morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-01-26
To: Heater seaters, daffodil bulbs, and peanut butter
Miles today: 0.0

"A lack of preparation makes the best adventure stories!" - unknown   I actually read this somewhere in a journal I think. It is very true! I don't want to be in a headline in some newspaper somewhere that starts out "A.T. hiker..." It just can't be good, which is what most headlines are, not good.   I'll move on to the title now. It has been a rather chilly winter here in the deep South. My middle son usually starts the car before I take them to school. He asked me this morning why I turned my seat heater, which I have dubbed 'seater heater', off as soon as I get in the vehicle. My response was that I won't have that luxury when I am hiking. I would hope he understands. On the way home I reflected on that, and thought of how far we as Americans have progressed. I am very thankful to have a 'seater heater', and in as much as I do have a 'seater heater' that I should enjoy it. But, I need to acclimate myself and abstain. What would my grandmother have thought of 'seater heaters'?   Which brings me to daffodil bulbs. Some foreigners, or 'Yankees' :o} as they are sometimes referred to down here call them Jonquils. There has been much ongoing friendly banter between some of the 2011 class and me on the subject of what region of the country we are from, so don't get offended. Anyway, my grandmother, "Mamie", once told me that one of the best birthday gifts she ever received was a 'bunch' of daffodil bulbs. Which she planted in the yard and enjoyed. I think back to how wonderfully simple things used to be, and I hope to experience a little of that during my hike. Editor's note - I have accumulated quite the display of daffodils in our yard. As of yesterday, they are showing signs of blooming very soon. A harbinger of spring!   And I wonder if anyone has attempted to thru-hike the A.T. with just peanut butter as their staple food? Wow, do I l-o-v-e peanut butter!!!   I have noticed that there are not as many entries lately. Kinda like the last minute rush before Christmas, it seems that hiker's are rushing to get final preparations done, also.   As you can read here, I have 98% of my preparations done, so I am mostly rambling on my thoughts. And getting very excited that I will be leaving for Amicalola Falls in 45 days! That will be shortened by 8 days of flying and sailing (yes, an actual sailing ship) trip around the Carribean with my wife Kelly.    And thanks, Kelly, for the lovely guestbook entry you left me. It means the world to me, and every thru-hiker, for the support we receive from home and family!!!Countdown has begun........Moondoggie
Date: 2011-02-07
To: Between Heaven and Here 
Miles today: 0.0

We can do better than this we can go for the glory !I hope to God we can handle the worst of our fears !Then if you will if you¢re up to the thrill of a lifetimeMaybe we¢ll tear down the walls between heaven and here."Between Heaven and Here" - lyrics by Kris Kristofferson   This kinda sums it it up for the A.T. Class of 2011. The first serious wave of hikers will be leaving in the next couple of weeks. Good luck to all of you!    I will be leaving for Springer Mtn. in 33 days. People, that ain't far off. I guess it is kinda getting to me a little. Last night I woke at 2:15, going over in my mind if I am totally prepared. I never went back to sleep. I have spent alot of today mentally 'double-checking' everything. There were a couple of items I wanted to pick up or replace, so I took care of that. A titanium cup for my coffee and hot chocolate. This will also double as a container to 'stir' my steripen in. (Water treatment) for those of you that have not heard of the steripen. I also ordered a collaspable water carrier (4L), and a couple of 1L soft platypus bottles. I have always used a plastic drink bottle on previous hikes. I also bought my first pair of gaiters. Gonna give them a try.    Next up, I need to print an item list for each of my drop boxes, call a couple places to make sure they're still in business, go over the items in each box one more time. Then they will be ready for mailing.    I have also picked up my exercise just a little. I am doing steps an hour a day, along with the rest of walking and workouts. But, I still see myself starting out slow (and low miles) to begin with. I have started walking to places I would normally drive to. Now, I have come to realize that we as humans sometimes go out of our way to make life harder...enough said...   It's pretty much a waiting game at this point...Moondoggie
Date: 2011-02-26
To: vacation before my 6 month vacation
Miles today: 0.0

I am sitting here at int'l gate 18 in Atlanta waiting to board to St. MARTEEN in the Carribean. Then it's on a sailing yacht for a week and around 6 ports. St. KITTs, Tortula, Jost Van Dyke, others. Should be great time. Maybe I won't get to sunburned and not be able to shoulder my pack. 14 days till I leave for Springer Mtn. Well we are about to board. Until next week...
Date: 2011-03-08
To: Final prep before I transcend
Miles today: 0.0

Well the pic has nothing to do with hiking, but alot to do with me. It's a pic of my dog Kippy (short for Rudyard Kipling).    I will mail out my first two drop boxes tomorrow. And, I need to double check the other boxes for accuracy. I will be in Amicalola Falls State Park in 4 days. Start the approach trail (just the steps) that same day (Saturday). Then, I will continue on to Springer on Sunday. This will probably be my last entry until Saturday.    I have decided to drop the heavy canon and lens, and opted for a point and shoot. I saved 3 lbs. on that exchange, a no-brainer. I am at 32 lbs with winter gear and 4.5 days of food. Everything but water here. May have too much food, right over 2 lbs. per day.    And, I am actually quite calm as the oddysey nears. No gitters or nerves, just patiently waiting.   Good luck again to all who have started, or will start in the near future. And thanks to everyone who has signed my guest book. It means so much to have support!   - MOONDOGGIE
Date: 2011-03-12
To: The wait is over
Miles today: 0.0

I couldn't sleep this morning, so I am up with one last prep entry. The next time I make an entry I will actually get to check the trail button, instead of the preparation one. It's been a long time coming!   We, my wife and 3 boys, will leave this morning around 8, for Amicalola Falls State Park. It is near the Southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. There is a trail there which connects to the A.T., called the Approach Trail. It is 8.8 miles long, which doesn't count in the 2181 miles of the A.T. At this point I should add that neither does anything that goes off trail or another trail. Trails to water sources, to shelters, to campsites, most views or overlooks, and trips to town DO NOT count in the total miles! Anyway, I hope to get to Amicalola Falls this afternoon in time to walk the 603 steps up the side of the falls, that begin the trail. Yes, that's not a typo, 603 steps! Then tomorrow, my family and I will part, sadly, and I will finish the rest of the Approach Trail. I hope to get to Springer Mtn., sign the register, and begin the actual journey. Next entry should be Sunday p.m.   I will be journaling from my DroidX, and that will depend on a signal. I plan to type in an email, then save, and cut and paste to trailjournals when I have a signal. Pictures will be uploaded and labeled when I can, probably every one to two weeks.    I have to drive to the other house this morning to get a piece of Tyvek. I cut a few to fit under my tent as a ground cloth, and forgot to put one in my tent stuff sack. Don't ask me how that just came to me this morning at 4 o'clock. But a ground cloth is a must have, as it blocks ground moisture from rising into the tent, and soaking everything.    I will be starting this journey with a slightly sore knee. I will just say overuse, as I have lived with it since being 'scoped' 25 years ago. So, I may be one of the few who are taking 'vitamin I' (Ibuprofen) before even starting the trail.    My extended family got together for a little send-off party and meal last night. I really enjoyed it, and appreciated it very much.   Again, thanks for all the support. THE JOURNEY BEGINS......NOW!
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Springer Mtnt

To: .3 miles north of Hightower Gap
Miles today: 8.6

1st out of camp this morning. 10:00 a.m. arrival at Springer Mtn. Had lunch at Stover Creek. Camped 3 miles North of Hightower Gap. I thought half these rocks on the trail were turtles cause they moved when I stepped on them! Feeling great!
Date: 2011-03-15
From: .3 miles north of Hightower Gap

To: .5 mile before Woody Gap
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Climbed Sassafras, Justus, and Ramrock Mtns today. Found a great camp. 1/2 mile from Woody Gap with water 75 yards down the trail! Raining when I got up this morning. Packed up in the rain and put my head down and churned out some good miles. Visability was 50 - 150 feet because the fog was socked in. Saw a turkey gobbler on Ramrock Mtn. Left knee a little sore. Talked to my wife Kelly tonight and that gave me a huge lift! Attitude very good after first day of rain.
Date: 2011-03-16
From: .5 mile before Woody Gap

To: Walisi-Yi hiker hostel
Miles today: 10.9

Awoke 2 minutes before sunrise just in time to snap a picture. The distant hills roll on and on, and with the fog, appear as islands in the sea. You would have to be spiritual to see what amazing sights I have seen so far! The art of being a thru-hiker is to lift your feet just enough to clear root and rock, but not too much as to expend energy. 1st camp over 3000 feet @ 3240. Breathing is getting better.   Five bean soup and cornbread for supper! First coke since start. Yummy. Hope to have pics up in a week or two.    Oops! I forgot to mention I went over the highest peak in Georgia late today. Blood Mtn at 4461 feet wasn't bad going up but was torture coming down at the end of the day!   First shower since Sunday morning...Awesome!
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Walisi-Yi hiker hostel

To: camp .4 mile past Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

There was no sleeping late at the hostel last night. Guys packing up to leave. They (the young guns) have heard of a St. Patrick's day party at Low Gap shelter. I don't believe I will make it that far. Need a short day! Did laundry and journal, and didn't leave hostel until after 12:00. Sent home 4 - 5 lbs but some was extra food, so only about 2.5 was gear or pack weight. That will be a work in progress.    Met Freestyle '08, from Gainesville, Fl. He was encouraging by saying "Southern boys seem to have a better percentage of finishing. " I hope that doesn't discourage anyone else.   I will try and do a better job of journaling, now that I have a few days under my 'hipbelt'.   Seem to be on pace with Doc and Jonathan from S.C., a father and son team.   Lost Little Drummer Boy 3rd day out. Are you still out here?   They have squirrels up here in these North Georgia woods that will feed a family of four! I swear I saw one that went 8 or 9 pounds! This was the shortest but hardest day. Hard climbs over Wolf Laurel Top, Cowrock, and Wildcat Mtns. A tough section! There were daffodils planted on summit of Wildcat Mtn. So pretty.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: camp .4 mile past Hogpen Gap

To: summit of Blue Mtn
Miles today: 12.1

Up before dawn. Drinking coffee and eating oatmeal while breaking day. Left camp early, a way I can tell is if any other hikers have come by yet. I should have a watch, altimeter, thermometer, and barometer in the maildrop at the N.O.C. I am not the hunter-gatherer that my ancestors were, but I'm starting to feel primevial. My longest day at 12.1 miles. My previous was 11.1 miles. But the trail went along CCC road built in the 30's. I recognized it from the stonework buildup across drainages. Camped at 4000 feet tonite, another first. I have been above 3000' for 2 days. Hot day. I drank five liters of water   One of the simplest pleasures has been hot chocolate at the end of the day.
Date: 2011-03-19
From: summit of Blue Mtn

To: Swag of the Blue Ridge
Miles today: 10.1

Up before dawn. There seems to be a pattern starting here. Anyway, I put in a journal entry, broke camp at 8:39. At Unicoi Gap at 9:25. Stopped at the first stream to wash bandana. Being the most useful tool in my pack, it had all manner of 'funk' build-up. This morning in camp, it was a pot holder and dish dryer. As I write, it's a gnat swatter. Before I resume hiking, I will tie around my head to keep cool. I've about got this gnat problem solved. When you're hiking along, and you just can't tolerate them any longer, then stop and turn around. Really! They're dummer than dirt! It'll take them a couple of minutes to figure it out.   Trail magic at Indian Grave Gap after a long downhill off of Rocky Top. Hamburgers, hotdogs, and cokes. Thanks to Laser and his two sons, Southpaw and ? I past the Cheese Factory site. Yes, some guy made cheese there many, many years ago. Wonder why he might not have made it? Location, location, location. Really? A cheese factory in these hills? 2nd trail magic at Tray Gap! I just got water only. I think it was a church group. THANKS! Tonight I am camped at Swag of the Blue Ridge. My toughest day yet! You never know what the trail will give you.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Dick's Creek Gap (U.S. 76)
Miles today: 7.9

I ate a dry breakfast of poptarts and cereal bars. Churned out 4.5 miles by 10:00 a.m. Kelly Knob was the hardest climb so far. 1000' elevation gain in one mile. I lost count of how many 'wind' breaks I took! Oh, don't let the word knob fool you. It is every bit a mountain. When I got to Dick's Creek Gap, the Brady and Launius family trail magic was set up there. Cheryl, Hal, Nancy, and George have been doing this since 2008, when the Brady's son hiked the AT. Hal, Nancy, and Cheryl gave me a ride to the Blueberry Patch hostel. This is an awesome place that is run on donations, so if you ever stay, please give appropriately. Gary '91 and Lennie Poteat do an outstanding job with a christian atmosphere. A must stay in my opinion.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Dick's Creek Gap (U.S. 76)

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Hey Everybody!!! Yes, I am still alive! Thank y'all so much again for your support. Already, there are hikers out here that get a little down for whatever reason, and your support is huge.   Great breakfast this morning with hikers joining hands in prayer. Got dropped off at the trailhead @ Dick's Creek Gap. On the trail at 9:55 a.m. I had to wait 20 minutes on the next shuttle because I left my water bottle. I took it off my pack when loading it on top of Gary's jeep so it wouldn't get squashed. Then I helped another hiker with his pack, which in turn made me forget about the water bottle. But all is well because it gave me time to organize my pack.   Took it slow today. I have been passing the father and son team from S. Carolina, Doc and Jonathan (now has trail name 'Do What'). They started the same day as me at Amicalola Falls. Leap-frogging would be a better word. We stayed together at the Blueberry Patch, and are camped together tonight at Bly Gap. Also here is Tim from N.C.,who works at REI. Full time and part time from Ohio. Just John from Indiana. One other guy that I forgot his name.   Ran into a bunch of turkeys this afternoon. AND...1/10 MILE BEFORE CAMP, I CROSSED INTO NORTH CAROLINA!!!!! One state down and 13 to go! Wooohooo!
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

I arrived at Deep Gap for lunch after 7.4 miles. Passed Chunky Gal trail, which has several legends of how it was named. One, is that a revenuer got caught up in the hills, and that the moonshiner had a 300+ lb daughter he 'needed' to marry off. So they held a shotgun wedding on the mountain. Which is now called Chunky Gal. Hiked over Courthouse Bald (which is not a true bald) @ 4669' Then it was up, up, up along a graded trail over Standing Indian Mtn @ 5498' Beautiful views back to Hiawassee and beyond. I could see where I hiked the past 2-3 days.   The wind blows through through the gaps more than on top of the mountains. It reminds me of New York City, where the wind funnels down through and between the buildings. Same here in the mountains, where the wind funnels through the gaps.   Camped at Beech Gap after a 12.2 mile day. New high, as the previous high mileage day was 12.1 miles. Camped here on the border of the N Carolina Wildlife Bear Sanctuary, which we followed all afternoon. The A.T. is the line, or border. I definitely hung the Bear Bag tonite!
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Beech Gap

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I followed the border of the N.C. bear sanctuary again this morning. And I saw no bears, but did see some bear scat (that's poop for those of you that don't know). Hikers that use a hammock in bear country are called a 'bear taco'.    I saw a second sunrise this morning! No, the world did not come to an end shortly after. I saw the first sunrise while packing up in camp. Then, I hiked 1.5 miles East to a large mountain. I saw it rise once again over that mountain. I thought that was just so cool.    I stopped in to look at Carter Gap shelter and sign the register. Signing registers is a way for hikers to keep up with one another. Also, it has helped law enforcement track down hikers inemergencies. Anyway, "Brit" had stated in the register that he/she had seen a bear a 1/10 mile before the shelter.   It started misting rain a mile before Bearpen Gap. When I got to Bearpen Gap, Fishin Fred and A.J. were giving out trail magic. I had an orange. Delicious! Fishin Fred saw my AT necklace and gave me a wooden AT symbol he had made, to go on the other necklace I was wearing from that I got in the Caribbean. He comes down to this area every year for a few months meeting all the hikers coming through, and provides trail magic. Great guy. He had a cd playing by a hiker that was darn good. Songs about the Appalachian trail and hiking.   Got to Big Spring shelter and took a spot (second one there). In an hour and a half, 10 other hikers came in, so I decided I would tent. Started raining again as I was cooking supper.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

I hiked almost 9 miles in 4.5 hours. About 2 mph. It was for the most part an uneventful day on the trail. I packed up a wet and dirty tent, and had a dry breakfast on the trail.   Wow! The storm last night was pretty scary being out in it with a flimsy tent wall between me and the weather. Winds sounded like a freight train all night. I think I got 3-4 hours sleep. Some rain ran underneath the tent, so I had a little wet spot or two. Nothing serious.   A town day means hustle, with visions of food (that you don't cook yourself), a hot shower, and more food.   I thought I heard a bear today. Whatever it was, went crashing down the hill through the brush. It didn't sound like a deer, but it was BIG! Two women had two of their food bags stolen a few nights ago. The bear got one, then came back and took another (sounds like Yogi the Bear to me). They hung them too close to the tree trunk and too close to the ground.    Two first today! One was crossing the 100 mile mark! That was right after bushwacking around two huge blowdowns from last nights storm. The second first, was my first hitch of the trail. After a dozen cars and 10 minutes, I caught a ride with the owner of a B & B in Hiawassee. Hanson Cove Place. He also has a cabin for $100, that has three bedrooms, and 1.5 baths. Kitchen, grill, all the amenities. He has a few hikers, but for $33 a piece? You can't beat it. I think he will shuttle. I told him to get the word out. Put a flyer at the gap, etc. Pet friendly too.   Got to the Franklin Inn around 12:30, checked in, put gear in my room, and immediately went across the street to the Normandie Cafe. A local diner that served me 4 pieces of fried chicken, 3 veggies, 1 roll, 1 piece of cornbread, and an unlimited supply of sweet iced tea. I think the locals in the booths around me stayed just to see if I would eat all of it, which, of course, I did. Then I went back to the room for a hot shower. Afterwards, I spread out all my gear in the room and cleaned, organized, and inventoried everything. Laid down for a short nap. Then called and talked to my beautiful wife Kelly. Around 5:30, I walked a block and a half to Dollar General and got a few supplies. Had a coke and a klondike bar for a snack. An hour later I called Dominoes for a pizza, ate half with another coke and put the rest in frig for tomorrow. Had another klondike bar for desert and pecan sandies for a bedtime snack. Called home again. Then flipped between NCAA basketball tournament and American Idol. Trimmed my toenails, which is very important or you may lose a nail with the constant banging in your shoes.   I think my hikers appetite is kicking in. I am still hungry!
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I took my first zero day (meaning no trail miles). I had a good nights rest, after a restless night during the previous nights storm. I was up at 6:30 to get ready for a 7:15 shuttle to the 1st Baptist Church for a pancake breakfast. No charge for anything. I only ate a half dozen with bacon and coffee. Nice people who enjoy what they do. They invited me back tomorrow morning before I leave for the trail.   I came back to the room and worked on my journal. Then I called Kelly, took a 30 minute nap, and went to do laundry at Ron Haven's other motel around 12:30. It was about six blocks away. I met Ron and a bunch of other hikers that were staying there. Washed, but didn't dry my clothes. I didn't want to wait another hour. I left there walking back and went in the outfitters. Got a pair of Marmot Precip rain gloves. The finger liners kept coming out when I took my old ones off and it was very difficult, no, downright impossible, to get them back in. I also picked up a pair of Smartwool ankle-high hiking socks for those warm days.    I started walking back to the motel and here comes Doc and Do What coming up the street. We went to the Motor Co. Grill, a 1950's style diner. Very nice and great wings. And excellent service.    I got back to the motel around 4, and hung my laundry on the front rail of the motel poarch. I know, redneck, but can you believe they didn't even have a clothesline at this place?   Got a hot shower, and then packed up everything in my backpack to leave for the trail in the morning. 80% chance of rain tomorrow. But I have a rain jacket, rain pants, rain hat, and now new rain gloves. Bring it on...
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: moderate rain

I got up at 6:30 this morning. The van from the First Baptist Church got here at 7:20 to pick me up for another pancake breakfast! Got back to the motel, packedup my gear, and went to the office to use the computer while I waited on the shuttle back to the trail. It got there around 9:35, and I was hiking by 10:00 in the pouring rain. Rained steady all day until a half mile from the shelter. But that was about the only time it hasn't rained all day because it started again and hasn't quit. I am at Wayah Bald shelter agree an 11.2 mile day. I didn't take my pack off at all today. Just hiked in the rain.   A nice couple and I think their daughters were standing in the rain at Wayah Gap giving out trail magic. I hope they email me because my pen and pad were sealed up in my pack and I didn't get their names. I had a hot chocolate, a banana, and an apple. That's dedication because I don¢t know too many people who would do that. They were more soaked than I was. They were the parents of one of the co-owners of Outdoor 76,a new outfitter in Franklin where I bought some new rain gloves.   In the shelter with Berky, from Massachusetts; Leap from Iowa; and two med students from Germany. Pouring rain as I lay in my sleeping bag writing this all warm and dry.   By the way, no raingear is 100% waterproof. You will eventually get wet.