morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-10
To: Beautiful Day in PA
Miles today: 0.0

I was amazed by the day we had today in PA. I had planned an eight mile hike with a full pack including water, fuel and food for 7 days. I put on a pair of light wear pants and a turtleneck and I was set to go. The blustery day made for a great hike. My pack weighed in at 35 pounds. To make a comparison... It was like carrying the weight of an extra large bag of Purina dog chow on my back. After 8 miles I was tired and my feet were talking at me. Yes I said talking to me! They said,¢ SIT DOWN BLUE BIRD, YOUR KILLIN US!" I took my pack off and felt like I was levitating from the loss of weight. My body did well under the strain, my feet, however are sore. Judging from what I've read in other journals...this goes with the territory.After a hot bath and a nice glass of wine on the deck, I felt great. I realize that setting up a tent and rolling a sleeping back out on the hard ground will soon replace these after hike luxuries. Advil will replace Vino. Shelters will replace decks; cause 'Dorothy, you won't be in Kansas anymore!'
Date: 2006-03-15
To: 4 Days
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday the 11th of March, Rod surprised me with a Happy Hiking Party. I was, indeed, taken by surprise. Good friends and well-wishers rounded up for an early send off celebration. Rod had me believing the potato salad he made the night before was for the guys coming over on Sunday to help clear out the woods behind the house. I admit I was clueless. Rod got me good. I had a great time and was touched by the fact that Rod had invited a nice mix of old and new friends as well as my adult children's (Sarah and Jack) friends. My sister Dot, who section hikes the AT with me, her companion Jack, my 74 year old mom Sally and her companion Don were also there. My buddy Deb McNeil brought an AT (GA to ME) cake. Carrot cake with cream cheese icing...one of my favorites. Deb's daughter Sammy brought me a very special angle pin. It's already on my pack for the trip Sammy! 4 days to go... I had to edit my ETA (estimated time of arrival) on my mailings today and finish packing up odds and ends for storage.It's 11:01 pm and I am hitting the sack. Full day tomorrow. Nightoooo!
Date: 2006-03-19
To: Journey (AT 2003)
Miles today: 0.0

As I write this, Bluebird is heading south on Amtrak from Harrisburg, PA. She is due to arrive Monday morning in Gainsville and taxi to Amicalola.We had a great phone conversation last night and I could hear the excitement in her voice as we went over last minute details. She was still undecided on whether or not to do the approach trail. My recommendation to her was to skip it. No need to add 8 killer miles and the weight of a day's worth of food to her back when the miles don't count. In a few days we'll find out what she decided to do.I don't know Bluebird personally, we met here on trailjournals, but she feels like a trail sister already. Those of you that have experienced the trail know exactly what I mean. She's gutsy, has a good sense of humor, and lots of support from home. I think she has what it takes to go all the way to Katahdin.The next journal entry will come from Bluebird, through me. This is almost as exciting as being on the trail myself! Bluebird has flown the nest....you go sister~Journey
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Okay, it's coldy, coldy, coldy. It's like raining and I burnt myself trying to cook my food, while standing on my freezing cold, screaming for mercy feet. I managed to fix my meal and a cup of hot watery chocolate. Hey it was hot. Now, I am thankful it waited to pour rain till I got to the shelter. It was a windy, misty cold hike from Amacalola Falls Park up to the AT Summit. I was encouraged to see blue blazes go white. I can not tell a lie...this is HARD. The accent was steep and put my out of shape body to the extreme test, but I made my goal for today, Springer Mountain Shelter. Lots of tired cold folks here and I believe two of them have already decided to call it a day. For me it's just the first day, AND tomorow is another day. Time for some zzzzzzzzzzzz's
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike proved to be far easier a trek than yesterday. Amicalola to Springer was an accent of 2082 ft. Today's hike was a down hill extravaganza then a 730 ft. accent..anyway it felt like I lost my legs 2/3 of the way. I should be called Turtle instead of Bluebird.Tonight the shelter is full and tents abound. I built a fire for everybody...they were very happy.It is still very cold, but the rain stopped today and the sun gave us a short reprieve.There are four deaf students on the trail with me. One reads lips a little and I exchanged names. The fellow that reads lips is Johnathan, the girls name is Tina, and the two other guys are Everet & Jeremy. Johnathan is going to teach me to sign 3 leters a day. Soooooo Coooool.Lots of baby boomers at startup, at least 7 are in the shelter tonight. Go Boomers!Tomorrow I'll be treking to Gooch Mountain Shelter. 7.3 miles It doesn't look to bad, but my 53 year old legs don't like carrying 42 pounds up hill.Everyone has been so helpful. My filter is being a pain. I'll have to buy a new one at Neels Gap. Whatever.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

Oh what a glorious day it was for hiking. Hiked all day with Beth (trail name still unknown) Beth is also a trailjournal.com gal. I find her pace is perfect for me and her company, while walking, entertaining and insightful. She helped me pick out a load of stuff I don't need to lighten my bag. I'll be sending it home from Neels Gap. So many great folks here tonight from all over: Lancaster, England, FL, MN, TN, NC,we have a few section hikers and the rest are planning to go the distance.It will be a couple days till I can send my journal to 'Journey'...no signal up in these here hills!
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Gooch Mt. Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

AUGH! I can not believe I walked this far today, 12+ miles of GA mountains. I walked with Beth again. We left the 1st shelter at 8:30 am and got to Woods Hole Shelter by 5:30 pm, that was 7 hours of hiking with a 1 hour lunch. I don't believe either of us would have been able to make the shelter if we had walked alone. Tomorrow we tackle 'Blood Mountain' 4461 ft. then stop at Neels Gap to lighten our packs of things we don't need and mail home. Oh yah, showers and laundry day....I can hardly wait. Miles tomorrow are only 4.7, but this is the highest Mt. in GA and the accent is 1210 ft. in less than half the distance. By the time I'm done with this trek, I'll be able to cut (excuse) snap trees down with me legs.I's snowing tonight, quite lovely.Tooooooooo Bed. Sweet Dreams journal readers.Bluebird feels light snow angel
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

When we hit the bags real early last night, it was 18 degrees and the snow was falling. We woke to a 2 inch blanket of white. My new hiking buddy Beth and I were in no hurry to start. It was short hike to Neels Gap and the outfitters for resupply. I needed to purchase a new water filter...mine is caputz! Nice little chunk of money to keep from getting water born germy things. The hike today took us over Blood Mountain. It was slow going in the snow, but not as difficult as I expected. I must be buffing up. The hostle was full at Neels Gap (lots of frozen hikers checking in to thaw) We were shuttled to a place down the road called Goose Creek Cabins run by Keith Baily and his family. They are great folks. They took a bunch of us to The Riverside Restaurant, for a dinner of BBQ Ribs, FINGER LICKIN GOOD!!Thanks Mandy and Jeremy, you guys are GREAT! At the table we had Greg and his wife Kathy, Billy Goat, Beth, Coop, Terminator (from Norway) & yours truely.Now to the stuff that makes you think.I have made so many new friends, all as excited as the next as they started the AT. Already some have decided to call it a day or have had to go home. Dennis, we'll miss you and thanks from all who shared your donated mailing at Neels Gap. Kay, you are in our thoughts and prayers as you return home to have your heart checked. Long Portage we'll be waiting to hear from you. Let us know how your knee fairs. I'll get your maps back to you from your mailings as promised. This experience is only 4 days old and it has run the gambet of emotion.It is physical, but it is also mental and spiritual. It is hard to see people leave...because in their leaving, you realize your own vunerability.I believe now, that it will be a rare and wonderful privilege if I make it to Maine, reqiring a marvelous touch of grace. Thank you everyone who has encouraged me. Pray for all the dreamers on the AT.Thanks,Your PA Bluebird
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Neels Gap

To: Wildcat Mountain
Miles today: 6.0

My stay at Neels Gap was a good experience. The outfitter there helped me get my pack down by 10 pounds. They then weighed my full pack and it was 42 pounds. I've been carrying an over fifty pound pack.Am I a beast of burden, or what?I liked last night's shower so much, I got up and had another one this morning. I did not sleep well though and with my pack shake-down in the morning, did not get back on the trail till noon today. I wanted to get to low gap shelter but the sun was starting to dip in the west, so Beth and I decided to put in along the path. Two other hikers are below us. We are tenting at what looks like the summit of Wildcat Mtn.It has a beautiful view of the mountain, but it is bone chilling cold. it's late and I'm ready to bury myself in my bag.Will try to make up some miles tomorrow.Bluebird with a frozen beak
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Wildcat Mountain

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Started: Wildcat Mtn. 8:00amFinished: Blue Mtn. Shelter 6:00pmSleeping:TentMiles: 11.8A very long COLD night on top of Wildcat Mtn. We woke to below freezing temperatures and broke camp as quickly as we could. Did not fix breakfast, to cold. I ate a Poptart while hiking. It's the only way to warm up, walk and walk now!It remained cold all day, but the sun was out and the sky was blue. PERFECT hiking day.Had lunch at Low Gap Shelter then pushed on to Blue Mtn Shelter. 11.8 miles, the last 4 miles were a killer. Beth was exhausted after we put up our tents and went to bed without fixing a hot meal. I HAD TO EAT! Today I saw a large yellow & black butterfly and a what I believe was a salamander. Beth thought she saw something move in the leaves and there the little bugger was!Hey, I got to end now, my hands are frozen.
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Started: Blue Mtn. Shelter 10:00amFinished: Tray Mtn. 4:15pmSleeping: ShelterMiles: 7.7Today was an exceptional day for hiking. We woke to hear that a bear is hibernating in the Whitley Shelter, that is the shelter we didn't go to because it is 1 mile off the trail. A gal that goes by Spagetti-o's saw a baby bear up at Blue Mtn. Shelter on Saturday. That makes two missed bear sightings for me...bummer. Left for Tray Mtn. Shelter at 10:00am. Stopped for lunch at Indian Grave Gap. Did two monster mountains and staggered into Tray Mtn. Shelter at 4:15 pm.Got to hike without coats, hats & gloves today, but the sun has gone down and we once again enter the deep freeze.Wild flowers are starting to bloom and the Rhododendron are beginning to bud on the sunny side of the moutains.Lunched at Indian Grave Gap...that is not a restaurant.Sporting a sore throat. Seems to be worse at night when it's cold. I'll get drugs when I get to Hiawassee tomorrow.Talked to Butterfly Mama today about walking for The Hershey Company, CMN fundraiser. She was a neonatal nurse in Abaliene, TX. Good trail magic today. Angela & Evelyn took all our trash and gave us water. It was great. Now,to all a good night!
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:Tray Mtn. Shelter 7:30amFinished:Dick's Creek Gap 2:30PMSleeping:Hotel-Holiday Inn ExpressMiles: 10.6 Miles.Taking a lunch break after crawling over Kelty Knob. Lord what a climb, up in the clouds! The decent was cold and putting this is my journal already has my fingers numb. Three miles to the road and a ride to the hostel & a hot shower. I am looking forward to this.Well, change of plans...Blueberry Patch is filled. We picked up our packages and headed to the Holiday Inn Express. Got 'Long Portage's mailing from the front desk and divided up the booty with Beth and other hikers.When our clothes are dry we're heading to Rite Aid. I need to refill my persciptions and make CD's of my digital pictures to send to 'journey'for my journal. Plan to hit a steakhouse for a good meal.Okay the photo machine was shut off 'til tomorrow at 10:00 AM and the meal was below average, but I did enjoy the salad. Green and crisp.Now to answer emails and do a little mending. A hiker's day is never done.   ------------------------------
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Campsite before GA/NC border
Miles today: 7.5

Started: Dick's Creek Gap 12:10 amFinished: Somewhere near the North Carolina/Georgia Border 5:45pm   Sleeping: TentMiles: 7.5 Miles,I thinkThe weather on this hike is like my life, everchanging. Today was glorious. Temperatures sored to 67 degrees. All I wore to hike was my black, long sleeve silk top and my stretch Patagonia shorts. I was still sweating bullets. We planned to hike to a campsite about 6.6 miles from Dick's Gap. For some reason the site was not marked clearly (none of the usual signs like Campsite or Water) & we shot passed it for who knows how many miles. As near as we can figure, we're real close to the Georgia/North Carolinia Border. Beth & I found an old camping spot and put in for the night. We have no water, so we ate beef jerky and dried fruit, some cheese and almonds. When it was time to hang our food to keep it from the bears, I realised I'd sent home the wrong piece of nylon rope in an effort to lighten my pack. I had tarp length rope that only allowed me to put our food bags just over my head, some 30 feet from our tents. Geez!Now I am going to add a small paragraph each journal entry about gear and Neels Gap Outfitter's shake down of my pack. we'll call it:Bluebird Reports: When purchasing gear for long distance hiking, go-lite is the word. I purchased a titanium pot with a lid to replace my aluminum pot. It saved a few ounces but a few ounces here and there, quickly adds up to pounds.Also, I just wanted to tell everyone who has signed my journal site, thank you. They are very encouraging and I read all of them. I am once again to bed in my tent. Sore throat is all better. NyQuil, the miracle elixer. Oh, saw what I think was a wood grouse today, also a baby snake & a tiny blue butterfly! Ah, Spring...
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Campsite before GA/NC border

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Started: Somewhere near the North Carolina/Georgia Border 7:20amFinished:Standing Indian Shelter, NC 3:35pm Sleeping:Shelter Miles:8.6 MilesTotal Milesw/approach trail) 91.9 2:00am Friday morning:I believe that everything I have experienced, in the small breath of my existance, has brought me to this place. I belong here. It loves me as much as I love it. This is good. Bluebird Reports: Always check gear before leaving for hiking destination. On my 1st day out I found that my Mini Katadyn water filter was clogged. The outfitter was out of ceramic inserts for my filter so I had to purchase a new system to purify my water. I chose a Sweetwater Purifier. Easy to use and light weight. I considered tablets (less weight & bulk in my pack) but was concerned about waters taste after treatment)Stopped for Breakfast in Bly Gap at 8:00am. Stopped for lunch, met up with Hey Now & Ruschour at the Muskrat Shelter.Got into Standing Indian Shelter at about 3:35 and immediately got water. I soaked my feet in the creek while I worked with my filter. Ruschhour, Pumpkin and Prairie Sky are here at the shelter with Beth (Lonestar) & me. Warnings posted about pack stealing bears. Where's my camera!
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:Standing Indian Shelter 7:50amFinished:Betty Creek Gap 2:45pmSleeping: Tent Miles: 11.3 MilesTotal Miles AT: 94.4(w/approach trail) 103.2 We woke up in a cloud this am. Very foggy, but it moved off quickly as we hiked out. I am amazed at how strong my body feels. It's been only 11 days since I started the approach trail leading to Springer Mtn. Summit and the start of the AT. Walking for six to ten hours, with more than 40 pounds on you back, is like over-kill at your local gym. We started with a 7.6 mile hike planned and ended up doing 11.3 miles. We ran into Pumpkin at the Carter Gap Shelter at 12:45pm and decided to go another 4 miles. Actually, Lonestar (Beth) the trail Nazi, made us go. You vill go....and you vill like it!!!Now crippled and lying in my tent I bring you, Bluebird Reports:On Hiker's under garmentsAlthough your mama has told you the importance of clean underwear...AT protocol breaks all the rules. Remember less is more and no matter how you cut it...you will get dirty on this ride. The outfitter suggested I send 3 pair of cotton (cotton is a no-no) underwear home and replace them with no more than 2 pair of light weight patagonia undies. I was to keep my silks (pants and long sleeve top) undergarments and send 2 sports bras home...I only needed one. My three pair of smartwool socks were right on. Tomorrow we'll talk outer wear! Ya!      Oh yah, it's starting to rain now. I'm glad I sealed the seams on this tent and coated it with a rainguard. I was told my Texsport model was known to leak. So far so good. I regret that I have not had an opportunity to sketch since I started the trail. I have taken some pictures for the specific purpose of working them up at a later date. For the time being, my hiking, journal and reading are taking a priority.To bed or bail water...that is the question...was that thunder...?
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Wallace Gap-Old US 64
Miles today: 9.1

Started:Betty Creek Gap 7:40amFinish:Walace Gap Old US 64 2:25pmSleeping:Haven Budget Inn HotelMiles:9.1 MilesTotal Miles AT:103.5(w/approach trail)112.3Today was a stellar AT day. I woke up in a puddle, the guy at the Neel's Gap outfitter was correct. The Texport tent I have is worthless in the rain. The rain protector and seam sealer worked great on the tent, but The zipper leaked buckets.We decided to bypass our planned shelter stop, do some extra miles and head for Franklin a day early, pick up our bounce box and dry out. We had only gone two miles when we ran into 'Trail Magic' heaven. It was like a trail-side cafe, with an RV, huge tents, chairs, tables. The fire pit had a suspended 36" full size saw blade for a griddle. These trail angels had been out there, just off US 67 forest road since March 15th, serving up pancakes, eggs, coffee & God knows what else to thru hikers, for over two weeks. They've been doing this every year for the past three years. Their group is made up of thru hiker alumni...there's Gatorade, Fishin Fred, Timber Pixie, Pilgrim, Kieth, Mala and Jesse. Great people, good people! We saw another baby snake today and Lonestar, the tral nazi says, "You vill not poke zee snake vith your treking pole!" Geez. After a two hour wait for our shuttle in Wallace Gap, we took a ride with Mala, from the trail magic camp, to Haven, Budget Inn. We pulled our wet gear out to dry, took showers and, while waiting to get a ride to go eat at a Hiker's parking lot picnic, got a cast off pizza from Domino's and ate the whole thing. I have become a bttomless pit!We had the added joy of finding our friends who are deaf. They were staying at the hotel where the picnic was held. Lots of hugs and smiles. Back now at the hotel with a zero day planed for tomorrow. I plan to wash everything I have, hit the local outfitter for a new tent and let my sore body heal. Bluebird Reports: Outerwear, again no cotton. Precip Jacket & Pants, one long & one short sleeve shirt, one pair of hiker shorts. That is all. I sent home a pair of fleece pants & a theramal long sleeve top. I choose to keep my fleece jacket & I'm glad I did.All my daily information done. I am convinced I will be changed by this experience, in a very postive way.Goodnight
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Haven Budget Inn

To: Haven Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Started:Finish:Sleeping:Haven Budget Inn HotelMiles:0 MilesTotal Miles AT:103.5(w/approach trail)112.3Iching to get back on the trail... Today was my first zero day since starting the trail. Last evening I woke up and my body felt like it had been hit by a frieght train. Lonestarhad a simular experience. It was like once our minds told our bodies we might zero, our bodies told us how bad they needed the day off.Spent the day cleaning gear and clothes, mending, shopping for supplies, etc. Ate at a steak house and came back to read an answer as many emails as I could, I love getting emails when I get off the trail. Keep em comin!Tomorrow it's to the post office & outfitters then back to the trail. We have a little over 6 miles to get under our belts and hope to leave just before noon. Mala (local trail character & alumnus) said he'd shuttle us around and then back to the trail. He has been great...a God send. They're calling for thunderstorms in the morning...we're hoping they pass over tonight and are on thier way out before we leave Franklin..Hoping the CMN Fundraiser is going well for The Hershey Company. Had a fellow in an Ingles Market here in Franklin tell me to buy Hershey's Dark Chocolate Bars for the trail. Good source of endorphines! You tell em NC. Bluebird reports: On the subject of tents. You already know mt Texport disaster...well most of the trail junkies here in Franklin said to purchase a one man, MSR, Huba tent.They also have a 2 man Huba Huba tent and a larger tent called the Mother Huba. Okayyyyy. FYI - Very easy set up. The rain cover is separate from the body of the tent which holds in heat duriing cooler temps and, of course, repells rain. The rain cover, when removed, exposes the body of the tent which is close to 3/4 netting, excellent for summer use, lets air in, keeps the bugs out. It has a side entry and vestible to store and cover your pack. Good for cooking in rainy conditions. Oh yah,lots of center head room when sitting up. Perfect! Best of all it's under $200.00 and ultalite. Less weight...Ya!