morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-10-05
From: Andover, ME

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We started the 100 mile wilderness a couple of days ago. Only 99 miles left to go to Mt. Katahdin!! The southern part of Maine almost killed us! It was by far the hardest part of the trail. But the views from Saddleback Mountain were beautiful. The weather has been cold and wet, but we're prepared. We got our dogs back a few days ago. They're happy to be on the trail with us, and we're glad to have them. As we approach the end of the trail, Poet recently wrote this haiku to the other hikers in one of the journals: Drink your deepest now; for the richest stuff settles in the final swig. Love to all our family and friends. We'll see you soon!
Date: 2008-10-12
To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Fin! As we descended from the summit of Katahdin, we were flooded by reflections of an experience that we now realize has changed us. These changes would not have been possible without the help of freinds and family. Our completion of the Appalachian Trail, a dream that seemed so extreme and unattainable, has left us with a strong sense of pride, as well as humility toward all of the people who supported us along the way. The day we summited was perfect, blue skies and sunshine. The climb was awesome, it was a great challenge, fitting for our final feat.
Date: 2007-11-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have planned this hike for 10 years. My wife understands the call of the trail and has agreed to not only to let me go, but to be my (in the words of the great Wyoming Skateboarder) Quartermaster.This past spring, I mentioned to my bosses at work that I wanted to take 6 months leave of absence, next year. They actually agreed to hold my job!
Date: 2007-11-18
To: Influences
Miles today: 0.0

My trail heroes are: Earl Shaffer, Grandma Gatewood, William Bartram, Rufus Morgan, Ed Garvey, Nimblewill Nomad, John Muir, Horace Kephart, Wyoming Skateboarder, Henry David Thoreau, and the Peace Pilgrim.I hope to hike in spirit with all of them.
Date: 2007-11-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My countdown calendar reads 3 months and 21 days. I am ready for this hike to start. I guess I'm more concerned about this drought than any other aspect of the hike, right now. I do live in the Nantahalas, and I know how dry it is and I see springs on the trail that are dry, that always have had water in the past. I'm just hoping for enough rain this winter to get us by. I'm sure that it will be spotty in places. I told Susan that it'll work out, there will be the hiker network to let me know of any dry sections ahead on the trail. I hope that we do get enough rainfall to break-up the 25 mile dry stretch in the Smokies. That could prove to be a problem.
Date: 2007-12-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I finally have a trail name. I went to a Hiker Christmas party yesterday, here in Franklin. It was organized by Ron Havens and hikers from Georgia to Damascus to Erwin (and all places in between) attended. Miss Janet was even there!I had a good time, meeting and talking to the various 2000-milers, and the current south-bounders who attended. It was a nice social event, everyone made me and my wife feel at home. We had a good BBQ dinner catered by a local restaurant. Santa even made an appearance and we had a fun gift exchange. In a particularly good omen, I opened my gift, which turned out to be a 2175 sticker, the total miles I plan on hiking in my thru-hike next year! Sweet!Ron decided to christen me "Hometown" since I met all these hikers in my hometown. I like it, I think it'll work. I guess I'll be "Hometown" when I head north from Springer in March.
Date: 2007-12-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I hung the bicycle up at the end of October.I've been hiking when I get a chance, to keep in shape.My subconscious fears are manifested in my dreams as broken metatarsals and painful knees.I got a scale for Christmas. I'm weighing all my gear and writing it down.I'm dreaming of being on the trail; staying at hostels, sharing the shelters, and interacting with the assorted characters.I've got reservations at the Lodge at Amicalola Falls for March 20th, so my wife and I can say good-bye in style.My count down clock reads: 2 months/23 days/17 hours/18 min/19 sec.
Date: 2008-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am down to 1 month and 21 days. I think I'm "nesting" like pregnant women do when they are getting close to child-birth. I've been taking care of business, getting the house in order, making some repairs that I've put off for a long time. I've talked to my financial guy, tweaked my retirement funds, going to the dentist and the doctor. I'm working on making my wife my Power of Attorney, while I'm gone. You know, general home-front prep type stuff.My buddy Nimble Nate plans on hiking with me. I told him to be in Amicalola Falls state park on March 21st.My wife, "Black Betty" will transcribe my journal for me. I will mail it to her, and do occasional updates. I want to keep the journal updated fairly regularly, but at the same time, I don't want the hike to be about the journal, if you know what I mean.I've been hiking pretty often, keeping in good hiking condition. Everything I see from experienced thru-hikers suggests starting out slow and easy. I plan on keeping the mileage short (10-12miles) for the first few weeks, to get my body used to being on the trail every day. We'll see how it goes, I do have the tendency to want to crank out the miles.On the topic of drought; we've been recieving good winter rains, here in the southern Appalachians! Many of the springs that were dry this fall are flowing again. I don't forsee having any water problems to start our springtime north bound hikes.
Date: 2008-02-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

In one month I will be on the trail! I am ready to go. I visited Human Resources at work to ensure that everything was cool about the leave of absence, and recieved some good news. Not only did I have plenty of accrued PTO(paid time off)hours to cover my insurance while I am gone, I also will collect a paycheck of around $100.00 a week. I'll actually be paid to hike the trail! How great is that?My buddy of numerous adventures will be joining me on the thru-hike. Many of you know him as "NimbleNate". He is using "Superchunk" as a trail name for this trip. I'm hooking up with him at Amicalola Falls on March 21st. It should be interesting to have Nate along. I can hardly wait to see what kind of misadventures he'll produce. He's known for his equipment malfunctions (broken-spokes and frequent hitch-hiking) on our bicycle trips.I'm still getting things wrapped up around the home front. I've had the car in the shop and have had myself at the dentist. There is a big oak in the front of the house, which I've worried over for some time, now. I've got a tree guy coming over today to price taking it down. I don't want my wife to have to deal with it falling on the house, while I'm gone. I continue to find more things to take care of before I leave............
Date: 2008-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The RiverBlaze Baking Co. is located in Cartoogechaye. (Between Winding Stair Gap and Franklin, NC. right off US Hwy 64 on Carl Slagle Rd.)They are open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If any hikers are in the Franklin area on the weekend, this is a place you will not want to miss. Jeff and Sarah are great folks and the baked goods are delicious.My favorites: the carrot,raisin,bran muffins and the huge chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies.
Date: 2008-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I leave in four days. My pack weight comes in at 17 pounds without food and water, I'm happy about that. I'm ready to get this thing started. First things first, though. Our 25th anniversary is on Wednesday. We'll go out to eat with the kids and then leave for Amicalola Falls State Park on Thursday. We have a reservation at the Lodge for Thursday night, and I'll leave from the visitor's center on Friday morning.I want to thank everyone for being so supportive of this hike. My family, friends, and co-workers have been great. (Even if certain family members flip me off behind my back when I tell them I don't have to go to work again until September) I guess I can appreciate a little bit of jealousy! You all know that I love you.Please sign my guestbook on the left side of this page. I'll accept all the prayers, vibes, good-wishes, or hoodoo that you can send my way. If you want to e-mail me while I'm on the trail, I will do my best to reply when I get computer time. And yes, mom, I am bringing the St. Anthony medal that you gave me. It really isn't too heavy.
Date: 2008-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We spent the night at the Lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park last night. Hometown was the 300th thru-hiker to sign the register this morning and hit the trail at 8:45AM with fellow thru-hiker, Superchunk and friends Neil and Gabe. He'll update as soon as he can and I'll keep you posted as I hear from him.Black Betty
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

I was afforded a beautiful spring day by the trail gods today, on which to start my walk to Maine.I said good-bye to my lovely and supportive wife, Black Betty, at the Visitor's Center, walked through the arch and hiked the 8.8 mile approach trail to the summit of Springer Mountain, the official start of the Appalachian Trail. Although the approach trail gets a bad rap, I did not think it was too difficult of a hike at all, but I was so excited about finally beginning this adventure that I don't think much would bother me.We were met at the top of Springer by "Many Sleeps," a rather awesome spectacle of a 76 year old gentleman, who happens to be a RidgeRunner for the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. He registered us for A.T.C. hiker count purposes, and gave us a book of "leave no trace" matches which we could turn in at Neel's Gap for a bandana. As is the custom, I picked up a small rock (emphasis on "small") to carry to Mt.Katahdin in Maine, and put it in my pack. On the way down the mountain, I met up with "ChickenFeathers," a hiking buddy from the Atlanta area who would hike with us for a few days.Superchunk and I slept in the shelter at Stover Creek, because no one else was using it. I guess all the new hikers are somewhat shy about sleeping in the shelters with strangers, so we had the whole place to ourselves, while dozens of other hikers camped all around the site in tentsHiked with my good buddies, Superchunk, Neal and Gabe from Asheville, and ChickenFeathers.Met thru-hikers Wilson from NY, Tree and Carol from Erwin, TN, and Bob from Stone Mountain.Meals:Breakfast: buffet at the lodgeLunch: trail mix, Clif barsSupper: rice and chicken, Snickers bar, hot chocolate
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

The full moon last night provided a spectacular display in the night sky and I listened to coyotes howling back and forth to each other as the sun went down. Wow, that makes for some sweet camping right there. Today started the Georgia P.U.D.s (pointless ups and downs). ChickenFeathers reminded me that they weren't pointless if they got me to Maine--good point. It always helps to have a trail philosopher (Chickenfeathers) at the start of a hike. You can always count on him to have the correct saying to go with any given hiking situation, ha ha. The big climb today was Sassafrass Mtn. with an elevation of 3340'. The temps were summer like in the low 70's, and I actually ended the day with a sunburn on the back of my neck. We took the side trail to check out long creek falls and socialized along the way meeting lots of other hikers. Slept in top loft of shelter at Gooch Mtn.Breakfast: Fig Newtons and coffeeLunch: cheese, traiil mix, and Clif barSupper: Rice, salmon, Snickers, hot chocolate
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Wood's Hole
Miles today: 11.9

It's Easter and we had a down-right freezing cold start at 24 degrees this morning,brrrr! It continued to stay sunny with a bitterly cold north wind all day. On the positive side, I did see the first trilliums of the season today, so it truly is spring time.We said adios to Neal and Gabe at Woody Gap. They were good hiking partners and enjoyed having them along, but at this point they have to leave for work and home. I managed to phone Susan from the Gap and she was on her way to her folks in Murphy for Easter. Nice views today, more Georgia P.U.D.s, and I met Mssnglnk and her partner, John, both trail maintainers for the GATC. Mssnglnk thru-hiked SOBO in 2007; she will do the Pacific Crest trail this year. Thru-hikers at shelter: Will from SC, Lisa from FL, Tim from OH, and Mitch from SC.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Wood's Hole

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a cold, cold start this morning after fighting off a viciously cruel wind throughout the night. Several of us slept in the shelter, and the freezing gale blew over the mountains, thru the valleys and pummeled us unfortunate souls at Wood's Hole. One hiker (who will remain un-named)happens to be hiking without a sleeping pad, so his solution was to get up every few hours and heat water on his jet-boil stove, which he poured into his water bottles, and then placed in his sleeping bag for warmth. Needless to say, it was a noisy and sleep defying affair for the rest of us. I think we all tried to be cool about it, but that could get old, after a while. ChickenFeathers left to head back south to his car, it was nice of him to come out and join me for the start of my thru-hike. I said good-bye and then headed north up Blood Mountain with Superchunk, Tree, and Carole, who are newlyweds from Erwin, TN, and Will, from Charleston. We had a beautiful view from the top of Blood Mountain, but as we began the descent snow started blowing. It continued throughout the day. We arrived at Mountain Crossing and took a bunk at the hostel for $16 (took a shower and did laundry). I bought a new Marmot PreCip jacket to replace my FroggTogg jacket that ripped the night before as I put it on for the first time--so much for FroggToggs. Pirate, the hostel caretaker, made a big, delicious pot of beans for supper. After eating, Pirate asked what movie us hikers would like to watch. Several replied, "Into The Wild". Pirate made a face and grumbled and then put the DVD in. After the opening credits had run, Pirate walked into the room, threw a sideways glance towards the screen, and said, "is he dead yet?" Haha, he's hilarious!
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We made a pretty decent start to the hike today after a good breakfast whipped up by Pirate. He's quite the hostel host and a somewhat legendary trail figure. Two members of our group earned trail names today. Carole became "Speedbump" after she tripped over the only speed bump on the AT, which is in the breezeway of the iconic Walasi-Yi Center at Mountain Crossings. Will became "Lil Hopper" when he carried the same-named chocolate Easter bunny that his mom sent in his food drop in the pocket of his pack. We helped eat the bunny on the scenic top of Cowrock Mountain. We got to camp early at 3:30 and chilled in the tranquil setting of Low Gap.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Campsite
Miles today: 13.0

Our little group of thru-hiker candidates became known as the "Hootenanny Posse" today, when we started spontaneously "hooting" at each other when we got to the tops of the climbs, and as we arrived in camp.The killer climb today was out of Unicoi Gap to the top of Rocky Mountain, with an elevation gain of 1068 feet in 2.3 miles. It was a real leg-burning, lung-buster, that's for sure!Ate lunch at Blue Mountain Shelter, where we met "NightWalker" and camped at the Cheese Factory site. A 12 year-old boy named A.T. Red was camping with his dad. They are thru-hikers, and the kid is a real gear-head. He kept telling us how our gear was inferior and his gear was superior, etc. We humored him and got a kick out of it. Ha-ha. Posse members: Tree,Carole,Tim from Ohio,SuperChunk,Lil Hopper, and Hometown.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Cheese Factory Campsite

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 13.0

Another great day on the Appalachian Trail, I don't know how long this beautiful weather will hold out.More Georgia climbs, the bad one today was Kelly's Knob, on the elevation profile it looks like an upside down ice cream cone, yikes!Hiked out to Hwy 76 and got a ride with the lovely Black Betty into Franklin for re-supply.So far, so good. One week on the trail, no injuries, no problems, and I'm feeling good!
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Dick's Creek

To: Deep Gap, NC
Miles today: 15.7

Good-bye Georgia, Hello North Carolina!Climbed in the cool mist, through a cloud all day. Got to Muskrat Creek Shelter at 3 pm. It was absolutely crammed to the rafters with hikers trying to get out of the rain, so we pushed on to Deep Gap. We were sure glad that we did. When we got there, we found father and son thru-hikers from 2002, RedTruck and GreenTruck. They were set up to feed the hikers, something they do one weekend each year, to give back to the trail, which they love so much. They fixed us cheeseburgers and lots of other munchies and cold drinks, while we warmed ourselves around their fire. I royally enjoyed meeting them and eating their food.We set up camp in the rain and had a good night of sleep. The Hootenanny Posse is still intact.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Deep Gap, NC

To: Deep Gap, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day, today. After eating breakfast, served by RedTruck/GreenTruck, we decided that we were not interested in pushing on through the cold thunderstorms, so we called Black Betty up and bummed a shuttle to Franklin. It sure is nice to be this close to home and able to take a zero now, instead of when I reach Winding Stair Gap. On the way down to Franklin we stopped and dug a mess of ramps with my buddy, Jeff in Rainbow Springs. I made some killer ramp cornbread, that stuff is Appalachian as moonshine! Black Betty is making her delicious lasagna for supper, we'll eat good. The whole posse is camped in the house, I guess it's now known as the Hometown Hostel.There is a Hiker Bash in town, put on by Ron Havens. We'll go socialize tonight and meet some other hikers.The plan is to resupply tonight and head out tomorrow.Carole is now "Moonpie", more on that later.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Deep Gap, NC

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

We were socked inside a cloud all day and walked through cool, misty air. There were absolutley no views at all from the cliffs of Big Butt or from the fire tower on Albert Mtn. I did enjoy the climb up to Albert; it's the best climb in the Nantahalas, in my opinion. You actually gain 500' in elevation in 3/10 of a mile with lots of rock scrambling involved. Fun, fun,fun.We all managed to sleep together in the shelter at Big Springs. It's the first time that the entire Hootenanny Posse commandeered a shelter, and I thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of my fellow hikers. Camping at the shelter was a young man and woman from Florida with their fathers. The kids (Eileen and Ed) are planning a summer south-bound thru-hike. The dads were shaking them down. The kids(college-aged)confided with us that the parentals were insisting that they bring two seperate tents on their thru-hike. Yep, like they actually thought that would work!Supper was dirty rice and spam--yum!Tree awesomely managed to build a fire in the rain.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We had mild showers off and on today. Reached the 100 mile mark at Glassmine Gap, a milestone of sorts. This is my stomping grounds and part of the trail that I hiked numerous times over the years. I felt I could float across it, feet barely touching the ground. Oh yeah, Superchunk's pack has developed a split in the seam so he called the manufacturer, Granite Gear. They are supposed to be sending a replacement for him to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We'll see if it arrives before us.All in all, it was a pretty easy hike today with lots of flowing springs to drink from. Had some "trail magic" at Winding Stair Gap courtesy of a local Baptist church--sodas, chips, and Little Debbies. This hiker will probably get fat on the trail, if this keeps up.Arrived at a full Siler Bald shelter and will sleep in my tarp tent tonight in the grassy field adjacent to it.Supper was cheesy pasta thing with tuna. Topped off with a Snickers bar and hot chocolate.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Siler Bald

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

I packed up a wet tent this morning and started hiking in the rain. After all, the the saying out here is, "no rain, no Maine". The weather graciously cleared as we climbed out of Wayah Crest.Tree, Moonpie, Superchunk, and I dug ramps between Winespring Bald and Wayah Bald. By the time we got to the bald, the sun was out, the skies were blue, and it was time for a great lunch of French bread, cheese, beef stick, and GORP at the old stone tower.Ate supper at the old Cold Springs shelter. Put the ramps to good use in mashed potatoes and cheese--delicious!Pushed on over the mountain, tasting ramps all the way to Tellico Gap where we were suddenly caught up in a frighteningly intense thunderstorm. Tim (now the Love Boat), Superchunk, and I decided the parking lot at the trail head was as good a place as any to make camp, and the storm forced us to throw down in a hurry--never saw a vehicle all night. *Trail name note: Tim is a Merchant Marine based on a ship out of a port in Hawaii. He has a girlfriend who he left behind in Hawaii. We have tried numerous trail names for him and he outright rejected them all. We hit on "Love Boat" and by golly, I think it's going to stick.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Once again, I woke up and rolled up wet gear. Geez, I think this is becoming a trend. After the storm last night, I didn't even make my customary morning coffee but just ate a few Fig Newtons and drank some cool spring water, and started hiking.Arrived at the old fire tower atop Wesser Bald to find a 360 degree panorama. The view was spectacular, just the tops of the surrounding mountains poking through the thick, rolling fog. As I spread my stuff out in the sun to dry, and surveyed the surrounding beauty, I said, "This is why I'm hiking the trail."We dried out and enjoyed the view for about an hour before continuing on down to the Nantahala Outdoor Center at Wesser. I could smell hamburgers cooking about a mile away as we made our descent into the gorge. I teamed up with the rest of the posse to eat the famous 1/2 lb. Wesser burger with salad, fries, and sweet tea. It was fantastic.Got a bunk at the NOC basecamp for $15, took a hot shower, and washed clothes. Man, this place is some kind of a hiker paradise, yeehaw!
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

More rain--it's rained every day since we crossed the state line into North Carolina. Ate a great breakfast at River's End restaurant and then hiked up and out of the gorge today. We gained 3000' in elevation in the first 6 miles. Fellow thru hiker PackAnimal heard me hoot and yelled down from above, "Hometown?" Ha ha, the posse is becoming known around these parts.We pushed on to Stecoah Gap, arriving at 6pm after surviving a treacherous hike through mud and slick mossy rocks. I saw one place where it looked like someone slid off the mountain.Good friends and volunteer Trail Angels Andrew and Connie met us a Stecoah Gap with pizza and Coke (I had managed a phone call from Locust Cove Gap and announced my presence in their neighborhood). Superchunk arrived just in time to eat some pizza. Connie and Andrew took pity on us wet and cold hikers and shuttled us to their home so that we could sleep snug as bugs in a camper in their backyard--SWEET!