morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-15
To: Ms Pinky
Miles today: 0.0

and of course we have ms pinky....we met her first as we neared hiawassee...it was the end of the day, and she couldnt get a signal...weeks later we were in franklin....shared dinner...and became friends....she, hangman, sneaker, cujo and i...as we found out her daughter had hiked the trail earlier...ms pinky was going only as far as fontana dam...when we saw her next this is what we saw....she tripped on a root and fell...her eye was not looking so well....she prematurely welcomed us to her home in maine....i am sad we did not make it...her demeaner was always uplifting, and her spirit contagious..
Date: 2007-08-18
To: Zack
Miles today: 0.0

and then there was zack....and his magic frog.....we saw him first alone on the trail....in georgia...a soft spoken, reflective young soul...he meditated and took many vitamins....and was often observed in his youga position....he marched to his own drummer, and hiked his own hike....he was kind and giving...and you felt a warm glow when he played his banjo....we hope he and his frog are doing well...
Date: 2007-09-18
To: Buffalo Bobby
Miles today: 0.0

The ABSOLUTE kindest an most gentle spirit on the trail was Buffalo Bobby...when first we met him, he had caught us in a gap...his voice sounded like a professional tv announcer..and his eyes twinkled with the excitement of the trail...he was truly happy to be there....and he offered EVERYONE he met positive reinforcement...he had already finished the trail once....this pic was in the smokies after a warm afternoon turned to snow....buffalo bobby was the kind of man who would be welcome in your home ANYTIME...he does not judge...has not a mean bone in his body...and it was OUR blessing to have known him....we wish him Love...
Date: 2007-09-18
To: Keymaster & SOCO
Miles today: 0.0

Keymaster and SOCO....what can we say....a pair from indiana, altho not really a "pair"...soco was an outgoing handsome lad who was aware of his "powers"...he loved life and fun...in all its many avenues...he was a strong hiker....and discovered every bit of "excitement" from the trail...keymaster was a young cutie who could light up a room with her eyes...her smile was everlasting...she loved her family ....and she thrived on the joy of people...they both had graduated and were breathing a bit of fresh air....these two caused much fun...excitement...havoc...confusion...and generally squeezed the hell out of the joys of trail life....their followings were diverse and varied....many came and went from their camp...but all had such a time....and will never forget their journey...
Date: 2007-09-18
To: Rooster
Miles today: 0.0

and then there was rooster....a pilgrim in the present day...an outdoorsman from the mountains...although we never knew him well...he was always a force on the trail...he played guitar and sang....he was an accomplished chef...he introduced us to townes van zandt...and knew songs from john prine...he was a hell of a hiker...we saw him camped alone in places no one would have dreamed....his pack always had dangling a bottle of jim bean...and he could conjure up moonshine anywhere on the trail....he was a leader who never wanted the job....a lover of life...a man who knew who he was, but still was searching for more...his strengths were obvious...his fears non-existent...and his love of the mountains always present...we wish him well....how nice to meet him again in 10 years
Date: 2007-09-18
To: 2 wheels
Miles today: 0.0

we met him in the smokies....one evening at the water hole...he was big, strong...and kind....he commanded attention....as later we learned he was a graduate from annapolis....the shelter was filling up, and as we pondered putting up tents there in the smokies when he announced "i dont think the ridge runner can make me tear mine down"...and we camped near him....and it rained that night...he was the first to leave in the morning...a strong hiker...disiplined and aware....he was on the trail searching....and he missed and loved his two sons.....he was the product of the best of america....young...strong...proud...and learning...if ever there was someone i would want in my corner...it was 2 wheels...my prayer is that he is happy
Date: 2007-09-18
To: so quiet
Miles today: 0.0

not much to say about so quiet....he listened...enjoyed....bothered no one....and was like the giant trees on the trail that always made you feel at home...even when you knew you were not....he was like club soda...able to mix with anything....we passed each other often on the trail...and always a pleasure to see him....especially in the towns...
Date: 2007-09-18
To: Wrongway
Miles today: 0.0

we met wrongway hawk mtn.....we noticed right away the many tattoos.....and that he was a giant....yet such a nice lad ...he was alone and seemed so happy to be on the trail.....we met his parents at hot springs and saw how proud they all were of each other.....and thought how wonderful if that love could be felt by all parents and children....he was his own man...and his strength and love of life enjoyed by all....he was good
Date: 2007-09-18
To: WhiskyJoe
Miles today: 0.0

and then there is whiskyjoe....never was there anyone who wanted to finish the trail as much as whiskyjoe....he was always forward moving...and although his body was not always cooperating he slugged ever-onward...for us "age-challenged" folks the trail can be cruel...it is life..and no one was ever more saddened to leave the trail than whiskyjoe...we watched him bid his lovely wife, mary lou, goodbye at fontana as he secretly knew his wheels were in trouble...their's is a true love story...and as he ambled into camp late in the rain with his knee pain that is the satan of the trail....heard him announce he must leave the trail...it was indeed sad...no one wanted it more than whiskyjoe...a name he borrowed from his proud wrestling son....and did it proud...
Date: 2007-10-22
To: MISC TRAIL PICS
Miles today: 0.0

SO MANY OF OUR TRAIL FRIENDS HAVE CONTACTED US....WANTING TO SEE ANY OTHER PICS OF THE TRAIL....SO WE ARE UPLOADING THEM ALL.....ESPECIALLY FOR THE HIKERS WHO FOUND THE TOP OF KATAHDIN....THEY ARE TRUE CHAMPIONS!!!WE CHERISH EVERY SECOND WE SPENT WITH YOU ALL ON THE TRAIL...
Date: 2006-11-26
To: Who is this WhoAh guy, anyway
Miles today: 0.0

For those that don't know me - and the vast majority don't - here is a little sketch of who this old man is...I am a baby boomer - born in '49 - married to a great woman, have three grown children and two beautiful granddaughters and a handsome grandson. I work in the IS for a large super market chain that is headquartered in Florida (hint - not Winn Dixie) - well, at least until the end of the year, anyway. I spent 8 years in the Navy where I learned my original IS trade and have been plying that since I got out in 1975.I have always like camping and backpacking, from the time as a Scout to when I started doing weeks up on the Art Lobe trail in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area - the Cold Mountain area. Decided to do a stretch of the AT one year - and bingo, I was hooked. I have been section hiking the Trail for the last couple of years and am up into the Smokies.Thru-hiking the AT has been a dream of mine for many years - some 10+ years. This year I decided to give into the urge and throw my boots into the ring. Class of 2007 - man, does that have a ring to it...I am going to retire from that IS job at the end of December and take a year off. I'll need to go back to work once I complete the trail, but I'll stress out about that then.My wife is being very supportive about this endeavor. She knows it has been in my blood back before we got married, and knew that someday I would have to give into the mountain's call, and go for it. Not that she wants me to leave home for 5 - 6 months - on the contrary, this separation is going to be very hard on the both of us but mainly on her - I will owe her big time when I get back home - that pile of brownie points that I am trying to rack up will have been severely depleted.My great-great grandfather was one of the gold rush guys - I have a portion of his journal that depicts what he went through to get from Ohio to California. While I don't relish the deprivation he endoured, I envy his odessy. That said - only a few short months before I depart on a journey of a lifetime. God willing I will be standing on Lady 'K a few months after that.
Date: 2006-12-09
To: Getting Antsy...
Miles today: 0.0

Well, down to 13 working days left until I retire from the cubicle rat race for a year. March 11th is getting closer as well - I think I have all of my gear ready with the exception of some light weight gloves. All of my AT guide books and maps arrived a few days ago. I am planning on cutting them up into just what I need and getting them mailed to me. I've looked at couple of the southern sections and I should be able to really reduce the amount of pages (i.e.: weight) that I need to carry.I built a spreadsheet that calculates the dates on projected areas that I will be based on the mileage done. I really hate planning like that but it will give me a ballpark idea of when I will get to certain places to help with the maildrops. I also have a couple of people that are wanting to meet up and hike for a day or two with me. Based on what the spreadsheet says, I should be at the big K around September 1st or so - but that can be thrown off by additional days off, whether or not I come home for a few days, etc. But it gives me an idea of when.Picked up a can of Spam the other day to try out. Haven't tasted that stuff in years - my wife thinks I am crazy for wanting to eat "hog ears and chicken lips", but hey - I've probably eaten worse, and by the time I get done with this little walk in the park done I probably will have of...Catch ya'll later...
Date: 2006-12-16
To: Retirement Party
Miles today: 0.0

Well... it is official. Had the retirement party last night and had many, many people that I have associated with for the last couple of years come by and congratulate me not only on retiring from Publix but on my upcoming journey.Over the last couple of weeks I have been fielding the standard questions that everyone who has mentioned hiking the Trail has been asked. Last night I got the full barrage again - not that I mind answering them, on the contrary I think it is good to dismiss some of the myths surrounding spending time in the outdoors."are you going to carry a gun" - most often asked,"what about the bears" "do you have sherpas""how much does your pack weigh?" followed by "that's all? Why in the Army I humped //fill in the amount\\ pounds"and a great one - "how do they get the showers and commodes working up in the mountains" - ummmm... that one took me a little while to get to where I could keep from laughing and answer...And of course all of the ones about food supply, privies, showers, etc. The next couple of weeks are probably going to go agonizingly slow for me, but will speed by for my wife. She is my rock, and is the one that is really going to take the brunt of the separation. I mentioned in an earlier post about owing her big for this opportunity, but each day that goes by I get a deeper understanding of just what it is going to mean for us to be apart. Of all the hardships that I anticipate on the Trail, this will be most difficult.
Date: 2007-01-08
To: Preparations still underway
Miles today: 0.0

Moving into my second week of "retirement" and loving it. Working on getting the gear tuned, food boxes ready and chores around the house lined up. And the "honey do" list is also getting a little longer but those are things that need to be done - got to keep trying to build up the brownie points.Have started going through the AT guidebooks and maps and am cutting only the sections that I will need. There is a lot of good info in those books but nothing that I need to take with me other than the actual AT trail info. And the maps - dang but there are a lot of maps.... - again, only cutting out what I need to take with me.Gear wise, I think I have everything pretty much ready. Still need to run through preparing a couple of dinners to make sure I have them down pat, and then maybe a couple of fully loaded shakedown hikes back through a couple of the nature preserves. Being in Florida I can only simulate distance - not altitude, so I will be huffing and puffing when going up those climbs in Ga.Roughly 10 weeks to go.
Date: 2007-02-11
To: Four weeks
Miles today: 0.0

Four weeks from today.... Emotions are running on high - excited, scared, stoked, antsy.... all rolled up into one... I need to go hiking.Scared the bejabbers out of some of my neighbors a couple of evenings ago when I went walking with my pack on. I didn't think to much about it until I was right up on them - when they saw this hiker trash-looking dude with a pack on bearing down on them - they though some vagrant was coming through. She let out a kind of startled "oh" and he looked like he was going to crap. When I told them "good evening" and they realized who it was, all was well... their dog took off running toward the house, though... Gear is all ready, maps/databook pages cut and ready, have started on the food drops, going to the Y in the mornings... just getting it all together.four weeks.....
Date: 2007-03-02
To: Just a week left....
Miles today: 0.0

Wow. A week from tomorrow and I will be flying out of Orlando, heading to Atlanta and a journey of a lifetime. I am still in a bit of dis-belief that it is finally coming up.A week from tomorrow....Got my plane tickets, repacked my pack, reservations at the Hiker Hostel, shipped gear (all of the sharp/pointy things that they don't like on flights anymore...) to the hostel, made up a mess of food/care drops,dumped out and repacked the pack, worked on the food drops some more, got some Traveler's Checks, dumped out the pack again.... yes, I am antsy....Had a good dinner and drink with Wench (AT '03) a couple of evenings ago and got some really good advice and encouragement from her. If you want to read a good journal, look her's up here on TJ - she hike with HotDog and LiteShoe. We were going to have Bird (AT '07) with us but he decided he wanted to start on 3/1 and flew out early - had a good talk with him via phone before he left - hope I run into him on the Trail.Well - it's getting late and I need to go see about picking up all of that gear I dumped out on the living room floor (again).Just updated all of my mail drop information - dates are - of course - tentative. I'll try to keep them updated as I stroll along.Ya'll take care.
Date: 2007-03-09
To: Heading out
Miles today: 0.0

It's hear.   Will fly out of Orlando tomorrow morning and meet up with the good folks at Hiker Hostel. Sunday they will shuttle me up to Springer and Monday I will point my boots North and head out.The journey of a lifetime is getting ready to start.Shanon - when you read this - Love you. Thanks for letting me realize this dream. I owe you big time.
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Springer
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: clear sky

OK - here at Springer Mountain. Decided to just spend the day here and see the sunset from the summit - which was spectacular. Hope to get some pictures up later. Spent some time talking with the ATC caretaker - Many Sleeps - up here. He is a real interesting guy.Talked with Mr. Parkey (AT'06) and a couple from Pa. - no trail names yet. Had a good group of people come in later but did not get their names. Many just college kids out doing a spring break hike.Tomorrow is the day - woo hoo!! Start the journey off with my steps north. Hopefully I will be able to sleep tonight!
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Hawk Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Woke up to a beautiful day. Had a quick breakfast, ran up and kissed the plaque at the summit, grabbed my pack and started off.Ran into another group of hikers being dropped off at the parking lot by the Hiker Hostel - Ole Man was the driver - I had met him up at the Hike Inn in Fontana a few years earlier. One of the hikers was another WhiteBlazer - Mindi.Hiked by myself most of the day. Stopped in at Long Creek Falls for lunch. An absolutely beautiful falls. Ran into Patriot here - he had been dropped off the same time I had but this was as far as he had gone. He has a 3 cornered hat and a tomahawk that he had made. He was wanting me to stay there with him but I had mile to go before Hawk Mountain Shelter.Got to Hawk around 3 PM and set up tent as the shelter was filling up. Others that had started that morning slowly started coming in - Mr. Parkay, BassMaster, Mindi, Geek, Boudine, Ziggy, Crazy Wolf, the two from Pa - all together we had a good crowd. Mr. Parkay got a good fire going and we all sat around until after dark telling about ourselves and making jokes. Was good.In the distance you can hear the Army Rangers doing their training - helicopters, automatic weapons, occasional explosions. Hope they don't plan on doing that all night.Tomorrow - Sassafras and Justus mountains - both very long climbs with no water from this shelter until getting to Justis Creek. It will be a long day.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Hawk Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, Sassafras and Justus mountains and this thing called Phylis Spur kicked my butt. But it was a good day.Between Sassafras and Justus most had run out of water. I shared what little I had left with two other hikers - Mindi and AKA Grace. Just before we headed out an SUV pulled up and out came Mr. Parkay with Leprecan - and - Trail Magic - they had water, cokes and beer - which we took advantage of!! They were heading to Gooch Gap to set up for Geek, Boudin and crew. Grace went ahead and caught a ride around to the gap.Coming down from Justus mountain we were stopped by one of the Army Rangers. Seems like they were getting ready to set off an ambush with an IED as part of their training. Along came a couple of vehicles loaded with troops and BANG! off went the explosive followed by automatic weapons fire. The troops spilled out of the trucks and set up defensive positions, all the while firing their weapons. It was great... We cheered and played armchair general trying to direct them from our advantage point.When we were able to continue we passed the troops - man, were they getting their rear chewed - most of what we had seen from up on the mountain side was what the judges had seen and they were not happy. Saw the south end of a disappearing bear while coming down into Justis Creek. He/she paused long enough to give me a quick glance before heading up - did not have enough time for either I or Mindi to get our cameras out.Tanked up at Justis Creek and headed on to the shelter at Gooch Gap. We were pretty much out of steam when we got there. Only 3 others were there - a father and his son and a guy named Larry. Went ahead and set up in the shelter in the loft.Tomorrow - on to Woody Gap and finding a camping place somewhere after Cedar Mountain.
Date: 2007-03-14
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Miller Gap
Miles today: 7.8

Another great day - long, but good.Mindi was making grits for breakfast and bummed some sugar - being a Yankee and all. Thus a trail name was born - Sugar Grits. Larry also got a trail name of RoboCop due to his work in law enforcement.Hiked into Gooch Gap just in time to talk with Geek and Boudin. They had partied a little too hard that night and were moving a little slow. Got some good water at the spring there and headed off to Woody Gap.Woody Gap was a long walk, or at least it seemed like it. When we got there we found RoboCop and Grace waiting for us. I struck up a conversation with a guy from Florida with a pick up truck and he offered to run Sugar Grits and me down to a gas station for soft drinks. Bought a ham sandwich, coke, an apple and a slice of pecan pie - boy was that ever good.After feasting we headed up Cedar Mountain, then Granny Top. Near the top of Cedar Mountain we took a break on Preaching Rock - a flat slab of rock with awesome views. Oh - Gracie informed me that RoboCop was now Timex since he has taken multiple beatings (falls, accidents, etc.) and just keeps on ticking...I had remembered when brother Bill - StewMan - and I had sectioned hiked this area that there was a gap with good water and camping areas. This was where I was heading for and since everyone was following me, I hoped I had remembered right. After a lengthy walk we found it - Miller Gap. Was a welcome spot for very tired hikers.Tomorrow - Blood Mountain and Neel Gap Hostel - and real food!
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Miller Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike from Miller Gap to Blood Mountain was very long - and steep. But the views from the top were worth the view. The shelter was kind of neat being of stone with two rooms and a fire place. I did the Rocky thing while standing on the top of the rocks - probably shouldn't have of as it started raining right afterwards. Had enough time to get a quick cup of tea in, though. Just as Sugar Grits and I were heading down Timex and Grace made it up - they didn't stay very long.The climb down was steep and rocky - very rocky. The rain kicked in and actually started hailing. On the way down we passed a boulder balanced on another rock - kind of neat so I did the picture thing.Got down to Neel Gap and checked into the hostel, which filled up rather quickly. 20 people in one large room with wet gear, all wanting to get to the shower and the washing machine (which was old and slow). But we all got it done. Signed up for the "all you can eat spagetti dinner" which turned out to not be all you can eat - they ran out before the last person got fed - no seconds there. But there were a lot of hikers in the hostel and tenting behind it.Tomorrow - hike into Low Gap shelter and zero until St. Paddy's day - Geek, Boudin and crew were going to bring in food & drink for their annual party.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start as we had to purchase our provisions from the outfitter and head out. It was raining lightly with a little wind when we headed out (and up) from the gap, but that didn't last. The wind picked up to 20 - 25 mph with heavy gusts and the temp dropped into the high 30's. This was hyperthermia weather.When we got to Tesnatee gap we bailed. Got a ride from Dirt and his friend Jessica - thanks guys, you were great and really helped out. They took us to a motel in Blairsville where we raided the pizza place next door.Got a shuttle out the next morning (3/17) back to the gap and continued on to Low Gap. When I got out of the car at the gap the wind was so cold and strong that my skin began stinging. I put almost everything I had on and started climbing out of the gap - which is a steep climb. All around were patches of ice. It was great.Got to Low Gap shelter and set up my tent out of the wind. After a while it looked like a tent city as more hikers came in for the party. It was a great party at that. Geek and Boudin brought in hot dogs, beer and chips for everyone there. At one point Girl Next Door announced that not only was this a St. Paddy's party but a bachelorette party for Geek's daughter, Crazy Wolf. It was good and everyone had a good time. I headed back to my tent around 8:30 and crashed shortly afterwards. I think the party went on until midnight.Tomorrow - on to Blue Mountain Shelter.