morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was an interesting journal read day.I was glad to finish reading Officer Taco's AT entries for his through hike this year.But I was saddened to hear that Airferret (Christian Davis) was killed on June 29th from gunshot wounds (as reported in the trail forums). He was from Las Vegas, as I am, and had planned and then began an AT thru this year, but a knee injury cut his hike short...and now this!!Wow!
Date: 2004-12-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Water-I don't think I will take a filter kit-I haven't always felt they were that dependable out there. Instead I will take iodine, Aquamira, Micropur tablets, and my "walkabout" Exstream Mackenzie Purifier liter bottle that uses the ViruStat filter system.   As a coarse filter, I may just bring one of those coffee gold filters to sort out the crud. I have been corresponding with Jaws recently; I hope he has a great run starting early next month. Also, I emailed an old buddy from my AF days who hiked the AT the year he retired (Boots, Class of 96), just as I plan on doing. He always was an inspiration for me and got me started on the "AT bug" as a good way to break up my life from military to civilian life.I recently got my Marmot PreCip jacket, an altimeter/barometer Timex watch, and my snowshoes (to use over the GSMNP). I don't believe I really need anything more for equipment. I'll need to book into the Hiker Hostel and finish sorting out my first 300 miles for planned stops and resupply points. After that I'll just wing it with my push box and learn as I go.
Date: 2004-12-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Exactly two months from today I should be on a flight to Atlanta Airport. I will arrive early on Wednesday, 23 February, and will then take the north MARTA train to the last station, where the good folks at the Hiker Hostel will come and get me. I will spend the evening with them and then start the trail on the morning of February 24th.Really looking forward to the joy of the outdoors. Yes, it will be cold and if I endure, then I'll get to be hot and sweaty way up north! I really don't have anything to prove on this trek. I'm doing it for the experience and have no worries about my life to pressure my 5 months away; although I need to be home in August, that should be no problem.Jaws and a few others are setting the pace this season. It will be interesting meeting them at Trail Days, which I plan on going to where ever I find myself on the AT.Can't wait to get moving north!!
Date: 2005-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I purchased my pocketmail device and one-year use contract. I had a wonderful conversation with Stephan at Pocketmail (using an 877 number) that connected me to Sydney Australia-the PM is an Australian product. I should have it within a week, as they actually will ship mine from California!!Can't wait to hear how Jaws and a few others are doing. Today in Las Vegas we had 39/34 for our temps with snow and rain; while Gainesville GA had 66 degrees...what is that all about!! In 2003 Bono and Rocket (and others) had a terrible winter; while last year, I think, there was a lot on snow o/a Springer in mid-April!!I personally have exactly six weeks left in the Air Force before I can leave for my trip. Biggest thing I have yet to do is to construct my alcohol stove. I think I will make a few versions to see which I like best. I have a JetBoil and many other types of stoves that I could use, but I want to reduce bulk and some weight due to bulk of winter clothing, etc. I really don't plan to use my stove to cook with-just to boil water for soup and hot drinks. When I have to use more fire, I'll build one in the shelter fireplaces.A buddy wrote me and said, concerning yogi-ing, that the only difference between backpackers and bums is the gortex!! Too funny!!I think I'll use the DataBook to hike and Companion to plan, but not carry maps per se, although I have a few for certain areas. Looking real forward to meeting the wonderful folks in towns and hostels that I've read and heard so much about!I guess everyone in the world knows about tsunamis now. Maybe, just maybe, our folks can help out over there without a terrorist incident. Those countries are in all our thoughts and prayers.The ability to move and freedom are as one.
Date: 2005-01-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Jaws/Bluevist/Andy,You are all killing me!All that great shorts and T-shirt weather in January!I'll bet it will be "tougher" on 24 Feb when I get started. Not much left to do here except pony up my IRS benefit check!I went and made myself a jack 'n coke, with which I toasted all the leaders of this year's pack. I still can't believe that Old Number 7 is now 80 vs 86 proof!! Not sure if those Tennessee fellers still have a grip on reality! Take care backpackers and party on dudes!The ability to move and freedom are as one.
Date: 2005-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well there is a month to go until I begin from Springer (24 Feb).Last night I re-read Rocket's 2003 journal for tips as this year's snowfall appears to resemble that year so far, although he started on January 2nd. Getting pretty excited as I follow the journals of Jaws and Andy.Getting used to working the keypad on my pocketmail and how to work email files and add addresses; pretty easy though.I have two friends at work-Dirty and Cactus Dick-who grew up (or went to college) in Georgia. They get a real kick out of my pronuciation of GA places such as Dahlonega and Amicalola, which I've been thinking about for 7 years but still haven't the "proper" diction-what a hoot!!Regards to all-the ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings hikers,I was wandering around another good backpacking site (www.whiteblaze.net) and made a reply to a thread by a person who is wondering what motivates folks to hike long trails. This is what I wrote:Haven't hiked the AT yet, but...I believe the primary reason is because a through hike can be viewed as a life experience for those planning {and then completing}; an interesting experience at that!That is my story-I want to collect as many life experiences as I can and still keep within the bounds of sanity (no base jumping for me!). Additionally, when I'm hiking I get into "the zone" if you will and the neat body chemicals that make you feel good (dorphins or some such endo-babble) really provide an almost transcendental state-that harmony-the "wa" that runners also experience. I also like the no phones, no schedules (well not much) stressless existence, where basic needs-food, survival are paramount.and after I finish-WOW!!-just think of the bragging rights!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!Big Daddy DGAME 2005beginning Feb 24thPretty stoked up following Jaws as he presses through the Smokies. Hey how about all that fun ice storm stuff in Georgia and the Carolinas? WOW-Sure glad I haven't started yet!!
Date: 2005-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Magic can strike at ANY time!!I have recently constructed two alcohol stoves and have been trying them out. I think the Cat Stove will work best as it is easiest to build and I like how it works.Anyway, I was vegging around the house tonight wandering through the channels when there was a knock on my door. I opened the door and there was my trail buddy-Hungry-and his son and they surprised me with a paper bag filled with trail goodies, no food just stuff! They knew I was interested in alcohol stoves, as we've discussed this before. They went out and bought me a Liberty Mountain Westwind Stove set which includes a cover seal (to prevent alcohol leaks while transporting), a simmering cap that's adjustable, and a three-sided tripod stand-WOW!! I guess I'll have to use this instead of the Cat Stove!!Also, they bought me an Evernew Expedition Titanium Series 3M Titanium Cook Pot, an assortment of lightweight tent stakes, an MSR heat reflector/windscreen set, and a plastic bottle to tote my alcohol for my stove!! WHAT A SURPRISE!!!In two weeks, IF all goes as planned, I'll arrive in Atlanta and then spend the evening with the folks at the Hiker Hostel. So tomorrow in a fortnight, I should begin my experiment with distance learning, that is to say, the farther distance I hike the more I get to learn about the AT adventure.It is still great to read about Jaws and Cocoon (Andy) on the trail now.Hike on!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

TODAY IS THE DAY!!I retired from the Air Force and tonight at 10:30 PM I board a Delta flight bound for Atlanta. Josh and Leigh (The Hiker Hostel folks) will get me tomorrow morning at the end of the MARTA north line. I will spend the night tomorrow at the Hostel and begin on Springer on Thursday morning.Also, I have a push box UPSed to the Hiker Inn at Fontana, where I hope to be in about two weeks or so.Hope to complete a through hike this year!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!!
Date: 2005-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I made it to Atlanta without a hitch and Josh picked me up and now I'm at the Hiker Hostel. Josh ran up to Amicalola SP and picked up three section hikers from New England. So I got the opportunity to see the reptile exhibits and meet the Visitor Center Manager, Ryan McCormick. She took both Jason "Totally Different Subject" and my pictures and then asked us to send her postcards, which she provided.While in Atlanta at the North Springs MARTA station waiting for Josh to be pick me up, I met the nicest lady, Muriel Weatherspoon, "MARTA MAMA" who just really made my day-thanks so much!!As a bonus, it looks like Jason and I will begin hiking together tomorrow morning on Springer! Spent the afternoon going over my gear and reviewing equipment.Next write up from the trail!Good hiking!!
Date: 2005-02-24
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It is so good to be in Georgia-one of the fifty best places on earth!Today's hike:7.6 mi Springer to Hawk MtnMoney Spent: $90 (35 at Caruso's Italian Restaurant in Dahlonega and $55 at the Hiker Hostel) Totally Different Subject (claims to be an Okie) and Big Daddy D (claims to be a radical surfer dude, originally from California) have totally lost all sanity and struck out for Katahdin the hard way from Springer Mountain in the fog and drizzle!Tonight at Hawk we have Totally DS, Juicekey, Amber, Nathan and me.Good hike today: Started at 10:20 and at the shelter at 2:00 less than 4 hours.Tonight for entertainment we have cowboy TV, fellowship, and cigars!Today's hike is dedicated to the spirit who sits at the right hand of the father-who was, who is, and who is to come-the creator and redeemer. The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-02-25
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike: 12.4/20.0 mi-Hawk Mtn to Woody GapWe had 32 degrees overnight at Hawk Mtn. Hikers: 4 and Mice: 0!! Money spent: $5 at the country store in Suches. Juicekey and I got going at 8:30 and made it to Gooch Mtn Shelter at 1:30 for an 8-miler so far. We want to go as far as we can today so we make Neel's Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center tomorrow and also for tonight we want to reach Woody Gap (Suches). We did reach Woody Gap about 5:00 PM. We got a ride into Suches from a 2001 AT Thru Hiker-Jabez, who was visiting the area with his wife from Florida-THANKS A LOT for the trail magic ride! Today's Wx-Sunny, fair, and mild-50sWe expect to reach Neel's Gap tomorrow afternoon.Today's hike is dedicated to my family: my wife Kimberly, daughters Amber and Elissa, and son Brian, as well as their others: Sam, Mark, and Patricia. Hello everyone!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-02-26
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Camped at Woody Gap with Juicekey, with overnight temp of 32 degrees-the small pond next to our camp iced over. Today's Wx-sunny, fair, and mild-mid 50s.Money spent: $55 at Mountain Crossings (Walasi-Yi Center): $15 for hostel and the rest suppliesStarted at 9:15 and reached Blood Mtn at 1:40, not bad for an 8-miler with 4 ups. Into Neel's Gap at 3:15 to stay at Mountain Crossings for the night. Have packed with a 55 lb pack so am downsizing with a UPS to Fontana (cut 10lbs). Purchased a tyvek ground cover, candles, a small bottle, and some cushion insoles for my feet. Today's hike is dedicated to all my friends at Nellis AFB which hosts the USAF's training exercise Red Flag: Mario, Slider, Wally, Lips, Dirty, Cactus Dick (aka Foggy), Ham, Cluster, Pogo, Wild Bill, Needle, Elvis, Franco, Kwag, El, Floss, and Bubbles. Thanks to you all for making my last 4 years a full and enriching experience. You know guys, I really don't wish I was there "having fun" this weekend!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike:10.6 (41.1)Today's Wx: Cold, overcast, and wind-hiked in fleece vest, Precip jacket, and wool hat and gloves all day.Left Neel's Gap at 7:45 and arrived at Low Gap Shelter at 1:35, expecting to go 4 miles farther. BUT my hiker buddy-Juicekey-had zoomed ahead and had a FIRE going!! Now I couldn't insist that we move on-we couldn't leave the fire, and it would be wasteful to leave such a warm and cozy location. Our temps today never got above 34 degrees and on Cowrock Mtn it was about 28 with 25 kts of wind-Brrr!We just tended the fire and splurged on meals, had hot drinks, and a cigar. Met a shuttle van at Hog Pen Gap and the driver treated me to a Sprite and a raisin cookie-thanks.We were just settling into our routine when Early Bird showed up right at nightfall. While talking, she asked if we had seen the trail magic blue cooler-we hadn't it wasn't set up when we went through-beers, margarita mix, and tequila-she had a margarita! WERE WE BUMMED OR WHAT!!About 6:00 PM, the light snow flurries turned to light rain-so now we're going to really start the hiking for tomorrow.Today's hike is dedicated to the Toadstoolers: Darth, Mario, and Wally (and of course me!). My buds-"Here's to swimming with..." well you know the rest!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-02-28
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light snow

Today's hike: Low Gap to Tray Mtn-14.9 (56)Today's Wx: Freezing rain and windy.Tonight we have Early Bird, Juicekey, Matt (now Step), and me.Got to the office at 9:00 and ended the day at 4:45, not a bad 15 mile day. The ice fell off the trees all day leaving ice chips all over the trail. There were numerous mini-waterfalls the first 4 miles today. Everyone would have been beautiful in a home garden. Today's hike was full rain gear, hats and gloves all day-never saw above 0 cel.Today's hike is dedicated to my maternal grandfather Larry Arthur King.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-01
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light snow

Today's hike: 10.5 (66.6) Tray Mtn to HiawasseeToday's Wx-Overcast, freezing rain, snowMoney spent:$49-Hiawasee Inn $21 , Shoney's $13, food $13 , $2 Tyvek washGot into the office at 8:30 and finished 1:45. Starting temp was 18 degrees at Tray Mtn and 31 at Dick's Gap. A very cold wintery day, but a good hike overall. Very beautiful day with the occasional sun shining through the frozen ice on all the branches. Got a ride into town after 18 minutes, but from only the second vehicle to go towards Hiawassee. Now rookies, the ONLY place to eat is SHONEYS. This is because it is a southern style eatery, meaning sweet tea, grits, okra,etc. DID I MENTION IT IS AYCE!!and Tuesday is steak night!!Today's hike is dedicated to my parents: Ferris McKay and Mildred Perham-thanks for everything!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-02
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike: 11.6/78.2 Hiawassee to Muskrat Creek Shelter Today's Wx-Sunny, cold, and windyAt the office at 8:30 and made Plumorchard Gap Shelter in 2 hours-4.3 miles. At the NC-GA border at 1:00!-NOW IN NC. Snowy trail from there to Muskrat Creek Shelter (4600 ft) and cold, approx 32 degrees. Clear and cold tonight-at sack time it is 23 degrees. Got a big cowboy TV going and dried my boots and warmed my shelter mates: Early Bird and Puff Turtle. In bed at 8:45 using a warm water Nalgene bottle to warm bag and have myboots in a bag in the sleeping bag.Everything is going well-feet and body are OK and spirit is excellent.People 2 Mice 0Today's hike is dedicated to the USAF Academy Class of 1977 "Pride Rides" and you know it was really "Just passing through"The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike: 19.3/97.5 Muskrat Creek to Big Spring ShelterToday's WX-Sunny, breezy, and cold, but we did get to about 40 degrees.Overnight temp was 20. Didn't sleep well but was warm-the Nalgene was working well.At the office at 7:45 and made Standing Indian Shelter at 10:15, then arrived at Carter Gap Shelter at 2:30. Will go on to reduce the 16 mile leg into Franklin for tomorrow.Made Albert Mtn (last three hundred feet are a neat rock scramble) at 6:00, took a picture of the tower, and then went down the mountain and arrived at the shelter at 6:15-almost a 20 miler.The frozen waterfalls after Mooney Gap along with the "Billy Goat Trail" made the last 2 miles interesting.Weather was bright and sunny, but up to a foot of snow makes it a slog sometimes.Today's hike is dedicated to the Class of 1973 from Oceanside California-"Go Pirates""The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike:9.1/106.6 Big Spring Shelter to Winding Stair Gap (then into Franklin NC)Today's Wx-Fair and cool.Money spent: $114.15-41.50 Haven Motel & laundry, 15.61 Three Eagles Outfitters, Food 34.77, Shoneys 17, Breakfast at Prime Sirloin Buffet 7.27. In the office at 8:00, off the trail 11:45, and caught the very first car that came by-sweet!! Had my first real trail magic today-crossing a stream saw a Mtn Dew in the water and said "WOW Trail Magic" while Early Bird (who was ahead of me) had stopped about 15 feet away at a barrel hanging from a tree that was chock full of all kinds of snack goodies-totally cool!!Thanks to Reggie who gave us a ride into town.Reggie drove us to our hotel "The Haven", waited while we checked in, then took us back across town to WalMart and Ingles, and then drove us back to our hotel!! Totally awesome!We have tonight in Franklin at the hotel: Early Bird, Juicekey, Puff Turtle, and me. Puff Turtle is leap-frogging with his vehicle and he drove us to the Three Eagles Outfitters (a squared away, friendly, and well equiped shop-don't forget to sign the AT registar and get your photo taken and posted) and to Shoneys (Friday was AYCE seafood-yummy) and then across the street for Dairy Queen!! Later, he and I went out and did laundry too.The Haven Budget Inn is a good stop-they treat you right and do have a good Internet connection, thanks especially to Jeanine and the Rons times two!!Today's hike is dedicated to my combat commander-Moses and to the man who I flew all my combat missions with-Finster. Great serving with you gents!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Franklin NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Today's hike:15.8/122.4-Franklin to Cold Spring ShelterIn the office at 9:20 and at the shelter at 5:15. Today's Wx: Overcast with occasional sunny spots and breezy.The hike today had three ups over 5000 feet (Siler Bald, Wayah Bald, and the approach to the shelter. Above 4800 feet, the warmer weather (36 degress) made all the trails slushy snow so the hike was a little tougher. Nearing Licklog Gap there is a major re-route depicted with red tape and signs. This route is approx a half mile long, is pretty rough-six to seven inch standing sapling cut offs and some sidehill sections with no trail and leaf walking. The route basically takes you around a small knoll and begins on the left of the trail and comes out less than a hundred feet from Licklog Gap.At the shelter were 2 Georgia hiker buddies and at 8 PM two other yahoos showed up-all of these were "section hikers" with loud radios, etc. There were great views on the tower at Wayah including Siler Bald, Albert Mtn, and Clingman's Dome. Left our extra beers from last night at Winding Stair Gap as trail magic for today's NOBOs. Pigged out at an AWCE breakfast at a Prime Sirloin buffet steak house next to the Haven Hotel.Today's hike is dedicated to our trail angel taximan and tour guide Reggie. THANKS AGAIN!!The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

It is so wonderful to be in North Carolina-one of the fifty best places on earth!Today's hike:11.5/133.9 Cold Spring Shelter to NOC (Wesser NC)Today's WX:Sunny and warm-60 degreesMoney spent-$12.74 for lunch at Rivers End Restaurant.In the office at 8:00 and at the Nantahala (3rd "a" is long) Outdoor Center at 1:45. You climb about 300 feet after the shelter to about 5100' and the rest of the day, except for the climb to Wesser Bald, is almost all downhill to the NOC at 1740 feet-for older hikers use care on the downs to protect your knees.Weighed my pack at NOC Outfitters, only 39 pounds with a full food package-good!! Could lose 3 more pounds after the Smokies when I trade my winter bag for my lighter multi-season sleeping bag set up.Beautiful hike today with vistas dominated by the Smokies and Clingman's Dome. Pretty waterfalls once you pass the last shelter-Rufus Morgan-on the descent into NOC.Ate a late lunch at the River's End Restaurant: BLT, their delicious Black Bean chili, and their tasty herb and onion bread with a spicy butter and cream cheese blend, as well as some great coffee. All this while gazing out at the Nantahala River as it flows past the window seats.It is very tranquil here this Sunday evening-just a week away from the March first NOBO hordes!! They have me in the Sequoyah Lodge which feels like the northern pavilion as it is the highest room they have on the hill-but it is all to myself-restful.I need the little bit of extra rest than my two thru pals, they are 25 and 33, and I'm not!! I feel great about the hike and my physical shape so far, just want to ensure I don't overdo it. I have no rush to complete, but remain on a 15-miler pace, which is pretty good for a 50-year old on Day 11.Tomorrow's hike is a 3200 foot climb in 8 miles. Plan to get hiking at 7:00 to make my planned 16-miler to at least Brown Fork Gap Shelter. The big up will be Cheoah Bald (5,062) in 8 miles.Also, ran into a southbound (SOBO) hiker in the NOC outfitters. He began on 1 Sept in Maine and now has 134 miles to go-woohoo!Today's hike is dedicated to my trail hiking and scouting buddy "Hungry" great to share our lives through hiking buddy! The ability to move and freedom are as one!