morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-10-09
To: Still Planning....
Miles today: 0.0

I've noticed a couple of guest-book entries and I thought I'd post an update. Tree and I are still planning on leaving from Springer this coming March! From the looks of one of the guest-book entries, some readers may have thought we were planning on a 2007 hike - but we've planned on March 2008 and that's just 6 months away! These are my thoughts and concerns as of right now:1. I'm in grad school and when we leave in March I'll get to take a break until Fall 2008. Yea!2. The change jar has now become several jars. 3. I'm working an extra job to save money.4. It's not even six months away. 5. I'm saving my vacation time at work to cash in for money.6. Again, about money, I have extra taken out every paycheck for a healthy tax-return.7. Which light-weight pack should I buy?8. Alcohol stove?9. Bugging my friends to take on my stuff for 6 months so I don't have to get a storage unit.10. My apartment lease is up in Feb and I'm saving like mad to have a down-payment for a house when we return.11. I'm planning to be Mrs. Tree - this means we're planning a small (tiny, actually) wedding for the very first of March.12. Mail drops are now an issue at hand. What all should I put in a bounce box?13. Tree wears a 17 shoe! We'll never find him replacements along the trail.14. Low-cut shoes or hiking boots?15. Are there any books published about the AT that I haven't read?We have alrealy planned so much involving the apartment, money, etc. I'll have no bills and I'll seamlessly be able to pick up school again. Seriously, the mail drop thing has me most bugged right now.
Date: 2007-11-18
To: Moses & More
Miles today: 0.0

I have acquired a dog. He showed up at work October 16 and the police were going to have to take him to the Animal Shelter if an owner didn't claim him. Well, I'm now his official mother - he's pre-house trained, he sits, shakes, lays down...anyhoo - now I have a dog (since named Moses)! Do I take him on the trail? I have friends who've taken dogs. I know I wouldn't be able to take him through the Smokies - but I just live an hour's drive from the GSMNP, that wouldn't be a problem. Hmmmm.....Also, I'd like to add that I simply cannot believe how soon we will be leaving! Marcus, Moses perhaps, and myself will be leaving to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Is Wingback's book crazy-expensive, or am I just not finding the right thing? I want to get a warmer sleeping bag, a lighter pack, gators, an alcohol stove, so much stuff! I keep getting told to not worry about doing any maildrops - should I heed that advice or just do 4-5? How do I tell my parents... But, you know - each passing day I CAN'T WAIT to take off from all the pettiness of work and such. No bills, no covering for those who call in sick at work, no flourescent lights... Oh! I want to be a trailname virgin...I'd rather see what I acquire on the trail instead of just using 'honeysuckle.'
Date: 2008-01-30
To: Getting Closer...
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's getting closer and closer. Some updates: I'm not going to have a trailname going into this, we'll see what I get stuck with...my URL for this has honeysuckle in it, I suppose there is no changing that. Our official departure date is March 11. We're getting married on March 8!! Right now wedding planning is taking all our time. We're getting new packs for Valentine's Day. I still need: good socks, a sleeping bag liner & rain pants. Timeline:March 1 - my last official day at my full-time jobMarch 8 - we're getting married!March 11 - leaving from SpringerWe've decided not to take Moses (my dog). I guess I never really planned on it, but I'm going to miss him! He's going to stay with his grandparents, my Mom & Dad.
Date: 2008-02-17
To: February 17
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe it's February 17! Twenty days until the wedding....23 days until we start hiking. We still are planning to order new packs and sleeping bag liners - must get a move on! I only have 3 more shifts to work at my full-time job. The lease on the apartment is up March 14...everything is beginning to fall into place.
Date: 2008-03-12
To: Next Week...
Miles today: 0.0

Official start date: next week sometime. WE DID IT!!!!! Marcus and I got married Saturday - we had so much fun and then we went to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville and spent a day at the spa and ate really, really well. Now, we're tying up loose ends and getting ready for our departure sometime next week. My full-time job is over and I'd like to pick up some more shifts at my part-time job. Everyone is getting so excited for us. Aside from winning the lottery, everything is falling into place. We're so excited!! If you'll see the guest book - Marcus signed it last night: we have Springer Fever! Next week we're going to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Yea!
Date: 2008-03-12
To: New to all of this
Miles today: 0.0

Carole and I just woke up...our bed mattress is on the floor in the living room. The apartment is almost empty! We moved for 12 hrs yesterday and got a bunch done. We are both bursting at the seams to begin thru-hiking. Hiking the A.T. has been a life goal of mine since I was a wee little lad. How awesome it is that my wife is going with me...I love you sweetie! I have spent many hours getting our gear ready. Waterproofing and seam sealing the tent~ ("cougar scream" as the great Colin Fletcher states in frustration), cleaning our Thermarest mattresses, learning to pack my new Latitude Vapor pack (2 lbs!), making windscreens, learning the alcohol stove, breaking in my boots, many trips to my local outfitting store, and learning my new Suunto Vector watch - thanks Ramsey. I am still changing my mind about certain gear I want to take. Should I take my Eagles Nest Hammock? My Ipod? Sock liners? Gaiters? Sunglasses? Ahh, the decisions! I cannot believe that it is almost time to start. Without the support of my wife Carole, friends and family I could have never done this. Thanks for making a country boy's dream come true! Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself...WE WILL B OK-Marcus, AKA Tree
Date: 2008-03-17
To: Closer!
Miles today: 0.0

In two or three days my wife Carole and I are walking the A.T. I can not wait to Springer~it's all that is on my mind. I have been on two pretty rough day hikes: the rattlesnake ridge trail and other blue blaze paths around the Unaka Mountains, my stomping grounds. I have never hiked with hiking poles, and needless to say I was pleased. Like having four feet I strolled through the forest. Steep ascents and desents were much more easy with the poles bettering my balance. I gained more confidence which led to more speed. I love my poles!! Sea to Summit dry packs are great~ I'm keeping my down 15F Marmot double wide sleeping bag with silk liner= 16 liters, and clothes=13 liters in the dry packs. Maybe some food too...I also purchase smaller one around one or two liters for misc. like: T.P., journal and pen, playing cards, medication, first aid, etc. Anyway, my pack contains those two dry packs and one compression sack containing my very heavy( 8.lbs!) 3 season Marmot "The Loft" tent. Seam sealer was applied for hrs, new waterproof clear tape on seams on the floor of the tent, Kiwi camp spray for more waterproofing. I washed the tent IN A FRONT LOADER WASHER with powder prior to these applications. I really like this tent: has two doors=exit points away from wind, rain, or bearsturdy, strong, easy to set up, vents well, super waterproof rainfly. I never used a ground tarp before, but I think it would help the condensation problem. I know, I know 8.lbs...way to much, but I'm young, big(6'11' 300.lbs.),strong in body and mind...40lb. pack is going to be no prob. Plus+ I'm getting major brownie points from the wife carrying that hunk of junk. Oh yeah, I would much rather carry a oz. tube tent, but that tent will come in handy I just know it!My Vapor pack is 2.lbs, and has a "brain". The brain is just like the top part of most packs-the ones that also make a fanny pack, but the Vapor's "brain" goes on the inside and has two buckles. I like this because "the brain" holds my odds and ends all in one bundle. To many things to list goes into the brain some include: first aid, food for the day, cookware/stove, rope, soap, toothpaste/toohbrush, pack cover etc. The brain is good to store layers of clothing=Good two have extra spave for something. I'm keeping a primus fuel container and my tentpegs where ever looks good in my pack~fuel is not in the "brain". I stuff my Marmot Precip rain gear into a sneaky little space between the pack and padding for your back. This is quick to get to and provides extra padding in non-supporting parts of the back pad. Tent poles and themarest w/ chair are on outside of pack in one pocket. The other pocket holding water, wet clothes, etc. I'm taking a MSR water resivor. I did not notice how long...sorry I have to go now.                                             Tree
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Logging Road
Miles today: 5.8

My Mom dropped us off at Springer Mountain around 1:30. We then walked 0.9 miles to the terminus. We backtracked and hiked 5.8 miles on the AT today! I absolutely cannot believe we have started our trip.Today was gorgeous and sunny - perfect for spirit lifting. We saw Long Creek Falls (a 200' waterfall) on the way to our campsite - how pretty! I think this is the best thing newlyweds can do! I spoke to my Mom and Dad tonight - they're well and Moses is good, too.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Logging Road

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Ugh! Uphill!!!! We're so proud to have hikes 9.1 miles our first full day on the AT. Such a beautiful day! We're at a tentsite by Gooch Mtn Shelter. I was able to speak with my Mom and Dad earlier, Moses is getting a fence put up around the deck. He'll love that!We left camp around 9 this morning and took 2 or 3 breaks. We spent almost an hour by an ice-cold stream. We put in our feet for a bit. Oh! We encountered our first trail-angels - they gave us 2 bottles of water each!I love our tentsite - so nice. We've seen several hikers but not quite as many as I expected.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

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

Sooo windy today! Marcus and I hiked a bunch today, for us, and we're so tired. It's 54 degrees outside but the wind makes it a bit cooler. However, it's not NEARLY as cold as the 24 degrees we woke up to this morning. Today has been gorgeous - we've seen so many hikers - including "Missing Link" - she completed a southbound thru Jan 25.Up & down, up & down. I keep recalling how Wingfoot reminds the northbound hiker that it takes 6-8 weeks, somewhere around Damascus, to really get in shape.Marcus is so good! I'm so happy to have such an amazing husband & he's on my team! Ahhh...town tomorrow. Heard they have hotdogs.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Walasi Yi Center
Miles today: 3.7

Staying at Neel's Gap at Walasi Yi shelter. It's full here! 15 bunks and three on the couches. We had SNOW this morning. We got to the hostel around 12:15.Mmmm bean soup & salad for dinner. So good! Thorpe helped Marcus and I "shakedown" our packs - we sent a box of stuff home. I have one small blister - no pain and it's still intact. We hiked in with Chuck, Nathan and Will. What a cool bunch.Marcus and I are doing laundry and we've both had showers! It feels so good to be clean. I'm starting to get used to this no makeup thing. We all watched Into the Wild and stayed up until 10:00 - how late in the hiker world!
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Walasi Yi Center

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We had french toast, bacon, sausage, potatoes, coffee, milk & OJ for breakfast at Walasi Yi this morning - what a good start!Today was beautiful and we had a great hike. Everyone's thinking of naming me Speedbump after I tripped over the only speed bump on the AT where it goes through Neel's Gap.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

Hiked to a campsite today where there was a cheese factory a long time ago. Just the foundation remains now. Chuck, Nathan, Will, Tim, Marcus and myself have been deemed the "Hootenany Posse." We hoot for each other from hill to hill and we're sure it drives all the other hikers crazy but we get lots of smiles.Hiking day after day has been really good. I'm so happy and Marcus and I both feel that this is where we should be right now.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Cloud 9
Miles today: 12.5

Hiked almost 13 miles today - it's getting hot! We walked up and down, up and down - had an almost 1000' climb up today, ugh. We're having so much fun! We're paying ten bucks each to tent outside, take showers, do laundry, free shuttles, oh! a jacuzzi, internet - the works. Three more days until Franklin - we'll be in NC tomorrow! I can't believe we'll have one entire state down. I think we're doing a great job.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Cloud 9

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Well, we're about to leave Cloud 9 Hostel. I feel great! Marcus and I tented outside and we just ate a breakfast that included: blueberry pancakes, bacon, biscuits & gravy, cantaloupe, coffee and more. What a great way to start the day! It looked like rain when we woke up but it's starting to clear. I'll update again in 3 days from Franklin, NC.I love you Mom & Dad and all of you at work.We are having the best time out here!!!Oh, Tim - don't miss me on Mondays for the narcotic count.Hi Moses! Be a good grandpuppy.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Deep Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Our first zero! It was pouring this a.m. and we were with Chuck who called his lovely wife, Sue, to come and take us to town! We're all staying at Chuck's house tonight and Sue is cooking lasagna. We dug ramps this a.m. and Chuck is making ramp cornbread. Yummy.All is well and we're going to the April Fool's Hiker Bash tonight at the Sapphire Inn in town.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Franklin, NC

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning at 7 at Chuck's house in Franklin. Chuck & his wife Sue drove us to Deep Gap where she picked us up yesterday. We're staying in the shelter tonight - all of the Hootenany Posse. We climbed Albert Mountain today and it was absolutely straight up and my feet are killing me since we zeroed yesterday. I just seems like yesterday we were dropped off at Springer (thanks Mom) and at the same time I feel like I've not been home in months. There are some people here from Florida - 2 Dads and their 17 & 19 year olds. Their children are planning to do a leap frog thru hike this summer. Mmmm...had mashed potatoes, broccoli & cheddar pasta and hot chocolate for dinner tonight.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.58
Weather: overcast clouds

Here on a bald in the tent - today was a good hiking day. It's really foggy but I've grown used to it and find it more and more beautiful. I'm really beginning to feel like a real thru-hiker! We've hiked over 100 miles and that in itself is encouraging.Trail magic today! A church group sets up in a parking lot at one of the road crossings. It was a man and woman with drinks and snacks. They were so nice- we all love some trail magic.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain!!! I woke up at 7:35 and it was pouring. Anyway - it slacked off and we got going around 10. We ate lunch at Wayah Bald observation tower. It was gorgeous. You could see for miles. There were people there who had simply driven their cars up- they were so fascinated with thru hikers! It was like we were some sort of wildlife to them. We dug some more ramps this morning and put them in mashed potatoes for dinner - yummy. We had dinner at Cold Spring Shelter - one of the oldest shelters in the south - it is made out of American Chestnut - a tree that is practically extinct now. Well, after dinner we still felt some miles in us and decided to push on for a bald campsite. However - it started thundering and lightning and pouring - absolutely pouring so we pushed on some more and got to Wesser Bald Shelter - it's not actually on a bald though. The NOC tomorrow! Cheeseburgers and coke!
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Campsite Past NOC
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

The best day ever. Marcus, Will (Lil Hopper) and I left the shelter before 7:30 this morning - we wanted cheeseburgers!!! We came upon the most AMAZING view of the fog. We were at 4000' elevation and the fog was like a sea below us. Only the tips of the mountain tops were peaking through the thick fog. We took several pictures and hope to post those soon. It was breathtaking and it was so amazing to actually see the fog moving around those strong mountain tops. The NOC is also gorgeous. It's so colorful and sunny here - laundry, showers, food, an outfitters - what more could you ask for? First, we stopped at the main office to buy our showers and we got some cokes and chips and candy. Then - Marcus, Will and myself got clean. I bought shorts today - $20 North Face, I was lucky to be able to get the children's size! How nice to have cool legs. Mmmm....lunch! We had cheeseburgers, french fries, salads and cokes. We hiked in about 5 miles to the NOC and we hiked out about 3 to a campsite instead of paying $15 each for a bunk. At least we won't have 3 miles to do in the morning!
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Campsite Past NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Today was really, really tough. We walked uphill in the cold rain for a long time. We were tired, tested, grumpy, cold and wet. However! We had Mountain House spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and it made everything so much better. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow and the Smokies are coming up soon.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

We are staying at the Fontana Lodge tonight - what a deal! $60 for a nice hotel room with a fireplace and a king sized bed and best of all - a hot shower. Marcus and I ate dinner at the Bistro, in the Lodge. Sue, Chuck's wife, was ever so kind to bring us food we bought in Franklin. A free mail drop! Today was another cold & rainy day - however, the Smokies are next and that's exciting and enough to make one a bit nervous. Fontana is a gorgeous little place - however, there's a huge detour around the dam and instead of a straight walk over the dam, there's a detour of about 3 miles.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter GSMNP
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We're in the Smokies! Another cold and rainy day. This shelter is the first in the Smokies and it sleeps 14 inside. Instead of merely 14 however, there are 15 hikers in the bunks, me and another hiker on the benches, 4 in the floor inside and 4 under the cooking area outside. Marcus decided to sleep outside - he says he stayed dry all night.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter GSMNP
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

What a nice shelter! Here with the Hootenany Posse. Marcus and I are killed - so many uphills today. It was absolutely WONDERFUL to wake up to SUNSHINE this morning. The Smokies are beautiful - absolutely beautiful. We took a long lunch today and hung up all our wet clothes and stuff in the trees like a couple of hillbillies. All in all, a wonderful day.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Derrick's Knob Shelter GSMNP

To: Mt Collins Shelter GSMNP
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

At another full shelter - hiked to Clingman's Dome today - the highest point on the AT! The observation tower is at 6,643'! A bunch of us were sitting around the bottom of the observation tower and everyone was asking question after question. They just couldn't believe that we are planning on walking to Maine! We were given some cookies and candy by some people who I suppose were feeling sorry for us. We were all so happy! As of tomorrow we'll have walked over 200 miles.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm, Davenport, TN
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We're finished with the Smokies as of today! We are staying at Standing Bear Farm Hostel tonight with a bunch of friends. The weather is absolutely beautiful and today was great. When we got to the hostel we were given a ride to the convenience store where we picked up cookies, candy bars, dough nuts, chips, BBQ sandwiches and a gallon of milk. Mmmm.... Marcus and I have the old chicken coup as our room tonight. $15 for a ride into town, hot shower, a mattress to sleep on, internet, laundry - all the luxuries! We will update all the previous journals soon - there are pictures under the "photos" tab. We've seen so many beautiful things! We've walked over 235 miles in 3 states!
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Standing Bear Farm, Davenport, TN

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.1

We're about to head out of Standing Bear & we don't really want to leave! However, Marcus just spoke with his Mom and she wants to come have lunch with us in Hot Springs on Sunday. Yea! We've only about 30 miles between here and there and will probably get there tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for reading and following us along! We'll update the last 2 days in the Smokies soon - I just left them blank for now...take care everyone.We're having the best time - I love the life. Hiking, eating and sleeping and enjoying the world we live in its absolute, glorious, best. Spring is here!
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Brown Gap

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The last shelter before Hot Springs! It's a tiny, tiny thing that "sleeps five" but Tree has to sleep diagonally to even fit and Will and I are practically the length of the shelter. We didn't get to the shelter until about 9:30 and we are the only people here. We see in the register that a guy named Truckin got a mouse with a blow gun. He drew the battle scene with a Grateful Dead bear shooting the mouse. Ooh! Trail Magic not too far before the shelter! There was a plastic container with Gatorade, crackers & candy. Gorgeous sunsets today.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: light rain

Hot Springs! Since we hiked >20 miles yesterday we only had a short walk into town this morning. Amy & Greg, Tree's Mom and step-dad, came to meet us at the Smoky Mountain Diner. Lil Hopper, Tree and I pigged out on HUGE burgers and anything fried. We did our laundry across the street.As a present, Amy & Greg bought us a soak in one of the hot springs. Well, much to our surprise, it's actually a hot tub that they fill with "natural spring water." Regardless, it was a welcome soak for sore muscles.The three of us were just about to hike out and camp along the trail instead of paying to stay in town and we ran into Barakus who explained that several of our friends had rented a cabin. Hopper stayed with them and slept on the floor and Tree and I were invited to sleep free in another cabin as there were only 2 people staying in a cabin that sleeps 5!
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light snow

We escaped town! Tree and I have found that if we "nero" and only leave a few miles to do the morning of town (as in yesterday) we don't feel the need to "zero" the next day. Hopper, Tree and I left town a bit after noon and we enjoyed the views of the river on our way up the trail. And then we saw the storm.Black skies meant rain - but no! It was snow! There was only about 2-3" accumulation by the time we got to the (full) shelter. It was such a welcome sight to see a fire going and a bunch of people to hang out with. We got the tent up in record speed and then changed into dry clothes and got dinner cooking. Actually, there was no cooking - just reheating. We had homemade soup and cornbread - thanks Amy!We finally met Truckin, Dirty Girl & Pilot. We've been seeing their journal entries for sometime now.