morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-02-22
To: I'm back
Miles today: 0.0

Haven't posted in a while because I was out of state. Made a trip with my husband to CA. He was speaking at a convention in San Diego. I did the touristy things while he worked. Went to the San Diego Zoo and walked the whole thing, good practice up and down the hills. Also saw some of old town and the Midway aircraft carrier. It was then on to AZ to visit our son. Haven't seen him since last Aug. when he moved out there. Took a trip up to Sedona and did some hiking in the canyons to the went of there. They have the redist dirt. The canyons and cliffs were really beautiful. Wanted to go to the indian dwellings but the roads were out because of all the rain. My son is the one who bought me the first books on the AT when I started getting interested. I remember telling him after I'd looked at the mileage of the AT that it probably would take about 3 months. He laughed and said you don't understand mom. That's when he bought me the books. We had a great time visiting him and said we would make another trip as soon as we could.Also visited REI and picked up some odds and ends. They were having a close out sale on returned items but didn't find anything I needed in there.Had to baby my knee some while I was gone as it was still bothering me. Today it feels just slightly stiff so will head to the gym and see what happens.Oh ya, it snowed about 5 inches while we were gone and the trails are covered again. I'm so afraid I'll go out at hurt myself before I leave. Better get going it's already noon.
Date: 2005-02-24
To: Three weeks
Miles today: 0.0

Three weeks from tomarrow I will start hiking! Called Henry Shires to find out about my tarptent. I hadn't mentioned that I was thru hiking just said I wanted the tarp as soon as possible. Well when he found out about my hike he agreed to get it out to me by next week. The final part of my equipment was taken care of last night. I had held off from it but am now accepting my son's help of his discount. So everything sould be here within 10 days. Mad at myself for waiting so long to make these final decisions. It has caused me so much stress that wasn't necessary.Been out to do my cardio workout already today and it felt good doing it with my pack. Got alot of questions about what I was doing. One lady asked how much weight was in the pack because she has trouble doing the stairmaster without a pack. Only packing around 10 pounds to start with. That's because I am still having a little trouble with my knee. Will see my trainer tonight and discuss what I should be doing now.Expecting more snow tonight so I guess there's no hope of the trails around here being free from snow to hike. Will just have to go and be careful.So hopeing to get out there this weekend.
Date: 2005-02-26
To: trip to the dr.
Miles today: 0.0

Well I saw my trainer on Thursday night and explained that my knee was still bothering me. He suggested I go to the dr. to find out what he thought. Did that yesterday and the doc thinks I just sprained my colateral ligament. Takes about 3 weeks to heal. It's 11 days so far and he said if it's not better in 10 to see him again. I can workout although he just wants me to do straight line exercises. Also no on trail stuff yet, mostly because of the ice and snow and the chance of twisting it. So I'll just keep beating up that treadmill and stair master. Today is a family day. My daughter is moving so we will all go and help. She lives on the third floor with no elevator so the stairs will be my workout.She moves in with her fiancee today, not a mothers best day but they are happy.Wedding to fallow later this year.Got confirmation today that my tarp tent has shipped. Hooorah!! Will have to shovel snow from the yard to practice senting it up. Also got notice that some dehydrated things I'd ordered from Emergency Essentials have shipped. Got fruit and meat and energy bars. Also made a trip to Costco yesterday and picked up a few things that I knew I would want in my resupply boxes. Now to repackage everything. Also concerned about where to put the boxes because if someone leaves the door open to the extra room I had planned on using the dog may have my goodies. Guess I will have to post a note on the door to remind them to shut it tightly. I'm not even on the trail yet and I'm worried about food this is not good.We're expected for the box shuffling so better run.
Date: 2005-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Seems like I just can't get going this morning. Been reading some of the updated journals. Was wondering how they are doing with the snow down south.Hope the March 1 starters don't have to much trouble. My tarptent should arrive later today. There is an additional 7+ inches of snow now so it will be a little harder to clear a spot for trying out the tarp.Guess I'm a little nervous about getting enough practice with it before I go.Need to work on my gear and maildrop page but just can't get into it.My mind is consumed this morning with the fact that I have misplaced or lost something that belongs to someone else. It is driving me crazy and the for the life of me I can't figure out where it got to. Better go turn the house upside down again.
Date: 2005-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Been busy the past few days clearing things off my to-do list. Wish they were all done but tomarrow should be able to make a big dent in it all.Talked with my oldest daughter tonight and she wants to hike a few days with me. That will be in the summer so have time to deal with the details.Visited my old work place this week and enjoyed seeing and talking with everyone. Told them I stayed away for 3 weeks because it takes that long to build a habit and didn't want to take the chance that I would want to work and not hike. No contest! They're a great bunch and I wish them well with all the changes.Dehydrated food stuff came yesterday. Haven't opened the cans yet for the taste test. Will be repackaging it all tomarrow. Only doing about 10 mail drops so far.Oh, have to work on that mail drop page, don't have that on my list. Don't want you friends and family not knowing where you can send me goodies or messages, ok? Put more weight in my pack today for the workout. My shoulders were a little achey, not a good feeling. All part of the routine of backpacking. Better go so I can get up early and start wiping out that list.
Date: 2005-03-09
To: Still getting ready
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the last couple of days getting more things ready. I was surprised that getting the mail drop boxes together would be so time consuming.   The packaging and repackaging of things takes so long. My new sleeping bag came and I am pleased with it so far. It was 6 degrees here this morning, guess I should have slept out to see how it performs.Need to resew my bag liner as this bag is a little smaller.   Didn't want to attempt it before the bag was here and then mess it up.My knee is doing much better but I can tell it is weak and will give me problems so I ordered a brace.   It's better to be careful than take a chance.I learned that when I hiked in low shoes after my broken ankle had healed. It was still weak and needed more support.Can't see how I'm going to get my workout in today, 6 months ago that would not have bothered me. Now I worry about loosing any progress I've made.   Not to worry Sean will really make me work out tomarrow.   Although I see the significance of doing crunches they seem to be the thing I dread the most.   Oh, and that dead bug exercise Sean keeps pushing.   Better to do the dead bug thing now than be laying with the dead bugs on the trail.Well off to pick up a few more things for my mail drop boxes. Flying to Atlanta one week from today!
Date: 2005-03-12
To: Final week
Miles today: 0.0

Well I've entered that final week before take off.   Loaded my pack with everything except my tyvek sheet and rain jacket and it came to 28 pounds.That's with water and 4 days food. Had been shooting for 30 or less so didn't do to bad. Stopped by work and picked up the tyvek from Debbie, thanks Deb, and said my last goodbyes, also left the beautiful planter they gave me as it would probably end up dying at home.Last night our friends, family and coworkers gave me a little going away bash.It was great and thanks to all of you for the great food, gifts, well wishes, offers of help and willingness to help Randy out too.   The best to all of you for all of your kindnesses.Woke this morning to a gentle snow so it is sticking to all the trees. It really is beautiful. Guess that means no practice setting up the tent today.Have to finish the mail drop boxes and be sure to add tp, minor detail that was previously omitted.   The knee brace I ordered came, sure hope it helps support the knee so things don't get worse. Only a little bit of discomfort left while I'm moving about.Guess I'll go get the dog and play in the snow.
Date: 2005-03-16
To: Leave today
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's finally here, leaving day. Just have to throw everything in the Jeep, get my husband from work and head to the airport.The past few days have been sort of a frenzy finishing last minute details, taxes, workouts, goodbyes etc, etc. Glad I have a down day tomarrow before starting to hike on Friday. Thanks to everyone who has responded in the guestbook, phone calls and emails wishing me a good trip.Emotional leaving my family for so long. Won't see the kids until the summer but hubby will visit somewhere along the way. And then there's the dog, he knows something is happening, I will miss him too.Better get the things loaded, next message from the trail.
Date: 2005-03-17
To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 0.0

Didn't expect to have another chance to update this before hitting the trail.Stay the night here in Dahlonega. We found our way to Springer so we know what to do tomarrow. The weather is overcast and rainy. At Springer there was snow on the trees.Stopped and got the last minute things, fuel, bic lighter and some chap stick, somehow mine didn't get put in.When we stopped in at Amicalola Falls there were 3 thru hikers there, named Pirate, Andrew and the third one I didn't get. They were going to do the approach trail so will probably see them again.Weighed my pack there at Amicalola and it was 25 pounds, that was with no water and my pocket mail, so that probably puts it around 30. Maybe I'll eliminate something tonight so I can say it was under 30!Hoping for a good nights sleep and a great start tomarrow.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Socks off at Springer Mtn, Friday, 3/18/05, 9.30 am. I told her I was kicking her out of the car and that she had to walk home. Weather was fine. Sun was shining on the ice on the trees. Socks called this morning, Sunday, March 20. She was at Gooch gap and having a good time. Weather continues to be OK.When I get Pocketmail post I will add it to the site.Rolling Stone
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch mtn shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The distance today was only about 8 miles but 3 decent climbs. One of my toes started rubbing today so had to stop and put on some moleskin to protect it.Was so excited to see Galix leaves growing wild. Used to use those in the flower shop.Made the shelter in the early afternoon. Same group in tonight and a few people going southbound. Shelter is full and some tenting.Had a really good fire and it kept us warm into the night. Looking at a larger mileage day tomarrow.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Gooch Gap

To: Slaughter Creek Tentsite
Miles today: 12.0

Today was an over 12 mile day. Started out earlier today, it was still pretty chilly. There were several beautiful views today of the mountains to the south. Sang as I walked and enjoyed the views. It was a long twelve miles and my body really feels it. Walked off and on and am camped tonight by a guy who rode his bike to springer and is now packing it in his backpack all unassembled. The bike alone weighs 18 pounds. The heaviest pack I have seen so far is 60 pounds being carried by a 62 year old guy. Sure glad mine is half that much. Up over Blood Mt. tomorrow, the highest so far at 4500 feet.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Slaughter Creek Tentsite

To: Neals Gap
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early for the hike up Blood Mt. and into Neels Gap. Only tok me a half an hour to make it to the top. Took some pictures of the beautiful sunrise. Came to Neels Gap OK, except for a faceplant about half way down. Of course it was a fall on my bad knee. It is a little sore and bruised.There is a shuttle to an all you can eat restaurant tonight, I think I will be in on it.Had a shower and working on my laundry now. Long hard hike out tomorrow.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Neals Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Had a full moon and brisk winds all night long. It was really chilly this morning with the wind. So I packed up and ate a cold breakfast and got on my way. Once I was out of the gap the winds died down considerably.As I climbed on up over Tray Mt., the clouds covered in around me. No good views from the top. When the sun finally took over, it shone all day and I ended up getting a little sunburned. Finally came to a mountain laurel grove, they all have their leaves, and was enjoying some shade. Looked down on the trail to a paw print, too big to be a dogs, and away I went out of the laurel cover. I have not seen a bear but we hang our food every night because there have been incidents. Many of the shelter provide special bear proof cables to use. Decided to push on past the group and go into Hiawassee. Now I see this coming week there is a lot of rain forcasted. Not sure if I should alter my schedule or not.Recieved my third trail magic today.As I came out of the woods for the day here, there was a barbecue all set up with hot dogs, chips, sodas, and beer. It was former thru-hikers paying back some magic. They were Slug and Teflon from 03. On their spring break and helping us out. They even gave me a ride 11 miles into town. Still have not had to hitch hike, although I prayed about it several times coming down the mountain. Today was the first time I felt all alone. I knew everyone else was staying at the shelter so I would finish the last 3.5 miles without someone knowing where I was.(it was during this time I saw that paw print)It is past 11, my bedtime now is usually by 8, so this is all.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Dicks Creek Gap/Hiawassee

To: Plum Orchard
Miles today: 3.3

Finished town chores and saw a few sites around Hiawassee. Took the shuttle back to the gap so did not have to hitch again.Lori the trail angel was there with goodies again. She also had some superfeet shoe inserts for me. Walked the 4 miles here and they felt pretty good, did a little trimming on them so will see how they work tomorrow. Hoping to get as far as I can tomorrow because of the rain coming Sunday.Tomorrow I also pass into NC. Many went up to the state line tonight to spend the night and party. Staying tonight with Hairball, Snowbunny, and JaDe. Professor, and two others stopped in for dinner and moved on.Today was short milage but all uphill for the first 3 miles and with 5 days of food, that was a heavy pack.Hope to get out early tomarrow.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Plum Orchard

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Wow what a climb out of Plumorchard.Made it to the GA and NC border at 75.2 miles. It took me 7 days 23 hours and 23 minutes! That's with time off at Neels and Hiawassee. Thought about alot of different things as I walked today, with my mind wandering alot to.Stoppped into the Muskrat shelter for lunch and had finished the last of that without any water. Guess my pack was a little lighter but I sure was thirsty.When I came to Deep Gap there was a sign at the trail head about bear problems for the next 30 miles. It stated that the bears were not afraid of humans. Maybe they won't be out in the bad weather we're expecting.Shelter is full tonight and some are tenting. There's Hairball, snowbunny, Packman, Turbo Joe, Trip, Mercedes, Ranger, Grunting Bear, Treetrunks, Williamstown and Dancing something.Tonight is the first time I have had to hang my bearbag by myself. Went ok, that's if the food is there in the morning.The weather has turned cooler and is suppose to rain tonight. Not sure if I will start out in it tomorrow.Better run to the woods and get to bed.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Standing Indian

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Had storms during the night. No one wanted to get going this morning. Finally left about 8:30 under a misty foggy sky. No views today from the mountain tops. Startled Hairball and Snowbunny coming out of the woods, they thougt I could be the bear when they heard all the noise. After that they were ahead of me and I wondered if the 3 person rule with snakes was the same for bears. You know, the first person wakes them up, the second makes him mad and the third gets bit. You see I was the third in line walking down the trail. This bear thing has us all a little freaked. It seems everyone has a plan all decided.Got to the shelter early and have just been resting and visiting. Oh, the thunder has begun, glad I'm cozy in the my bag. Hoping to make it 12 miles tomarrow. Depends on how hard the rain is falling. It's only 4:30 and we're all sitting in our bags as the air is damp and chilly.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain and thunder contined all night. Started out this morning dry and then an hour later it started to sleet and snow. As the elevation increased so did the amount of the snow. The miles seemed to cruise right along though and was soon at Mooney Gap the wettest place in the eastern u.s.Up over the next hill I came around a corner and saw a couple great big tents. Then a sign that said, trail magic! Funneled down a little trail it opened up to a big white tarp and a big campfire. Today's menu was corn chowder and burritos with all the fixins. Plus cookies, left over Easter candy and hot chocolate. An hour later after I was fed, warmed, resupplied and dried it was on up over Albert Mt. The summit was all white with snow. There was also a firetower but I didn't climb it as there were clouds all around.Got to the shelter and because others had moved on to Franklin I got a spot in the shelter. Thankfully because it is very cold tonight. Here tonight are Packman, Cycle Hiker, Lenox, Treetrunks, Ranger, Grunting Bear, Houdini, Sowega and Rigatortis. Everyone is going into Franklin tomorrow except Treetrunks and I, we will push on toward the N.O.C.
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Bartram Trail Campsites
Miles today: 11.9

It was suppose to get down to 19 degrees last night, not sure if it did or not. It was mighty cold but I was warm in my bag.I didn't expect to go this far today but I'm glad I did. Staying in the tent tonight. There are 3 other hikers here too, Cyclehiker, KT and Treetrunks. Was able to get through to home and was so good to hear the news there. Walked to the top of Siler Bald and could see all around. The sky was beautifully clear. We here one more day of clear weather and then storms again. Should be to the Smokies in about a week.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Wesser Bald shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Awoke to rain and thunderstorms at 3am. By the time we started hiking it had let up and continued that way all the way down. Made it into the center before 11. Got a room, straightened out my finances, had a long hot shower, did laundry and then headed down for a big lunch.Picked up some needed items at the outfitter, too. Saw Break-a-Leg and Cuppa Joe going through their resupply boxes. Chillout was hanging around too. Went through my box and discovered I'd included shampoo so wouldn't have had to wash my hair with bar soap. Made some phone calls rested a little and it was time to go to dinner. Had dinner with KT and Treetrunks, they had great blackberry cobbler with ice cream. It's surprising how the smallest things are so good!Feeling rested but thunderstorms are suppose to come tomorrow so will take a day off here at NOC. Heard there may be snow in the next few days, glad I have that warm sleeping bag. Well it's past bedtime and we're meeting KT for breakfast before he hikes out so better go.Hope you're all having a great day!
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: moderate rain

The best laid plan has gone astray. The room I was in at the NOC was not available tonight and the only thing they could offer me was the hostel. Well I'm not going to spend a zero day in a hostel, you get anything but rest there. Headed out about 9:20 after a big breakfast, big mistake was I ever sluggish and feeling kind of sick. Would never have eaten big meal if I was planning to take off. Thankfully the mileage wasn't large to the shelter. Almost turned back once and then about one and a half hours out I realized it was April Fool's Day, oh so that's what I am today.The wind has picked up briskly and the temp is dropping. None of the severe thunderstorms yet that they predicted. Sharing the shelter with Fallout, KT, Treetrunks, Cuppa Joe, Break a Leg, Packman and G.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Sassafras Gap shelter

To: Stecoah Gap 
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Heavy rain most all night and towards dawn it sounded different. It was, snow. There was about an inch on the ground. Started off in it and as we climbed Cheoah Bald the elevation climb brought more snow. Walked all day in a snow storm. When we were about a half mile past Stecoah Gap we met someone who had left before us that morning coming back down the trail. He had run into 3 other hikers who said the snow was 6 inches deep, the wind was blowing hard and the shelter was full. It took us less than a minute to decide to go back to the gap and get a ride into town. When we got there we couldn't get a hitch so called the Hike Inn and they weren't available, she gave me the number of another guy and he wasn't available.She had said there was another hiker staying at the Microtel because of injury so called and got their number and the lady said just a minute. Well her friend had just stopped by to visit and had a van and would be up to get us. What a blessing. She wouldn't take money for the ride just said to help someone else out. Thanks Betty and Linda the owner of the Microtel in Robbinsville,NC.Tried to remind myself to enjoy the snow as I walked along. The huge rhododendron thickets were all covered and then we walked in under them. Weather report from town for tonight was snow through midnight, clearing in the morning but still windy. We are planning to go back out in the a.m. People were also turned back in the Smokies because of knee-deep snow and high winds. I'm just two days from Fontana now which is the start of the Smokies. Next bad weather is to come Thursday. Hoping tomorrow is a more positive experience. Met a Canadian at the Sassafras Gap shelter, sure hope he is OK as he went on ahead into the storm as did Cuppa Joe, Break a Leg and Packman.------------------------------Sent via PocketMail, Email Anywherehttp://www.pocketmail.com