morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-02-19
To: Appalachian Trail - To See What You See
Miles today: 0.0

The ultimate purpose of the Appalachian Trail?To Walk. To see. And to see what you see.-Benton MacKayeTalk of a "Super Trail" had been in the hiking community of the northeast for many years but Benton MacKaye's article "An Applachain Trail: A project in Regional Planning," which appeared in the October 1921 issue of the Journal of American Institue of Architects, is generally regarded as having provided the springboard for the Appalachian Trail(AT). MacKaye was a regional planner from Massachusetts, who saw an America who was becoming urbanized and loosing touch with the revitalizing and nuturing effects of the natural world. His proposals provided recreational opportunities and retreats from urban life. (Two-thirds of the Nation's population lives within 550 miles of the trail.)MacKaye set about spreading the idea of an Appalachian Trail. The old trail clubs like the Green Mountain Club of Vermont, New England Trail Conference, and the Appalachian Mountain Club were very receptive to his idea. New trail clubs were formed specifically to advance the AT idea. In 1925 the Appalachian Trail Conference was formed, now known as the Applachian Trail Conservancy. The clubs, under the leadership of Myron H. Avery, ATC Chariman from 1931 to 1952, along with two federal agencies, states and the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps all combined forces to open a continuous trail by August 1937.Mother nature, progress so to speak, with highways being constructed, and World War II had set a new path for the AT. It wasn't until 1951 that all sections were finally relocated, opened and marked for hikers and nature lovers alike.The 1968 National Trail System Act made the AT a linear national park and authorized funds for the NPS (National Park Service), USFS (US Forest Service), and states to protect the entire route with public lands.The AT is a national treasure, rich in beauty, culture and history. Imagine, if the trees along the trail or even near a shelter could talk, think what incredible tales or secrets could be told.Paws
Date: 2007-02-20
To: Future Caretakers of the AT
Miles today: 0.0

Paws here. It seems to me, we have been given a great gift. Many folks have made sure and are still trying to make sure that a legacy remains - The Appalachian Trail. I remember the first time - I had a real experience about the trail, I was about nine years old. My brother had hiked a 150 miles section in Virgina with his Scout troop. I remember my parents picking him up, bringing him home, and him lying in his bed, with his feet just a bloody mess of blisters and raw flesh but as he told me his trail stories, the beauty he saw, the animals and plants, staying in shelters, meeting thru-hikers, and climbing the "Priest" he never complained about his feet. He smiled! He talked with such fever and excitement. He drew me in and captivated me. It was at that point I knew it must be an awesome place. That was 35 years ago, and I still believe and know it is an awesome place. The years have gone by and my passions in life have developed and none is more true to me than the outdoors, and one in particular would be the AT. I once read - you can't expect kids to save the Earth if we don't teach or show them how to love it. I agree. I want to tell trail stories, share the beauty the AT holds, show them the animals and plants, let them meet thru-hikers, share culture and history, let them know you make life long friends, let them know trail life has its struggles, share the exhuberance of climbing mountains and nervousness of some river crossings. I want to draw them in and captivate them. I want them to know this is an awesome place, ready and worthy of being loved and cared for.   This is for you - future caretakers of the AT.
Date: 2007-02-24
To: Sharing the AT
Miles today: 0.0

Paws here. Flint and I went to our granddaughter Hannah's first grade class yesterday and shared all the great wonderment of the AT. We hope to inspire some future caretakers. Dealing with short attention spans at this age we made it very interactive using replica wildlife tracks, claws, talons, eggs, and then maps, pictures, furs, backpacks, gear, guides and more; we had them excited . It was a great! We really appreciate the school letting us come and do the presentation.
Date: 2007-02-24
To: Paws' Birthday
Miles today: 0.0

Today I turn 44. Actually, I prefer to look at it this way; I'm just a day older than I was yesterday. Age has never really been a big deal with me, although, sometimes my muscles and bones do talk to me now, especially after a long and tough hike. Being the sentimental type, this evening I decided to pull out some old memories. My mom was great about keeping up our baby books even though I was #3, she managed to write in it for at least a couple of years. My mom and I were tight, we were the only girls in a male dominated home, although we secretly ruled the roost. She died almost three years ago and it was a life alternating change for me but I learned much from her and I'm very grateful she was my mom. She always told me I had a knack for nature and the outdoors even when I was real little and I should follow my heart because I could make a difference, even if making a difference was sharing the joy of nature with just one person. Well, this evening when I was looking through my baby book, I found an entry she made July 4, 1963; I would have been five months old.
Date: 2007-02-24
To: Where On The AT 3 & Cool Fun Fact
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, here we go again, you should know how it goes by now - we give you a picture, the name of the place and some additional information, you just have to figure out the state. Now as time goes on, this is . . .going to get harder, eventually, there's just going to be a picture and a hint and you guessed it your brain is going to have to do the rest.Legend has it that a number of deserters from the Revoltionary War hid here and became tinkers; making pans and pots that they sold in the valley towns below.Cool Fun Fact: According to the ATC - the youngest thru-hiker was a six year-old boy who completed a flip-flop thru-hike with his parents in 1980.
Date: 2007-02-25
To: Getting Closer
Miles today: 0.0

I guess you have figured out by now that Paws writes in this journal just about as much as I do but pretty soon she'll be the only one. She's just better at it, don't you think? She really puts her heart into it wanting you (whether it be our family, friends, pint-size person we're trying to inspire or strangers) to get swept away in some novel. This time next week I'll be at Amicalola with Paws, her dad and a family friend getting ready for the "Big Hike", we are leaving this Saturday to drive down. Sunday we are just going to chill out and relax and I'll head out on the Approach Trail Monday morning. Paws and our friend might hike the first mile with me. Paws said it would be easier for me - If I walked away from her rather than see her drive away. I think she's probably right. I have everything ready. I've double checked. I have my food ready and my first resupply box. My pack with food (4 days) and water weighs in at 34 lbs. including my sugar tester I have to take for the first couple of weeks. I trimmed down a few things the other day. But right now I think I'm at bare bones, I can't go much lighter, not with cold weather gear. I'm excited. Let's go hiking!Thanks for sharing our journal. I hope Paws inspires some future caretakers and keeps you all entertained.Flint
Date: 2007-03-02
To: Week Before
Miles today: 0.0

Paws here. The week before we leave and it has been anything but easy. We knew this week would be hectic trying to tie loose ends and finish up all the projects.   However, on Wednesday we received a phone call the Flint's grandma had a heart attack. Flint is close with his grandma. He was very upset. She had stints put in on Wednesday and he went to see her on Thursday. Very little damage to the heart. He went to see her again today, this time at home. She is doing great.
Date: 2007-03-02
To: Week Before II
Miles today: 0.0

Paws here. Friday before we leave. We only had 101 things to do today and we only accomplished 10 but I guess that's better than none. It has been a day feeled with sweet emotions for all of us. The week was a hard one for all - we are running a little low on energy and lack of sleep. Flint has been working like crazy to finish all of his honey-do jobs before he leaves. Then his grandma's heart attack. We all went out to dinner this evening for a goodbye dinner for Flint.
Date: 2007-03-02
To: Week Before III
Miles today: 0.0

Paws here. We actually though this day would never come, yet here it is. How do you tell someone, the person you love so dearly, goodbye, when you've made the conscience choice to seperate yourselves from each other for six months? There is no one else to blame it on but yourselves; not the military/government, a job/career, a school/college, etc. Just the two of us got us here. No we aren't sorry we are here, it's just a little harder than we expected it to be. We are still feeled with excitement and are looking forward to this incredible adventure. We are glad we have trail journals so we can share it with our family, friends, and journal readers. We are leaving at 5:00 am in the morning, we should arrive at Amicalola State Park around 2 pm. This weekend is Appalachian Trail Days at the park, so we are hoping to get in on some of the happenings, Saturday afternoon and Sunday too. Flint will probably head out Monday morning around 8 or so. I'll join him along with a friend for a few miles and then will part ways. The next time I write will probably be Monday evening after we return.Flint and I wish all of the Class of 2007 A Safe and Happy Hiking Adventure.
Date: 2007-03-05
To: Amicalola State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We arrived at Amicalola State Park Saturday afternoon around 2. Beautiful skies and sunshine but very windy. The place was a hub of activities, not only was it Appalachian Trail Days at the park, but there was also 150 teenagers there for a teen advisory board get-away or something, a movie in the works, thru-hikers heading out, needless to say it was wild and crazy. We checked in to our cabin, which was awesome and headed out to take advantage of some of the Appalachian Trail Days' activities. We met some great Leave No Trace folks, Charlie Thorpe and Clarke Sextion who had an awesome exhibit set-up. We met the GA section ridgerunner, who said he would be heading out this week, I believe he said north and heading south. We met David Miller, the author of AWOL on the AT, and his lovely family. We met Model T and he is as sweet as he looks. We got to see a great program on owls - the park put on at the lodge. We met and I got to hold Posie the Opossum, she was so sweet, however, you should never attempt to capture or hold wild animals. This particular opossum, was left orphaned and the rangers at the park do educational programs with her. Sunday we drove over to Neels Gap, we met Lisa R over there and a few over thrus who had started last week. The wind was wicked and it was pretty chilly.
Date: 2007-03-05
To: Amicalola State Park II
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Flint and I met Gene Espy the second person ever to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in a continuous thru-hike. He started out from Mount Oglethorpe in Georgia on May 31, 1951 and made it to Mount Katahdin on September 30, 1951. We enjoyed talking with him and hearing him recount his journey of the AT and his other adventures. He is still full of spirit and it was a real treat to meet and share in conversation with him, a very nice person.
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Approach Trail AFSP

To: Springer Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

This is it. Flint is on his way. He left at 8:50 am this morning up the Approach Trail towards Springer Mountain. He was #120. He signed in at the Visitor Center at AFSP for GAME 07. He was the 7th one to leave this morning. Fourteen left yesterday morning, March 4th. He called me at 4:00 pm. I was still driving home from AFSP, I was about an hour from home. He made it to Springer and he was hiking with Dr. B, Blissful, Paul Bunyan and Skipper. He said they had a great day of hiking. They decided to stay at Springer Mtn. They had a great day to hike! It took Flint seven hours to go 8.8 while I went 450 miles in seven hours. WOW! Update- Flint, Blissful, Paul Bunyan, Dr. B & Skipper stayed at Springer Mtn Shelter - There was also a group of reunion hikers staying there too - I can't remember all of their names but here are a few I caught - Gray Fox, Mr & Mrs. Parkay, Leprechaun, Steak & Eggs, and something to do with chocolate. Anyways, he said it was really windy and quite cold, he stayed in the shelter. Blissful's shelter blew in during the night and broke her glasses.
Date: 2007-03-06
From: Springer Mtn. Shelter

To: Justus Creek - Devil's Kitchen
Miles today: 13.4

Flint has already decided to send home his walter filter and go to straight chemicals - Klearwater, at least for now. The weather has been good. Today was a long hard day. After leaving Springer Mtn. shelter, they (Flint, Dr. B, Blissful, Skipper and Paul Bunyan) would have two hard climbs today, having completed this section last spring, you think the climb will never end, PUD's - pointless ups and downs. The first would be Sassafras Mtn at an elevation of 3340, you begin the climb by coming out of Horse Gap at 2675, you gain in elevation of about 665 feet in about a mile. Once you top Sassafras you drop down into Cooper Gap, only to begin back up again to Justus Mtn at 3225 and down a bit onto Phyllis Spur before you drop down into Justus Creek at 2560 (hard on the knees). This area is very beautiful. Flint said he slept well in his hammock and loves the company of his hiking partners.This area was heavily damaged in 1995 by Hurricane Opal, it toppled trees along the AT from Georgia to Tennessee, especially through the gaps and along the ridgetops. You can still see the remains of the devastation. Kudos to trail maintainers, not just here but all along this 2,174 mile footpath.This area is also know for Camp Merril, an Army training camp that's nestled between a white and red water tower. It is possible through this area to here helicopters or come across "Army Rangers" on maneuvers.
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Justus Creek 

To: Woody Gap - Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

Flint called today at 2pm, he was at the Hiker Hostel. He sounded great! He was there with Dr. B, Blissful, Paul Bunyan, Skipper, and the crew from the reunion hike at Springer Mtn. Physically he is doing great, his feet are in great shape and his knees are doing well. He is having some chafing with his legs, he needs to work on. They are planning to go into town this evening for dinner and he said he would send/download some pictures later. They hoped to get Blissful's glasses fixed too. The plan for tomorrow is to do Blood Mtn., get a cabin at Neels Gaps with his hiking partners for tomorrow night.Update - Flint called 3/8/2007 at 2:30 pm he was on the summit of Blood Mtn. with his hiking buddies, he said he would be calling later with more info. I'll keep you posted.
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Woody Gap - Hiker Hostel

To: Neels Gap - Goose Creek Cabins
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Greetings To All - Flint called at 2:00 p.m. today he was on top of Blood Mtn. with Dr. B and crew. He wished I was there to share it with him. One thing he's discovered about his journey that's hard and he didn't expect it - all of the beauty he sees, all of the great and cool people he's met - he wishes I was sharing it with him. He said it would mean so much more to be sharing it with me. I must admit I wish I was there. Their hiking today would take them over Big Cedar Mtn. at 3737 , with great views to the east, down into Dan Gap before climbing Granny Top Mtn. at 3395. Hiking with the sourwoods, the oaks, white pines and the poplars. They would reach Miller Gap where the Dockery Lake Trail joins the AT, and then on to Henry Gap. Next going over Burnett Field Mtn at 3478 with springs coming from rock ledges and then dropping into Jared Gap at 3260, still climbing first up Gaddis Mtn. and then Turkey Stamp Mtn. 3770, then Bird Gap 3650 with a bypass trail for Blood Mtn. when the trail is icey or the weather isnt being very cooperative. Then up, up to Blood Mtn., the summit is covered with flat-topped whites oaks and a cluster of witch hazel and a three story climbable boulder. Blood Mtn at 4461 with views in all directions, you can see Brasstown Bald and the Nantahala Mtns. on a clear day. The descent down is a tough one, over stone steps, rocks and boulders. (As you hike the wind gently caresses the nape of your neck as if you summonsed it at that moment to quench the heat, in the distance you hear the faint call of a red tail hawk, you stop here to absorb not just the sweat from your brow but to absorb what your senses are becoming so acutely aware of with each step of this 2,174 mile footpath; to enjoy the smallest of wonders). They made it to Neels Gap and stayed at Goose Creek Cabins, Keith is great. It's a pretty cool place to stay. He sends his love to family and friends and he appreciates the guest book entries from family, friends and journal readers.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Neels Gap - Goose Creek Cabins

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Coming out of Neels Gap, Flint and crew would climb Levelland Mtn. at 3942, this section has several great vistas for your viewing pleasure. Beautiful rocky areas to sit, reflect and soak up the scenery. They had several hard PUD's today coming down into Testnatee Gap and up Wildcat Mtn just to name one. Flint received his first "Trail Magic" from Skipper, hotdogs and sodas. Thanks, Skipper. Flint used his hammock tent tonight, actually he has only stayed in a shelter once so far and that was Springer Mtn Shelter. He actually bestowed a trail name to a thru-hiker (Heather is now Microprocessor or Micro for short, she seemed to like it, so it may stick). We are both having issues with our cell phones, which was to be our communication plan to keep Flint's journal updated regularly. We're trying to work oout the kinks or come up with other options of communications, we will have to see what happens - but we will do our best to keep Flint's journal updated. Peace and love to all, Paws
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Low Gap

To: Unicoi Gap - Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Hearing Flint's voice on the phone is sweet music to my ears. He sounds so good. He called me from Blue Mtn. 4025. He says- his Georgia leg's are coming in. I'm so proud of him. He said he hasn't been sleeping to well, he is not sure why. I believe we both may be suffering from separation anxiety. He has been blessed with incredible weather. The vistas are breathtaking! He is still with Doc (Dr. B). This is a quote from Doc - Flint and Doc are asked quite often - if they are thru-hikers and Doc replies "No, we're day hikers, just everday." They plan to take a zero day tomorrow, to rest, nothing serious. Flint was able to download some pictures today, I don't know all of the details but when I catch up on all the news, I'll add some info. I would just like to say thank you to all of our friends, family and journal readers for all of your support. Peace and love to all. Paws
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Unicoi Gap - Hiawassee Inn

To: Unicoi Gap - Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Doc and Flint took a zero day today to relax and chill. A day of rest. Flint slept great last night. He and Doc said good-bye to Blissful and Paul Bunyan this morning they headed back to the trail and Skipper headed home. Yardsale is another thru-hiker they've been play thru-tag with and he hurt his knee, he left the trail this morning just for a week or so until his knee recovers. Flint is feeling great. He has dropped 4 pounds from his pack, he put some of his goods in a bounce box - that's a box that will bounce along the trail with him from place to place. I had to give him so upsetting news today, his grandma is back in the hospital with pneumonia. I hated to do that but you can't keep it from them either. I'm sure Flint would appreciate prayers for his Grandma Helen.
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Unicoi Gap - Hiawassee Inn

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 10.8

A quick call from Flint this morning to say he and Doc stayed at Addis Gap last night. He was on Kelly Knob 4275, from Kelly Knob you get a view to the west of Chatuge Lake. Before reaching Kelly Knob they would have climbed Tray Mnt. at 4430. The Addis family gave this gap its name and lived in this remote beautiful section of the Georgia mountains until 1942. If you close your eyes; imagine a surprised expression upon their faces as they watch the 100's of hikers over the years who have hiked passed their old homeplace on their trek north to Maine.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Addis Gap

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

Flint called this evening to say the he and Doc are at Plumorchard Shelter alone tonight thus far and that was around 7:30 pm. He said it was a great shelter, a three-story shelter on concrete supports, and ladders give access to two sleeping lofts above the main sleeping platform. The upper loft even has windows, there's pegs for hanging packs, shelves, a picnic table, grill, a sheltered cooking area and hooks outside for wet gear. He said it was actually pretty SWEET! He asked me if something was going on out in the world he and Doc should know about because the trail was pretty vacant today. He picked up somebody's tent poles that they had dropped along the trail and he is carrying them. I think his plan is to carry them as far as Franklin and then will see what happens. Tomorrow they will cross into North Carolina. He said his first week out he didn't have much of an appetite but he thinks he's getting the infamous thru-hiker appetite you hear so much about - he said he ate a ton last night. He's decided to change from his hammock to one of our other tents - that was a shock to me - he loves his Hennesy hammock tent. I don't have all the details on that yet but I'll keep you posted. That's all for now. Peace and love to all. Paws
Date: 2007-03-14
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Flint and Doc ended up sharing the shelter with a family of mice. He said the owls were awesome throughout the night and they were serenaded by a band of coyotes. Left out early on their way to Standing Indian Mnt. and North Carolina, the weather has been awesome. Passed a couple thru-hikers along the way Marshall and MA. The trail was a tunnel of rhododendron, oak woods and a large patch of running ground cedar. Flint says - the beauty is awe inspiring. It's amazing. He feels so connected when he is on the trail. Received trail magic twice today, one of Doc's friends served them up some grub, thank you and trail mix and soda from section hikers, thank you, Flint didn't catch your names. Flint has one state down and 13 to go.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Flint left out early heading to Big Spring Shelter, a couple of big climbs todays, Big Butt 4600, Albert Mtn. 5220. Flint was above the clouds today. Incredible was all he could say. He say he feels changes brewing inside, he's more appreciative of the little things, a smile, a kind word, a familiar voice on the phone, the picture in his wallet. Flint and Doc came into Bear Pen Trail and got great trail magic from Fishing Fred. They also met Rag, Maine and a pooch named Grizzly heading for Maine. He feels strong, but ready for a zero day w/family.