morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Woke up and did a nice buffet. It tasted so good. Caught the shuttle, said goodbyes to Lush, Glow Worm, and Snapper. Got to Dam and used a pay phone to call my mom, and my friend Chassidy. It was Chassidy's birthday. I wished her the best for her graduating and her upcoming trip to Asia. I have everything on my mind right now. Vegas, Wall Street, Restaurants, Cherokee. Hike into Mollies Ridge Shelter.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Davenport Gap

To: Pennslyvania
Miles today: 0.0

Hey guys, it is sad but true. I've decided to get off the trail. I had an absolute great time for the month I was on. I met so many cool people, saw so many cool things and have experiences that will last a lifetime. Solace is right, "Leaving the trail is like leaving a game with 3 minutes left and the score tied." I will be updating pictures and the rest of my journal entries. Some of the views from the Great Smoky Mountains were pretty unbelievable. People have told me that once you do acid, that you're never the same person as before, I feel that way after hiking the smoky's!
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Pennslyvania

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning ready to hike the trail....wow!....that must have been a dream I had last night! I dreamt that I was still hiking the trail, and subconsciously I was excited to get up and start hiking. But when I woke up, I was in my bed at home, kind of relieved but kind of not. I am kind of glad I'm off the trail. I just don't think it was my time. I have a summer job that I work at which starts next week. I was running out of money. I'm 28, in the prime of my life, and the thought of spending half of that year in the woods, kind of bothered me a liitle bit. Everyday on the trail I was thinking, "you know what, I probably should be working and making money, going out, finding a girl, settling down. I couldn't keep my mind occupied, and that was my downfall. And knowing my summer job was right around the corner, where I have so much fun, and make good money, it was tough to pass that up. I"d like to finish the trail at some point, the way I think, it would probably have to be when I'm older and more settled, when I don't care about going out having fun, and making money. The trail is a great place, I just hope one day I"ll go back and finish what I started.
Date: 2006-02-03
To: Here I Go!
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! I've been thinking and planning for about 8 months to hike the AT. After hiking GA with my sister in 2004 it has been on my mind to do the entire trail. Thinking, planning, thinking, thinking, planning and more planning. I really believe this may happen!I am working for a developer and our current project is about to end. This allows me time before committing to pick up the threads of my real estate career. When will this opportunity present itself again where my business obligations are few? Go for it is my thinking. My husband will be transcribing for me along the way as his interests do not include wearing out a few pairs of boots/shoes in one summer. I have made contact with a few people hiking this year and look forward to trying to make connections on the trail, if even only thru the registers.I have obtained and tested most of my gear and have fielded the normal questions of "where do you plan to sleep? what type of protection will you have?" and the looks of bewilderment as they ask WHY?I'll check back in with you later.Beth
Date: 2006-02-09
To: Waiting!
Miles today: 0.0

Last weekend two hikers from the Nashville area decided to hike the North South Trail in Land Between the Lakes in Western KY. I was able to shuttle them and was envious of their time on the trail--until the temps dropped into the teens at night. Then again, better get prepared! Time is getting short but not short enough. I sat down and began to put together my first mail drops then thought--NOT YET knowing I would re-do them the week before departure. Instead, I took out my tyvek and fashioned a catch-bag to hold my snacks and hand sanitizer and other daily small stuff on my pack belt. Then, I thought, H-m-m-m-mmmmm, I don't have a wallet, so now I have one of Tyvek, double fold with my emergency info printed on the inside. That should keep my stuff dry on those wet days. What next? I'm thinking of a tyvek bag liner. Currently I have a trash compactor bag as a liner but it makes too much noise as I hike. As the Tyvek is handy (and free) why not. Can you tell I'm ready to go??Went bushwacking in the hills on Tuesday with about 20 pounds. The only thing missing from my hike load was the food. That should still keep me no more than 30 pounds. What a great relief. When my sister and I sectioned GA, our packs were 53 pound each. How crazy was that?!?!?!! Neither of us is over 5 foot 4 inches tall. Whew! It is true, one learns by doing!About the only thing left for me to do is to decide whether to buy a pocketmail device or hope my husband will be able to read my writing from a paper journal to put on here and to decide about switching out SD cards on the camera or to bounce a reader.Soon!
Date: 2006-04-27
To: Get Ready, Set....
Miles today: 0.0

Only a few more days until Jim drops me off at Springer Mountain. The plan is to drive down on Sunday then Monday, May 1st hit the trail. Jim will walk with me to the terminus from USFS42 and back then watch me hike out of sight. It will be tough on both of us.For those reading this, my departure was delayed to allow me to investigate some job possibilities. As they were slow in materializing and the days were passing swiftly, my decision was to go ahead and plan to leave the first of May. As with all good plans, there will be kinks. The job I was waiting to hear from called on Tuesday of this week. I elected to pass it by. Jobs will come and go, this much time to hike may never come again.Enough serious stuff. I set my tent up to seal the seams and treat for ticks. By the time it was set up (less than 3 minutes) there were 3 ticks walking about the surface. The saddest part is that the tent is pitched just 5 steps from the front stoop. I've decided that leaving Kentucky for the trail may result in less ticks. About the only thing left to do is to pack the food for the first few days then re-pack and weigh. I'm debating what clothes to leave at home, if any. It is tempting to leave my longjohns, hat and gloves at home but then I check the weather and think, maybe not. My Pocketmail device is on its way. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! Jim will be transcribing for me as well as uploading my photos. He is bound to do a great job. I make no guarantees as to the quality of the journal as it will be the first time I've attempted to record my days. My goal is to share with you some of the sights, the people, the highs and lows (not too many lows, hopefully), and give each of you a glimpse of this trail.Feel free to e-mail me as it will be checked when I can pop into a library or at a hostel. Some jargon may not be familiar to you and definitions will be provided along this written path. My thanks to each and every one of you who have offered encouragement. Be sure to read some of the other journals at this site. There are as many adventures as there are journals. The insights provided by each of the journalers are priceless.Until later...Beth
Date: 2006-04-29
To: Get Ready, Set....GO!!
Miles today: 0.0

Hello to all! Tomorrow Jim takes me to Amicalola Falls State Park ready for Monday departure. Today is filled with last minute preparations, finishing cleaning out my office, re-weighing the pack and removing all those extra ounces, mowing the yard, banking and a host of other small chores.Our old cat, Flash, was put to sleep yesterday after finding out she had inoperable tumors under her tongue. We had a good 20 years together. I am glad it happened now instead of being notified while on the trail. In addition to Jim,I will miss our other two cats, Cleopatra and Lois Lane. Cleo is inquisitive and Lois is our cuddler. They will be in good hands at home.To all of my family and friends following this journal, this will be an attempt to have you see the trail thru my eyes. Having completed the Georgia section of the AT in 2004, the first 80 miles or so will be somewhat familiar. After Jim walks with me to the terminus, I'll start down the trail for an easy first day of about 8 miles. Not having been good, and consequently out of shape, the first days will be over less distance, 8-10 miles a day with the mileage increasing after the first week or so. Georgia is known for it's PUDs (pointless ups and downs)and for the number of people using the trail so I will certainly get a workout in those first days. The first brush with civilization will be the Walasi-Yi Center outside of Blairsville. There I will re-evaluate the STUFF in my pack and see what can be sent home. Also, I've mailed a package with enough meals to get me to the next mail drop. Well, the next entry will be from the trail using my PocketMail Device. It came in the mail yesterday (nothing like timing)and seems quite easy to use. Some adjustment will be needed on my part to adapt to the small keyboard. I'm sure Jim will appreciate not having to try and read my scribbles.This is all for now. See you from the trail!
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Get Ready, Set....GO!!

To: Amicalola Falls
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We arrived at Amicalola Falls St. Park and checked into a room with a nice view of the mountains. With daylight left and after sitting all day traveling, we decided to take a walk in the brisk evening air. There was a walk to the falls, according to the info, the highest falls east of the Mississippi, with stairs leading down to the bottom of the falls. Well, the 425 steps down and back certainly did warm us up.Tomorrow begins the hike. I hope it is not raining.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We drove to fs 42 and Jim (hereafter DH) walked me to the summit, sans pack, then back to fs42 where we bid a tearful goodbye about 11:30. On the way there we met 2 couples and two guys. ONe of the guys was Running H2O who was just finishing his thru started in 2005. He had walked the 30 miles from Neel's Gap yesterday and was hiking to Amicalola today.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Springer Mountain

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

Interestingly enough, there are more women out today than men. There is a mother and daughter from Louisville, KY and two women from PA doing sections. Then a couple from FL hiking to somewhere in NC. I hiked for a while with David from PA who is also looking to thru. He is a little taller (quite a bit) so he steps out a little faster than I, but not by much. Arriving at Hawk Mtn Shelter, I met Eric, a 20 something from Charlotte NC out to go to Harpers Ferry.We ended up with 13 at the shelter. Thankfully, 8 slept in tents. In the middle the night, Austin (an activist against high country coal mining)woke all in the shelter when he woke up soaking wet from shoulder to knee. It seems his hydration pack was close enough to him that he rolled over on the valve an let 2 liters of water drench hus sleeping bag. Luckily, his bag was synthetic and sleeping in the wet bag allowed his body heat to dry the bag by morning.I thought the mouse that looked me eye to eye might have done some taste tasting.The walk today was beautiful with tiny wood iris along the trail interspersed with violets. The army rangers are on manuevers in this area so an occasional "pop-pop p-p-p-pop" of gun fire is heard.I arrived at the shelter at 3:15 this afternoon. This was a pretty easy 8 miles today. Tomorrow will have the infamous Ga PUDs (pointless ups and downs). Hope to do more than 8 miles tomorrow.For now, it is time to think about dinner and the evening chores.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning dawned clear and crisp with 50* temps, just right for hiking. After breakfast it was off to Gooch Shelter, leaving at 8:00. The walk was easier than expected even with the rocks and roots waiting to snag a shoe. David, Eric, Austin leapfrogged past each other several times today. The most exciting thing for me was that I kept up with the guys, making, on average 2 miles an hour before 2:00. After that, it got increasingly more difficult as the day went on. Going back in the day,we reached Gooch Shelter at 1:30 and decided it would be a waste of a fine day to quit so Woody Gap became our next goal,a distance of12 miles.. It has been a while since I have been so tired. During the day I met Blackberry, Trail Cart, Gatorade, the guy Jim & I met leaving Amicalola Lodge with his brother (who dropped out after10 miles with a knee injury) and two other SOBOs. So far, I'm OK except for a sore knee and being tired. David, Eric & I were reluctant to camp at Woody Gap as it is right on Rt. 60 with lots of traffic. We called a trail angel who came and picked us up and brought us to Suches where we were told to sign in on the form located next to the door and set up our tents in the campground. It seems that this campground is a popular motorcycle campground that is packed on weekends.I think that is all for now. I'm laying in my tent listening to thunder. With luck the rain will pass us by. We are going to attempt to hike to Neel's Gap tomorrow a distance of 10 miles. We are reserving the right to walk less. Getting to Neels tomorrow will have me a day ahead in my schedule.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

It was a rainy night, the first in my tarptent. Dry, dry, dry! Thank you Henry Shires. Morning dawned with sunshine and cool weather.We hitched a ride from Suches general store with a retired pilot and were back at Woody Gap at 10:00 to begin our hike. Stopped at Jarrod"s gap for lunch. We, David Erik & I have been leapfrogging with the 3 FL guys, Gatorade, Trail Cart & Blackberry. Blackberry saw a snake, possibly rattlesnake. Met Flatfoot who has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the AT and is training for the Continental Divide Trail. Gave us each a candy bar, our first trail magic.Spring is happening in GA. There are lots of wood irises, trillium, buttercups, columbine, asters and a host of other wild flowers unknown to me. The rhododendrons and the mountain laurel are not yet blooming at this altitude.The trail is at times challenging, especially the uphills. Thankfully the number of times needed to stop and breathe and to slow the pounding of my heart is decreasing. All in all, the hike is good.We stopped at Blood Mtn for the view and company for about an hour then David (Philly) and I hiked the two miles down to Neels Gap. We werejust in time to pick up my supply box and towels for the shower. I'll go thru all my stuff in the morning and try to reduce the weight even more.We'll figure out where to stop tomorrow later. Goodnight.So far, the hike has been great. My feet are holding up well, if tired at the end of the day. By the way, had my first face plant today. Hooked my toe on a root an twisted around to miss a big rock. Not even a bruise, although my pack is scuffed.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started badly with David being called home as his folks were involved in an auto accident. On the good side,one of the guys from FL gave his Lekis to Erik as he needed them. Nice trail magic.I met Freddo at Neels he is about my age and is headed to Damascas. We have about the same pace so it is nice to have someone to walk with. About noon, the sky opened up and with the next shelter was 4 miles away we just kept on walking in torrential downpours lasting about 3 hour. It was actually fun after a wile. Picture this, the temps are about 50*, I'm wearing shorts,tee shirt, socks & boots. The trail literally became a stream about 3 inches deep. What a liberating walk the water in the boots acted as water insoles and was quite comfortable. Any aches in the feet dissappeared.At Lowgap Shelter, we met Matt & Heather, a couple who hikedthe Pacfic Crest trail last year.Quite an interesting couple. The five years previous to their 2005 hike was spent sailing around N America. They are only hiking to Marion VA this time as they need to return to their new house in Montana.Sitting at the table at the shelter, a man called Cats Paw walked in. He looked at Heather and called her name. It seems he also iked the PCT then performed trail magic for Matt & Heather. Small world.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

My first 15 mile day! We set out to camp at the Cheese Factory site. Said goodbye to the FL guys who have finished their section. Once again, rain began about 1:00, 42* cold. Deciding we didn't care to pitch a tent in the rain, we decided togo the extra 3 miles to Tray Mtn shelter. The last uphills were tough, coming at the end of the day.Here at the shelter are Earthman, Bill & Ann. Only 5 of us, quite roomy.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Tray Mountain

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 10.6

After the cold rain, we had an early night. The mist was beautiful as it wafted thru the shelter. We awoke to 38* temps and had to don our wet socks & shoes. The shirt & shoes were only damp. It wasn't long before it was hot & sweaty. My maildrop was waiting at The Blueberry Hostel, which has closed for the season. As I came out into Dicks Creek a trail maintainer (my third today) took me to Blueberry and picked up my package then took me to Cloud 9, a new hostel. It is fantastic!! There is a large LR with 2 sleeper sofas, TV, games. Just beautiful. The full sized kitchen and the dining area are nice. There two BRs upstairs and one BR down. Laundry facilities, jaccuzzi and ping pong table as well. All for $20. Not only that, Frank is going to feed us fresh caught trout. Look for photos as they can be sent. Tomorrow I'm headed for NC. One state down, 13 to go. But now, it is time for dinner.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Dick's Creek

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

It was difficult to leave that slice of heaven at Cloud 9 this morning in the cold rain. Bill Ann bought food for breakfast so we had eggs, bacon, pancakes & OJ. There were Bill, Ann, Wyoming, Woodstock, Frank (the owner) and me. we made short work of that food! Can't say enough about Cloud 9. Go there.Wyoming is from VA and was my hiking companion today. He is 3 years older, with more experience. Our speed is about the same except for uphills. I am so slow going up. Hoping to improve.As stated, the day was cold and wet. Rained most of the day with the temps around 50*. Hiked without rain gear again to keep from overheating. Stopped at Plum Orchard Shelter for an early hot lunch, then moved on. No excitement today other than the hill out of Bly Gap. 800 ft in 1 mile, most straight up. Pure D ugly!!!Here at the shelter with Bill, Ann, Wyoming,and AT Ron. Ron is from Rockford, IL where we lived for years. Small world. By the way, finished GA today. One state down, 13 to go! Having a fine time. Hope to be in Fontana this time next week or maybe earlier.More tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cold morning and the mist followed us most of the day. Wyoming and I left the shelter about 8:00 am and followed some relatively easy grades. At times the trail was strewn with flower petals dropped from the trees, almost like confetti celebrating our walk. We did cross the highest point so far, Standing Indian Mountain at 5500 feet. Our goal was the new Carter Gap shelter. As we approached the old shelter and noticed it's 10* list to one side and the smell made me think of a mouse kennel. Pretty rank. The new shelter is nice but after obtaining water, we decided that 2:00 was too early to stop,so-o-o onward to Betty Creek where we have set up our tents,fixed supper, cleaned dishes and hanged our bear bags. The next goal is to put in 13 mile days in order to arrive in NOC in 3 days. Mail drops await.We saw 8 people today, 6 sobo, 1 nobo (doing 25 mi days) and Bumpa looping on his way back to Canada. Bill & Ann are at Carter Gap tonight. We will probably see hem at NOC.8:00 time for bed. We hope the sun will shine tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained again last night as we tented at Betty Creek. That makea 6 ou of 9 days with rain. It was cold as I topped Albert Mtn this morning and with fog heavy enough to obscure the fire tower, I elected to keep moving instead of climbing the tower. The path to the top was steep ad rocky. I can see why there is an alternate route in snowy or icy weather as the direct path up would no doubt be very dangerous. The day was mostly downhill, literally after Albert Mtn. so we made good time. Once again we reached our proposed stoppin place at 2:30 and decided to keep moving. coming down the Siler Bald shelter trail, it felt as if I may have pulled a groin muscle. Ouch! After pitching the tent and fixing supper the pain has gone away. I guess it was just tiredness.At this rate, we'll arrive at NOC on Thursday. Tonight at the shelterare Matt & Heather, Bill & Ann, Wyoming (tenting) and a section hiker Ron. Matt & Heather will make the 25 miles to Noc tomorrow. They are in great hiking shape.All for now.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Lucky me! Not only was Siler Bald Shelter .6 mile OFF the trail, it rained again over night. Packing up a wet tent is not my favorite thing, not to mention it adds about 2 lbs to my pack weight. Today was mostly uphill, my least favorite thing to do. At least I'm getting better and am able to go further without stopping. I've two new bisters one on my right heel And one on the left ball of my foot. Needless to say they slowed me down. My DH is sending me more duct tape and that will help.One of the high points of today's walk was Wayah Bald. It sports a neat fire tower and one is supposed to see for miles. Not us. As Wyoming & I approached the summit, one could hear the wind circling above nd feel the tem plummet. At the top, we could barely see 50 feet and was it cold! We meta power co. employee in the tower who shared that hs folks were fire watchers in that tower for years. His father orginally held the position and when a better paying job presented itself, Mom took over the duties. After eating lunch in the lee of the building, we began our descent. The wind still circled and brought with it tiny stinging bits of ice. We were happy when the sun began to shine once again.The Cold Spring Shelter is right on the trail. It is older and Wyoming saw a rat in front as he walked around. We both elected to tent. Bill & Ann showed up a coule of hours later followed by Nanigoat. Nani started the same day as I but have missed each other until today. She is carrying about 50 #s and is not well prepared with gear. She carries a sheet and a single blanket, no bag. On cold nights like tonight, she wraps herselfin her tent inside the shelter. She plans some changes in Fontana where her brother will meet her.Forecast calls for a nasty storm tonight and bad weather for the next few days. It seems that is par for the course. I'm off for NOC tomorrow for a mail drop. I wouldn't be surprised if it got down into the 30s tonght. The wind is whistling and it is raining periodically.