morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well 12 more days to go before departure. In looking through journals it seems that almost everyone is in a state of limbo waiting to get going. So far this past week has been the worst as far as the waiting aspect, although everything seems to have fallen into place. Still have to pack and unpack my pack several more times just to make sure there will be no suprises when I get going. I'm still debating a few more items of clothing but most everything else is a go. Mail drops have all been completed, right or wrong we'll live with them. I'm sure that I'll have opportunities to make adjustments as I progress north. Been checking in on the weather in the springer mountain area, days seem to be in the low 50s and the nights low 30s I can live with these temps as long as we don't get hit by non-stop rain or ice storms. Darwin had his fill of this kind of weather while in the southern mountains. Well, got to get ready for a little get together tonite, seems a group wants to throw me a be-lated birthday party combined with a send off party, should be interesting. More later, TA TA.
Date: 2006-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

NINE more days to departure. The party went real well I survived with no after effects, behaved myself. A few others might not be able to say that. I left after about 4 hours, and things were going pretty crazy. I'm sure things went into the wee-hours. Not much else to report at this time just waiting for the go signal. Still fine tuning a few things more out of boredom than out of need. I'm sure there will be something that will pop up at the last minute, its just fate. Considering taking a couple items off of the emergency necklace that I was presented it could be used in case of snake bite. I'll probably get on one or two more times for any up dates, stay tuned its getting close.
Date: 2006-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well its nearly go time only 6 days. Found out today that my pacer poles were shipped from England on 26th of January. Hope I get them before departure. Its not an item thats going to alter my plans any. The only glitch I can see right now might be in getting any needed medication at the right time. Refills might pose a minor problem. Been picking up final things like batteries, food items, etc. I really had not planned on being as busy as I am my last week however, like I've said before things pop up that were not on the agenda. Should be back on for one more journal prior to departure. Ta, Ta.
Date: 2006-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi to all: Well judgement day has arrived. I've talked the walk now its time to walk the walk. There's no way that I can thank the many people who have made this journey possible and who have supported me through all the months of planning and preparation. I will be leaving home in the A.M. via the sourthern wilberness taxi provided by Darwin, my son. After a brief stay in Charlottesville, Va. we'll continue on to Georgia on friday. The journey should begin on sunday Feb.12th although I'll be signing in on Springer on the 11th if all goes well. To all who have gone before me and to all who will follow, HAPPY TRAILS, look for PEACEMAKER while on your journey. Love and happy hiking to all.
Date: 2006-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well the trip down to Charlettesville, Va. went real good. 7 hour trip. Darwin and I spent about 2 and a half hours going over equipment, end result, we're satisfied. Left Va. about 6:45 friday morning and arrived at Amicalola Lodge a little after 4pm. A long trip approx. 525mi., stopped by the visitor center on the way in, pack weight without water is at 37 lbs. not too bad. Saturday will be a rest day with a little sight seeing. Weather report is calling for some snow tonite but should not be enough to cause any problems for my start on Sunday. Temperature here on arrival was about 55 which is a good thing. Tonite at the lodge is all you can eat seafood buffet, sounds good.
Date: 2006-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just thought that I would practice a little. Got up about 7:30 went down and had the breakfast buffet. Afterward went out and took some pictures of the snow and the staff here at the lodge trying to build a snowman. Got about 2 or 3 inches. Hiked down to the top of the falls after eating. We then went down to the visitor center to sign in, weigh in, and take photos. Half way down there was no snow and the temp. was about 10 degrees warmer. They even took my picture there for them to post, signed into the guest book there also. Weather is not going to be the best but I'll manage. Should be a little colder and the wind is supposed to start up a little. It's amazing how just a 1000 feet in elevation changes the weather greatly.
Date: 2006-02-12
To: Springer Mountain Shelter, etc.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First Trail Journal written by "Darwin" - my son and ride to making my adventure of a life time a reality. We woke up early and peered out the windows of the Amicalola Lodge to see nothing but clouds and that more snow had fallen in the night. We checked out the Weather Channel for more information, but we didn't need the TV to tell us what we could see out the lodge windows: between an inch and two inches of wet, new snow. We enjoyed the lodge's breakfast buffet for one last time, returned to the room and packed out things. Peacemaker got into his hiking clothes and we filled his water bottles and did one last gear check. Everything was in order. We checked out of the Lodge and after cleaning the new snow off the car, we were rolling toward Springer Mountain at 8:25 a.m.Route 52 was mostly clear of snow and 9.2 miles west of the entrance of Amicalola Falls State Park we came to the Citgo station at Roy Road. We turned right onto Roy Road and proceeded to climb up hill and dale over some fairly slippery patches of road until we came to Doublegap Road, where we found some even more slippery spots. By the time we reached the right turn across from thechurch up the unpaved US Forest Service Road 42, there was an inch and a half of snow with which to cope. On USFS 42 there were two jeeps heading up the road. There was quite a steep hill just at the entrance to the road, and the jeeps were gunning their engines and spinning their wheels, testing their traction. Peacemaker and I had agreed ahead of time to go as far up the road toward Springer as we could, then he would walk from there. This is exactly what happened after we came up behind the jeeps after they had stopped in the road to make room for a passenager car that was trying to navigate the road. It turns out this car also held a hopeful thru hiker from Michigan who was trying to get up to Springer. I turned the car around in the wide spot of a bend in the road and while I did so, the car slid sickeningly down the sloped road toward the steep mountainside. Looks like this is as far as Peacemaker's ride was going to go. I popped the trunk and we got out and peacemaker saddled up and prepared to walk the six miles up to Springer Mountain. We wished each other well and I told him I'd see him up the trail. Peacemaker was more than ready to start his hike after literally years of planning and intensive preparation over the past half year. He started walking up the road, beginning his thru hike at 9:24 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006. I wish I could have walked up Springer with him, but I'm sure he'll savor the moment on his own. Every person who makes it to Springer Mountain in pursuit of this hiking dream is a success just for having the courage to reach that point. Every day on the trail after Springer Mountain is just icing on a cake that's already sweet and wonderful. I was pleased and honored to have helped Peacemaker start his amazing adventure and I know everybody wishes him all the best. Happy Trails, Peacemaker!
Date: 2006-02-12
From: Springer Mountain Shelter, etc.

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well things started off bad from the beginning when we awoke Sunday morning to find that it had snowed several more inches. The decision was made that we would attempt to get up the forest service road as far as we could and if need be it would be an easier walk up it then the approach trail itself. We made it about a half mile or so before we ran into another car that was unable to make it up ahead of us, and so the hike started at that point. After the 5 1/2 or 6 mile road walk on the ice and snow covered road we arrived at springer mt. parking lot. The car ahead also had a through hiker from Michigan, Mike Kocker not sure if spelling is right. We then hiked the 1.8 mile round trip up to Springer in a blizzard temp. at 30 degrees and about a 30 mph wind, needless to say we did not spend a long time on the mountain. After returning to the parking lot we continued on to Stover Creek Shelter for our first night. We had started out on the road about 9:30 and got to Stover Creek at about 3:30 with a total of around 9 or 9 1/2 mi. hike. Temp. on arrival was 26 degrees and went down to around 18 by morning. We had hiked in 6 inches to a foot of snow all day. The body seems to be holding up OK after day one.
Date: 2006-02-13
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Stover Creek Shelter at about 7:50 in the morning and arrived Hawk Mtn. Shelter at around 12 noon which was only a 5.1 mi. day which was fine with me but my hiking partner was upset that we were unable to do more. It seems that he had asperations of doing 20 mi. days the whole way. Sun came out shortly after we arrived which helped moral a great deal. The first night I had chicken and rice, day two was spagetti with meat sauce. Body still OK just tired no foot problems as yet, YAHOOO!
Date: 2006-02-14
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

We left Hawk Mountain Shelter at about 7:30 with a temp. of around 28. Much tougher day today although the temp. did get into the mid 50s by mid afternoon. Arrived at Gooch Mountain shelter at 2:45. Mike had hiked ahead and had decided to continue on alone, shows how fast I am. No one else at the shelter. Forgot to mention that I had met Braveheart and Messenger at Hawk Mountain Shelter when we had arrived there, just leaving as we arrived. Back to Gooch Mountain Shelter, a short time after I arrived Moy and Poy showed up, nice couple from Stone Mountain Ga. 2 hours later Gary showed up, had spent the night at Hawk Mountain with him.
Date: 2006-02-15
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Gooch Mtn. Shelter about 7:00am for what turned out to be a really tough day. Continuing to have middle back pain for some reason and today some really bad right knee pain. Plan on taking a zero day at Neels Gap to see if things get any better. Can't continue on with the pain. Total miles to date is 26.8.
Date: 2006-02-16
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: broken clouds

Left Woods Hole Shelter around 6:45 and had a hard 2 hour climb up Blood Mountain. Downside was even worse on the knees. Arrived at Neels Gap around 11am. Not too bad for an old guy. Ran into Braveheart and Messenger who had camped the night before out back. Will zero here for at least one day to see if the knees recover enough to continue. Back hurting will try to follow up with more later.
Date: 2006-02-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap-Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well its amazing what a day's rest will do for the body. Had a nice relaxing day. Winton here at the Neels Gap Hostel went through my pack and we lightened up about five more pounds and he also fitted me better so that hiking might be a little more enjoyable with a little less pain. Getting some pizza delivered tonite also buy the owner. Life can't get much better than that. Spent a bunch of money here though just eating, new knee braces, more food for the next for days, etc. It's amazing how much you can spend when your just sitting around doing nothing. To the guy who made fun of me starting out with two canes, get your gear and meet me out here when I get back up north, by then I'll teach you senior citizen survival in the wilds. A little side line story--it seems that Lonestar and Belgarian were camped out tenting it when out of no where down swooped a female Goose and started walking around Lonestar's tent apparently interested in his snoring which was so loud it had attracted the goose. Belgarian sat in his tent and just laughed as the scene unfolded. After a short time the goose left the area unfullfilled. Well thats about it for now waiting for the pizza to arrive and it will be back into the woods in the morning.
Date: 2006-02-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: snow

Left Neels Gap at about 7:15 and arrived Low Gap Shelter 3:30pm. Started raining a freezing rain about 9:30 and continued all day. At Hog Gap I met a group from an outdoor club who supplied me with fresh water and pointed me in the right direction. A short time later I ran into a boy scout group who had turned back because it was found that some of the boys did not have the proper equipment to survive in this type of weather. Further up the trail I ran into a thru-hiker from 2003 by the name of "Flutter-by". She was out for a practice hike to get ready for a 30 miler that Winton at Neels Gap is promoting sometime in mid March, non stop from Amacolola to Neels Gap, WOW. Upon arrival at Low Gap Shelter I found 3 weekenders just leaving and "Wayfarer" who had started from Amacolola on Feb 11. Rain, fog, and nasty cold. Just about dark a lone hiker and his dog arrived, they turned out to be "Trauma" and his dog "Yonni". It seems they were doing a hike from Quebec Canada south on the AT completing with the Florida trail, a winter winter hike at that they had left November 1. Yonni his dog a 3yr old saint bernard border collie mix had 13,000 trail miles so far and seemed to love it. Upon their arrival we found that our sleeping bags were getting extremely damp. This being caused by the thick fog blowing into the shelter. Wayfarer and I decided that we would set up our tents in the shelter to fend off some of the dampness, this would also help us keep a little warmer. Good nite for now.
Date: 2006-02-19
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap--Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to find that the tent idea partialy worked. Towards morning I found that a lot of the loft had gone out of my sleeping bag as a result of the moisture factor, I awoke quite chilly. We quickly broke camp saying our goodbys and heading off in our different directions. Trauma south bound, me north bound and wayfarer still thinking about fixing himself breakfast. The trail was frozen from all the rain and ice covered just about everything, the trail proved to be very slippery and required upmost concentration. During the day I passed two other section hikers and after a brief conversation we were again on our way. Heavy fog shrouded the mountains and was creating more ice to build up on the trees. This fog remained and obscurred all vision past a few feet. I decided as I approached Unicoi Gap that I would hitch a ride into Hiawassee rather than continue. Two reasons, one being the ice on the trees were causing limbs to break and fall at will and the other was that I was cold and not rely on my sleeping bag to get me safely through the nite. Caught a ride after waiting about 15 minutes and road the 11 miles into town in the back of a pick up truck at 55mph and a 35 degree temp. quite chilling. Got dropped off at the front door of the Hiawassee Inn. I plan on staying here at least 2 nites maybe more if weather gets worse. I'll regroup, recoop, and dry out. Upon arrival Ron, one of the owners, took me into his kitchen and had me eating stuffed cabbage, roast beef dinner and fresh coffee. After a shower, laundry was taken care of and now all is again right with the world. I even got to see the end of the Daytona 500, great. Until later, good nite all.
Date: 2006-02-20
From: Unicoi Gap--Hiawassee Inn

To: Hiawassee Inn-Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, how nice being in some place warm and dry again. Last nite I walked up front to SubWay and got a snack and some ice cream, boy what a treat. Got up this morning and had coffee and toast with Ron and Sam. Met a section hiker by the name of "Gung-Ho" who has two welch corgi's that she hikes with. She and I went out for some breakfast and a lot of trail talk. She is leaving around 10:00am to do another section of the trail for 2 or 3 days. Weather here was rainy and cold this am. Calling for rain today but partly clearing for Tuesday. Going to ride up when Ron drops off Gung-Ho for her hike so I can see what the weather looks like on the mountain. I think the weather will be good enough for me to make a slack pack attempt in the morning for the 16 miles needed to finish this section and get on towards the N.O.C on Thursday. Ron will supply the little pack, drop me off and pick me up later in the day. Suppose to rain again on Wednesday and clear a bit for Thursday and Friday which would give me a good start from here. I'll be sorry to leave. Was able to get pictures put on disk today so stay tuned, hope they're enjoyable for everyone. Heading out to Daniel's steak house for dinner tonite will let everyone know how my first slack pack attempt turns out. Until later good nite.
Date: 2006-02-21
From: Unicoi Gap-Slack Pack Day

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

Side note, just as I was leaving for dinner who should arrive but "The Bull" who I had met and shared a pizza with at Neels Gap the night before I had gotten back on the trail. Bull is from Michigan and I understand quite famous in his home town. We had a great dinner and it was decided that Bull would go with me on my slack pack trip in the morning. Feb. 21st we were dropped off at the trail head at 6:30 am and proceeded to hike north, first half hour in the dark. As the day progressed the sun came out and warmed things up very nice. The temp. soared to what we thought was somewhere near 65 degrees and we ended up hiking in shorts and a tee shirt later in the day. However, while on Tray Mountain ice pieces were falling off trees and it was quite cool. Once on the summit the sun shined and as we went down the weather only got better. The remainder of the hike went well we were both cussing under our breaths at the long climb up Kelly Knob and we had to make a push towards the end to get to our pickup point at the appointed time, we made it with 1 min. to spare. The trip turned out to be 10 and a half hours on the trail. The trip normally would take two days with a full pack. A well earned steak dinner tonite afterwhich I'm sure both Bull and I will sleep well. Wednesday is a planned zero day to rest and get our equipment ready for Thursdays departure. Some photo's will follow, stay tuned, and good nite.
Date: 2006-02-22
From: Hiawassee Inn-Zero Day

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke this am after 9 hrs of solid sleep best nights sleep in weeks. Its amazing what a 10 and a half our walk in the woods and a couple of 4,000 ft mountains thrown in for good measure will do for ones sleep mechanism. Went and rousted Bull to go out for some breakfast. Plan on getting a few items at the drug store, hitting the library computer and resting. Will complete packing for our next leg. The next section will take us 6 to 7 days to the N.O.C. and after that another 2 to 3 days to Fantana Dam and the start of the Smokie Mountains. I would like to thank all who are following me on my journey it makes you feel good to know so many care and are supporting me on my trek. I was able to get into my guest book today and to read some of the notes from you who have signed in. It kind of brought tears to my eyes to see that so many have taken the time to wish me well. I hope that my journalistic talents improve a little as time goes on. The Bull just came in from a hospital visit for a bad toe that he has and said the doctor told him he should take a couple of days off the trail and that he was suffering from dehydration as well causing him to be a little bit dizzie at times, not likely there will be any delay in the morning as the Bull is quite hard headed, this I've already learned just being around him for a short time. I did not seem to have any bad effects from our hike that I can tell so far. Bull reminds me of another friend I had [Big Bill] who at times could be as hard headed as they come. Well thats about it for now more from up the trail.
Date: 2006-02-23
From: Hiawassee

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I had a great day to start, got up and went out for breakfast with Bull and then went to Bill & Rossie Oswalds home for coffee and some chit chat. Rosie is an avid trail journal follower and had signed into my guest book in the journal. Stayed over an hour and had some great conversation. Outstanding people willing to help any through hikers in need. We then went back to the motel finished packing afterwhich Sam took me back out to Dicks Creek Gap. After saying my goodbys to Sam and Bull I hit the trail at 9:30am. The trail was in great shape considering all the rain the day befor . The climb out of the gap was the worst part as always. I arrived at Plumorchard Shelter at 12:30pm. Kind of early but I wanted to let my body back into hiking with a load to get used to it slowly, besides my knees were bothering me again. Upon arrival I found Sunset, Pilgrim and Nuts having lunch, it turns out that Nuts is from Germany. All three soon left to continue on. A short time later Longshadow and Little Red showed up and also had lunch with me. After some more good trail conversation they continued on to Bly Gap for the night. They would be hiking south bound back to Dicks Creek Gap the next day. Looks Like I'll be hitting my first state line in the morning, YAHOO, 1 down 13 more to go.
Date: 2006-02-24
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out at 7:30 this morning and arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter at 2:00pm. Serious knee problems are now apparent. Even wearing the knee brace does not help. Passed Bly Gap and saw Longshadow and Little Red packing up for there return trip back to Dicks Gap. There were two other campers also there, they turned out to be Braveheart and Messenger. They had gotten held up by their mail drop and the holiday. They passed me on the trail sometime later and left me in there dust. Beautiful day to hike mid-low 50s, and partly sunny. Today the thought was on my mind as to whether or not I should continue with the ongoing knee problems. Both knees are bothering on the declines and the right knee is even bothering on the upslopes. I'm affraid that one wrong step will be disasterous. To continue on 6 hikers all passed me yesterday all headed for Muskrat Creek Shelter, must have been crowded last night, just me here tonight. As the evening progressed both my knee and right foot were throbbing. Almost forgot to mention that I passed into North Carolina at about 10:45 this morning kind of walked and limped out of Georgia. Also, I'd mentioned to Messenger as he went by that his girl friend had been checking up on him through my journals. Good Girl.