morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Virginia House Inn

To: Virginia House Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Last night after talking to C & G, it was decided that I would be coming home for a few weeks, till "summer" in Virginia. I am both relieved and disappointed. At least the shelters and hostels won't be crowded when I return, and I'll find that elusive "solitude". I was up surfing the idiot box till 11pm, and up at 8am. My project was to find the library and book a ticket on the horrorbus to Tampa. I wanted Sonic for breakfast, but it was cold, cloudy and drizzly (surprise) and I didn't want to sit outside shivering, so I went to McD. I stopped at Wally's iso a town map with no luck. I bought some cookies for on the bus in order to get cash back from my debit card. I hadn't seen a deer in the woods the whole trip, but I saw one this morning behind Food City. On a fluke I went past the Greyhound station and Holy Mother of God, it was open! One ticket to Tampa with transfers in Wytheville, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Orlando. Additional town stops in Winston-Salem, Columbia, RS Walterboro and Savannah. I have a 5 hour layover in Orlando, but I'm not going to bother C to come and rescue me when I get in at midnight on a Sunday night - that would leave G home alone.It was raining pretty steady after I got my ticket, so I didn't bother finding the library. I sat in the Food City "cafe" doing Sudoku until the rain stopped and the good fast food restaurants opened. It was a toss-up between LJS and Wendys. When I went to get fruit for the bus ride, I found the most gorgeous salad bar! Red, yellow and orange peppers as well as green, whole boiled/sliced eggs, chunks of smoked chicken - and everything looked like it had just been put out. I bought a huge 2#er ($8). After I could walk, I went back to the hotel and vegetated until I absolutely had to get to the post office. I wanted to ship home my sleeping bag and boots because they wouldn't fit inside my backpack. As I was rushing off, Joe & Fran were checking in. Fran blew out her knee and their adventure is over. Thank You God, that my body is holding up! It was a good mile, at least, to the P.O. and I made it there with eight minutes to spare! I found the laundromat, too, about 1/2 mile west of the hotel. At least there are sidewalks. However, there aren't many crossing lights for peds. I stopped for Taco Bell on the way back. I don't know what time I went to sleep, but I was awakened at 11pm by wind, thunder, lightening, rain and HAIL against the window. Thank God I wasn't hanging from a tree in the woods last night!Hilight: hiker friends, flush toilets
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Virginia House Inn

To: Red-eye Greyhound bus
Miles today: 0.0

I packed up and checked out around 9am after a little goodbye to Joe & Fran. I had McD for breakfast again. I was planning to hang out there half the day drinking Diet Coke, but it was crazy busy. I guess a lot of people had power out and didn't want to cook. There was a lot of jaw-flappin' all day about the big storm. I spent about 8 hours at the Food City cafe and got another 2#er for lunch. When I couldn't take the flapping lips anymore, I went and sat in front of the Greyhound station, six hours early. I had my pack to drag around today, although it is pretty light without food inside. I parked at KFC and ate myself into a stupor. I hope this inate, primordial hunger decreases soon. After the 2# salad at lunch I had to loosen the waistband on my pack...I hung out at KFC a couple hours. I paced in front of the Greyhound station till dark then hung out in front of Food City - good thing, too, it poured again. Finally the bus pulled up at 10:45pm. I should be returning to the trail around mid-June.Hilights: wrapping up a post-hike binge
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Is it any wonder that when I got home to Florida, a bizzarro east-to-west weather system caused a couple weeks worth of clouds and drizzle... In the mean time, I decided it wouldn't be very smart for a solo female to hike the AT without the herd. I'm not a scaredy-cat, so when I get a feeling of doom, I listen. I'm already using parts of my maildrops in the kitchen. Also, I'm glad I'm home for my son right now - he is going through some medical stuff. The AT will be there for me some other year. Hike on!
Date: 2004-03-09
To: MY 200 MILE SECTION HIKE
Miles today: 0.0

Sometime toward the end of April 2004 I will be starting my section hike from SPRINGER MOUNTAIN to NEWFOUND GAP on the Appalachian Trail. For years i've been wanting to do the whole trail,but it's impossible for me to get 6 months off from my job. I've thought about waiting until I retire in another 10 years but I dont know what kind of shape I'll be in, besides I want to do it NOW... I can get a month off and this is the hike i've come up with hoping someday to complete the whole trail. I've read most of the books on the trail from Bryson to Garvey,I have a whole library just on the A.T. maps, data books the works.I'm sure most of us think were going to go out there hike the Trail, Take notes then write the coolest book, we all know we can write better then they can.I've had that thought but it's pretty hard for me to just write this journal. It's been only 2 months since my first computer encounter,and i'm a little slow at this. Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a N.Y.C. native, I've spent the most part of 45 years living here, only 30 something miles from the A.T. which I first hiked on when I was about 12. I'll never forget that first hike,about 20 miles,canvas pack,army boots,cans of pork and beans,the works,my pack had to weigh over 50 lbs. I never heard of light weight gear. It was that one hike that got me hooked, now I cant stop walking, I walk almost every where, every chance I get I go upstate. Its been a really cold winter and I havent been on an overnighter since Dec.23, 2003, but I did go on a day hike to the top of Anthonys Nose last week with Lou and Diana,the whole trail was frozen but what a view at the top. Now I have some lightweight more modern gear and I'm ready to start my 200+ mi. hike. It may not be the whole trail but you still have to prepare the same way. Who knows maybe when I retire I might still do the entire Trail. I hope I can get this computer stuff by then because I still have some Journals to go.........
Date: 2004-03-12
To:  WAITING
Miles today: 0.0

Can a person be as READY to go as I am for for a hike thats still over a month away ? I went on a 5 mile walk 4 a.m. this morning on my lunch break, I usually walk 7 miles twice a week on my break,its so nice to walk around Manhattan when half the people are home sleeping. I'm not going to say who I work for because I'm only allowed a 30 minute lunch.   Looking forward to doing my first overnight of the year if we can get a few nice days together.
Date: 2004-03-19
To: LAST DAY OF SPRING
Miles today: 0.0

The weather hasn't been that great lately here in New York lately,Its snowing now expecting a few inches. I dont think I'll be going on any overnight hikes this week, maybe i'm just getting old because a few years ago the weather wouldn't have stopped me. I hope to do at least 1 overnighter with full pack before my departure date to Georgia on about April 24. The past few months I've done many day hikes covering alot of miles in and around N.Y.C. Even though I'm not hiking the entire 2000+ miles I still have to prepare the same way. I dont plan on having any mail drops, I have close to a month to hike what should take me only 20 something days. This will be the longest hike I've ever taken. I just have to tell myself i'ts not a race.
Date: 2004-04-16
To: 4 MORE DAYS TO GO
Miles today: 0.0

This is the first time I've logged on to a computer in awhile. Back in March I got a deal on a new apartment, packed up everything I own, hired a truck and moved. I guess its what you call a handy man special, but I must be doing a good job because my landlord already commented he should raise the rent.   I haven't looked at my gear since moving but I know it's the only thing I can remember where I placed it. My actual vacation starts on APRIL 24 but I will actually be starting for GEORGIA on APRIL 20..hitting the TRAIL on the 22nd.
Date: 2004-04-20
To:  GREYHOUND BOUND
Miles today: 0.0

This is the day I've been waiting for, My bags packed ,I've got enough cat food and litter to last over a month for my 2 cats FISH and ASH. Thanks BOBBY for that favor. OK, I've got my bus ticket and im out of here, next stop the Port Authority Bus Station to catch a 2;45 p.m. bus to Gainsville Georgia. I should be arriving 10:00 a.m. which will give me enough time to pick up any thing I forgot and get to Amicalola Falls , camp out and get a fresh start in the morning.
Date: 2004-04-21
From:  AMICALOLA FALLS VISITOR CENTER

To: FROSTY MOUNTAIN
Miles today: 4.8

After over 19 hours on a crowded bus I arrived in Gainesville Georgia. A taxi was waiting at the bus stop and he agreed to take me to the approach trail for a very good price but first I told him to take me to a place I could have breakfeast, after eating I got back in the cab which now had his very pregnant wife in it also and we were off for Amicalola Falls. Once at the visitor center I weighed my backpack, 44 POUNDS. I signed the log book, and was just hanging out when all of a sudden I hear somebody saying "HONEY COME OVER HERE, THERES A HIKER" honey came over and took my picture like I was in a zoo. Thats when I knew it was time to hit the trail, it was getting late and I wanted to get a few miles away from the tourist. I got a little ways passed the falls on Frosty Mountain and pitched my tent for the first night away from the crowds.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: FROSTY MOUNTAIN

To: STOVER CREEK SHELTER
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a good nights sleep last night, light breakfeast and off by 8:30. I planned an easy hike for my first full day so I could spend time on Springer Mountain besides we all heard how tough the Approach Trail which I had already hiked more then half to just get away from the tourist can be. The hike to the summit seemed like a nice easy climb, I passed 2 groups of day hikers who were staying at the Len Foote Hike Inn. When I got to the summit at 11:00 a.m. I signed the log book which was built into the rock under the Appalachian Trail plaque,took a few pictures, hung out a little while then went to Springer Mountain Shelter where I met the first Thru Hiker, It didn't seem like Gummy had gotten far or was going too far yet either but he was sure having a good time. I hiked on to Stover Creek Shelter which I had all to myself that night. Hung out ate some dinner ,hung my food on the Bear Cables, drank some tea and went to sleep. This was too easy of a day I have to do more miles tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: STOVER CREEK SHELTER

To: GOOCH MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Another good nights sleep. when I woke up there were a few more bags hanging from the bear cables but no one else around ? I packed up and moved out and a quarter of a mile from the shelter I met GINGER and her HUSBAND thru hikers on their honeymooon, and she told me how she was eye to eye with a bear and "soiled her pants" . It was a pretty easy hike all day, I stopped by Hawk Mountain Shelter on the way where I met HOBO JOE, TRASH BARREL CAROL and TOM who were packed and ready to hike. It was a pretty trashed place, from what I was told a thru hiker decided he was going to lighten his load by discarding his gear all over the shelter. What a shame. I would also like to thank all the volunteers on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia for keeping the trails and shelters in such great shape. 4 p.m. I arrived at Gooch Mountain Shelter. By the time the last hiker arrived there was at least 15 people at the shelter.I decided the shelter was too full for me so I set up my tent as did many others.Met alot of people , K BEAR, SUNPIG & SHELLFISH, THE SUPER TROOPERS and others that Im sorry I cant remember right now. Also I saw alot of blistered feet and gave out alot of New-skin and Moleskin Also I donated a pair of socks to a nice girl from Australia, last I hear the socks made it to Damascus! Today was a real good day.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: GOOCH MOUNTAIN SHELTER

To: WOOD'S HOLE SHELTER
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another good nights sleep, the weather has been great.Everybody is up and about eating breakfast, taking down tents, packing bags and taking care of Blistered feet. Boy I've never seen so many bandaged feet. Have we been hiking on the same trail? My DUNHAM boots are so comfortable I almost hate to take them off.It was another fairly easy day on the trail, up and down switchbacks until taking a break at Woody Gap where I wasted no time to Yogi an apple then 2 cans of soda that was pretty easy, boy I could do this all day but I think I'll hike on.Hiked a few more hours before getting to Wood's Hole Shelter at about 6 p.m. A few hours later Sunpig and Shellfish show up with Hot Dogs for every one what a great ending for another great day. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: WOOD'S HOLE SHELTER

To: NEELS GAP
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today turns out to be a short hiking day only 4.1 miles ,but the good part is I went over Blood Mountain the highest point so far 4,461' on the trail a really nice view. It was also crowded with day hikers being a Sunday ,everybody came up to the shelter which was pretty unique. After coming down from Blood Mountain at the road crossing is WALASA-YI I had only planned to stop for a shower and a little resupply being only 40 miles out of Amicalola Falls .Then I figured I'm on vacation, I've got plenty of time to complete the hike I came to do ,why not spend the night in the Hostel? It was a full house that night, everybody there had 2 things in common. We were all hiking the Appalachian Trail and we were all Hungry. The shuttle took us down to the Cookie Jar Buffet at 6:30 p.m. talk about some good eating, also it was my first time being introduced to Sweet Tea, Would you like some tea with your sugar? Back at the hostel everybody was getting ready for the next day, still alot of damaged feet everywhere.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: NEELS GAP

To: NEELS GAP
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning it was pouring rain, it looked like it was going to rain all day. I worked pretty hard to get here, I think I deserve a day off. Sign me up for another night at the Walasi-Yi Center Hostel and what time does the Buffet Shuttle leave? Most of the other hikers did the same plus the other hikers that came down from Blood Mountain in the rain we had a full hostel for the night. Alot of people had mail drops here and were sending alot gear home that they had over prepared for also. There were also many hikers buying new trail shoes and lighter gear then they brought from home. At Neels Gap you can do this because there is a full service outfitter right on the trail. They have some great people like Cornbread working there that know so much about equipment and the trail. I stuck with all the same gear. I have no problem with a 40 pound pack you can ask anyone when I fly by them on the trail. Also my boots still feel great not one blister on my feet, but i'm still giving out new skin and mole skin. Some of the people here, the Super Troopers, Sun Pig, Shellfish, K-Bear, Butterfingers, Real World, Tom, Treejuice, The retired marine who wants to lose 90 pounds, sorry I forgot your name and many others who I'm sorry I couldnt give a Shoutout to because I'm writing from memory and I forgot your names also. Tomorrow I will be moving out of here rain or shine. I've eaten 2 buffets in 2 days washed down with sweet tea. I'm not supposed to be gaining weight out here. I hope this rain stops
Date: 2004-04-27
From: NEELS GAP

To: LOW GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

That was a good day and a half off. Got a chance to meet alot of people that like to do the same thing which is hike, I know I'm on vacation but thats what I came here for too. As usual I'm the last person to hit the trail in the morning. Its still a little wet out but time to go I have alot of hikers in front of me with all their new lighter equipment just waiting to be passed by ARGO. It should be another easy day thanks to switchbacks which make the trail almost handicap accessible, Has anybody thought of taking this switchback idea up north?
Date: 2004-04-28
From: LOW GAP SHELTER

To: TRAY MOUNTAIN SHELTER
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Another day on the trail. As usual Im the last one to leave. I've been hiking all day with Trey and his dog Kaya, now were talking New York speed, we put in alot of 15 and 20 minute miles. As usual arriving at the shelter early with plenty of daylight left to cook and gather some firewood. I feel that I could do alot more miles every day except we have been having such a good time with this group of misfits that I would hate to leave them behind. Besides like I said I'm still on vacation and have plenty of time to finish my hike.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: TRAY MOUNTAIN SHELTER

To: DEEP GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

Well we decided today we were only going to do 7.1 mile today, then tomorrow we can have a short hike to Dicks Creek Gap and go into Hiawassee for a full day. Another day of uphill and downhill only now I've been following behind Kaya most of the day, unless your the lead dog the view never changes. Went through Sassafras Gap today. Can somebody tell me how many there are? Why arent they numbered? Everybody got to the shelter pretty early today. We had another nice fire going as we do everynight with one exception since we were all going into town tomorrow, well have a shelter buffet tonight, It was some feast, and did I mention the gallon of peanut butter that somebody had to have helicoptered in. Well it was another great day.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: DEEP GAP SHELTER

To: DICKS CREEK GAP
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

I not sure if I should call this as a trail day or off day? It will be the shortest hiking day so far, 3.5 miles most of it downhill, no food, very little water and showers and a buffet waiting for me in town. As usual a late start, a quick walk to Dicks Creek Gap and then a hitchhike to Hiawassee in a light drizzle. Everyone agreed to meet at the Hiawassee Inn. Argo, Hobo Joe, Trashbarrel Carol, Real World, Trey and Kaya rented 1 super large hotel room for a good price. After a shower, some food shopping and just walking around town everybody had a big enough appetite to hit the AYCE. Talk about 5 hungry hikers and lets not forget all the table scraps for Kaya. Back at the room some sorted their mail drops. everybody washed clothes and we all watched one of the ROCKY movies on the television. It cant get much better then this. Anybody want a Jelly?
Date: 2004-05-01
From: DICKS CREEK GAP

To: PLUMORCHARD GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well time to say so long to Hiawassee and get a few miles in. As usual a late start. The owner of the Inn shuttled us back to the trail. We agreed to only go as far as Plumorchard Gap Shelter today, Alot of dayhikers and Boy Scouts on the Trail today, Oh yeah its Saturday. Arrived early at the 3 level shelter. The Super Troopers rejoined us today after spending a day in Helen. Radio Flyer and Kiwi stopped in for a few minutes.That evening a previous years thru hiker, hiked up to the shelter and gave everybody sodas, forgot your name but Thanks for the Magic. Another nice campfire, another great day on the Trail.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: PLUMORCHARD GAP SHELTER

To: STANDING INDIAN SHELTER
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

Well everybody get your rain gear on, looks like were in for nasty weather. Georgia is really kicking me in the ass on the way out. A few falls and 1 broken walking stick that I found and carried from Amicalola Falls, I can replace that easy. Maybe I'll invest in some real trekking poles one day. Arrived at the shelter about 4 p.m. to find an unprepared hiker cold and wet curled up in the corner. What to do? Resupply or get this hiker back in shape? You could see the clouds passing through the shelter and getting every thing wet so we put up a tarp, we made up hot water bottles for everyone, fleece jacket on, got another nice fire going. As a treat at sunset all of the clouds lifted, and the surrounding mountains appeared, Standing Indian Mountain staring right at you, tomorrows hike. I think the weather will be better by then. But as usual another great day on the Trail. Welcome to North Carolina.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: STANDING INDIAN SHELTER

To: CARTER GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

Here we go. Always the last one to leave, even the hiker who was cold and wet last night is already feeling better and back on the trail. Today was another easy day of only 7.6 miles, the highlight was climbing over the top of Standing Indian Mountain at 5,498 feet, so far the tallest. Today was also by far the coldest day, plenty of snow flurries. It was warm on the roof in the sunshine, Hobo on the roof. And that night we had another campfire, Everyone had on their warmest clothes. I carried it so Ill wear it. This was one of those nights you were glad to have the dog against your sleeping bag. The weather report said nice weather for the next few days. Anybody want a jelly?
Date: 2004-05-04
From: CARTER GAP SHELTER

To: ROCK GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night was the coldest night so far. The water I left in my cooking pot turned to ice. Today was another day of up and down switchbacks with one exception, the hike up to the tower on Albert Mountain. It was the toughest little climb so far. It reminded me of the trails up north where switchbacks are unheard of. Once at the tower the view was spectacular, the sun was shining you could see for miles. The last 6 miles to the shelter Trey, Kaya and Myself hiked in 1 hour 50 minutes with a stop at Big Spring Shelter on the way. After that run wouldn't you know it a Trail Angel had left 9 beers in the stream talk about Magic, I passed on the beer but it was the thought, Thanks. The greatest thing about this shelter is the vine hanging from a tree about 100 feet behind the shelter. We all took turns swinging on it, you can get 20 feet in the air it was the coolest thing. I would like to return here just to swing on the vine and scream like Tarzan. We have the usual crew tonight,Hobo Joe, Trash Barrel Carol, Trey, Kaya and Real World who is going to meet up with a few friends in Helen also sleeping in tents are three hikers from Indiana sorry forgot your names. Another nice fire, ate like pigs. Tomorrow resupply in Helen. Do I smell a Buffet?
Date: 2004-05-05
From: ROCK GAP SHELTER

To: SILER BALD SHELTER
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an easy 3.7 miles hike to start.just to get to the road that takes us to the town of Helen. We all got an early start so that we could make it on time for the breakfeast buffet at Shoneys which we made with time to spare. Everybody ate like pigs including Kaya who must of ate a few pounds of bacon and sausage. After that we took off in search of the laundromat which had closed down. The Post Office which was all the way on the other end of town and back to the super market which was all the way back cross town across from Shoneys. We walked more miles in Helen then we did on the trail. We met Real World in the outfitters and he had met up with his two friends. Trey made arrangements for his friends to meet us at Fontana Dam on Monday to pick up his dog Kaya before we enter the Great Smoky Mountains since no dogs are allowed in the park. What a long day, it took us over 6 hours to leave the trail go to town and get back on the trail. We made it to Siler Bald Shelter with plenty of daylight left. We had another nice campfire that night, We had 13 people staying in and around the shelter tonight. With the exception of having spent so much time in town it stil turned out to be another great day.