morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-03
To: It's MARCH! Yee Haw!
Miles today: 0.0

Howdy Everyone! It's March finally! The anticipation of this adventure is really settling in good now. Been speaking of my envy for those already on the AT. Also been watching the weather. Can't help but feel for those caught out in the storms. I hope you are all well. I am sure there are many thru hiker family members and friends watching these wicked storms as winter loses it's grip.Got out with a dear friend(Kendall Clark), for an excellent hiking adventure at Backbone State Park. This park is located in eastern Iowa. Very rugged with limestone bluffs, with trails going straight up and straight down. Icy and super slick mud to boot. Had to do some butt skiing in a couple places. The trail is on the edges of 2-300'ft bluffs. Lakota was awesome, except I wished he had some fear of heights. He just walks right up to the edge and looks all around. I scoot to the edge. My fears are not unfounded as we found the skeleton of a deer which appeared to have met it's demise by falling from the bluffs above. There was a deep snow angel around the skeleton. The deer did not die instantly from it's fall. Was the perfect place to feel as though I was indeed on the AT. Was an awesome hike with a break in a decent size cave. Kendall and I both imagined how pleasant one could survive during the winter in such a place. Had many sightings of Bald Eagles. One eagle was close enough we could hear the wings and the wind they were creating.Took pictures with my smartphone, however this old man was playing with said smartphone night before and left the lens setting on "macro". Didn't have my glasses on when we hiked, so I really couldn't tell that all my pictures were blurry until I got home. This was a lesson for me so I don't do this again with AT pics. Smartphone don't make me a Smartman.The new boots are the finest footwear I ever put on. No break in needed and how lightweight they are. Cabelas Perfekt 7" Hikers by Meindl, are so far everything they tout them to be. Kinda pricey but so hard to find wide boots I need. We will see how they hold up to the real test on the AT.Many of these new materials in our updated gear are fascinating. All are lightweight, well made, and pack away so small. Glad I upgraded with some modern day equipment. The Leki Carbonlite Aergon speedlock poles are so unbelievably light, but they are very strong. They help me so much since I have some real balance issues. Figured I would mention some of the names of the equipment purchased so those folks who made my equipment will know they will get a full review in my journals as we hike. That way if I do have any issues with a piece of equipment, surely I will get good product support. So if I bought your product(s), be advised, reviews have begun.Start heading south this week. Making sure I take time to enjoy these days before Lakota and I hit the AT. I am blessed with many folks who love us, and whom we love. Life is good.AT Class of 2012
Date: 2012-03-08
To: Heading South!
Miles today: 0.0

HYOH; Got Lakota's Muttluk boots. It is hilarious to watch him walk in them. Kinda like a horse! I am having one issue with him and my idea clashing. Lakota will wear his boots, harness, everything I want, but he don't like that dag-gum backpack. He "mules" on me. Puts butt on ground, and don't move. Like I said he is a~ok with everything else, just not the backpack thingy! Me be carrying his stuff. I am cool with that. I know those things can wear sore spots, etc... He has done so much for me, I can wait on him a little while. He looks out for me, when I just need to get my breath and take a short break. He watches me. I took a pic, check it out.It used to freak me out, especially at night when I would wake up in the Bus, and he would be sitting there watching me. He would sleep during the day, and guard me all night. He is simply amazing. Lakota is not perfect. I have been working very hard with his etiquette in stores, etc... He absolutely loves every person on earth. He thinks he should meet everybody. He is a beautiful animal, and has drawn much fanfare during his 3 years. He loves the stardom, his celebrity-ness! This is a good thing and not so good a thing. Been working hard to get him to ignore people who are passing.Lakota is also afraid of THUNDER. I try to tell him nothing has ever been struck by thunder, but it still scares the heck out of him. I just sleep with my leg over him, and arm around him. I have had dogs over the years. The relationship he and I have formed and shared, is indescribable.Lakota and I start South tomorrow! A slow and purposeful journey of family and friends.Tonight I have a gathering, a going to the trail departure party. Thank you Josh, Buzz, Chris, Eric, Ashley, Hay-Man, Tara Jo, Brandi, Justin, Kyle, Tim, Noah, and Buffy.All of you believe in me and this journey. I could never forget what you have given me. You loved me for me, just me. I love you all very much. I am so blessed with the people in my life. You get me and don't try to change me.I have learned that the AT experience does not begin at Springer Mountain. It begins the first time one tells a friend or family member, they wish to hike the Appalachian Trail. The journey begins at that moment, filled with equipment purchases, guidebooks, starting a trail journal at TJ. How cool when one has made 3 entries and their journey is visible to the entire world. Wasn't so sure myself about how many "prep pages" are the "norm". The "prep pages" are important in their own rite. Gives us all a chance to see into the experience as a whole. The journey begins long before Springer, and it is an experience never to be forgotten. I have people who love me and are as excited about our adventure, as if they were going themselves. There are no words to describe this kind of love. I won't let you down. Your faith in me will take us all the wayLakota and I are on our Way! This is so Freaking AWESOME! Peace Out
Date: 2012-03-16
To: 20 Day Countdown
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings Everyone;Visiting with friends and family has been very special. Days are flying by and I can't wait to hit the approach trail.Down to April 1-4 for our start. 20 days or less!Settled on a Marmot Limelight 2. Little heavier than some tents, but well built. Plenty of room for Lakota and I. I am 6' 3" and have plenty of length. Also like how easily it sets up with just fly and footprint. Also can take tent down inside of fly, pack up backpack before ever taking down wet fly, poles, and footprint. Love the idea it comes with footprint. Would think any tent would come with footprint?Got a tripod and mount for smartphone. Got extra pair of 3500 mAh batteries for phone.Got our Ever-new Titanium pot 1.9 liter. Fits perfectly on White Box alcohol stove, and inside windscreen. Works excellent. What a simple stove.Northbound 2012 "The A.T. Guide", by AWOL arrived. Very pleased with this guide. I can't imagine needing anything else.Still no plan. I can see the need for a few mail drops, and will post them next week. Fontana dam is one mail drop for certain. I am so anxious to get into GSMNP(Great Smoky Mountains National Park), I just want to grab my mail drop, get our back-country permit and go! We got our written permission to enter the park. Wanted that in my pocket to avoid any disputes. Always dreamed of hiking and sleeping in the GSMNPWill edit this page some this weekend. Off to visit!
Date: 2012-03-22
To: Journey to Springer
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone!Visiting with the ones we love is so wonderful. Telling them goodbye for now is not.Dillon & Noah have been such an inspiration to me. Thank you for letting me follow a dream. The tears are tough and they tug heavily on my heart. I know how lucky I am to have you, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.So glad for modern technology so we can stay in touch. Worked on some mail drops, just a rough start. Will edit them some after I take a longer look at the mileages, eta's, etc... I have things I need which will be much easier to acquire through a mail drop. Anyone following my journals, please feel welcome to send a "snickers bar" with a note of encouragement.Headed for Arkansas now, and it looks like lots of rain in store. Taking our time and looking around.Dillon, I love you very much son. I enjoyed our time together very much, and I am extremely proud of you and who you have become. You are an awesome young man!On our way to the Launchpad!
Date: 2012-03-27
To: A Week to GO!
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings Yall;Happy Birthday Josh Odom! Keep the AT dream in your heart, and someday you too will make the journey. You are an awesome person and know you will do it.Enjoying ourselves in Arkansas. Did some hiking yesterday, and saw the damage the sudden 5.5 inches of rain created. Today, Lakota and I hiked up to the top of Pinnacle Mountain, just west of Little Rock. I took a full backpack for a true test. I made it just fine, a little whooped, but feel good. Wanted to try panoramic mode on smartphone. Here is a pic from the top.My mom has been helping so much with everything. I love you dearly Mom, you have always been there for me. She has worked her fingers off sewing patches on some very tough materials. Thank you MomEveryone has been so helpful with preparation. Thank you Debbie and John, I love you. John, you are an awesome spirit.We thank everyone who signed our guestbook. It really brings encouragement. Next post will be LIVE from the AT, next week. Have a great week ahead to all of you, Peace. Dudditz & Lakota
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Little Rock, Arkansas

To: Springer Mountain, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Lakota and myself would like to say hello to everyone. Not exactly on the trail yet, but we are "On The Road Again!". We are going to take a nice stroll down to Georgia. Been awhile since I drove through Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga. I just had to add one more page before our hike begins to share what the journey has been like as Lakota and I make our way to Georgia.Dear Friends and Family are priceless. I can feel all the energy from those who are pulling for us. It is an awesome experience, and I know how privaleged we are to have this opportunity.My mom has been wonderful and will be helping our hike with our mail drops. She is excited for us, and scared for us. She jokes that she knows I will be ok, but I just better take good care of Lakota! I love her dearly, she is a beautiful spirit. One could camp in her yard and it would be like camping in Eden. Her flowers are everywhere and gorgeous.There are tons of children in the neighborhoods, and each evening Lakota and myself take a long walk. Lakota gets swarmed these last few days by young children calling out "Lakota, Lakota". These children are like 7-8 down to just walking. On different streets all over, its unbelievable. Parents outside with their children grabbing a cell picture of their children with Lakota. It is too cool to describe with words. To watch a child who is only eye level with Lakota have absolutely no fear is crazy. I cannot say that for teens on up. They give us wide right of ways. Watching all these kids petting Lakota, and Lakota wagging his tail, and just living in Husky Heaven, Life is SWEET!Lakota will be glad to have no more riding in the Jeep, and hit the Trail.PeAcE
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Amicaloala Falls approach trail
Miles today: 0.0

Began our journey at 8:15 a.m.. Nice lady at center allowed one other hiker and ourselves sign in early. We were off, all 604 stairs. That is a true test with full pack. 42# before water. That's a 50# pack. Got food and water for Lakota and myself. Took a long while to reach top of falls. Got to last bench, sat down, and my new gatorade tumbled from my pack. I could hear it fall forever. That was demoralizing a bit.Crossed parking lot and proceeded to climb landscape timbers, some set at 18" intervals, tough!We were completely out of water by Nimblewill crossing. I fell around 17 times by time we reached Black Gap shelter. Left knee and arm bruised, but nothing serious. Dry heaved most of afternoon. Throat was soar and swollen. Quickly picked a tent spot, dropped gear, and we went for water. Was excellent drinking cold, bubbling from ground spring water.Set up tent. Made it 7.3 miles which does not count for AT. Bed time, 8:00 p.m.Was pretty, but first day is mostly Boot Camp day 1.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Black Gap shelter

To: Springer Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: light rain

Got up early and made some oatmeal. Was good. Throat not so swollen. Roof of mouth swollen. Was 1.53 miles to Springer Summit. Met Springer Mtn. Caretaker at top. He is a paid trail runner. Also met Mountain Squid, a trail volunteer. Beautiful day to summit. Gorgeous views as far as the eye can see.Hiked .2 miles to shelter, found a tent spot, set up. Got inside just as a small storm passed over. Nice shower from inside a tent. Cleared off for a lovely evening with a full moon, and Barred Owls calling like crazy. Is beautiful here at 3733'. Trees are barely budded. Lots of great views still. Met tons of people, most have no trail name as of yet. Bedtime, sun just set. Peace
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Springer Mtn. Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Pulled a nice day, but tired. Had first trail magic at Big Stamp Gap. Mountain Squid was passing out juice and brownies. Had two juices and a brownie. Gave me some much needed energy. Lakota got 3 nice jerky chunks. Getting stronger each day.Beautiful views. Gorgeous around 3-forks area. Water abounds evrrywhere. Pulled into Hawk Mtn. Shelter around 5:30. Set up camp, ate, off to bed.Will update more as I can. Peace
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Hawk Mountain shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up early by 7:30. Lakota slept 11 hours straight with me. He was tuckered. Made sure we were full stocked with water. Pack is HEAVY. My collar bones look black n blue. Sassafras mountain was tough. Lot like approach trail. My legs are like rubber with moments of gain. It is small, but noticeable. Then was Justus Mountain, not as bad, but after Sassafras, was all I had left. This is the hardest thing I ever tried. I am doing it!!!!! Lakota pulls when I tell him to "mush". He pulls me up hills. He is absolutely remarkable. When I fall he lets me stand off of him. All my weight plus pack right between his shoulders. He deserves a medal. I love him so. Met a group hiking for a section. Woman all spoiling Lakota. They give him water on trail. These people, these mountains, this trail, it's AwesomeBedtime. Peace
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Lance Creek campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Up early. Lakota and I quit breakfast, just a hassle. We each have 2 big pieces of jerky. 2 pieces of dried pineapple. Split 2 granola bars. Off we go. Usually only 1 or 2 hikers beat us out of camp. Freaking chilly by sunrise. Don't take long to break camp when it's 33. Tough climb up Ramrock Mtn.. Views worth the effort for sure. Had lunch up there. Big pan of Ramen noodles with foil packet of Salmon. Mmmmmm Good. Had a green tea for desert. Lakota got 6 peanut butter crackers. Next was Big Cedar Mtn. Tough climb, awesome views. I see small Hemlock trees at times. This is one tree I want to see before they are gone. Little bug is fixing to kill 99% of the hemlocks. Just sad to think. Huge trees of all species are dying. Our oxygen makers are on their way out. We can plant tree seedlings all day long and none of them will make our Oxygen,as these giants.Lance Creek is beautiful with lots of great tent sites. Met three young men and shared a spot. Had wonderful conversation. Lefty was there. Up late, bed at 9:00Peace
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Lance Creek campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Camped at Lance Creek lastnight due to bear cannister restrictions from Jarrad Gap to Neels Gap. Have to have a cannister or a ticket. We had all heard they were enforcing it. Up Gladdis Mtn., then up, up, up, up, Blood Mountain. Not steep like Sassafras, just up forever. Was awesome on top with 360° views. Trees all stunted. Life is harsh on Blood Mountain. Two thru hikers fell on top today. Both ok I think. One on way to VA. Steep downhill into Neels Gap. Was a 1350' drop in 2 miles. Toes are not happy. Going to lose index toenail on left foot. That foot bigger. That toe a 12-1/2, others 12. Next boots be 13EE.Neels Gap was like seeing heaven. Trail goes right through middle of Mountain Crossngs. Hostel is very pleasant. There are 15 bunk beds, $15 each. Shower goes with it. Laundry extra $3. I skipped laundry, put on clean full long johns and crocs. Looked like a Walton. Church group showed up at 6 pm with two huge Lasagna's, plus 2 veggie Lasagna's, Salad, dressing, and 2, #10 cans of peaches. Was best food ever. Lakota had plenty too. Nice place. Bought a Coke, thought it would be so gooood. Was disappointed as I went back and bought 3 fruit juices. Much Better!!!!10 pm, late bedtime. 3 of us watched Rambo II.Peace
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Biggest day ever. Hard hike, lots of beautiful scenery. Patches of Columbines in full bloom. Trilliums everywhere. Mountain Iris, violets, and some I do not know. Met Meandering Snail today. He is interesting, well versed on travels abroad, and well read. Took him 28 days to go from Springer Mtn. to Neels Gap. He purposefully does around 2 miles per day.Pulled Levelland Mtn., then Wolf Laurel top. That place is from a dream.Then up to Cowrock Mtn. Great views!!Wildcat Mountain next, was tough long hike. Whitley Gap Shelter is 1.2 miles off trail, no way, we moved on. Then up Poor Mtn., Sheep Rock Top. I was completely out of steam by this point. Had 8 tenths of a mile to Low Gap Shelter. Was a sight for sore eyes, shoulders, legs, feet, etc....Nice place, very well hidden, and protected from weather. Ran into Bigfoot again. He is interesting. Two brothers, Ryan & ?, name escapes me. Sorry. They share an awesome sibling relationship. Something the world could use a good dose of.The wind noise in this gap is beyond description. No wind where we are, but it is roaring above us. Very loud like a major storm, but clear skies, and cold.Bedtime, it's 8:00pm. Peace Out
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Another big day for "us". Many ups and downs. Some hikers are trying to find groups of similar speeds to meet up with at the end of each day. Some are slowing down or speeding up to change the group they have been in. kinda funny, some pink blazing was creating some kind of internal issues with one group. Everyone is so different, but the same. Can't imagine romance out here, we all STINK!!!!!!Lakota and I had lunch on top of Blue Mountain at shelter. This is an outstanding place for anyone on a section hike. Dropped all the way off Blue Mtn., then up Rocky Mountain. Tough climb. Camped at tent site on top. Could see for miles, and little towns in valleys below. Made dinner, then bed. 7:30 pmPeace
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Rocky Mountain campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Getting my legs some. Very tough day. Knew I needed to make it to Deep Gap Shelter as we had 1 lunch, and 1 dinner left. When I speak of 1 dinner, or lunch, I refer to a meal for Two.Young Lick Knob, and Kelly's Knob, kicked our butts. The trail goes right over the very, very tippy tops of both. Made it to Deep Gap Shelter at 5:30. Seems the shelter is all downhill for 3 tenths of a mile, but I protest, it seems like 1/2 mile. All uphill in morning before even getting to AT trail.Nice fire at shelter, good company. Folks here from Germany tonight. Got trail magic in form of Mountain House freeze dried Fajita mix. Was good, and extremely warm. Also got 2 ounces of denatured alcohol. I had only 1 oz. left.Off to bed, 9:00 pmPeace Out
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick.s Gap Hiawassee
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: few clouds

Up and out early. Lakota and I shared a cracker package, and last 4 pieces of jerky. Was suppose to be downhill all the way to Dick's Creek Gap. Well, it's not! Lots of pulls before the drop. Got tp Dick's Creek Gap at 9:30. Fifteen minutes later and caught a ride with shuttle from Blueberry Patch Hostel. He said we couldn't stay because he had animals. All is good, he dropped me at Ron Haven's Budget Inn. No charge for shuttle. Lakota and I enjoying a nice NERO(very few miles) day. Pleasant room, with multiple showers to defunk. Lakota and I shared 6 McDoubles, plain of coarse. Good afternoon, catching up on journal, 6 cold brews, and a Subway right out front! Breakfast!Thanks to everyone for their comments of support. Mom thank you. Cindy & Thor thank you for care package. That was sweet. Peace Out
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Dick.s Gap Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Hello everyone,Zero day in Hiawassee, Georgia. First zero day, and it feels good and much needed.Started day off at Subway. Split a foot long egg, bacon, n cheese, flatbread sandwich with Lakota. Next Lakota and I went around town looking. Stopped in at Ingles market, got hot cocoa mix, sweet n low, and some oatmeal. Ingles Market is one of the nicest grocery stores I have ever been in. Got to fill up with denatured alcohol for stove in morning. Sell it right here at Ron Haven's Budget Inn(Three Eagle Outfitters). The people here are fantastic, warm and friendly. A definite hiker oasis. They claim to be more hiker friendly than Damascus, Virginia. The trail goes right through damascus, but Hiawassee is 10 miles from trail. Hiawassee makes up for the difference by being friendly. "Red Bean & Rice", operate the budget Inn and are fine people. Hikers bring in a lotta revenue.Lakota and I had scrumptious chicken from Zaxby's. Soooooo Gooood!!!We are signed up for 11 am shuttle back to Dicks Creek gap for the morning. Looks like 3 and a half days to Franklin, North Carolina.We are doing great and loving our adventure. I must mention that this hike came about from deep spiritual needs. I love Creator and want to learn more about him/her. I had read so much about the "Blueberry Patch Hostel", a Christian based Hostel. I got a shuttle from the owner, but told we can't stay because of my service dog. I accepted and appreciated the shuttle to town. I believe Creator leads Lakota & I on our journey. We were led by Creator to the Budget Inn. The people at Budget Inn are by far more humane and like God than some purported "christian based" facilities.Please check mail drop updates as I am slower than I had guessed. I will try and keep the next 3 or 4 mail drops always updated with current projected ETA's.We love you all. Great big shout out from the Appalachian Trail. Peace
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Hiawassee Georgia

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hitched back to Dick's Creek Gap on 11 a.m. shuttle. Hiawassee is a definite rest stop on trail. The folks are finest we have met in our lives.Did not push hard today. Was in camp by 3 p.m.. Got nice tent site not far from shelter. Excellent water source.Was a nice feeling to see NC/GA sign at 78.5 mile post. Soon following with the most photographed tree on AT. She is an old tree with many stories of a rugged life in these appalachian mountains. Only fell once today. My knees not happy with my weight + pack weight directly on knees as they slam into rock. No serious injury. Taking IBP(tylenol) like candy in late afternoon. I am so proud my legs are doing what I need. Everytime I fall, Lakota is right there. He stands firm while I stand off his shoulders. He is best service canine ever. I love him so much.I woke up at 2 a.m. with an anxiety attack. Was dark, couldn't breathe. Was wicked. Have not had an anxiety attack in 8 years. So glad Lakota was there. Will make sure I am more tired before camping again. When we hike 10 hours, we are too tired to wake up to anything. Goodnight. Peace