn Fontana Dam
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another windy cold morning. Pretty gentle terrain to Cable Gap Shelter where we had a snack and met a couple from Germany.I'm seeing quite a few trillium along the trail. Spring is coming!!I was hoping for some sun while eating lunch, but it just didn't happen.I'm so glad we walked the extra 3 miles yesterday because we never would have made it to Fontana Dam in time for the 4:00 pick-up for the Hike Inn.Jeff and Nancy were great. Nancy took our dirty clothes and washed, dryed and folded them. Now that is service.We enjoyed dinner in Robinsville with Greenstone & Thimbleberry, Day Dreamer, Stanley Thermos, Rebecca, Ranger Bob and Morphene then picked up a few supplies at Ingles.A hot shower and a bed for the night. Nothing could be better.