morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-02
To: New Year's Day Shakedown
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

What better way to start the new year (and the year of my attempted thru-hike)than to be hiking on the A.T. itself!Met up with WINKLE, Greg & Ranger Bob at the Springer parking lot and it was COLD! I layered up pretty good as it was mid-thirties but I knew, the way I heat up when hiking, some of those layers would come off. I even started with two pairs of gloves!! In the parking lot was Hemlock and her hiking companion. I believe they spent the night near the starting blaze/plaque as is a popular thing for folks to do on New Year's eve. They headed down the A.T. with full packs doing a loop somewhere for a few days.It only took about 1/2 mile for WINKLE and I to take off our jackets and one pair of gloves. Hiking out was easy, a nice gradual 3.5 path down to Three Forks where we stopped for snacks & a break. As we stood up to leave Greg said "Onward and upward!" and he wasn't kidding as we had a 3.5 hike back UP which did produce a sweat and gloves and headwarmer came off.There was not much wildlife stirring.   We did stop once to try to see two hidden grouse which were carrying on with loud voices. They kept themselves well hidden but were making lots of racket. (I suppose to throw us off the path of something.) Is it unlikely they would have baby grouse in this freezing cold? I am not much of a birder ~ where's Band-aid Kid when ya need him?I was a bit disappointed in the number of hikers. Only saw about 5 backpackers and I kept a lookout for Good Rain & never saw her.I also carried my backpack to see what might be rubbing or fitting poorly & most everything was good. No back problems & only my right hip-flexor was a bit tight after the uphill but that is easily remedied by good stretching every morning.HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! Make the effort to just get out and move...it's a great insurance policy and God's creations are amazing!!
Date: 2014-01-20
To: Still preparing
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have not had much to report lately as for prep work but a note in my guest book from Happy and Crunchmaster prompted me to let everyone know I am still on GO for my trek northward in March.I don't like to write mundane 'goings on' about my daily life but I have had a bit of a game changer. One day last week I sat at the DMV all morning then returned home to find a burst water pipe from the 7 degree freezes Atlanta has experienced recently. There was major devastation to the walls, carpet and my energy level. My wallet has taken a hit of about $2000 for repairs so I don't know how much this will affect my hike. I really want to make it the whole way so please remember me in your prayers. I am also happy to report that my wish for the SPOT tracking device has come true. Yippee! Tony Tiger gave me this gift for my peace of mind (and friends and family)THANK YOU Tony Tiger!I will be starting my hike with WINKLE, BAMA, and Ranger Bob. We are gonna scoop up Good Rain and take her to Springer. I am so excited to get this hike started with those people. Hope to catch up to TANK and can't wait to see WhiteBear and Cujo who I hiked with in 2007.....see everyone out there soon!
Date: 2014-02-14
To: Massive Preperations
Miles today: 0.0

I just realized I have not made a journal entry in quite some time but there has been a MAJOR reason for the neglect. preparation for hike has been so much more daunting than I could have ever imagined. Then when I am smack in the middle of house repairs (for the tenant) and trying to finalize things at work, I am slapped to the ground with the worst flu!! Okay, I should know better being in the health field that I didn't get the flu shot this year. I guess I was trying to see if I would be lucky.....NOT!!The person who is renting the townhouse wants in very soon and I will be bouncing from house to house (my wonderful & loving friends)to sleep on various couches until I hike. If I didn't have someone lease the house then I couldn't afford to hike. All my belongings had to be packed and stored (now we're talking a 3-story townhouse and if I am not in shape after lugging all those boxes from the top floor to my car & endless trips to the storage unit....then something's wrong!!)I had to repaint and scour/clean the house and fix appliances....oh, and I mentioned the pipe burst before.I did find someone to hang onto my kitty while I am away so I am blessed with friends all over the place! God has been good to me and I am sure HE is making this path to the A.T. an obstacle course so I will revel in the peace I will have out there. Looking forward to my new friends and hiking with already close & dear friends. Snow and Ice has begun a huge melt down this afternoon in Atlanta ~~ bring on the spring!!
Date: 2014-03-04
To: Room To Breathe
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi everyone! Am still on board with my hike (starting in a few weeks) As a matter of fact the last few weeks of my existence has been so life-changing I call it opening a new BOOK vs. a new chapter.Since I have a bit of 'age' on me I didn't heal fast from the flu and moving out of my home became a slow process which needed to be done swiftly for the new tenant. I have no idea where most things are right now (three different storage places) and my daughter will be leaving for Japan to work very soon. I lost my sweet pal, Tater Tot last week. He became suddenly ill and my daughter & I rushed him to an emergency vet at 1:00 a.m. but he died in my arms on route. This was very traumatic for my daughter and I as we have had him 14 years since a teeny tiny kitty.As a week has passed by I feel a little room to breathe as I am trying to put things in perspective. I have been made totally free to hike without worries back home.After all the stressful events happened I got some sweet trail magic from Tigger & Chuck Norris & the most appropriate card I could ever imagine! They didn't even know about what I had been through....the Lord does have awesome plans, huh? I know everyone has their share of pre-hike stressfulness. The reason for this post was to let you know things aren't always easy and rosy before we head out. I do envy those who have a spouse back home holding down the fort. But as we step onto the trail our worries melt away and it becomes a trek of wonder and epic excitement. I have been so fortunate to hear from long-time hiker friends Tony Tiger, Handyman, Catchup, Stylin, WINKLE (who is hiking with me), Certain, The Band-Aid Kid, Circadian, and many others. I am really looking forward to new friends......looks like I am starting out with a great group!! About 5 or 6 (Ranger Bob, you ready to be trekking with a bunch of women?)lolI have just now had time to lay out my gear and a lot of it is stuff I have used and like. I just am not going to obsess about my gear. It is what it is and I will make do. Bring on the adventure!! I am almost ready! Kokopelli
Date: 2014-03-13
To: iPhone check
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Excitement is the most-used word in my vocabulary these days!I attended the Hiker Kickoff at Amicalola State Park on Saturday andHeard some awesome and very informative speakers. I laughed a lot too!!Great job AWOL!! I bought his book and am just now reading it. I have alwaysHeard it was a good book!! Gets me really pumped for my trek.I got the most wonderful box in the mail from Tony Tiger~~ the SPOT (satellite trackingDevice), a 'brick' charging station, and the Sawyer easy water filtration system.I have been so very blessed with good friends' gifts for the trail. I feel the best way to repayIs to be a good steward to all on the trail. Sorry if there are misspells as i am typing on my iPhone for practice . God's peace to all!!! Soon!
Date: 2014-03-20
From: iPhone check

To: hawk shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

What a glorious day to start my hike. Left my car in theThru-hiker parking lot at Amicalola. Then Greg shuttledWinkle , me and Ranger Bob to Springer while Bill tookBama, splash and slow-go to the start. Signed in and took pics (my pack weighs 28 lbs) and BobKept teasing me about my water bottle needed filling ALL the way to the top. My new Osprey pack is nice but i sm making adjustmentsSo it is more comfortable. Only minor aches and i was so happy to make the 8.1 milesAll after linch time! What a grest group! There are more than40 camped at Hawk. A lady has three loudly yapping dogs soWe are tenting away from the shelter. We are tenting with Angie in our group. What a sweet young gal!!We named her Center Field after she threw her first bear bag lineperfectly. It is getting cold so will get in my down bag. Night all..... Wonderful day, God has blessed us.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: hawk shelter

To: gooch Gap
Miles today: 9.1

Another beautiful day of hiking!! I could tell the accumulation of two days of mountains and a heavy pack were making day 2 a bit harder. I always start out charged up and maintain a steady uphill cadence but the last three miles were tough on the ol hip flexors!We decided to hike past Gooch Shelter and camp at the gap and what a wonderful treat awaited!! Two families out sharing their ministry provided apples, delicious tortilla soup and fruit cobbler cooked in iron dutch ovens over the fire. The families were delightful, loving and so funny! Hiking this trail is an adventure that unfolds its wonders everyday. We shared the day leapfrogging with a nice, young English gentleman who looks JUST loke Prince William (but has a full head of hair) ). We are all trying to tag him with a trail name and i did suggest Prince William... He kinda liked it.... We'll see.Please excuse typos as it's hard to journal on this tiny keyboard.Night all ( still haven't heard my owl friends yet).
Date: 2014-03-22
From: gooch Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 7.2

Third beautiful day of hiking. At Gooch Gap the trail magic continued when we awoke. The same church group provided breakfast items so i grabbed some yogurt and berries and had some Via Starbucks coffee (thanks sweet daughter, Lindsay)!! We headed to Woody Gap where my friend Tony Tiger was waiting to hike with us. We had some pretty steep climbs today including Ramrock and Big Cedar. After an exhausting climb up Cedar we were resting on a large flat rock and right in front of us we witnessed a handsome young man propose to his girlfriend. After she said "yes" and he put the ring on her finger our group all erupted in applause. Just love the unexpected events on the AT.We hiked into Lance Creek (we have to stop here because we do not have bear canister). It is PACKED and we are lined up tent to tent. Tomorrow we get up early and hike down Blood (most probably in the rain). But a good meal and hot shower await!!!Good night!!
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Packed up at 5:30 with our headlamps to get an early start to ascend Blood Mt. We also hiked with headlamps for a bit. Then the rain and wind started. I had warmed up enough ( and had my ears covered) so i kept motoring to the top of Blood Mt. At the top i went into the shelter and put in my raincoat for the descent. Was beautiful at the top with clouds floating along the mt. tops!The descent was hard but made it to Neels gap unharmed except for a bruised toenail. The descent was a bit scary with the wet rocks and mud.I am having a little problem with sore calves but i stretch them all day.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Incredibly COLD as we left out of Neels Gap before 9:00. We had quite the company as there was a mass exodus of our 'hiker bubble' marching up the mountain out of the gap. We saw a few guys in shorts and asked them if they were from Alaska. (Seattle Washington was their answer). The sky was brilliant blue but it remained cold most of the day and there still is not much wildlife. I did hear a woodpecker and saw two squirrels.Ate our lunch at Wolf Laurel overlook and the beauty just makes me so thankful that i am able to do this trek!!The hike up Wildcat was VERY tough but my group cranked out more than 11 miles by 5:00 and the ridge runner, Razor has informed us that the temps will dip into the teens tonight!! Yikes! Thank you SO much Tony Tiger for the gift of a silk liner for my sleeping bag . I shall be toasty tonight!! I am still waiting to hear owls... Come on owls, bring it!!
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Low Gap

To: unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday we awoke to quite a surprise.... Snow covered the tents and campsite!! It was SO hard to get out of that sleeping bag. Winkle and i hiked out at 9:00 and it was so cold and windy all day there was a constant re-arranging of wardrobe all day. You didn't want to be saturated in sweat then have the icy blasts hit you (and , boy they DID hit you). Winkle and i were several minutes behind Bama and Ranger Bob). We smelled the smoke of a campfire and did that ever sound appealing after 4 miles of the cold!! We pulled into a campsite where a group from Florida was breaking camp and we saw their chocolate lab, Ivan all cuddled up in a blanket. That was the best mannered dog.... Never barked at us but sure did stare at us, big time, when we broke out the snacks! (See picture in photo section)Stopped once again at Blue Mt. Shelter to make coffee then descended into Unicoi Gap where Greg scooped us all up for a night out of the cold and snow!! Thanks Winkle and Greg... Love the Coosabend Hostel! )
Date: 2014-03-27
From: unicoi Gap

To: zero day-Coosabend
Miles today: 0.0

While i lay here on a comfortable bed, taking a needed zero-day, i wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for signing my guest book and offering support!! This attempt to thru/hike has been tough (as far as the fatigue factor) but i learned SO much from 2007. I have no blisters or sore feet! Not one little bit!! (Yea KEENS)! My knees are so much better because i am not trying to race everyday. Just little knee twinges i can manage with ibuprofen. No shoulder or back pain this time. The new Osprey pack is comfortable and when packed correctly, feels good!Thank you so much to all those providing trail magic. It is SUCH a treat and your efforts are really appreciated. ( whoever put the cooler of gatorade at Woody Gap, thank you!!!Just to let you know i am hiking with exceptional backpackers!! Winkle and Ranger Bob have sections of the AT they maintain and i learn so much. Bama has hiked thousands of trail miles and she keeps me laughing regularly. These three are strong, avid backpackers and i don't know how i am staying with them... (Must be why i am so wiped out) lol.Tomorrow back on the trail and i will welcome it !!
Date: 2014-03-27
From: unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a frigid start out of Unicoi up the 'straight up' trail provided plenty of warmth. I started seeing ice in the trail and took great precautions to get around it!! At a gap up ahead a group who had thru-hiked before had set up AWESOME trail magic. They called themselves The Roman Noodles ( from Roma Ga. ) one of them was a physician who gave out needed advice on 'trail maladies'. They had lots of snacky things and i had a few tangerines and hot coffee. Then came the never ending climb up Tray Mt. After an hour Big Sexy yelled out "does this EVER end?" To which i replied "no! It's the AT!"My legs and spirits were pretty good all day and we reached Sassafras (which thought would be jammed with hikers) but most had moved on so we set up camp there. Was extremely windy and in the morning i found the wind had unearthed two if my tent stakes plus it did start raining. One beautiful observation was at 2:00am when i had to get out of my tent.... I looked up and the stars were brilliant!!! Just twinkling like diamonds!! So many gifts out here on the trail!
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Top of Ga. Hostel
Miles today: 6.4

Woke up at 5:00a.m. To the patter of rain on the tent. My group decided to not hike out until 8:00 as we knew the trail would be muddy and slippery and we wanted daylight to see our way. I could not go back to sleep as the rain got heavier and the winds became more aggressive. I slowly started gathering together the random clutter inside my tent so i would be ready to break down the tent when necessary. I made coffee just inside the vestibule of my tent.... So glad this morning ritual wasn't interrupted by rain !My group packed up our heavy wet tents and trudged off into the mud and rain toward the difficult, Kelly's Knob. It was a difficult, slippery hike. It was only 6.4 miles but seemed like 10. It was muggy out and i was sweaty under my rain jacket and drenched on the outside!! To top it off i didn't eat enough for breakfast so i was about to crash .... Mot a good hiking day. It was the the first day i said to myself "why am i doing this?" ( just being honest, folks)When we got to Dicks Creek gap we turned left and walked to the new hostel The Top of Georgia. Sir Packsalot was super friendly and his place was clean! Thanks for the free shuttle to re-supply and one FUN treat was soaking our feet in warm Epsom salts and water in a tub of marbles!! Rolling our feet over the marbles helped the soreness!!
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: muskrat shelter in NC
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a cold and windy climb out of the gap and it stayed windy and cool much of the day but the skies were a gorgeous blue!! The entire day was mostly UP. We left Ga. With some steep climbs and entered NC with even steeper climbs! It was a very hard day but we made it to Muskrat Shelter. Lots of tenters all over the place!! Just wanted you to know i cant always make entries because cell service is 'spotty' and these entries take 'forever' to upload. But i will update when possible! Night all!!
Date: 2014-03-30
From: muskrat shelter in NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning began with a scare. I always crank up my Jetboil just outside my tent to make my morning coffee. This morning was quite a bit colder so i didn't realize propane gas has a mind of its own when it's cold! I cranked on the Jetboil and it exploded in flames!! Scared the crap out of me as i used my hiking pole to shove the flaming stove away from my tent. Oh no, i caught a few leaves on fire and used all my filtered water to dose the flames. Winkle came running from her tent with water to help me put out the fire!We got a late start after the excitement and the sun was awesome today. Down at the gap there was a large crowd eating lunch and enjoying the sun.Climbing up toward Carter Gap, Winkle began to not feel well so she decided to turn around and have her husband get her. She'll be back hiking with us soon, we hope!!Bama and i continued on to Carter Shelter. I ran into Coinslot who was having bad knee problems and he had made the decision to leave the trail. I know he wants to be hiking so badly but sometimes injuries on the AT are unforgiving. Coinslot, if you did go home we will miss you!
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap shelter (NC)
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

Up and out of camp by 7:30 as we wanted to make good time to get over Albert Mt. The sky was blue as could be and temperatures required no jacket. After coming down the mountain, Bama kept looking for a certain shelter (very near the base). We hiked and we hiked and finally realized the old shelter was torn down and a new one was just constructed. (Long branch shelter) we had a good lunch at a real picnic table. I was very pleased to see it was very pristine and no one had ruined it with graffiti. It does sadden me to see so much writing all over the shelter walls and directional signs. In camp tonight were Bama, Achin, Paul Bunyan, Trudger, Derby, One mile, and Towhee and his sweet dog Reptaur.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Rock Gap shelter (NC)

To: Wayah shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great start as Ranger Bob and his wife Anna provided trail magic of breakfast juices and some basic good snacks (i grabbed s Moonpie!!). Bama and i proceded up a tough mountain and were greeted once again by Bob and Anna at Winding Stair with resupply boxes. Then Bob dawned his pack and we waved by to Anna and we took off for another blue-sky day of hiking!!Around 5:00 we were still quite a distance from our desired stop.... So we looked at each other snd decided to go further. We had a MONSTER climb up Wayah Bald and when we reached the summit we took pictures of the stone tower then traveled one more mile to our shelter. It was 7:15 and we hiked our longest day yet !! My knees were really sore. I was SO ready to sleep!! Zzzzzz
Date: 2014-04-03
From: wayah bald shelter

To: wesser shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Today's mileage was relatively easy but the terrain was tough in the end. We had to climb up the Wesser Mt. And it was HOT!! We had to take some 'heartbreaks' (as we call them) as the one hour climb was oh so steep. At the top was a firetower which i climbed. Kinda gave me a panic attack feeling as the stairs and railings were rickety!Today i saw several beautiful butterflies (some orange and some yellow) but since there have been few wildlife sightings they were quite spectaculur! Tonight i sat up my tent even though there was a chance of rain. I was lucky and stayed dry. Tomorrow we head to the NOC for food, shower and laundry. We have been 7 days out in the woods and soon they will change my name to Kokosmelly!! (No comment, Chuck Norris) )
Date: 2014-04-04
From: wesser shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: few clouds

I was up early and packed up the tent and out of camp before 8:00. I left to find a place to call my Mom as she always worries as to my hiking for long distances....(hey Mom's never stop worrying even though I am 61...lol)I made a call right at the Jump Up area then proceeded on toward the NOC. It was a sharp descent and started raining about half way down so I put on my rain coat and pack cover. Even though the path got slippery it was a gentle rain and fun hiking.Of course my knees paid the price as they were tight and swollen when I reached bottom but it was fun seeing all mu friends who had congregated at the restaurants and gear shop.While I was at the NOC the Osprey co. (who make my backpack) set up shop and they were prepared to make repairs right on the spot for anyone with Osprey gear problems. I was having trouble with my 'top-loader' straps so they sewed new ones in as I watched. I hope there is no more slipping of these straps. Thanks, guys!!I had some great food while there and re-supplied with enough food to get me to the Fontana Village before the Smokies.I stayed in the bunkhouse and had a refreshing shower and with clean clothes I was ready to take off the next day.(I will upload pics when I can. I am at the Fontana Village and my IPhone has no web or phone reception.)
Date: 2014-04-05
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.0

Today was really tough as the LONG climb out of the NOC was very challenging for my short little legs. Lots of steep 'step-ups' that kept me working hard but I made it to the Bald and recovered very quickly. Today was all 'up'.We decided to camp on Cheoah Bald as I had hiked past here many times and always wanted to see the sunrise and sunset. The two did not disappoint as the sunrise was spectacular! I must say the night was very cold but it was quite awesome to listen to the wind howl as I lay still in my tent.One thing I have really appreciated is getting early starts. I have now got myself into a good 'order of packing up' and have been hiking by 7:30 every morning. It allows me to take my time and not rush the downhills and stop and enjoy some of the beautiful overlooks.I am meeting some wonderful people out here. Iron Sheff and Indiana have taken their time to offer suggestions about hiking when I must strike off on my own. I will never be alone in the hiking community and there are many adventures awaiting.(I will upload pics when I get service on my IPHONE. Am using the Fontana Village computer to make these entries...but there is no phone service.