morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-15
To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Hey guys Well I did attempt another solo hike in order to prepare for the AT.Actually it was a great hike with many learning opportunities.The only thing is that there wasn't any good water sources.And it was very hot and humid.I have been to Land Between the Lakes in KY many times before but I have never seen it this dry.And no one at the South Welcome Center or the North Welcome Center bothered to let me in on this.I'll know to ask next time but I told both rangers that I was thru-hiking the trail and they never mentioned the water problem.A friend of mine and I dropped my car at the southern terminus of the 60 mile trail and then took me to the northern terminus where I began my hike.My intention was to hike to my car 60 miles south.But 4 days and 3 nights of deligently searching for water proved to be a very difficult task. Also, I suffered many chigger bites and useless miles searching for water sources the map said existed but I was not able to find.I found the pipes but no water.Kentucky Lake had water of course as the trail meandered in and out,but I had to wade mud and murk to get to it. I would stealth camp near the lake instead of going to the designated campsites.The first half of the trail was doable because of the Kentucky Lake but the lower half of the trail went through the middle of Lake Barkley and KY Lake with no access to the lake water, so I had to bail after 30 miles.All in all in was a great learning experience though.I realized how pertinent a map is for one thing.I at least knew when I was getting close to lake water.I didn't get any rain like I thought I would.I to bail before the rains came.Looking forward to another prep adventure.
Date: 2008-10-13
To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived at the Gathering camp and registered on Friday 10/11 in the afternoon,but I elected to stay at the Pipestem Campground instead.It was a seven hour drive from Tennesse but a beautiful one.The scenery of Virgina and W.Virgina was awesome.The trees were beginning to turn beautiful colors.I even got to travel through a tunnel in the mountains entering Virgina and WV.It was so cool.I didn't know they were there.Anyway the Gathering was very informative as usual.Even though I went last year and learned alot, I still picked up quiet a few tips for my thru-hike.Like "don't drink the water of a flushing toilet",says Warren Doyle.I really never thought about it but like he said when a big rain runoff washes the ground and you can get alot of crap in it too.Not a good time to drink it.Wait til the water clears and sets awhile.That's good info.It was great to see familar hiking buddies and meet potential ones for 2009.Mostly,I heard so many different ones say to take the time to enjoy your hike.I think that's what I'll do.
Date: 2008-10-30
From: Planning Phase

To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Hot Springs,NC to Davenport Gap,GSMNP in TN Shakedown HikeAfter shuttling my car to Big Creek Ranger station near Davenport Gap I began my hike from Hot Springs.It was so cool seeing Hot Springs and the sites I have only read about before.Smoky Mt Diner, Bluff Mt.Outfitter and the beautiful French Broad River.This trip consisted of 36 miles.I climbed over Deer Park Mountain where I set up camp in the rain.Water was pretty scarce but I did find a small source at the campsite I chose just south of Garenflo Gap.The next day I climbed Bluff Mountain about a 2300 ft elevation gain and fromthere I was on to Lemon Gap.I met two southbounders at the water source there but they seemed to be in a real hurry.I do see why.I didn't get their trailnames..My bad. I'll have to do that next time.Day three was the amazing climb up Max Patch Mountain.At 4,629 feet the winds were very boisterous and turning cold.The views into North Carolina and the GSMNP were awesome but there were very many tourist so I didn't stay too long.That night I stayed in Brown Gap.Day four was spent going over Snowbird Mountain and of course I saw the famous spaceship looking FFA tower building.It began to sleet as I was leaving the mountain,very windy and cold.That night I camped right next to the trail near Waterville School Road.I didn't realize I was that close until I came around the mountain and heard the trucks on Interstate I40 zooming by.Oh well, I'm not going back..lolDay five I passed under I40 as it was again sleeting and spitting snow.I learned after I got home that the Smokies and North Carolina did get a bit of snow accumulation.It was really cool following the AT blazes out on foot because before now I had only driven by them in a car going to the Smokies.After arriving at Davenport Gap a nice couple pulled up and was telling me about the snow on the mountains.I did yogi a ride from them back to my car a Big Creek saving me two road miles. I didn't pick a long hike for this shakedown because I just wanted to get the feel of being solo and enjoy this particular stretch of the trail.I feel like I learned alot this trip.My gear seemed to be sufficient for this weather but I will add a bag liner for colder temps.I also learned that I can manouver though a pretty long stretch of fresh blowdowns without poking my eye out. Now where will I go next???
Date: 2008-11-14
From: Planning Phase

To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

I went on a 7 mile dayhike yesterday (just to keep the joints oiled and moving) at Montgomery Bell State Park near Dickson,Tn.A friend of mine and his great little Jack Russell(above pic) enjoyed a great day.Some of the foliage was still on the trees and made for a really pretty hike.This park actually has 3 shelters on the 11 mile loop.They have recently been renovated from wire bunks to wood platforms.I have been out here a number of times and love it each time I come.Although I couldn't get a picture,this park is thriving with alot of very large deer.This is always a treat to witness.I am planning another week long shakedown hike beginning on Wednesday of this week.Stay tuned to see where I go.
Date: 2008-12-17
From: Planning Phase

To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Ahhhh...the life.A great campsite,nice fire and a good book.Agree?? Actually I went on this hike to South Cumberland Recreation Area in east Tennessee to test my tent in the rain.Rain was in the forecast for the next two nights.I have the Hubba tent (that I love)but I have had it awhile now and the last time I was camping everything felt very damp inside and the fly even dripped water on my head while I was in my bag and it wasn't even raining that hard.I know it wasn't condensation.So this hike was to put it to a rain test. After getting a late start I set up camp 3.5 miles in at Dinky Line Campground.I usually don't build a fire but I had a lot of time,daylight and downed wood.I did enjoy sitting in my camp chair at the fire and reading.Then as the night wore on I became very bored.WHAT!! Did I say that?It's not like me at all to be bored in the woods.But I was.It didn't rain that night and the next morning my plan was to hike to Hobbs Cabin and set my tent up there.But I couldn't shake the bored feeling.I couldn't bear the thought of hiking to a place that I had been to numerous times before.And I do love Hobbs Cabin.It is a very unique place and a nice hike with great views of Savage Gulf.But I knew what I would see along the hike there and I knew what I would see after I got there.So I my thinking was.. what's the point. I kept thinking about my last two awesome shakedown hikes on the AT.On this hike I had nothing to inspire me,nothing to intrigue my fears,nor did I face any challenges.There were no survival instincts stirring in me.No adrenaline rushes.No wondering what the trail was like over the mountain.No huffing and puffing,spitting or spewing,wondering if I would even make it over the mountain...lol The fact is I was just BORED!!!! So therefore I was done with this hike and headed out.Does any of this make sense? But all in all I feel like it was a successful hike in that,although I set out to test gear I wound up testing my feelings.I tested my desire to be on "the trail" and the excitement of the journey to come.I hope I keep this fire lit inside long after I begin in March.All the way north to Katahdin.Also this trip made me to realize how important my fellow hikers will be to me and hopefully I can be to them.Can't wait to meet my new friends.
Date: 2009-02-09
To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Wow it has been awhile since my last entry. But a lot has happened in the last month. First of all I came down with the going around crud(that is a professional term for who knows what it is). Ha. Anyway it put my shakedown hikes on hold for awhile. But I am much better and did get out this past weekend for a short overnighter. Great weekend to hike too. The moon was almost full and lit up the whole forest like a football field.And again a lot has taken place in my mind. The time is drawing near for the final preparations to be completed. I haven't requested time off at work yet because I wanted to get checked out healthwise first.Get the knees xrayed,doc says now's the time. YAY! Have the teeth checked out.Good to go. I feel like I am being prepared to go to the market for sale Ha. I have one more doc to see and if I hear what I need to hear it's a go!!Also I don't know about anyone else's view on this but are you guys that are taking a leave from your job like I am, worried about the economy? I have the means to do this hike and enjoy it but I don't want to take my job for granted either. I do want to be employed when I get back. I am a Critical Care RN and I feel there will be something for me when I get back but it is very scary when you are your own bread winner.Unless one of you guys wanna take up feeding me. But I really feel like I need this hike in my life so much right now. And I fear if I wait it will never happen for meOh well,I just had to get that out Now back to planning my hike. I'm not planning maildrops but I do have a few boxes set aside with my two pair of broken-in boots and extra crocs in them to be mailed when I need them.I am trying to utilize some of the things I already have by adding them to the boxes. Also could someone help me decide if I really need to take maps?I have tossed this around in my head for too long. Looked at forums and so many opinions are out there. I have the Applachian Pages guide and would love to take the maps but it seems like a pain to be trying to get the ones you need when you need them. Also I know the safety factor involved. But are they REALLY that necessary?Thanks a bunch.
Date: 2009-02-25
From: Planning Phase

To: planning phase
Miles today: 0.0

Picture of my favorite dog Annie sideways ha. I downloaded the pic from my blackberry to my home pc and then uploaded it here. I still don't know how I will manage my photos while I hike but I guess I'll do the best I can.I really don't want this journal to be a real chore on the trail but it is nice to be able to tell the tale as I go. GOOD NEWS!!! My bosses were very understanding concerning my need to get away from my job for awhile.They wanted to go too. One said it has been a dream of hers to hike the AT and she has one of the long ATC maps. She said can we go?We'll be quiet! Too cool!! Sooooo,,, I have a lodge room at Amicalola Falls on March 16th and I'll begin my hike on the 17th my late dads birthday. YAY WOW gotta really get in gear now. I did get the maps. I know me. I like knowing where I am going and what's around me.And I'll have the added security that I know where I can get off trail if I need to. I think they will be an enjoyable addition to my journeys experience. But I'll have to have a few mail drops and that's okay. I'm very excited and want to just keep rambling but I gotta go do some shopping.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: planning phase

To: planning phase
Miles today: 0.0

..OMG!!! One week from tomorrow I'll leave for Amicalola Falls.Michael my greatest friend and backhome coordinator,Marti my daughter and Alicia her friend are driving to Georgia with me and hike to Springer Mt.from the forest service road on Tuesday the 17th.I have already hiked the Approach Trail twice so if we can get up the FR that's what we plan to do. If the weather is bad as in ice or snow I'll hike the Approach again. It would be nice to have them send me off. I wish I could take them with me.These guys are all going to be a great big part in taking care of my home and I can't thank them enough. I am getting very excited and somewhat apprehensive. I guess these are normal feelings. But I feel like I have everything in order. Guess I'll know as I go. I plan to have a total of ten drop boxes. As I said before the maps dictated that decision.I also may have a bounce box. I'll see how that goes. I have been following a few journals of those who started a week or more ago and the butterflies flutter when I read what they write of the journey so far The picture above is just some of my boxes. The packing and scheduling of the boxes have made this trip now so real Next post should be from the trail. Good luck to all starting soon. And for those who couldn't work it out this year keep your dream alive inside. God Bless our journey!HYOH
Date: 2009-03-12
To: planning phase
Miles today: 0.0

The falls picture was from my last trip. I know I said my next entry would be from Georga but here I am at home everything packed and ready to go. Even my drop boxes are ready to ship. I just need to finish the labels and put them on. Question to someone in the know. Do I have to call ahead where my drops are to ship and get an okay from them?They are all going to Hostels or Hotels,etc.no PO.Anyway here I sit in great anticipation trying to rack my brain to see if I have forgotten anything.Who am I kidding I am just bored. Ha..My last day at work was Tuesday.. .Yes I did it!!...AAaaaiiiiihhh...I guess that's how you spell ¢ Oh butter, What have I done?¢(my grandaughters might read this and they know their Grammie doesn't say bad words)I love you girls very much!! And will miss you terribly.But my last day went out with a bang. We were so busy. My dogs were really barking by the time I got off.It did help me to evade the dreaded secret though. I didn't tell my coworkers I was taking the leave until a few hours before I was to get off. I just couldn't bear the long days or even hours of sadness it would devulge..... Needless to say they weren't very happy with my decision to keep it from them but they understood and hugged me anyway. And if I may say so myself Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville,TN has the best Top of the Line Nurses..So I will say so myself. I did get a couple of very nice gifts from my good friends/coworkers LeaBeth,Michelle,Debbie and Yuko. Beautiful memories of love to go with me on my beautiful journey. You guys Rock!!Thanks for all who sign my journal I don't take your thoughts and concerns lightly.A special thank you to Bertha my sister for her comment to keep me in her prayers and thoughts.Also I have had some great hiker friends also email and call with well wishes.To Mr.Wonderful ¢What's another pound you just gain less ground?¢You are and remain the Dodder.To Wareagle hang in there I'll be thinking about you.Now maybe I can breathe a lttle sign of relief since I got all this out. LOL
Date: 2009-03-16
From: planning phase

To: Amicalola Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Well here I am once again at Amicalola Falls State Park. This is for real this time No turning back now. Michael,Marti,Alicia and I drove from above Nashville,TN mostly in drizzly,rainy weather today we got to the Lodge about four and was planning to see the falls but the rain and fog left very little to see. Hopefully tomorrow it will clear before we leave for the mountain. I would love for them to see the beautiful falls and walk up those nice little steps.It was a hard decision to leave Nashville today. You see my oldest son Kevin had major surgery on Friday and didn't get to go home until today after having a few minor complications. I am still very worried about him but he said he would be okay.also he has three beautiful women to tend his every need.Take good care of yourself my son. I love you much. . So with afull belly and a warm soft bed. I'll bid you all good night.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Springer Mountain

To: Campsite just past Three Forks
Miles today: 4.5

What a great night's rest!Amicaloa Lodge has the softest mattresses in the world!I thought I would be awake all night with anticipation but I guess I have adjusted to the fact that this is really happening.That all of my scurrying around to get things in order is past now. I have great help at home so now all I have to do is walk and have fun doing it. This morning was much different weather wise. A great view of the Chattahooche National Forest was seen first thing from our lodge window.I called to check on my son and his wife said he was very sore but had a pretty good night. He was asleep so I didn't get to say bye. I've already said so many times he's probably glad I'm finally gone. lol j/k I know you will miss me as I will miss all of you. Whhaaah!! Then after a tasty breakfast we packed up and headed to the falls.Stopping by the visitor center first I weighed my pack in at 38 lbs.YOWIE!! I am not normally that heavy(I'm talking about my pack here) but I am carrying a few extra creature comforts since I won't be going home in a few days. I can send them home later if I find they are not that much comfort. I signed in at 269 I think it was. The 476 feet Amicalola Falls (means¢ tumbling waters¢I saw that on TV last night. Ha!) were roaring with white water. A beautiful sight to behold. I didn't take them,Michael,Marti and Alicia to the bottom and make them walk the stairs though. I was mainly interested in them accompanying me to Springer Mountain and that they did.I was more excited to see Michael on top of Springer than me being there myself I think. He has listened to me rave about my trips there and everywhere so it was so appropriate that he be there today The hike to Springer was great. I did carry my pack up the .9 mile. I wanted to start the hike with it. After pictures Michael,Marti and Alicia (Marti I forgot to give you the SD card,oh well I'll get them up when I can )were made and chose a pebble to carry to Maine, we hiked back to my car,took a break and I went on my way after tearful hugs and goodbye's. WOW.... I can't describe the freedom I felt as I buckled my pack and backed away from the car. It was like a load lifted off me. I hated to leave them but it felt great to go. I didn't get started hiking until about 2:30 so I only made it a few miles but that's okay. The trail was very muddy in many places and I was careful not to slide but the water is flowing nicely. A lady hiker ask me where I was headed and I said Maine. Ah ah my gah! I said Maine,MAINE. WOW!! YES!!Before I would just have to say oh just out for a few days ,,,but Maine?...,NICE For supper I had spicey rice with Michael's secret receipe of dehydrated ground chuck. Yum yum Keep um coming hun. I have a nice campsite next to a bubbling brook. Mmmmm. Sleep tonight. This is the first time I set up my new Hubba HP. So far so good. Now let me lay down on a not so soft mattress tonight and the saga begins HeeHee nite
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Campsite just past Three Forks

To: Justus Creek Camp
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: few clouds

Ouch! Says my feet. Just take a bunch of M's off those little chocolate candies and line them up but put altitudes of 2000-3500ft and you will know why my feet hurt. LOLLast night I slept pretty good but I didn't think it would ever get light enough to pack up and head out.The weather is georgous. At least 70* with a needed breeze often. I met, well got passed by a slew of thruhikers. It seemed like those that are going start tomorrow were even passing. Ha. I did slow Chance down long enough to get his trailname. I had see him post on Whiteblaze.net a great trail information forum. I was talking to a young lady with a huge backpack and ask her where she was going as she was heading south. I of course was headed north. She said she was going to Maine. Me too, I said and we looked at each other. I was sure I was going north but she tried to convince me I was the one that was wrong. So as we were trying to prove our right Chance walks up from the south going north like me. Humm? She didn't believe him either but an older hiker came up the same way as Chance and I.And she was saying the same things to him as to why she was right. WOW. I told her to not beat herself up over it because it happens to a lot of us. I know it does to me.I can get turned around going to the potty. She didn't even say thanks for stopping her from going south as she passes me going north. But even though the day took a toll on me and my feet it was a beautiful hike. At my first break on Hawk Mt the hawk were soaring and screeching at each other as they were aloft in huge circles. Nice show.Then before I took on Sassafrass and Justus Mts I took another longer break and just laid on my mat in the warm sun and tended to some blisters. I got to Justus Creek and both sides of the creek were filled with tents. I immediately got water as I had been out for awhile. Mmmm. So good! I ate tuna and broccoli soup and turned in Thanks to all signing my guest book. It's great t hear frm you. Love you guys. Marti email me so I will be able to email you back. Kids??
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Justus Creek Camp

To: Hiker Hostel-Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

It's not my fault!It's not my fault!I am at a hostel already? Is that what you are thinking? I don't blame you. Ha. I didn't plan it at all but when I got to Woody Gap and hikers were waiting for Josh from the Hiker Hostel to pick them up, it took me all of about 15 minutes(well I did think about it some)to call the hostel and claim my space. Even though my milage was short I feel a lot was accomplished by coming here. You see I haven't stayed at a hostel before and this one was a great way to break the ice. Like everyone has said this place and it's owners are great. I had planned to do this at Neels Gap so now I can just keep going. Maybe I'm not happy with my Hubba HP. The condensation has been terrible the last two nights. I got it because it's lighter but carrying the extra water in it ruins that big idea. The hike today was rather warm about 80* it seemed. That required a lot of water. But the sources like I said earlier were flowing well. I went over Gooch Mountain and Ramrock Mountain. And a few little mountains that have no name. So I guess they don't count. Anyway it's nice to be clean and have clean clothes to start out in the morning after a blueberry pancake breakfast. Yummy!