morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-10-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It was hard to leave my cozy accomodations this morning. But, I was on the trail at 10:00, with clean clothes and a very full tummy. I stopped at Rock Gap shelter for a brief break, and then headed for Big Spring Shelter, which is just below the summit of Albert Mountain. I arrived at 2:30 and decided that I was feeling so good I should go on. There was a huge crowd of section hikers from Florida at the Albert Mountain firetower. I visited with them for a while and then proceeded to negotiate the rock scramble down the mountain. I've climbed this mountain twice before with Fred, both times coming from the south. It is much easier done heading south, but I was still very careful. A little while later, I was walking along when I began to notice a little pain in my leg, just above the front of the ankle. It got progressively worse during the day. I wanted to stop before this third shelter, but was hesitant to camp out with dogs and hunters all over the place. I saw two hunting dogs today, but no hunters. One of the dogs was a cute beagle that had followed another hiker all morning. He was wearing his radio colar and maybe his owner will eventually find him. I think this dog really prefers hiking to hunting! The hiker said that he hearad dogs outside of his tent all night.Well, back to my ankle; Hopefully, whatever this affliction is, it will be better in the morning. I took 2 ibuprophen and rubbed it with Biofreeze. Otherwise, I had no trouble doing 2 long days in a row and am feeling strong and ready to go all the way to Springer Mtn., less than a hundred miles south. I'll see how it is in the morning. I can hear howling off in the distance. It doesn't sound like hunting dogs. I wonder if it is a coyote. Also, I know that Red Wolves were reintroduced to the Smokies a few years ago. I wonder how they are doing, and if they could have spread over to this area. I just changed the battery in my headlamp and now it seems to have a short. I only have am little proton light as a spare. Maybe I can figure out what is wrong with the headlamp in the morning. I guess I won't be able to keep an eye on the mice tonight. I can already hear them scurrying around. Fred and I had camped in this same shelter a few years ago the the mice were awful! They ate the edges off my pack towel. I'm wondering what the hurricane (Wilma) is doing and hope it doesn't cause too much trouble for my husband. I saw on the local weather, when I was in Franklin, that rain and cold weather may soon be here. I know I'm overdue for some rain on this hike, but really don't want it, expecially with low temps at the same time. It must be about time for me to get off the trail!!   Well, maybe not just yet!
Date: 2005-10-22
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a lot of owl activity outside the shelter last night, which must explain why I didn't hear one single mouse! It was a quite chilly night, but I slept well (for me) and woke early, waiting for daylight. I didn't hear rain last night, but there was heavy fog and dew this morning. When I started out, it was very windy and cold and the rocks, roots, and leaves were slippery, making the trail treacherous. I started out with my jacket on for the first time, and soon stopped to put my pack cover on my pack because every time the wind would blow, it would blow water out of the trees. I was a little cold, so I also put on my billed cap under the hood of my jacket. The weather could be considered miserable if the fog and mist weren't so beautiful! I kept my jacket on most of the morning. When I reached Bly Gap, I took a picture of a neat old tree. I remembered it from before and, had it not been for the tree, I wouldn't have known where I was since there was no sign. The tree reminds me of the tree in one of my favorite children's books, "The Ghost Eye Tree" by Bill Martin Jr. I reached my destination 45 minutes ahead of schedule, but Fred and Julie were already there waiting. I can celebrate some milestones today. I have now hiked more than 500 miles on the AT this season, which was the goal I set for the fundraising part of this journey after I was unable to complete a thru-hike this year. I also crossed the NC/GA state line. Tomorrow, I begin a very remote section of the trail with few road crossings between Unicoi Gap and Tesnatee Gap. Once I reach Neel's Gap, Fred is going to join me again for the last 29 miles. The end is in sight!
Date: 2005-10-23
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Rocky Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

I could not believe my ears when I heard Fred in the kitchen cooking my breakfast at 5:30 A.M. He has no mercy on me or Julie! We were on our way, in the dark and fog, by 7:00 and I was on the trail by 8:00. The temperature was about 37 degrees, so our goodbyes were hasty. The sun had not yet risen up over the mountain when I set out, but by 8:30 I could see that it was going to be a spectacular day. This was one of the clearest and most pristine mornings I've had on the entire trip, and it stayed that way all day. I knew that I had a hard day of climbing ahead, so it was good that I had a good breakfast and an early start. I met at least a dozen hikers on the trail--most just weekend hikers. I needed to at least make it to the 2nd shelter, but hoped to go further because several hikers have warned me that tomorrow's hike will be at least as tough, with hard climbs and rocky terrain. Climbing really doesn't bother me much anymore, especially with such nice cool temperatures. It is not supposed to get out of the 50's for several days. As has become a pattern for me, I went further than expected, and am camped on the summit of Rocky Mountain at 4,017 feet. It's going to be a very cold night up here, but I think I'm prepared. I have learned that hiker's warnings are often based on their own level of fitness and experience, and it's often not as bad as they say. But, my day tomorrow should be doable no matter how rocky or steep. I just watched a beautiful sunset through the trees and am not in my tent at 6:53 P.M. Meanwhile, in Florida they are battening down for the hurricane tonight. If the journal doesn't get updated, it may be bacause of no electricity at home. I hope for the best for everyone.(A footnote from "Ghost": As per Landcruiser's warning, I figured I should get this entry into the journal before the storm comes. Glad I did. Hope you are enjoying the trip...)
Date: 2005-10-24
From: Rocky Mountain Campsite

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up this morning to ice on my tent and a bitterly cold and very windy day. I hiked in several layers of warm clothing all day and reached the shelter at 2:30. It was strange this morning when I descended into Unicoi Gap and could see the cars, but couldn't hear them. Usually, you can hear the highway traffic for a mile or two, but the wind was blowing so hard it was all you could hear. As I walked across the parking lot at the gap, the wind blew the emergency whistle hanging from the shoulder strap of my pack! This went on repeatedly all the way up Blue Mountain. As I came down the other side of the mountain, I came across some campers who had a fire going. They offered me a cup of hot chocolate which I gladly accepted and enjoyed as I warmed my legs by their fire. They were a young couple who had planned to marry in February, but decided to do this instead, figuring that if they could survive this together, then the marriage would probably have a good chance. They are hoping to make it to Tennessee. Interestingly, they are from Ft. Pierce, FL, 20 miles north of Stuart, my home town. It's always a small world here on the trail. I have pitched my tent in the shelter for warmth, and for once am not alone. I've been joined by a history professor from Indiana. He seems very nice, very tired, and has also pitched his tent. It was sunny this morning, but clouded over this afternoon. I suspect that it is right now in the mid 30's, temperature wise, at 5:43 in the afternoon. I'll be glad when night comes and I can snuggle the rest of the way into my sleeping bag. News from home indicates that most of S. Florida is without power and that there is a lot of damage.
Date: 2005-10-25
From: Low Gap Shelter

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

I woke up to a very cold morning and started getting packed up before daylight. I had oatmeal, a granola bar, and a cup of capuccino before hitting the trail at 7:50. I knew I had some challenging trail ahead and I wanted to make sure I could make it to Neels Gap by 2:00 when Fred and Julie would be there to pick me up and take me to Murphy where I would have a warm bed. I also coldn't tell what the weather was going to do, so I wanted to get going in hopes of making my destination before it decided to deteriorate. I was a little on the cold side last night--not too bad, but certainly not as warm and cozy as I like to be. I am not really prepared for these sub-freezing temperatures. I definitely don't want to risk getting wet when it is this cold. As soon as I left the shelter, I began to climb up Sheep Rock Top. As the trail switched back, I could see the sky pinking over to the east on one side as the sun started to rise over the mountain. But, above me on the other side, I could see the heavy fog blowing and the trees whipping. It looked like a war between the weather gods. I knew I was heading up and things didn't look good. Unfortunately, the fog and wind goddess prevailed all morning, although once in a while, the sun goddess would mount a short-lived attack. As the morning progressed, it got colder and more windy. The wind whipped my clothes and blew my whistle! It blew ice out of the trees, stinging my face as it hit me! I found myself having to walk faster than it was safe to do just to keep warm. I stopped in a spot sheltered from the wind and put on more layers of clothing, now wearing almost everything I had with me. There still were some nice views up on top of Wildcat and Cowrock Mountains and I stopped to take pictures. Then, it started snowing! I could not believe it and figured no one else would either, so I took pictures, including one of the flakes on my black glove. I had bought gloves in Murphy at Walmart--2 pairs for $1.42. That is the best 71 cents I've ever spent! I thought, "What is this Florida girl doing out on a day like this?? At least it isn't raining." I hurried on and arrived at Neels Gap (where it had also been snowing) and Mountain Crossings Outfitters at Walasi-Yi at about 1:20. (The trail actually goes through an open section of the building, and is the only place I can think of on the whole AT where the trail passes under a roof.) This was the only day since October 9th that I have seen no other hikers. I guess everyone else has better sense! Mountain Crossings is a great store with backpacking gear and supplies, as well as books, gifts, and clothes. Fred and Julie arrived a few minutes later. Fred drove my car down and we took it down to Amicalola Falls State Park, so it will be there when we arrive on Sunday after finishing the hike to Springer Mountain and then making our way down the connector trail to the park. I am mighty happy that I am not sleeping out tonight, as it promises to be frrrrrigid!!
Date: 2005-10-26
From: Neels Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Fred has rejoined me for this last section of my journey. He is a dear friend and I'm so glad to have his company. We got a late start, due to having to take a long detour on the way to Neels Gap, but we had a short day planned, so it didn't really matter. Our one mountain of the day was Blood Mountain. I've climbed this mountain at least 5 times and can't remember it ever being so easy! It is great to be trail hardened and fit! I last climbed it on Christmas Day a couple of years ago with my son, Matt, and his beautiful wife, Yvonne. It was covered in snow and ice and we had a slippery time of it! They will probably never hike with me again! The weather was frigid, but clear with blue skies. It was still windy, but not as bad as yesterday. There was snow on the ground on top of the mountain.   We reached the trail to the shelter by 1:00. The shelter is very nice, but almoist a half mile off the trail.   The water source was poor and it took me quite awhile to dip it with a cup and strain it through my bandana. We also spent quite awhile gathering wood for Fred's fire. I then worked on my journal, although there is no cell service and I won't be able to send it until tomorrow. Just before dark, we were joined by 2 men out for a short section hike. It's very cold tonight. Hope I can stay warm enough!
Date: 2005-10-27
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

I was very cold last night and didn't get a lot of sleep. I finally pulled out my little emergency blanket about 2 a.m. and put it inside my sleeping bag, which helped some. My 30 degree bag just isn't doing the job in these temperatures, so I hope it warms up soon. Fred has his 0 degree bag and was comfortable. I have a nice 15 degee bag at home, but thought I'd be done with this trip before it got this cold and so I didn't bring it. Just a few more days...maybe it will warm up. We had a beautiful sunny morning of hiking, although I kept my jacket on all day. We had a nice lunch of Cup of Soup at Woody Gap at Highway 60. This is where I began my very first backpacking trip many years ago with my son, Adam, and his friend, Erik. I had trouble with my knees on that trip and ended up getting a ride off the trail on the 3rd day, allowing the kids to finish without me. That was one of several early trips that ended in disaster. I think it's amazing I kept at it. At Gooch Gap, we came upon an old military ambulance and 2 Army Rangers. Fred said he drove an ambulance like that when he was in the Air Force. One of the Rangers warned us that there would be training maneuvers in the woods tonight. He also said that the temperature was in the 20s last night. No wonder I was cold! Fred and I are joined in the shelter by 4 other guys that are section hiking, including 2 I've met twice before (Huff 'n Puff and Planner), who are using their cars to leapfrog their way along the trail. Maybe with 5 men in the shelter, I'll be warmer tonight!
Date: 2005-10-28
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

I slept warmer last night. It must have been the snoring (more on that in a minute), belching, farting, and other hot air emanating from my shelter mates! I also lined my sleeping bag with my emergency blanket. It was a very funny night. Jeff, a very clean-cut young attorney from Atlanta, on his first backpacking trip, slept on the lower level between Mario (Huff 'n Puff) and Gary (Planner). Jeff's friend, Roy, was on the upper level with Fred and I. Around 1:00 a. m., Jeff was snoring REALLY loud, but we all thought it was Gary. Mario spoke to Gary to wake him up, and then Gary made it very clear that it was not him doing the snoring. They decided to wake Jeff up to get him to change positions. Poor Jeff was very embarrassed and quite apologetic, and readily complied. Everyone fell back to sleep--except for me. Almost immediately, there was a medley of snoring--every tone and type imaginable! I'm not so sure that even Fred wasn't snoring, although he hasn't up to now! I was amused, but not really bothered. By the time I've pulled my fleece cap down over my ears and wriggled well down into my sleeping bag to keep warm, the sound is so muffled I don't even need my earplugs. This morning, we all had a good laugh over the situation.The trail continues to be such a small world. Relationships are formed very quickly. Huff 'n Puff told me how he and Planner had kept up with my progress in the shelter registers ever since first meeting me. He said they would wonder where I was each night and if I was OK. Where else in the world do you meet someone for 15 minutes or so, and then stay in their thoughts for days afterward? This afternoon, Fred and I were climbing up Hawk Mountain when a guy caught up with us from behind. I spoke with him for a couple of minutes and then called ahead, "Fred, this guy has come all the way from Woody Gap this morning!" When I said Fred's name, Larry looked up at Fred and asked if he was Fred from South Florida? Fred said he was (he used to live in Ft. Myers). Larry said, "I used to be your boss!" At this point, Fred recognized him, too, and they had a good visit. It was Fred planning his 1990 thru-hike that had planted the seed that eventually resulted in Larry thru-hiking the trail in 2003. They had not seen each other since 1989! Larry now lives in Atlanta and tries to get up to the AT as often as possible.We had planned to only go to the Hawk Mountain Shelter today (7.3 miles), but in looking at distances, I figures out that if we went an additional 5 miles today, we could finish tomorrow! That would mean one less night in a cold shelter. Fred, always a good sport, went along. We have the Stover Creek Shelter to ourselves. The last 5 miles turned out to be a very scenic and mostly level walk. We took the side trail to Long Creek Falls, a beautiful waterfall that I have passed by before. We traveled through lots of rhododendron tunnels and I thought how nice it must be to pass through in May when the plants are all in bloom.
Date: 2005-10-29
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

Fred and I both froze last night! He commented this morning, "Hiking sure is fun!" We were awake very early and decided to pack up in the dark and get walking to get warm. We would have a snack for breakfast when we reached the summit of Springer Mountain. The sky lightened as we got underway and it promised to be a beautiful, clear day. We reached Springer and took pictures. I wrote in the register that is kept in a compartment built in under the rock where a plaque is mounted identifying it as the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Although my AT mileage for this year was now complete, we still had 8.8 miles to go to get down to Amicalola Falls State Park where my car was waiting for us. We saw dozens of dayhikers and a number of novice backpackers out for their first trip. I wonder how many of them are dreaming of a future thru-hike? It is not all downhill from the summit of Springer to the park, and it took us another five and a half hours to complete our day. This gave me lots of time to reflect on my hike. First of all, it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience! I've met many nice people and have been helped and encouraged along the way by good friends and family. The toughest part was the time when I was alone. I missed home and my husband, Bob, more than I could have ever imagined. Although I hope to fill in the pieces of trail that I skipped over the next few years, I will probably do it in smaller chunks that don't require me to be away for such long periods of time. Although I didn't get to complete my much anticipated thru-hike, I am grateful for the luxury of time and good health that allowed me to do what I did. I'm particularly honored and touched by all of you who have followed my journal, and especially by the generosity of so many who made donations and pledges in honor of my hike to benefit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Although I am now in probably the best physical shape of my life and have grown in so many ways from this experience, it is especially meaningful to me that many needy children in Florida will also benefit because of my hike. Thanks to all of you who have made this possible! If you have not yet contributed and would like to, please send your tax deductible donation to Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, P. O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064. I expect that I will be honored at the Florida Sheriffs Conference in January, but the credit belongs to all of you! All I did was walk! I will add one more journal entry when I know the total amount that is received by the Youth Ranches, which will probably not be for awhile. However, I have about 100 photos that will be added in the next week, so check back. Thanks, again, for being a part of my great adventure on the Appalachian Trail in 2005!DebbieA. K. A. Landcruiser
Date: 2005-11-04
To: End of the Journey--For Now!
Miles today: 0.0

I have just finished many hours of uploading photos from my trail experiences in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. I hope the pictures will make my experience real for many of you! I want to thank everyone again for your encouraging messages, for following my journey, and for making donations in honor of my hike to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. If all of the pledges are honored, my hike will have raised $28,693.89 that will benefit many needy children in Florida!!! Clearly, this hike was not just mine. Many lived the experience vicariously through my journal, sharing my climbs, my frustrations, my loneliness, and finally, my satisfaction at what it has accomplished for others. This is the end of the journey, and the journal. I expect that I will be hiking on the Appalachian Trail for many years to come and I look forward to meeting some of you on the trail! Much love to all,
Date: 2005-04-24
To: Welcome
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hello, and welcome to my journal. I thought I'd start a journal as one way for friends and family to keep up with my hike. I wish I could say I was thru-hiking, but a long six-week section should give me a good taste of what it's like. Preparation for this hike will be similar to a thru-hike, but on a much smaller scale. The gear will be the same, but the maildrops will be fewer. I haven't decided if I'll use a bounce box or not. A bounce box is a box of things one needs but doesn't necessarily need them all the time. For example, you might put medicine, or maps of future sections, or spare batteries, things like that in it. You mail it, or 'bounce' it up the trail to the next town you stop in. It comes in pretty handy when you're on the trail for 5 or 6 months. I've been managing to reduce the weight of my pack over the last couple of months and I think I've gotten it down to the mid 20lb. range. If there is one thing I've learned over the last few years, it's to keep the weight low and keep the knees and back healthy. I still need to pick up a few odds and ends, gather my food into mail drops, and do some practice hikes. I'll be sending four mail drops to hostels I'll be staying in. You can get address' under the mail drop link if you should feel so inclined to send me a snickers bar or sumthin.........(hint, hint).......I felt butterflies for the first time just the other day when I realized how close it is to June 1st. The end of the school year is always a busy time and added to that will be many last minute details to wind up I'm sure. I can't wait to get back on the trail.