morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

For those of you who are interested I was interviewed on the trail by Eric.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md8jsE5TqpQI am at about 1:25 for a few seconds. If you watch some of his series of videos, you can see what the trail is like early in the spring.Thanks for followingH
Date: 2013-03-12
To: Butterflies 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Butterflies .This is my 1st.post.Must have 3 before they become live.I have fat fingers & a horse voice.Dont know how this is gonna turn out?Went to my dentist today.He said I was good to go, Plus the Dr said the same last week. If Iam out of shape its Kim,Danni,Nikki & Gregs fault.They are the ones who made me pay them to SWEAT. P.S. enjoyed every min.of it.4days and counting. May God Bless..... Bubblegum
Date: 2013-03-13
To: Thanks 
Miles today: 0.0

First and foremost I want to thank my personal Savior JESUS CHIRST he is always with me. One day at a time. I have to many friends to list them all. Walter &Betty Styles plus Bettys mother GRANNY who lead be to the road I'm on today.She went home to be with the Lord at the age of 96.Will be hiking with the poles she gave me. They mean a lot to me. Walter & Betty have furnished me witdh a lot of my gear. pPlus the truck & fuel when I hiked on weekends.My mother whowas only 4'11"could walk endlessly. Plus carry me when I was small and would get tired. My father for passing on the strong genes and using me to flush the rabbits out of the honeysuckle when I was small. We have some great mem ories together. My wonderful children whoall have hiked with me at times. Then there's all the grandchildren who I love more then they know. All the friends at The Diner where we drink our coffee & some try to top the others lies.Thanks Kenny & Country. Thenere's allthe friends at Frisbys (Crosscreek).My dear friend Turtle. And then there's the two Drs who made this hike possible. With there staff Dr.Jeffrey Dodd and Robin. And the best orthopedic surgeon there is Dr Paul Kiritsis with Carla & staff. After a rotator cuff surgery and a municus tear repair & cleanup. I feel as good as I did 20 yrs ago. Then there's Powhatan Physical therapy. Greg Toby, and all the girls that strengthened my body to take on a adventure such as this.And again my Lord Jesus Christ. And all the others I didn't list. Thanks from the bottom of my heart....... ...
Date: 2013-03-17
To: Countdown
Miles today: 0.0

Well Amtrek got me here in one piece.Had a layover in Greeensboro NC. for about 6hrs.There i met 2 interesting guys.Stupid & Morris the cat.Stupid has no home to return to.He has a journal also.The hostel here is beautiful.Was playing with owners dog when I jammed a stick in the back of my leg .No one could dig it out.Probaly have to wait for it to fester up. Sure glad my dentist gave me some amoxicillin.we:ll see what happens.4 guys from Germany just came in.Two girls from ? Looks like 80% rain tomorrow.If I dont walk in the rain I wont make it to Maine.Probaly gonna to do the Approch Trail.I think Nikki really wanted be to.The Germans just told me they are.Will update when I can.....
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Amicalola Falls State Park 

To: Stover Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 2.8

Hiked 8.8 to Springer Mt.with Nuttrila & 2 German guys Alex & Maxx.Fog & rain most of the day. Raining hard at the shelter.14 in all.One in a hamit. 8.8 to Springer Mt then 2.8 to the first shelter. A good first day.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Stover Creek Shelter 

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 14.4

Was the first to leave plus awoke every one there. It was late 7:00.Guess I was in to big of a hurry I forget both water bottles and my hat.Did have a gal milk jug. Wasn't pretty but it worked. Was passed by Noke carrying a4ft.skate board. Another good day on the trail.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Gooch Gap

To: Wolf Laurel Top
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Awake at 5 packed and gone before 7 with head lamp. Stopped at Neels Gap bought a little more food. Didn't stop till 8 .Hard to find a place to pitch tent. Mole skin slid off blisters. Knee was a little fussy. An splinter doesn't look good at all.Still a good day on the trail
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Wolf Laurel Top

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 9.3

Very cold & windy this morning. Awoke early but didn't get up till a woman ask if I would build her a fire. She said here feet were cold.Told her to wait till I dressed. Then she asked me for water. When I got out there eas no way all wood was wet. I told Iwas sorry. She left. Heard she made it to a rode an got out. Low miles cause started late.Worked on my 2 blisters twice. Then on hands and knees looking for lens out of glasses. Its cold but Iam having fun.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 8.3

Up an hiking in the dark again. Very cold an windy again. Walls of tent are completely covered with ice. Reason is.Its a single wall tent. Funny thing about it is Iam not cold in bag even though it's only a 25° A gift from two close friends and family. After only a few miles I checked on the splinter, it was beginning to change its color. Decided I better try get it out again. Heated water made a press. Opened it up but very little pus came out. Couldn't get it to move at all.Hiked with Hoppy to the next highway. Don't think her husband Bismark liked my gal water jug. He was always kidding me about it. I got her to hitchhike for me. Women get rides quick. When Coop stopped I told her to .give my jug to her husband .Coop has hiked a lot. He even quit a thru hike once when his wife got lonely and ask him to come home. He's gonna start SoBo later this year. I should run into him some where up north. He's 66 yrs old. He took me to get a room at two different places, plus afford to let me stay at his home if I had any problems. Got a room, then to emergency room where they lanced it.Said the Amoxicillin had caused the splinter to be tight. That's why no pus so I could nt get it out. Well it's out now. Dr said to wait a day or so before hiking. I ran into Joe Coolagaim here in town I didn't see her baseball bat this time.Met the 10 year old and herperants.Also a super nice guy named Spider. He tried to help with splinter on the trail. Went to a AYCE buffet. Ate 4 plates of food.Even had crawfish for the first time. Washed all clothes in tub.Had the best shower I've ever had.Another day on the AT.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Hiawassee Ga
Miles today: 0.0

supplied for the trail tomorrow. Met up with Spider and sharing a room with him Went back to the AYCE .He liked it also. Nice guy and a fast hiker. I'll be back on the trail tomorrow. Will do better with journal since I have a charger again. Lost mine and a spare battery on the trail somewhere. Love all and God Bless.....
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7

Awake early. Shuttle dropped me off at Unicoi Gap at 9:30.Was raining pretty steady. As you can see Iam not a pretty hiker. But a dry one. Rain ed most of the day. I couldn't believe the mud. Could nt hike on the trail, mud would come in your shoes.. NASTY... Pushed hard some steep climbs. Checked weather near the end. Forecast was for more rain.snow &temps to drop and winds to increase. Got to Dicks Creek Gap I ask the Lord to help. It was 6:30.A very sweet and friendly family were about to leave. Could nt believe it. In 45min. I was taken back to motel and then to my favorite restaurant. Walked out of restaurant after gorging my self. Got a ride from 2nd car. Luckily Spider had taken a zero. Red Foxx had come in but they made room for me. I prayed for the family who help ed me out and all the rest who are praying for me. The trail is a wonderful place to be
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Hiawassee Ga

To: Hiawassee Ga
Miles today: 0.0

Woke to blowing heavy snow and bitter cold. We all took a zero. They say that there's 4in up in the mts. Went back to Ga Mt. Restaurant again. I've gained weight. Most all are held up. Spider & Red Foxx want to start again in the morning. Iam undecided... The trail is gonna be iced Gonna pray about it. Another blessed day. God Bless.,. ...
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Hiawassee Ga

To: Haiwassee Ga
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Snowy an windy again. Heard there's 4-7" of snow on the trail. Spider and Red Foxx left anyway I just didnt think it's safe. Took another zero , an glad I did Had a lot of small chores to do. Main item was to add another sternum belt to the pack. Hasn't been riding comfortable as it should. All clothes are washed and ready. While out I ran intoStupid Morris the cat Ryan,Cookin and Woodstock. I through they would after 2 zero s an 1 nero when I came in early Fri. For knee A nero is when you come in town after hiking only part of a day. What a beautiful surprise I got when I returned with my supplies. I could nt believe it. At my door was Nutella an the 2 German s I started at Amicalola with. Nuttella gave me a big hug and said she had some thing for me. She had carried my hat for 66.4 mis.I I really think a lot of her I was sure she was off the trail by now. She had started with over 40# and was struggling. She's tuff. I met her parents too. They were nice ,mother even hiked the 604 steps with us the first day.Nuttella said she had sent 13# home to Kansas at Nells Gap.Tried to get them to stay but they moved on.I'll catch them soon. Finished chores and happy. Will shuttle back to trail at 9:00 tomorrow morning Looking forward to SNOW WIND and WET FEET. Would nt wanna be anywhere else. Thank you ll for the prayers...
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Haiwassee Ga

To: Standing Indian Shelter 
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Late start. Shuttle let me and 15 other hikers and 1 dog off at Dicks Creek Gap .I caught up to Nuttella with her two girl friends. Chirsty an OWF w her dog.Pic of them near Ga Nc state line. Also saw Breeze & Joe Cool w her friend Plan B.an others. Most stopped early. All shelters were over full.Snow deep I have a 3 season tent. I kelp pushing till i got to Standing Indian Shelter where it was bitter cold w wind blowing. Hands and feet were almost numb.Ate and in the bag.Another day on the AT .
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Standing Indian Shelter 

To: Long Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

So cold this morning I didn't leave shelter till after 9.Birdman a 2010 thru hiker said not to try to make it to Albert Mt. That I would be in 2' of snow. I had no choice. All shelters were full. Oh yea. My shoes were frozen solid when I put them on this morning. Still having a good time. These Mts are beautiful plus STEEP...... Made it all the way to Long Branch shelter. Its new and very clean. Met Pathfinder an Buttercup, She has a journal but I haven't read ityet. Thanks for the prayers, I can feel them working. There was very little snow when I got to Albert Mt. Tower. Were good views but I took a bad pic.Another good day on the AT (Also met Sycamore at Long Branch shelter)
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Long Branch Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap 
Miles today: 7.3

Spider and Red Foxx were a day ahead of me. They invited me to stay with them in Franklin if I wanted. Hiked slow this morning. Got in town about noon. Town is putting on a hikers bash. When I got to the motel they had a spot for me on the floor.Said 2 in each bed & 6 on the floor. I can tell you one thing ,There won't be much sleeping done at that motel. Texted Sycamore. He splite room with me, but he has gone to the party himself now. Lets of partying going on. Spider said he was gonna hike with me tomorrow. We'll see. Got a text from my lovely daughter Brandy today plus a friend who helped me train on Old Rag. Her and her husband an family are good friends. It makes me feel good to hear from others. Another good day on the AT. Happy Easter everyone. Remember, He died for our sins.And He didn't have to..... It's hikers midnight 9:00..Goodnight
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Winding Stair Gap 

To: Cold Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good breakfast then hitched to Walmart. Blue Eyes &wife gave me a ride. He will be SoBo later. Then hitched to Winding Stair Gap. Spider was there ready to go. He did great even after a late night. Ran into trail magic about 5 mis in.I had 2 hotdogs a boiled egg an a banana. Was very good. The trail is a MESS.....4 " Mud or snow or snow or mud.We still had a good day Mts seem to be getting steeper but the.body is getting stronger.A good day on the AT.. Nite....
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Cold Spring Shelter 

To: Swim Bald
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Rained all night long. Didn't leave til 9:00 again all equipment is damp.Spider speed away. I try to be safe in the mud and snow. The good thing about the rain is it melted most all of the snow. Temperature was in the 50s.I passed him about noon then he caught back up Got to the NOC about 2;30 both purchased our permits to hike in the GSMNPthey cost us $20 each. Had them faxed to us Ate the biggest sandwich I've ever eaten in my life We both felt good Decided to hike on even though rain was moving in.Can't believe we hiked up that Mt 5.3 mis in less than 3 hrs.The rain started as it got dark and sit up our tents Another good day on the trail God is with us. The sun has only shined one day since I started. Oh well. He's in control One day at a time. Passed my bed time Nite
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Spring MT.Shelter 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Trouble and her dog Milky for a while ,she couldn't control it.She let it destroy our only water source .Then meet up with City Slicker. Big young guy named wearing a nice dress hat.Said he was yoyoing.Started last Oct SoBo. Hiked to Ga and turned around and is now hiking back to Maine. My knee is still hurting. Hoping to get well soon.My son is gonna send me my maps. He's been a great help.I couldn't do this without him and Kim from PPT.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Cable Gap Shelter 

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Another good day. Got to Fontana Dam shelter about 11:00 &found out we had passed main road to our food supply. But God was with us. Risky an Diet Coke drove us down to the village, said she would come back and return us to the trail in 1.5hrs that gave us time to supply and wash an dry all clothes eat and resupply. Then took us back with Risky an Crazy Frog who is from the Short Pump area back home. Saved a lot of time by not going into town. Also got a shower. Feels good to be clean again. Another good day on the trail. I miss everyone. Its hikers midnight. No service again, plus its starting to rain. Nite
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Derrick Knob 
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Rain stopped during the nite Got going at 8:30 not to bad when packing wet equipment The Smokies are tuff long inclines & declines.Not sure I have enough food to make it thru the Smokies to Davenport GapThird nite of no service Bat is almost dead from the cold.Below freezing again last night. God Bless and good night to all
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Derrick Knob 

To: Clingmans Dome town to east 
Miles today: 10.3

Rained hard all nite. Layed in tent listen to the rain till 10:30.Then went ahead and packed everything up in the rain. It was windy and pouring plus it was bitter cold. Put Subway bags on feet and left Gloves, back, and shoes were wet in 15 min.The trail is a MESS. Only in the GSMNP horses are allowed to use the AT. At 10mis.in about 6;00oclock I was worried that I had made abig mistake. The trail was a sheet of ice. Climbing to Clingmans Dome had to be in the teens Heavy wind, trees covered with ice feet and hands wet Not a soul at the Dome. Then walked and prayed the half mile down to the parking lot. There I saw one car. Three nice young foreign youths were taking pics of the clouds we were in.God answered our prayers. They drove me down to Gatlinburg where I washed clothes an self then to KFC.Would like to thank the person who motivates me daily by a text she sent me. JUST KEEP WALKING. Just knowing people care keeps me going. Thanks for the prayers. God is in control. Iam not worried. I know Spring will be here soon,then it should be easier. Its passed my bedtime. Nite
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Clingmans Dome town to east 

To: Newfoundland Gap 
Miles today: 7.7

Ate good at a AYCE Restaurant. Started hitch hiking late. 11:15.Walked a few miles then the Dutchman took me to the trail. Such a nice Christian man.Didn't start til 1:45.On the way down from Dome Sunshine an family offered me trail magic. When I got to Newfoundland Gap Bernie Beth were giving out trail magic. Spider was with them. It's a good thing I went back cause I went to renew my tags on my truck, itsthen I found that I had lost my debit card. Went back to the AYCE Restaurant. Thank God they had it.A lesson well learned. Bernie an Beth Fixed everyone chilly over rice them fresh apple pie then took Spider And I to the grocery store. Crazy Frogg said I could share her room. Very nice young lady from Va Tech who lives in the Short Pump area. Another good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Newfoundland Gap 

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Some how Crazy Frogg an I were late for Bernie to take us back to the trail. There wasn't enough room in the truck. Said he would come back and get us Each trip was at least 32 miles. I was gladWe went back to the AYCE Restaurant again. Bernie and Beth dropped us off at 10:10.She's fast I made it to Tri-Corner Knob,it was muddy and wetI fell a few times.Twisted ankle but not to bad .She went to the next shelter. She's a 3 miles an hour hikerThere arnt many of them.It was cold snowy and muddy. 5900ft
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Tri-Corner Knob

To: Davenport Gag
Miles today: 14.8

Got started at 8:00 More ice snow mud and cold wind. Sore ankle made me slow and cautious. I missed a turn an went a extra 1.2 miles Oh well. About 3:30 I turned my ankle againSoaked in a spring for a while. Bottom of foot has been hurting for a few days also. They say something is always gonna be hurting. Only 1 more mile in the GSMNP. Glad to exit. You can only sleep in shelters or in tent at the shelters.Another good day on the AT
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Davenport Gag

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked half the day with Back Track. Stopped by a beautiful hostel. Standing Indian. Ate lets of food. You can buy anything you want there. And I mean anything. Even had a ankle brace that Kim said to get. Do glad to get out of the GSMNP.Now I can sleep any where I please. Think I need to take a zero. Right knee is getting sore. Another good day on the AT
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Brown Gap

To: Max Patch Rd SR 1182
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Felt good to awake in my tent with the sun shining. Camped near Snail & TurtleAn older couple from Germany. This is there second attempt. Also near Sparky and his 21 yr old daughter from Iowa. I started off feeling pretty good. Then right knee began to hurt. Took a Vit 1 .30 min. later I took another. By the time I reached Max Patch Rd I knew I could nt climb Max Patcht.I know God is with me. Very few people travel these back roads. The 4 car took me all the way to Hot Springs. Meet Obie at a restaurant. She offered to let me share her room for 15.00.She is from Ca. She also has a leg problem. Went to outfitters and got insoles for feet. Alwsys late gave me his brace since he's getting off. Lots are quitting.Outfitter said they would shuttle me back to Max Patch for $60.00.Then a local man came by. Always Late ask him about taking me back .Can you believe itHe said he would take me back Thursday for free at 8:00.It's been 15 day's since the last zero I must slow down and listen to Kim and my body. Gonna soak in the hot springs tomorrow.This is a lovely hostel Laughing Heart Lodge. Sitting in a breeze on a porch watching to young people . Crazy Frogg is playing a guitar and singing to Beacon.She song one song about her dad who http://www.MyWawaVisit.com/?QR=True ://www.MyWawaVisit.com/?QR=True away Las Feb.Shes taking this semester off from Va Tech to sort thing's out. She plays and sings good. She's from the Short Pump area.God has blessed us with another good day. Goodnight
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

What a great hostel. Laughing Heart Lodge here in Hot Springs NC.is great. Obie who is from San Diego CA.Meet Spider for breakfast. Obie went to a Doc to see whats wrong with her feet. Doc said she needsto rest them. I called my friend Kim, She told me do the samething.Plus go and lay in the hot springs and alternate every 15min ice then the hot spring.I did and really made a big difference. Feels like I could hike tomorrow. But Kim said to wait another day. Going back to the Hot springs again tomorrow. The gentlemen who was gonna take me to Max Patch Rd called to say he had to take care of something else. Oh well he was very apologetic about it. God will provide a way. All my friends will be any where from 20 to 40 miles ahead of me Fri when I get back out.But Ill probabaly be with the ones I started with. That's okay. Just another day on the trail. God Bless......
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

A very lovely day, was nice with a warm breeze. Most all friends have moved on. But new ones are coming in all the time. Tigger Chuck Norris former thru hikers 2007 I Think.Would also like to thank Chuck Mark who helps out here. He's on vacation from UPS.He took me to the spa yesterday and today plus tonight to a covered dish supper.GOOD FOOD... Believe it or not I've gained weight. Rain tonight but pretty tomorrow. I will be slackpacking tomorrow Only 10 lbs Will be easy on the body. We'll see... God Bless. The trees are blooming,Very pretty.... Night...
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Max Patch Rd SR 1182

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 20.5

A good day. Diet Coke and I left at 5:30 this morning. Such a fine lady. Rain & fog Right knee is a little better thanks to Kim. The climbing was okay but the down hill really hurt. Wind blow pack cover away. Went back and found it. Didnt have a view from Max Patch. It was to early plus there was rain wind and fog. Still a good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring MT.Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0

Washed all socks and shirts and pants last night. Wasn't dry this morning. Decided to let the knee rest. Went to laundry mat for a dryer. Also ate a good breakfast Chuck Mark bought breakfast plus he gave me a steak to eat last night. Didn't leave Hot Springs till 1:00.Still made pretty good time. 11 miles in 5.5 hrs.Hiked off and on with Candypants,a 20 something yr old from Alabama. What a name for a hiker. Knee is better, still won't let me go down hills like I'd like to. I'm sure if I listen to Kim all is gonna be okay. 7:45 going to sleep.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Spring MT.Shelter 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4

Hiked with Trouble and her dog Milky for a while. She couldn't control her.She let it destroy our only water source.Then meet up with City Slicker. Hes yoyoing.No-So then So-to No. A cool dude wearing a dress hat. Knee is still hurting. Hopefully it will get well soon. Son is gonna send me my maps. He's been a great help. I couldn't do this without him and Kim from P P T.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Hogback Ridge 

To: Whistling Gap 
Miles today: 13.6

Hiked another day with Diet Coke and Blackhawk. Navigator was very sick. He throw up in the nite Plus some one had gotten sick before we got there. There are 3 girls who are very sick here too.I've caught a cold. Hopefully it's not the virus. Iam slowing down to let my knee catch up. Probably gonna take a zero or two in Erwin. Erwin has a AYCE KFC.HAPPY.....