morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is Sunday and I didn't hike. I definitely needed the rest. I've slept, done laundry, and called family. Tomorrow I start at Dick's Creek. Wow, that 16 miles went by easily. I was intimidated by Tray Mountain and Kelly Knob. It is supposed to be 32 degrees at 6 a.m. The cold weather and rain will make next week a challenge. I am a little overwhelmed. I'm thinking a lot about the kids. They all seemed happy and adjusting to "Dad's Way." They are really cheering me on. Their confidence is such a boost. We had a mini-sacrament meeting this morning and it was wonderful. I'm going to get a cell phone so I can keep more connected. The trail is lonely at times and there is coverage from the tops of the mountains. It will add some weight, but what's a few more ounces when your pack is already 40+ pounds!!
Date: 2005-04-25
To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 15 -- I started out at 9:15 a.m. today feeling rested and refreshed. That wore off quickly! I am out of practice. Doing two miles Friday, two miles Saturday and 0 miles Sunday took its toll today. I am probalby going to take something strong. Plum Orchard shelter is very nice. I thought I'd never get here. Seven hours to do 4.5 miles and I am worn out. It will be cold tonight. I hope I don't have to pee a lot. Marcia is here and a guy named Lawrence who stated at the Hiamwassee Inn Sat/Sun. I hope I can do more miles tomorrow without feeling so exhausted and physically drained. It's supposed to rain tomorrow and the next shelter is 7.3 miles. I may be camping in the rain.
Date: 2005-04-26
To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

Day 16 -- Goodbye Georgia -- Hello North Carolina. If I can make it through a day like today, I have it made! I hiked from 9:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. through fog, rain and sleet. I also climbed the steepest, longest mountain ever. I was at Bly Gap around 3 p.m. and it was raining pretty hard but I decided to go on. I started up and went up and up and up. I couldn't stop for any breaks or power naps because it was so cold. I scared myself some because it was so cold and I was soaked. I had to make it to the Muskrat Shelter before dark or risk hypothermia. I tested the limits of my physical endurance. At least I don't have to wake up and do that beastly mountain first thing in the morning. It's behind me and I am pretty proud of myself.
Date: 2005-04-27
To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

I was pretty tired today. I got a late start (10:45 a.m.) and then clipped along and knocked the first mile-plus in less than an hour. After that I began to feel drained. My feet were killing me -- both my blisters and my ankles. I was one mile short of the shelter around 3:30 and decided to go ahead and camp at Deep Gap. I started a fire and set up my tent and it started sleeting. I was so glad to be bundled in front of a fire instead of climbing the last mile to the Standing Indian Shelter.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Deep Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 17 -- It was very, very cold last night. Every time I woke up I started shivering. I got up at 6 a.m., but went back to bed (and I use the phrase loosely) and "slept" until 9 a.m. I moved slowly -- at 11:30 a.m. my tent was still up. I'm thinking I must have PMS. NO one to yell at but I am not a happy camper. I think I may go just one mile to the Standing Indian Shelter and rest and grump around for the rest of the day. At least it is a beautiful, beautiful day. My ankle decided it for me. I had only gone one mile, but my blisters and my left ankle were really hurting. Also, at 1 p.m. it stated sprinkling; so much for the glorious day. I threaded a needled, put it through my blisters and left the thread in them last night so they could drain. They looked so good this morning but hurt to hike on. My ankle locks up every time I stop to rest. I am going down to soak it in the creek even though it's freezing out here.
Date: 2005-04-29
To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: light rain

Last night was pretty fun. I stayed in a shelter with five guys and another that tented. They were pretty funny. Kentucky Pyro built a roaring fire and shared his liquor with the other men. We all went to bed around 9 pm since it was cold and rainy. I was so happy to warm my bum before crawling into my bag. I slept really well and didn't get up to pee until 6 a.m. or so. I was warm but it rained and was windy. This morning I started my period and did not want to hike another step. I was the last one out of my bag and the last one to leave camp. It was about 8:50 a.m. when I left camp. My blisters felt better and I wrapped my ankle. I decided PMS was not a good enough reason to quit this adventure and return to my real life. (I have PMS there, too...)After about 45 minutes, I sat on a rock and had a good cry. Then I got up and hiked on. The sun finally came out around 1, but it's supposed to rain more this evening and tonight. I didn't want to push it and make my ankle worse, so I only did 4.4 miles to Beech Gap. I got here around 2:30 and found a nice spot near the water and away from a group of boy scouts. I took a quick bath in the stream and washed my hair. I feel so much better. It looks like I won't make it to Franklin until Tuesday or Wednesday (five more days). I hope my ankle gets better so I can do more miles.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Beech Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up to drenching rains and thunderstorms. I got up at 7 a.m. to pee and got my bear bag down. I ate a granola bar and stood there in my rain suit thinking about how to pack up in the downpour. I finally took off my rain suit and climbed back into my sleeping bag. At about 10:30 a.m. it finally eased up and I looked out to find I was floating in a big puddle of water. I put my wet rain clothes back on and packed everything up and hiked to Carter Gap Shelter. It was only 3.2 miles but my ankle was really hurting. I hung everything including my tent under the eaves to dry and I chilled out. And I mean that literally. Even after eating hot soup, I couldn't get warm.I had an interesting evening with George and White Crow. George is an interesting and very talkative man just out for a week or so. He has five kids, is from Chicago and is sure there is no God. White Crow was hiking with him but is continuing on to Maine. He is on a "vision quest." I loved his philosophy on things. I also met an older section hiker named Mike. He was so nice; a down-to-earth cattle farmer. He was very, very encouraging. He shared some ibuprofen and gave me the rest of his toilet paper. I got mine wet.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Haven Motel - Franklin
Miles today: 4.6

It was a gorgeous day. I started out from Carter Gap at 8:45, thinking about Albert Mountain. I really did not want to climb hand over fist but was anxious to get to Standing Indian Campground. I hiked pretty quickly in the morning. It was so beautiful and I was happy for sunshine. At about 2 p.m. I was at Mooney Gap. There was a car parked there. Oh, how I longed for the owner to stroll along. As it was only 2, I doubted they would but sure enough, down comes a day hiker. "Where you headed?" I asked. "Franklin." YES! "Can I have a lift?" I asked. "Sure." YES!! I was SO happy. I know my prayer was answered. This nice man Robin to the rescue. I was tucked away at the Haven Motel by 3 pm. A long hot bath, call to my kids, laundry and an all-you-can-eat buffet. What an excellent day!!
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Haven Motel - Franklin

To: Panther Gap
Miles today: 11.9

I would have loved to stay at the motel another day but Maine is a long ways away. I took a taxi to KMart and the post office and was ready to go at 1 p.m. The owner couldn't take me up to Winding Stair until later -- I started at 3 p.m. (Wow, another 10 miles just zoomed by. It went so fast, I don't even remember hiking it.) I hiked until 5:30 or 6 and set up camp at Panther Gap. It was beautiful and peaceful. I built a roaring campfire as it got really cold. I had to get up at 11:30 and put more clothes on and again at 3. It was freezing. Even though it was so cold, I took a second to put my glasses on because the sky was beautiful.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Panther Gap

To: Wine Spring.
Miles today: 6.3

It was a nice sunny day. I started at 8:45 and took an hour for lunch at Silver Bald. I climbed a quarter mile up and took pictures. It was gorgeous. I started climbing out of Wayah Gap about 3 pm. I thought I was going to die. I finally made it to a place to camp at 6:15 at Wine Spring. Overall, it took 9.5 hours to hike 6.3 miles (not including the half mile to the peak). YIKES!
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Wine Spring.

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

I started early and made it to Cold Spring Shelter by 5:30. 9 hours and 45 minutes. I's getting faster...WooHoo! It was a bright, sunny warm day. Wayah Bald was awesome. I am exhausted and will try to do seven more miles tomorrow. My blister acted up today so my feet were hurting. My ankle seems better but my arches want to fall off. Ouch. It'll be another nine hour day tomorrow so I am over and out! I camped with this guy last night -- Mystic. He knew me. He said he had heard a lot about me from Dude and the guys at Neals Gap. He told me I have a fan base and a lot of people are praying for me. It was awesome. One more reason to make it to Maine -- I can't disappoint my fans.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't go as far as I planned today. I wanted a nice, easy three or four miles into Wesser tomorrow, but it was raining and my arches really, really hurt. I have a tiny blister on my left arches. How can something so small hurt so BAD?! I got off at 8:45 a.m. and did great time down into Tellico (3.6 miles in 3.5 hours but that climb out of Tellico up to Wesser Bald Shelter took awhile). No views because of the fog. I got to Wesser Bald Shelter at 3:15. Seven hours not bad. Today was sort of surreal. I've only seen two people since leaving the shelter this morning. I've been surrounded by fog mile after lonely mile. I sang every Primary song I could think of. I think stopping early today is going to help me make good time tomorrow. I'm so excited to see my friends tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was killer on the knees. I was very excited because I'm meeting my friends tonight. I had wanted to get down to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) arpund 2:00 but had to stop and drink and rest because I felt naseous and dizzy. I soaked my feet and drank 3 cups of H2O and slept a little then went down, down, down to the NOC and arrived by 3:30. My friends hadn't left Charleston yet so I hung out and rested then got a room at the Nantahala Inn (treated by the best friends ever) I met this cool dude "TABA" (there and back again) and he let me hang out in his van/house. I had a huge dinner at the Paddle Club then went to the Inn for a shower and T.V. I fell asleep and my friends arrived at 11:00.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a wonderful night's sleep in a real bed! We were up early getting ready to hike. I did my laundry sorted food and we were off. My friends Chris, "ZED", and Lisa, "Lipstick", and I decided to drive to Stecoah and hike south to Cheoah Bald on Saturday then back to Stecoah on Sunday and Northwards for me.First they treated me to a deliceous breakfast and we stopped at the store so we didn't start hiking until 1:00. I was very tired. We were going to Cheoah which was 5.5 miles but I was dragging. Lipstick walked behind me and kept me going. I was embarrassed to be so huffy and puffy. I had to stop and catch my breath while Lipstick just kept eating ?Sunflower seeds. Finally we found a little knoll and set up camp at a little over 4 miles in. It was very peaceful. Zed cooked chiken fajitas - YUM! We had a little fire and talked about the trail. Zed thru-hiked in 2000) We had a blast!
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

I don't know how I could have made it through Mother's Day without my loving friends. They really cheered me up and kept me focused on th goal. They also hooked me up with presents and supplies. Zed cooked us a delicious Country Ham breakfast and we headed back to Stecoah around 10:30. I seemed to have a little more energy and there was more down than up so I think I held my own. Zed, of course, was off and then he'd stop and wait for us to catch up. Me and Lipstick had some great talks. I lovve my friends. They are such a blessing! We got to Stecoah at 3:00 and I was sad to say good bye. I still had 2.5 miles to the next shelter and water. I rested and sept until 4:00 and then headed on up. And up and up and up! There was this mountain and it was 5:30 and I was TIRED and it never stopped. I have never been so happy to see a shelter! I was exhausted. I was all alone at Brown Fork Gap -- except for the mice. There was a gazillion. O batjed om tje creek and slept with little on. It was very warm! I loved the privacy but it was sort of lonely. The mice tried to keep me company. I tried to sing them away. Well, okay, I took a muscle relaxer then sang loud and long until sleep overcame me.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was an exhausting day. It was so hot. I only had 6.1 miles to go to get to the next shelter I wasn't sure I was going to make it. I had a hard time getting going in the am and didn't start hiking util 10:00. Then I dropped my water bottle and had to go back a ways. I started the day tired.I definitelyhad the dropsies - everytime I saw a cool shady spot, I dropped my pack and took a nap. At 3:00 I had 3.3 miles to go. It was mostly down from there soi I made it by 6:00 - Whew!It was a quiet introspective day. I didn't see a single person from the time I left Stecoah at 3:00 Sunday until I passed 2 day hikers going south around noon on Monday. When I got to the shelter I thought I'd be alone for the rest of the way to Maine. I was sureno more thru-hikers were left to pass me by. Around 7:30, three hikers and a dog arrived - Allen, and Bing and Aaron with their dog Zoey. They were so funny. I couldn't stop laughing. Aaron has the most infectous laugh. I was so glad for the company.
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Cable Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 5.5

Down, down, down to Fontana DAMN -- I mean Fontana Dam. Today killed my knees. I was trudging along with a song, however, since I knew a bed and a hot shower awaited me. It was raining thank goodness. It was a lot cooler. I started at 8:45 and arrived at the Marina around 2:30. There were some sippery rocks on the way down -- I made it without falling again. Yesterday a rock tipped and I strained a muscle in my forearm catching myself when I fell. Allen said I don't need my arm to get to Maine. I guess he's right, but one more pain? I have enough! I got a bed at the hostel and went to get my maildrop. It wasn't there. Due to an unfortunate miscommunication, I had no food box awaiting me. YIKES! There's a small store here so I'll figure it out.I haad dinner with Bing and Aaron. They were sad having boarded their dog for their hike through the Smokies. They cheered me up (or was it that nice thick filet mignon?) I am totally looking forward to a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

So happy not to be walking. I have piddled around today. I went to the pool and discovered one big jacuzzi. The water was so hot. I loved it. I couldn't get out. I think I floated around for an hour and a half. My joints love me for it. I spent a lot of time on the phone. I love talking to my family. My mom and dad and sisters and brother make me feel so proud of myself. Their support is everything! My husband and kids too. Even if he didn't send me food, he's working hard to keep me out here living the dream -- It's awesome! I opted for dinner from the store cooked at the hostel. Bacon and eggs - YUM! Mystic is atthe hostel too. He's waiting for his cousin. He's such a nice guy. I like him.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Dam shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another zero day. It's so nice but tomorrow is going to kill. Five miles up up up from 1750 ft up into the Smokies. I lolligagged today trying to put it off. But tomorrow it's into the GSMNP, more black bears per capita than any other place in the world. Maybe I'll see some (but not too close!) I was waiting for the mail and decided to go swimming again. It's luxurious! I bought some food and reorfanized. One last shower than a shuttle to the Fontana Hilton (A super nice shelter near the damn. I hope to start at 7:00 tomorrow as it's so hot! It was 85 degrees today. So happy not to be hiking but slightly concerned I may have lost my rhythm.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Fontana Dam shelter

To: Birch Spring Campsite
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

What a freaking grueling 6 miles! I left at 7:30 thinking I could get here before it got too hot. It was tortuously sweaty by 11:00. I ranout of water and had to keep stopping to cool down - I was seriously in danger heat exhaustion. Who would guess as I sit here on this beautiful balmy evening at Birch Spring Campsite sipping lemonade and watiching a cute little chipmunk that today is the day I decided to come home. U an hyst si tured! U acge at evert hiubt abd nt feet fekt as uf tget were giubg ti exokide tidat, /eveb tgiygg U;ve gad 41/2 weeks of conditioning it still takes me 8 hours to get 6 miles. How am I ever going to get to Katahdin before Oct. 15 when the park closes? How in the world dowes anyone hike 15 miles a day? What am I oing to do when Irun out of Percocet?On the plus, I saw 2 deer today. I also ran into a beautiful white horse. There was no knight in shining armor to rescue me from my misery, but the lady rider was so so nice. She gave me some water and a big hug to cheer me up! I cooked a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner. It was the best I've ever eaten! Tomorrow it might rain and Monday the high is supposed to be 65. Can't wait! Maybe I'll keep going for a little while longer. After all, tomorrah is anothah day!
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Birch Spring Campsite

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: few clouds

I had a much better day today. It was sprinkly and cooler. I slept til 8:00, had scrambled eggs and tea for breakfast, read and started hiking at 10:00. It was still tough going but I took my boots off at lunch. I think that makes a difference. At 3:00 the sun was out and I napped a bit (again without boots) but by 3:45 the rain was back. I walked the last half mile in the pouring down rain without my rain suit. I figured I really needed a shower.The way the shelters are spaced and the fact that you have to stay at the shelters while in the Smokies because of the bears makes mileage tricky. If I went on to the next shelter with a 7.9m mile day then tomorrow would be 10.2 miles so I'll go 5.4 tommorrow then 6.3 the next. It'll make my trip through the Smokies longer but I won't kill myself.A hiker I passed today saw a momma bear with her cub this morning right on the trail. I haven't seen any. I am dry and warm and full plus there are lots of nice hikers here - I'm happy!Last night I slept without my rainfly. My tent is mostly mesh. It was like sleeping under the stars but without bugs. I had passed a ridgerunner earlier in the day and he said he had never seen bears at Birch Springs so I slept pretty good. Tonight should be colder.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: light rain

                        ME AND THE TRAILRain Pain2000 miles to MaineThinkStinkNo sodas to drinkClingman's DomeI want to go homeAfter all this workHow can I shirk(I really need Dirk*)A bear and her cubA nice hot tubThat's the rubHeaven and HellMe and the Trail                                       *Dirk is my chiropractorThat's all I have to say for today!
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: broken clouds

The sun came out yesteerday about 4:00. It was below freezing last night. I was toasty at the Spence Field Shelter. I met 2 Dad's and their teenagers out for their biyearly hike. They were nice. Today was exhausting. It took me 9 hours to do 6.3 miles. I stopped a lot. Once in the morning I sat for 30 minutes trying to remember why I'm hiking to Maine. I met quite a few thru-hikers today. Skywalker looks EXACTLY like Mark Hamill. The Derrick Knob shelter was fu-ul -that's full in two syllables, 12 in the shelter and 6 or 7 in tents. I thought I was never going to get there. Thunderhead was beastly. I'm very, very tired.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I was planning on doing 7.2 miles today, but I am exhausted. I arrived at Silers Bald after an excruciating climb and here I will stay. It was a beautiful day. A little hot but not bad. A coyote howled at me. It sounded to be about 40 feet away. It startled the begeebers out of me. Then it barked and yipped a bit. No bears yet. I met 5 Stones. He started 1 week before me and is just passing me. He's had to take some time due to injuy. I stayed the night with Long Haul and Bass (also some very nice week hikers.) Long Haul started in March and fractured his tibia and tore his maniscus.(sp?) He's back after surgery and doing 15 mile days - impressive. I'm doing 1.7 miles tomorrow to the next shelter. I hurt my knee yesterday and feel overly exhausted. I am taking that all important day to decidde if I'm done with myjourney and have found everything I was looking for. Getting off the trail seems a harder decision then to hike form GA to ME.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: clear sky

Loooved it! Nice easy walk from Silers Bald to Double Spring. I got here by noon and slept over an hour. I've read and relaxed and onrificated the values of staying on the trail or returning to my husband and kids. I have prayed and prayed. I'm read to go home and yet there is a lot to say about enjoying this beautiful world on day at a time. I'm leaning towards accepting that I've gained everything I set out to gain and going on home. I'm mostly afraid of regreting my decision or feeling let down in some way. I hope to figure it out soon. I cooked a cheese crisp on the fire this evening - delicious. I hope I sleep okay. Without walking as much I won't be as tired. Well, I'm not sure the weariness in my bones will ever recede!