morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It has been a few weeks since I made my first entry to this journal. I have been working very hard to complete my work so I can take this hike. I would like to start the weekend of March 15,2010. I have not told anyone I want to take this hike. My family will think I am having an old age crisis so I have made the decision to hike the At personal.I began thinking about doing a thru hike since 2006. My first real backpacking hike was with my daughters and (my now son inlaw) in early spring 2007. We hiked the Seneca Creek Trail in Virginia.The hike down to the falls was very interesting since the water was high on all the water crossings. We had to take our hiking boots off and put on sandals and yes the water was the coldest I have ever experienced on bare sandal clad feet. This was a very memorable part of that hike. I really loved being in the woods and sleeping in a tent. I have made one failed attempt to hike the AT in 2008. I am anxious to get back on the trail and complete my personal goal of completing a thru hike on the AT."I WILL WALK TIL I DROP BUT I WILL NOT STOP"Jannie
Date: 2010-03-16
To: All Most Ready
Miles today: 0.0

I have completed most of my to do lists. I have all my gear and am ready to get my backpack packed so I can get it weighted. It is going to be hard to keep it at 35 lbs but I am gonna try. I had to move my start date to March 22nd. Which means I will have to do a lot of improvising in order to get to Maine before Baxter State Park closes on October 15th.The past few days I have been thinking a lot about my first experience trying to hike the At and what was the hardest thing for me to do. Which was the uphill climbs. I am worried that the uphills will bother me a lot more this time around because I am a few years older. I only hope I can do as well as some of the older lady hikers I have read about. To just let everyone know I am not ancient by any means but I am not a spring chicken either "as the old sayings go."In 2008 I didn't hike the approach trail. I took the Len Foote Inn Hike trail. As I have been looking at my map and the trail that goes by Len Foote Inn I see it is pretty steep in some places no wonder I was so tired when I arrived at the Inn. I could not have walked another step I was so happy to get there that I was going to beg if I had to to get a room. So as I recall I sat down and rested on the bench in front of the Inn comtemplating and hoping they had some room for me at the Inn. Finally I decided it's now or never so I bravely walked inside and asked if they had a room. I explained to the desk clerk my situation, that it was getting dark soon and that I could not walk another step could you please let me stay in one of your guest rooms. Thank God! they had a room and they gave me a discount otherwise I could not have stayed there.I met a lot of really nice people and I will always treasure the experience of staying at the Lenn Foote Inn. If you all get a chance you should go for a weekend. I have not decided if I'll take that same trail. I will probably take the shortest way to get to the summit of Springer Mountain this time and backtrack to continue the trail. Seems like the most logical thing for me to do. It all depends on if I can still sign in at the Summit of Springer Mountain. I will try to enter a list of my gear before I leave for My hike. You all have a nice day. "LIFE IS A CLIMB BUT THE VIEW IS GREAT""I WILL WALK TIL I DROP BUT I WILL NOT STOP" JANNIE
Date: 2010-03-23
To: Ready Set Go
Miles today: 0.0

Hello readers.I am all set to go AT hiking after many delayed start dates. I have made it to leaving day tomorrow. I will be starting on March 26th. From what I've been reading it has been snowing in Georgia. Get prepared hikers it was snowing in Texas on sunday the weather is heading in that direction. I hope I miss the bad stuff. To all that are hiking stay safe and dry. I didn't get my gear listed but will do it in the future. Have to go lots of last minute things to do."LIFE IS A CLIMB BUT THE VIEW IS GREAT"   Jannie
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Hike Hostel - YAY!

To: Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This is Cassie, Jannie's daughter (her on line journal gal)- Jannie is at the Hiker Hostel in GA. She took a LONG Greyhound bus ride from Greenville, TX to Gainesville, GA. She reported that it was a definite adventure. Jannie is currently at the Hiker Hostel and will get a shuttle to the trailhead tomorrow. She said that she is very tired and has been packing and unpacking her backpack to try to get her weight down, getting rid of the non-essentials. She has met 2 ladies from New Zealand who also plan to start the hike tomorrow. Jannie says that there is expected rain tomorrow and she hopes that it will stay dry. I will let you know what I hear from Jannie as time goes on. I will be her on line journal person. My husband Steve and I will also take a section hike, which might be the same time when Jannie makes it to VA. Until later,Peace Cassie
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 3.2

Hi journal readersLast night was very windy at Hawk Mountain. I lay in my tent listening to the wind and wondered if it had snowed during the night. Finally I decided I had to get up and get started. Firt thing I had to do was get water, go to privy. Privy first, then I got my filter and foldable bucket and proceeded to the water source that went down hill several yards away from the shelter and tent. It was a bit chilly and breezy not bad after moving around for awhile, got warmed up and proceeded on with water plan. The water was moving at a good fast pace had to walk across rocks to the other side to get filter in water so I could pump the water. I started to prepare my filter to pump and realized I forgot my glasses and couldn't read the directions so I improvised by looking at the pictures. I got my filter working was pumping the water got about 1/2 of plastic bucket full low and behold I accidently jerked on the tubing and spilled all the water. I thought to myself now what. I looked around for tree branches there was none close enough so I placed the bucket handle onto my arm and started pumping filter again.. Hey the old arm worked perfectly. The hill was very steep to water source I was very careful going up so I wouldn't spill the water. I filled my water bottles and then started packing my backpack. I really don't recall if I ate breakfast that morning. I really wasn't hungry. As usual packing backpack was complicated. Catfish hung around for awhile to help me some. I told him to go ahead and I would catch up. As I started out the wind was a bit nippy a good hiking day. Coming from Hawk Mountain the terrain goes fairly level but going down into Hightower Gap is very steep. Surpisely steep. So guess what? going down always means going back up. Hiking up out of the gap was very challenging for me with a full pack. I started having pain in my leg and knee. I finally got over all the ups and downs. Saw lots of hikers one of the was some guy that had told me to go see Long Creek Falls. I went hiking down into Horse Gap. As I was hiking my leg and knee started hurting again. I just couldn't put weight on my left leg. I knew I would have to leave the trail at Horse Gap. If I went up another mountian I wouldn't be able to get down the other side. I made the decision to call the Hiker Hostel for a shuttle. Thank God some young boys came along with working cell phone as mine was dead as a door nail. I called the hostel they said they were full but could pick me up and take me to a town motel. When Leigh got me and we were driving she told me I could sleep on a air mattress if I wanted to stay at the hostel. I said ok that wouldn't bother me to sleep on a air mattress. I spent the afternoon cleaning up and did my laundry and started working on making my backpack lighter. I sent a box of things home. My plan is to take a zero day on Sunday and slack pack on Monday. I am not ready to leave the trail yet. Leight from the hostel arrived at 4:30 to pick me up at Horse Gap. Happy Trails to all fellow hikers."Life is a climb, but the view is Great"Jannie
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

G'Day Journal Readers,I am resting comfortably. My leg and knee are feeling better. The hostel is always booked full. I met some section hikers - Lori from Canada. Joel and Ed from New Jersey. Jim Skiff from Michigan (LoneWolf55). Lonewolf is on trail journals and Sally also from New Jersey. Wayne who was gonna thru hike from Fairfield, TX. He is 71 yrs old. I have been lightening my pack sent a small box of things I really didn't need home. Fellow hikers my advice to you all shake down your pack before starting. Food and water will be your heaviest weight. I suggest a zero degree bag if you are starting early. A light weight stove too. I am using a jet boil not the lightest stove but it heats up fast. So I compensated for convenience of use. If you are using a tent get lightest tent possible. Weigh pack before leaving home. You all need to know the weight of the pack. I forgot to tell you all hiker Lori gave me anti-inflammatory pill for my knee and it worked very well. Also, I met hiker Meghan very soft spoken nice lady. Her husband makes instruments and they sell them at rennaisance festivals. Very interesting lady. Pack is lighter will get another shake down at Neels Gap."Life is a climb, but the view is Great"Jannie
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Horse Gap

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello Journal ReadersInstead of setting around the hostel all day I have decided to go back to the trail with a day pack (which is called slack packing) to all you non-hikers reading this journal. I will be slack packing from ending point Horse Gap to Gooch Gap. The first mountain to cross is Sassafrass mountain. This mountain is almost straight up and going down the other side was wet and steep with a bad knne would have been difficult with a full pack. At the bottom you walk into Cooper Gap there was trail magic there last Saturday when I had to get off the trail. I hate that I missed that. Then I climb Justus mountain. Difficult but doable. Then there was a small mountain called Phyllis Spur, then onto Justus creek, then onto Blackwell Creek past Gooch mountain shelter. I was gonna have lunch there but was running out of time so snacked on the way. I met several hikers on the way. Hiker Lori was one of them. She was doing great and hiked in the rain the day she started Springer mountain. Hiker Sally was hiking in front of me on same trail. Nice lady she was a doctor that gave me a ace bandage for my knee. I stopped at Gooch Gap she continued on to Woody Gap. Josh told me I should be getting done at 2pm, sure enough got to Gooch Gap at 2 and the shuttle was there 5 minutes later. There was a hiker waiting there for somebody to come. He was tired and wet he said he was ready for a bed. Josh told him his hostel was full but could take him to town to get a room. The hiker said "that was okay the he wouldn't mind being alone in a room to himself, lots of snoring in shelters." He was not enjoying his experience probably went home. Back at the hostel I rested, did laundry went to Walmart with Leigh. Moved my things to a pull out couch. Overall it was a good day. My grandson and daughter's birthday was today.Life is a climb, but the view is GreatJannie
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: few clouds

Hello Journal Readers,At the hostel and breakfast starts at 7:30 when table is cleared everyone is told what shuttle they will be riding. Then everyone gets loaded by 8:30am. I got back to Gooch Gap at about 9am. Josh told me to call when I got there which would probably be around noon which it was. The hike from Gooch Gap to Liss Gap was very gradual with many views. Very beautiful it was a clear day and you could see a very long distance from Liss Ga to Jack's Gap. I had 2 really steep ups and downs the rest of the hike to Woody Gap was gradual with camping areas that had great views. Woody Gap is very windy I called the shuttle it arrived quickly. I spent the rest of the afternoon just chillin. I went to Walmart again did a little shopping. Hiker Sally did her last 10 miles of her section hike South over Blood Mountain which she had been advised not to do. So she was real pleased and happy with her decision to go south because it worked so well for her. She celebrated with a beer. She was very nice to me. She helped me make up my blow up mattress bed. Everyone at the hostel buys their own suppers, so everyone rooming in basement had supper together. Sally was leaving the next day. I knew she was a doctor not sure if everyone else knew that or not. It was an enjoyable evening. A very good day.Life is a climb, but the view is GreatJannie
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Woody Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Hello Fellow Journal Readers and Hikers to Be,I got up early, made some coffee for all the hostel guests at Mountain Crossings. Most guest hikers sleep until 8am and get up at breakfast call. When the call for breakfast is made I get in line quickly to get my eggs, french toast, canadian bacaon, fruit and OJ. I eat quickly,and pack my pack. Guess What fellow thru hikers? Packing is a every day thing. I am getting faster at packing but the need to improve is still there. I got onto the trail at 9:30am. I pass throught Bull Gap, Levelland Mountain, Swaim Gap, Rockspring top, Corbin Horse Stamp, Wolf Laurel Top, Bags Creek Gap. I met a hiker named Lori, we were enjoying the view from Wolf Laurel top. Lori took my picture, the views were amazing. After Bags Creek Gap I had to climb cowrock Mountaind. This mountain was unbelievably difficult for me but I made it! The comes the climb out of Tesna Tee Gap which was also difficult. But wait Wildcat Mountain was even more difficult. I pass Whitley Gap Shelter which on second thought I should have spent the night there. But I felt it was too far off trail to go there. So I continued on and passed through Hogpen Gap, White Oak Stamp, Poor Mountain,Sheep Rock Top. Sheep Rock was slow going there was lots of rock to get around and walk on. I don't remember a alot about what I saw, since I was concerned about it getting dark. I looked ahead and saw a hiker, a female hiker named Blue Rock. I was so happy to have someone to hike with. We continued on, she was also going to Low Gap Shelter. We got to the shelter about 8-830pm. Lots of tents and hikers going down to the shelter. The shelter was by a running stream. Lori whom I met earlier was happy to see me. She said she was worried about me since it was getting dark. I found a tent spot and she helped Blue Rock and me put up our tents. I went to bed with no supper. I was so tired I just wanted to sleep. Right before daybreak someone blew a bear horn. I don't know if a bear was there I thought maybe it was just a wake-up call. It was a very long day yesterday.Life is a climb, but the view is great!Jannie
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

It's another day on the trail fellow hikers!Blue Rock and I got moving around to eat, pack, privy, water the camp chores to be done before hitting the trail. Finally, we started out to Blue Mountain Shelter. We went through Poplar Stamp Gap, CadSprings Gap, Chattehoochee Gap, and Red Clay Gap. We stopped at a camp site for a packbreak and to have some water and snacks. We met Turtle Dove (VA), Timber (Manitoba Canada),Wendy (ME) and her friend from England. We continued onto Spring and Blue Mountain Shelter.The trail today was quite difficult and rocky. Blue Rock was wanting to get to Unicor Gap so she could go to Sunrise service for Easter. We didn't make it. When we arrived at the shelter tents spots were almost full. We tented by the trail, ate supper in the dark. It was dark by the time I got into my tent. Good night it was a difficult day of hiking.Life is a climb, but the view is Great!!Jannie
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicor Gap
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello Journal Readers,The hikers at Blue Mountain broke camp at daylight or a little after. Blue Rock and I kind of lingered for a bit. Blue Rock got her packing done first so she got on the trail and I followed soon after. I passed some Japanese hikers and they wished me luck. We hiked most of the morning. The hike out to Unicor Gap wasn't hard. When we go the the road, Blue Rocl asked several people for a ride but they were going in a different direction. so I ended up callin a shuttle. We were in town shortly thereafter. The shuttle only charges $10. We went to town in the early afternnon and got a room. We then went to a little cafe to have Easter dinner. Of course, I showered before going out. It felt so good to get rid of the dirk and trail smell. I also did laundry, socialized with a few hikers, many that I had previously met on the trail. I stayed 2 nights at Hiawassee Inn. On the second day, Cara (Austrailian) came into Hiawassee She came to my door to say HI. I was happy to see her and glad she has been able to continue. I also got to see Mirica (New Zealand). I previously thought her name was Micah. I finally have the spelling of her name correct. I saw Meghan who got her food stole at Blood Mountain Shelter. I saw several guy who stayed at Mountain Crossing and they seemed happy to see me and I was happy to see them. Later in the evening Lori (Canada) came over and gave me hug and to tell me good luck with my hike. Lori had to leave the trail because her husband was in intensive care. I felt so sorry for her she was really upset. I appreciate that she treated me so kindly.I met a gentleman from Augusta, GA who works for the gas company whose hobby is researching Sasqwatches. You know 8 ft hairy human like things that most people think aren't real. Dave Collier is the researchers name. He has some very interesting thing to say about them.Life is a climb, but the view is Great!!Jannie
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

G-Day All Journal ReadersI was supposed to wake Blue Rock but she woke me up and we had to rush to pack and get on the trail. We had a early shuttle to catch to Unicor Gap at 830am. We missed the first shuttle which went to Dick's Creek Gap. We were the only ones going to Unicor.We got on the trail about 10-1030am. We passed by a stream and got some fresh water. While we were there many hikers passed us mostly young girl hikers. I didn't get their names. I do recall Turtle Dove (VA). she was taking a poo and saw 3 wild pigs and thought they were bear cubs. She didn't get to finish her poo, therefore the trail name "Turtle Dove". I think that is a unique way to get a trail name. Next on the trail, was Rocky Mountain. We stopped for a pack break, Turtle Dove and Timber (Manitoba Canada) were resting there. We passed through Indian Grave Gap, stopped at Tray Mountain Road for a pack break. Cheese Factory site was really pretty would have liked to camp there but we continued on an passed water at Tray Mountain road. We stopped to fill water containers, Funky Monkey was there taking a break. We had met her earlier. She was wearing a blackdress with sandals that looked like running shoes with socks. She said she was from New Jersey. She was a real pretty girl. She was a joy to meet and very likeable. We climbed Tray Mountain which wasn't to bad. We arrived at the shelter about 1 1/2 hours before dark. Blue Rock conversed with other hikers so I picked a spot for my tent set-up. Blue Rock set up close to the water and my spot was by the privy. I got my water, ate tuna salad, oranges in a cup. I put my food away, and Blue Rock and I hung our food bags together and then I went to bed. Overall, it was a good day and met lots of hikers.Life is a climb, but the view is Great!Jannie
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello Journal ReadersIt is a nice breezy morning at Tray Mountain. I got up early and drank hot chocolate, Blue Rock was in her tent. I continued to do camp chores got packed wnet to privy all the hikers get up early on the trail. I talked to Blue Rock she wasn't ready to go. I did some text messages and then Blue Rock said it was okay if I wanted to start that she would catch up. I said OK and left. Before I left I took pictures of the views. Views were beautiful and well worth the hike up Tray Mountain. The swaf of the blue ridge was fairly easy to hike. Sassafras Gap and Addis Gap were also fairly easy to hike. Lots of deep gulleys and interesting things to see. I walked past 2 water sources that were way off trail. Hikers please carry enough water or you will have a long steep hike to the source. After Addis Gap come Kelly Knob the longest straight up mountain that I have hiked so in far in Georgia. It took me a long time to get to the top. What a relief to actually get to the top. It made going down almost seem easy. Deep Gap shelter was 1 mile from the top of Kelly Knob. I got to the shelter about 6-615ish. I was welcomed by the other hikers. One young man offered me his spot in the shelter. I said I was tenting and thanked him for offering. It was so kind of him to offer. I got my tent set-up and got my water. Hint, hint don't sit the water by the door of your tent, if it spills you have wet dirt to get in and out of your tent. It sure did happen to me, not a pleasant time trying to keep dirt out of your tent. Oh I forgot to tell y'all, face your tent with the wind hitting you back, so tent doesn't get dirt blown inside. I learned that the hard way too. I had leaves and dirt all over the inside of my tent and gear. I fixed supper and kept wondering where Blue Rock was, I got into my tent about dark and I then heard footsteps and talking. It was Blue Rock, she came by my tent to let me know she had made it. I was worried because I didn't see any good camping areas after Addis Gap. I rested but kept waking up to turn over the ground is really hard even with a sleeping pad.Tomorrow is another day. Hiking out to Dick's Creek Gap to go back to Hiawassee for a rest, shower and food.Life is a climb, but the view is Great!Jannie