morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-02-27
To: Am I in Shape?
Miles today: 0.0

Got my hiking poles today. Bought some Leki's. We don't have to many real hiking outlets where I live, so most of my gear is bought over the net. Kind of excited about using them tomorrow. However, at the same time I'm a little concerned also. I haven't really ever used hiking poles to much. Sometimes I use a walking stick or pole but never a pair. But I also feel that it maybe essential when hiking up steep inclines. Since I live in the Midwest, there aren't a lot of trails to get proper uphill trainning. I guess that is why my mid-March hike in the Smoky's has kept me up at night. Can't wait to go. Tomorrow I start with full gear and try and find as many hills as I can. Getting an early start tomorrow and will try and do at least 6 miles. It's cold out in the Midwest right now with temps not climbing to much above 32. Again, I try and plan as much as I can with what I have to work with. Going over my budget today was kind of an eye opener also. Typically, I have always been someone who puts money on the back burner. But I also don't like being broke either. Which I will be when I get back. I have left my job, my security, and friends behind. I know I am making the right choice however. Never in my life have I felt so sure that this is what I need to do. When I get to Springer Mountain in 30 days, I will bring so many people with me in my heart and mind. I'm so excited right now, I can barely sleep at nights.
Date: 2003-03-03
To: Less Than 30 To Go
Miles today: 0.0

Great Weekend of Backpacking. Was a great day yesterday of hiking and reflection of what is coming in less than 30 days.Alot of ice, and mud on the trials. Found a really nice place to sit down and have a bite to eat. It was a little cold (around 26 degrees)but the sun was out. There was just a little snow dust covering the ground. As I sat there and had some lunch, it really reminded me of just how much I love being outside and enjoying the peace of nature. For me, this is what it's all about. At that moment in time, when it's just you, the trees, the wind, the birds, and the existance of hundreds of living things that surround you,(hopefully not waiting to eat you)is when I feel really good about life. I guess you could say that my trail dreams have kicked into hight gear now. I imagine all the people I will meet, all the great views I will cherish, and all the bad weather I will encounter. Even the bad weather makes me smile when I think of myself getting frustrated that everything I own is wet. Recieved some of my long sleeve Duofold shirts today. I get excited when campmor sends me a box of stuff. Ok, not that kind of excited, but you know. Gonna look for lightwieght sandals today. Saw some threads on some Teva like sandals at Wal-Mart. I'm on a strict budget so...To all the people that started March 1st. Have a great hike!!! Thanks for the e-mail Rod. (Rocket)
Date: 2003-03-06
To: Feeling the flow
Miles today: 0.0

Trying to hike 3-6 miles a day. It's been pretty cold here in the Midwest but rumor has it, warmth is on the way. Most of my hiking is along the Illinois River. I keep hearing the song "Hear I Go Again" by White Snake in my head. Why? I don't know? Probalby because people think I'm nuts. That's ok, I thought it was nuts staying in a dead end job. HA! Well, have my drop boxes packed and ready to go. Now it's just a matter of getting into the best shape I can get into before I leave. I leave next weekend for the Smoky's, pretty excited about that hike. Gonna carry in some extra snacks to Spence Field Shelter and offer them to hungry Thru-hikers. I'll be there on the 14th. I've really enjoyed reading some of the journals here. Great place to learn about the trail. Kind of feel I'm out there with them sometimes. Working on wieght this week before my trip. Gonna make sure I carry just what I need and nothing more. Until next time...
Date: 2003-03-13
To: Thoughts & Concerns
Miles today: 0.0

I could smell Spring in the air yesterday as I hiked 3.5 miles with full gear in prep for an atttempted Thru-Hike at the end of this month. Hopefully, there will be allot less gut by the time March 29th gets here. I leave tonight for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I'm pretty nervous about it. Not sure why, maybe its a anxious nervous. I'll be out there for 3 days, 3 nights. Gonna catch the AT up by Russell Field Shelter. As I think about leaving at the end of the month, my mind is working overtime. Do I have all my stuff? Am I really prepared? Have I enough money to go all the way? My biggest concern is letting myself down. Feeling a little pressure I guess. It's just a walk in the woods right? It's just going to last a half of year, NO Biggie right? There will be people I miss. Friends at the Basket Case. (Kareoke Bar) I really enjoy going there to see friends, and have a beer or two, or three. It will probably be all the little things I didn't think of, that I'll miss the most. However, I can't wait to meet new people, places and the trail itself. Really going to take the next two weeks and work on my pack wieght, already have removed some clothes. I have yet to find a reliable source to wiegh my pack. Well, I'm off. Hope to see some you this weekend.
Date: 2003-03-18
To: A Real Eye Opener
Miles today: 0.0

Well, my trip to the Smokys, and hiking part of the AT was a Eye OPENING experience. Let's start at the beginning. I started in Cades Cove on the 14th (Friday)and on the trail at 10:00AM. Great day, sun out, warm, everything I could expect. Two miles into the climb to Russell Field House (3.6 miles), I got my first blister. Another mile, second blister. Two bad blisters on both my ankles. Couldn't believe it. I have worn these boots for over a year. So, my motto of the day was "must fight pain". Got up to the Russell Field Shelter by 1:00PM, then hiked South to Mollies Ridge, and then North again back to the Shelter. Met Ounce who was Thru-Hiking and a few other guys that ended up there around 5 or so. We all ate pretty well, and had good conversation until it got dark. No mice which was pleasently suprising after all the journals I've read saying how bad the mice are sometimes. The next day was much better, even though my blisters were really sore. Here is the big lesson thus far: DO NOT start your Thru-Hike without plenty of Duct Tape, and big bandaids. In other words, good first aid kit. Hiked all the way up to Derrick Nob Shelter, it was a climb. 5,500 feet. The hills kicked my A___!! Lesson #2 I'm not in the shape I thought I was. Because of time, I had to turn around and head back to Cades Cove. I have to say it was nice to think of the rest of my hike down hill. Got to my Campsite by 4:00PM, a good day of hiking. The views were fantastic even though the weather was a bit foggy most of the day. I was never cold at all. Even at night. Slept like a log Saturday night. Sunday I had planned to hike another 7 or so miles, but my feet, and blisters, just didn't want to do it. Called it an early day. All in all, I managed to hike a little over 20 miles for the weekend. The experience of the AT just in those two days were enourmous before I leave in two weeks. I can't tell you how much information I gained about what the every day life will be like. Two weeks away, can't wait.
Date: 2003-03-26
To: Final Week
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! final week to prepare. It's almost like its not really going to happen. Almost had a huge set-back with finances that would've delayed my hike, if not ended it. However, with that disaster averted, my destination date is now April 5th. There is so much left to do in a weeks time. I'm am quite confident, none of it will get done. I do tend to procrastinate. My going away party is this Friday. Don't have allot of close friends here, but the ones I have are important to me. I'm sure it's more for me to say goodbye to them. I'll miss them. Hoping to bring a few photos along with me for days I feel homesick. We will probably go out tonight also for my Birthday. Today I officially hit "30" something. It's the "something" I worry about. Next year it turns out to be "40" something. OUCH!!! A few things I'm still worried about: I got some really bad blisters in the Smokys two weeks ago. They are still somewhat tender. If I had started my Thru-hike then, without the knowlege, or the further breaking in of these boots, I may have been off the trail. I am very worried about blisters. I'm also a little worried about being in shape, however, that will change in a few weeks on the trail. If I have gotton one piece of feedback from all the reading and research I have done about a Thru-hike it's this: A large percentage of my sucess or failure will be psychological, or attitude. If I survive the blisters, the body aches initially, the rest will be my attitude. All I can say is, I'm ready to go. This hike means allot to me emotionaly. I'm leaving much behind, but I have great hope for the future. This will be my time to think, and let things go. I fully intend to enjoy the beauty that nature has in store for me. To meet and bond with people that share the struggles, the fortitude, and dreams of the trail. Time to pack a mail drop.Ficade
Date: 2003-04-03
To: On My Way
Miles today: 0.0

This is it! Tomorrow I will leave for Springer Mountain, and start my AT Thru-Hike. I can't believe I am actually leaving. My going away party last week was great. Had allot of fun and got tanked. All I have to say is: Thank you Melissa & Tiff.(The ones in the picture) Wow!!! Some of my closest friends were there except for Brad who put his kids in front of my party. (Can you believe that)!! HA! My best friend Richard was there, along with Dawn (who finally showed me), and others. To my friends at the BaWe had a great time. Quite frankly not a one thinks I'll make it to Neels Gap. LOL.My journey begins with a 12 hour drive that starts tomorrow at 6:00am. I have made reservations at Amicalola Falls Lodge to spend the night. Then on Saturday April 5th I start climbing to Springer Mountain. I have so many questions that couldn't possibly be answered until I start my hike. However, I feel really good. Still have some blister worries but I have brought a good First Aid Kit and feel confident I will be able to cope. My general plan is: Dont have a general plan. I have only made 2 mail drops for my hike. If I need some more boxes, I can have some sent. Just going to take one day at a time. Not going to rush, and not going to try and win a race. I expect problems, and some misery. However, nothing worth accomplishing will be ever be easy. I'll see ya on the trail
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Wow! What a first day!!! Got to Amicolola Lodge very late. Hard place to find in the dark. Upon waking the next morning, huge thunderstorms. AHHHH! I started praying quickly. Did not want to start my journey in a thunderstorm. However, by 9:00am the weather broke and I was down to the visiters center to start. My pack wieght was officially 40lbs. A bit heavier than I wanted but I will fix it when I get to the outfitter 30 miles away. It was hard to say goodbye, and to be left alone with an uncertainty of which I haven't known before. It was pretty emotional. Starting hiking at 10:15am. It was great, only a 2 miles into my hike the sun came out. It got pretty warm, so I shed all my rain gear. Got into shorts and and my T-Shirt. Before long another hiker (Jimmy) caught up with me. We met last night at the lodge. This guy is nuts. Carrying moonshine with him. 60lbs pack. The little shit dogs me up the hills to. We got to the Summitt at 2:00 pm. Not bad. 8.8 miles all up. We decided that we would go on another 2 or so miles to Stover Creek. Less people...we thought. All in all, not a bad day. Very tough on this body however.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Holy Cow was that freakin mountain tough. Sasafrass Mountain was a bad, very very bad. I didn't want to do this much milage today, but we had so much fun last night, everyone decided to go on to Gooch. 14 miles away. I was very reluctant to try that many. The weather report says that we will have huge thunderstorms tonight. Since that shelter is new, I went for it. Started off very early this moring. We were off and hiking by 8:00am. Allot of tent camping last night by weekenders. Day started off nice. Like I said, it was a tough day of hiking, but once we got to the shelter it was worth it. I did put allot of stress on my blisters that have been trying to heal for 3 weeks now. They are very tender. Gooch Gap shelter is a nice shelter. We arrived at 3:00pm. We have allot of nice people here tonight. Smurf, Jimmy, Old Smoky, and a couple Fathers with thier sons. Well, the weather was correct. It thunderstormed hard. Allot of rain and heavy downpours. I slept in the shelter and remained totally dry. Had a better night sleep that last night, but I did have to sleep next to a snoarer. We had little to no mice also. Was really tired today. We are going to try and go 12 tomorrow and get to Woods Hole Shelter. Quite frankly, not sure I can do another long day. We'll have to see.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

The good news..I only have to do 4 miles tomorrow to Neels Gap. The bad news..My feet are in bad shape. It was a long hike today. I was a little worried I would be walking in the rain all day, but it never happened. It rained all night up to the point of us getting up. Most of it was dence fog all day. The trail was really rough today. Many rocks. There was a really nice waterfall that I was able to stop and wash my face with. But generally it was a foggy day, and the weather was about 60 degrees. I decided not to wear my rain gear which ended up being a good idea. Woods Hole Shelter only holds 6 people, so I was in no hurry to get there, while others were racing to try and get a space. We had at least 12 people we knew all trying to get up to the shelter. I like my tent, so I'll sleep in it most of the time. You do allot of thinking on the trail. Sometimes I think "why am I doing this"? Especially when I'm walking almost straight up...for miles....both ways...Ok, I'm exagerating a little, but its freekin hard. Can't wait for a nice short day tomorrow. For now, I'm just to tired to write. Nighty nite.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: moderate rain

Finally made it to the Walasi-Yi Center. Was very happy to be here. It was a long rainy, foggy day. The hike up Blood Mountain was terrible. Snow!!! I couldn't believe it. There was at least an inch or so of snow by the time I got to the Shelter. (pictures) Luckily, I knew I was on my way down. I was almost at 4,500 ft. The hike down was very dangorous. Very steep! Plus it was wet. However, I was so happy only to have to hike 4 miles today. Winton & Marjorie are very nice. They have helped quite a bit with my gear and trying to figure out what I don't need. I have bought a new stove (MSR Dragonfly), and a new Thermarest. I have had some gear problems to say the least. My Whisper light stove ran-a-muck, my thermarest blew a gasket, and my platy (water bag) sprung a leak. I am sleeping in the Bunk house tonight. Couldn't wait to get on the Internet and say drop an e-mail to a couple of friends. The weather has been pretty bad today. Rainy, and the has been a cold front that came in today. I'm glad I have winter gear with me. My feet are very sore. The back of my ankles are blistering worse every day, and seem to have scracthes, sores, and soreness everywere. My shoulders are really sore. I could use a massage from Mel & Tiff back at the Basket Case...In a HOT TUB. Well, It was a good day to re-adjust and get some kinks worked out. So far, everything is going ok, but I lost Jimmy and Old Smoky. Guess I'll be hiking by myself for ahwile. Tommorrow I'm getting an early start. Really want to get into Hiawassee by Saturday.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Rained all day today! I got a great night sleep last night at the Bunk House, but man was it a miserable day. But like Winton said last night, "what the hell else would you be doing"? Yea, guess he's right! The first part of the day was a climb up to Levelland Mountain. 800 ft in less than a mile. The rest of the day was up and down, up and down. I guess the biggest issue today is the weather. Really got to me today. Some snow, allot of rain. Not sure I like my poncho. It's hard to put on when there is a spontaneous down pour. It happened twice today. Should have bought a pack cover back at Walasi. The temp is about 57 degrees today. It's gonna be a cold night. My appitite is comming around a little. I'm getting hungry now at lunch. Had some Tuna at Whitley Gap Shelter. Hopefully I will have more energy to climb those G__ D___ hills. I swear, if one more older person dogs me up a hill.... Actually, if one more woman dogs me up a hill..... Ok, everyone is dogging me up the hills. But, it's not how fast, it's that you freakin get there. Emotionally, today was very streanous. The cold and the rain really got to me. Luckily for me the last part of the day was not that bad of a hike. Gonna get up early tomorrow and try and make it to the Rocky Mountain Camp Site. I heard it's suppose to get very nasty tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Camp Site
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Everything I own is wet. Last night it rained, & rained, & rained, and then, some snow. I hung my food last night and when I woke, my food bag had about a quarter of an inch of water in it. My tent is soaking wet (normal), but my sleeping bag, and some clothes are a little wet also. Thank god I have an emergancy pair of socks, and undies in a zip lock bag. My boots were very wet this morning. I hate sticking my feet in a wet pair of boots. It's as bad as sleeping in the "Wet Spot"....Oh yea, I did sleep in a wet spot last night. AHHHHHHH! The snow was very pretty today as I climbed up to 4,000 ft. Only a few footprints ahead of me. It was a tough climbing day. Went up to 4,000 ft only to climb down to 3,000, back up to over 4,000 again. In just 2 miles. To be honest, today was the first day I really thought about quiting. It has been really hard the last day. I knew the weather would be bad some times, but this hasn't been to fun. But everytime I think about quiting, I see a friendly face, or something so beautiful that makes me think..."Am I crazy"? YES!!! I love it. Gonna camp tonight at 4,000 ft. Only 2 more days until a hot shower.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Rocky Mountain Camp Site

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was very cold this morning. I could barely get out of my sleeping bag. Woke up very early, but it was worth it. It was such a beautiful sunrise. I was above the cloud line for a change. It didn't last long, but it was worth getting my tired, old, sore, body out of that wet tent and taking this picture. Could only do 4 miles today. Once I started hiking down from Rocky Mountain, it started raining again. I am so sick of the rain. Haven't felt the warmth of the sun since last Saturday. I didn't break camp until 11:00pm. Went back into my tent and slept for awhile. I heard a few hikers pass me and yell "get up you lazy ass". LOL. They were right. Everything I have is still pretty wet. The temp today was about mid 50's I would say. Didn't take long to chill once I stopped hiking. Really gonna cook something good tonight, cause I'm really hungry. Tray Mountain has some very nice views up here. Still some snow on the ground, but not as bad as yesterday. Gonna sleep in the Shelter tonight. I was lucky I made it here ealy to get my spot. I heard Jimmy and Old Smoky are one day ahead of me. But I met Smurf today, so at least I have one person of whom I started with. It was nice to see her. People on the trail are very nice. Everyone has been supportive. Blisters are getting bad on my right foot. I'm taking a zero day on Sunday so we'll se how they heel.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, here I am at the Holiday Inn Express. OH MY GOD Does it feel good to be out of the element for awhile. We arrived off the trial at around 3:30PM and hitched a ride from a couple going out to eat. They were very curious about the trail and said it was there second time picking someone up. I laughed because it was the first time I ever hitched hiked. There are 4 other Thru-Hikers here tonight, and from what I've heard, there are about 30 or so in town. Gonna be a good ol time tonight. We are already planning on some fun. Hiawassee is a pretty small town, but lots to eat. Planning on eating at Daniels Steak House in a few hours. I"m so happy to be here. It makes everything ok, when you see other Thru-Hikers and you start sharing all your stories of mis adventure. All my gear is spread out in my room drying. It's so funny how excited I am that my gear is upstairs right now...drying. Of course today's hike into town was rainy, and foggy, but the trail itself wasn't to bad. I did 10 miles pretty quick. Tray Mountain Shelter was pretty nice. Had some mice however. There was only one tough climb and then all was down hill into town. My feet are so tired, along with my body. It feels like I have been out here for a month. It has only been one week. Everyone is talking about how bad the climbs are out of this town, but tonight, I just don't care. Gonna relax, have a nice dinner, and reflect how great this adventure is so far.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Sunday was a zero day. Spent the day doing laundry and resupplying at the Ingles grocery store. Only going to pack 4 days worth of food and go very light. Going to try and make it to Franklin NC in 3 days. I heard there was still snow in the upper elevations so we'll see how hard or easy the hike will be. Again last night we ate at the all-you-can-eat Steak house. It was great. Yesterday and this morning the sun is out. You would be suprised how that sun can change your attitude about life. I feel really good this morning and looking forward to getting on with my hike. The shuttle service is a little slow. Wanted to get out on the trail early this morning, but we have to wait til 11:00pm to get back to the trail. We all had a pretty good time last night sharing stories of the trail. Got a much better sleep last night than Saturday night. Well, time to go. Here we go!!