morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-02-18
To: Unemployed!
Miles today: 0.0

Friday was my last day at work. I think because I didn't finish cleaning out my office by the end of the day, it didn't mean as much to me. Plus, I'll be seeing some of my co-workers this Friday when we go out for wings and beer. Sunday afternoon I went back to work to finish getting stuff out of my office. It's funny, you'd think working in one office for 9 1/2 years would yield more than one box of 'stuff', but it didn't. That just means I have less to go through to decide what's worth keeping and what's not.I've fought with the thought that people aren't supposed to be not working in the middle of their lives. If able, and especially if a person has a job, he/she isn't supposed to give it up to go hiking. My bank account is supposed to go up, not down, down, down. Am I being irresponsible? Selfish? Some might argue that. But to them, and to myself, I ask: Why not? I don't think my choice is irresponsible. Selfish, yes. But if I can't be true to myself, how could I ever be completely true to others?I believe that it is time. Time for me to leave the nest, spread my wings, and fly. The security blanket is hard to leave. Just ask Linus. Maybe it's not a matter of getting rid of the blanket, but changing it from something tangible (living close to family; working with family at a 'safe' job; etc) to something that MEANS more but is harder to prove: knowing how much support I will, and DO, have, in everything I do. While I'm headed out to find out just what Teresa can do, I know that I am nothing without the love and support that has kept me in the nest. All I need to do is take that love with me in my heart and things will work out.
Date: 2003-02-24
To: Rollercoaster Weekend-Part 1
Miles today: 0.0

Friday night, my friends and family gave me a wonderful 'Happy Trails' party. I knew I was going to be seeing more friends than usual, but I didn't expect that it was a surprise party. Nor did I expect that they'd all be wearing t-shirts with my picture on them and the words "Happy trails to you... until we meet again." It was absolutely awesome. Unbelievable. I felt, and still feel, so much love and support from them all. THANK YOU! They also pitched in a few dollars here and there, that added up to much more than that. That was very touching as well.As the days grow closer to my departure, I get more and more... lost. I've wondered if what I'm doing is the right thing to do, but mostly I know that it is. It is my time to go, and "live a little".I just hope I get all of those million and one things done...For all who know me, and those who don't, I'll be keeping an AOL email address which will be checked occasionally while I'm on the trail. That email address is CubsNGators@aol.com. Thank you, everyone, for your support! I can't do it without all of you.:-)Wench
Date: 2003-02-24
To: Rollercoaster Weekend-Part 2
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday, I received an email to call Ted Anderson's (Soleman) wife. She wrote that she had an important message for me. Before I could call her, I talked to another member of HikersRus yahoo group, and March 1st starter for our AT thruhikes. He informed me that Ted passed away Saturday night....I cannot explain how I feel. I feel like someone punched me in the stomach. And still is. Ted was the glue to Pack 31 (an unofficial group starting March 1st), and an all-around wonderful person. I know his glue will still hold us together strong. That's how strong he was.The times I met Ted, and his wife, I thoroughly enjoyed. They are both some of the best people you'd ever hope to meet. I am thankful that I got to do that. I miss Ted tremendously, but I know he'll be with me, and all of us '03 hikers.My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, and family. Ted was, and still is, loved.
Date: 2003-02-27
To: The Waiting Game...
Miles today: 0.0

My parents just left, with tears in their eyes. I know this must be difficult for them. Their youngest is heading out into... well, just heading out anywhere alone is new for me, at least for this length of time. It'll be less than a week before I see them again. (They're swinging back by the trail at Neels Gap to say goodbye again, and provide a little bit of planned trail magic to thruhiker Lite Shoe, who has to leave the trail for a few days. They're going to drive her to the Atlanta airport.) They left me here in Dahlonega, headed to Illinois for a funeral.   Later today, Hotdog and his wife will arrive at the hotel too. Tomorrow morning I hike the Approach Trail, hopefully with Subman and Pringles. (Subman is a thruhiker who's from a town 20 miles from my hometown in FL and one of the members of Pack 31.)Right now, I feel anxious. Ready? Not sure I could honestly say that, but it's time to head out and deal with whatever cards are laid in front of me.I am a lot more relaxed than I've been in days. I was frazzled, frenzied, confused, nervous, and scared the last few days at home. I wasn't ready. I didn't have all of my gear. I hadn't packed my pack or done maildrops. Plus, I had to pack up all of my belongings, or throw away what I didn't want. That just added to the confusion. Tuesday night/Wednesday morning I got just over 2hrs sleep, trying to finish up, box up... stuff. I cried once or twice, asking myself "What am I doing?" I didn't have an answer, but just kept taping up boxes. Somehow, I got in the car with my parents and we headed north. The trip wasn't as quick as we expected, with traffic delays, and a quick planned sidetrip to visit Soleman's wife in Lakeland. I can't help but think that he should be here with me, awaiting The Day we start hiking the AT. I'll miss him. I already do.The maid just came by to tidy up my temporary home. She said "I hope it stops raining!" I said "Me too" but I think I'll be alright the way it is. It's about 36* with light rain. The rain might stop this afternoon, but I wonder if it would just be best for me to start in rain (LIGHT rain though :-) ). At least I'll know right away how I'm goin to handle "the elements".I'm going to go through my gear some and pack my pack. Maybe later I'll walk to Micky Ds or make a run for the border. I wish the maid hadn't told me about the the people that escaped from the local jail yesterday...
Date: 2003-02-27
To: Hair: The Final Cut
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe I forgot to mention this in my last entry. Last night, I got my hair cut... short! I haven't had short hair since I was about 8. The four ponytails will be sent to Locks of Love. I thought I'd be upset about losing those locks, but I'm not. I think less hair will be easier to manage. Besides, it's not like I ever did much with my hair anyway, exccept put it in a ponytail. It's a strange feeling though. I shake my head and nothing whacks me in the face!I wasted shampoo in the shower this morning. I'm used to using a lot to suds up all that hair! So that'll save me money...less shampoo to buy. Of course, for a while, I won't be using much anyway.Pictures should be posted around March 8th or so, if they're not already posted.
Date: 2003-02-28
From: Approach Trail

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked the Approach Trail today with Subman and Pringles. I'd heard that the first mile is a doozy...and it was. To tell the truth, it was difficult today. My legs were not very happy with me. I'm sure tomorrow won't be much better. BUT, I made it this far,and tomorrow's another day. If I keep heading north each day, I'll get there eventually.There are four of us camping near the shelter (Hotdog, Pringles, Subman, and I), four in the shelter (Lite Shoe, Bumpkin, son of Bumpkin, and Cricket) and Happy is nearby. Happy lives in the area and tries to spend every weekend on the AT during thruhiker season. I've heard there will be about 45 starting their thruhikes tomorrow. That seems unbelievable to me,but should be interesting at the shelters tomorrow.I still don't think I believe I'm doing this. I wonder how long it will take for me to realize it...Things I forgot: plastic spoon (Visitor center helped me out) and can bottom to preheat my alcohol stove on. I borrowed Happy's stove to cook dinner. I'm glad I have my other stove setup coming to Neel's Gap on Tuesday. Until then, I guess I'll just have to mooch a stove... I was hoping I wouldn't have to do that, but that's just the way it goes sometimes.It's after 10 now. The Adventure begins tomorrow...
Date: 2003-03-01
From: Springer Mountain

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

Sleep last night was okay.. it didn't come easily. I tried to crash at 9pm, but didn't fall asleep until at least 11. It was quite foggy, and possibly rained. The trees were dripping water and when the wind blew, I couldn't tell if it was rain or not. This morning, I packed my tent up while it was wet. The sun started to peek through as we made it to the parking lot .9mi up the trail. It didn't last long though and turned into a drizzly, foggy day.Lots of Trail Magic this morning. I met Ron/High Anxiety on the trail. He took mre on my first backpacking trip in Nov 01. Down in the parking lot, Swallowtail greeted us with a goody bag and fruit. We spent about an hour there, as we were meeting more of Pack 31, and had to take lots of pictures. That was really cool though.There are a bunch of us in the shelter tonight, and many more tenting around. We keep gaining members of Pack 31. One guy (Bonedancer) hiked from Amicalola Falls to here today. It took me 2 days! To make it worse, he is carrying a banjo too. He played a little for us already...Dueling Banjos to start. :-) He's good.I'm up in the loft with Lite Shoe, Hotdog, and Bumpkin. Subman is staying in the shelter tonight too. I didn't want to put up my wet tent in the wet weather, but would've if the shelter had been full.I still don't think I know that I'm not on a 4-night backpacking trip. Maybe that's just as well. To think of all the miles to go isn't worth it, when all I need to be concerned with is tomorrow.My feet are sore, as are my shoulders, and my back a little. It's nothing I can't handle though. I'm hoping all those who put in their first trail miles today feel tomorrow like I did today. :-)It feels like it's going to be a chilly one tonight. It's only 4:30 and I can see my breath. I could all day. Maybe that's not a big deal to most, but to this Floridian, it is!
Date: 2003-03-02
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Interesting day today. Once again, the sun peeked through for a moment, just to tease us, but the day turned cloudy. No rain though, that was a good thing.The group I've been with is split up a little bit tonight. Subman and Pringles are staying at the shelter a mile or two back, and Bumpkin and her son (now called Sniper) are just up the hill at the old shelter. Hotdog, Lite Shoe and I are tenting together at Gooch Gap. There are a lot of other hikers tenting in the areas nearby. We met Em's (Speck) group today and they're visiting our campfire, with guitar and song. A-Train and Jenny have joined us as well. Swallowtail is here too, providing more Trail Magic. It's extremely wonderful. I'm a little emotional right now. Ted would love this. I had to bring my Ted towel over to wipe my eyes. I can't figure out WHY e's not here right now.. I know that not everything has an easily visible answer. Maybe it's for encouragement for those who had to planned to hike with him at the start. Ted's flag has been carried by 4 people so far, and we've handed out almost all of the Ted towels. I need to make sure I save one for Bearkat, who started a day earlier than we"d expected. All this thinking tonight has made me wonder why I'm doing this. I don't doubt my decision to attempt this, but I wonder what it is I'm supposed to learn, or how I'm supposed to change. Maybe I won't, and that could be the lesson too: to accept who I am. Whatever it is, I'm sure it won't suddenly hit me,but will be something I look back on and see.8;15 now and I'm in my tent. The wind ripping through the mountains sounds so loud, but isn't too bad at our level. It's chilly again, and chased us to our homes. Tomorrow, we're shooting for about 10 miles, to make the hike into Neel's Gap the next day an easier one.I've not even looked at my maps or guidebook yet. The people I've been hiking with are familiar with this area, so I haven't needed too. I think when I'm at Neel's Gap I'll do some "studying" so I can plan my first maildrop. I guess it's about time I did that.Silly thing done: broke my spoon. I duct taped it back together.I got some more blisters today. Lucky me. Nothing too bad, and I hope to keep it that way.Seems early to be crashing, but what else am I to do? There are some critters wandering around the area. I can hear them squeaking. That'll probably keep me awake for a while. IM not 100% comfortable out here, but there are plenty of people around, so that makes me feel a little better. I'll turn out my light and try to sleep. Hopefully I'll catch several hours in a row.
Date: 2003-03-03
From: Goch Gap

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: few clouds

I said last night seemed like it was going to be a chilly one. It was. Woke up this morning to a breezy 19*. I don't think I'm in Florida anymore. I slept warm enough though, wearing expedition weight long underwear bottoms, two pair socks, long sleeved shirt and fleece jacket. I was alright in my 20* bag, plus silk liner.We had a couple of good climbs today. It was a beautiful day! After the cold start, it warmed enough to wear shorts, even though there was a little frost scattered on the trail, even into the afternoon.More Trail Magic this morning at Woody Gap. Swallowtail was making hot chocolate for us all, and Anna/Mudbutt was there with all kinds of stuff: candy bars, water, moon pies, cookies. Those two are awesome. They made us feel like we were movie stars.Once again, in my tent at 8:30. My body aches, laying in the tent for nearly 11 hours. I don't think I've slept more than 2 consecutive hours yet. I'm hoping that comes soon.I can't believe how bad I smell already! Actually, knowing how much I sweat, it shouldn't be surprising. The hike up the Approach Trail started me off right away, as far as odors go, and every climb just adds to it. It doesn't matter if it's 20* or 90* I guess. I'll just have to get used to it. The smell doesn't bother me, but knowing others will be smelling that does. I can't wait to hear what my parents will say tomorrow! I guess they'll just have to get used to it too.
Date: 2003-03-04
From: Wood's Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Another restless night last night, but I knew today would be an easy day... or a short day anyway. We climbed Blood Mtn today. The views up there were just awesome. I just cannot describe how awesome it was. Wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, including the tallest in Georgia, Brasstown Bald. Blood Mtn is the tallest on the AT in Georgia. Even though the wind was chilly up on top, it was well worth it. Lite Shoe, Hotdog, and I took some pictures with Ted's flag, then Subman and Pringles came along and joined us. It's so awesome to come to a view like that and share it with others. Everyone I've met so far has been just great. We all joke with each other, and help each other out whenever possible. I can see why the other hikers become a trail family.It was great to see Ma and Pa today. I turned down a switchback, and there was Pa coming up! I was surprised, since I had told them we'd be coming into Neel's Gap around noon, and it was only about 10:30. We hiked back down to Walasi Yi together. Today was a busy day here...they planned a hamburger cookout for 6pm, but moved it up to 4pm when the hikers started rolling in. Someone here said they think about 100 hikers a day started at Springer on each of the last 4 days! That seems like a LOT, but I'll be happy to meet them along the way.'Dog, Shoe and I took showers, and Dog and I got bunks at the hostel for tonight, then Ma and Pa took us into town for a "real" meal. Mmmmmm good. We brought back some rolls for Subman, Pringles, and A Train, and a piece of cake for Red, since it's her birthday today. Here at the hostel we met up with Bearkat, which was nice. I'd been looking forward to it after chatting back and forth on Yahoo group HikersRus. Another member of Pack 31 found. We're joking around already, just like with everyone else.With Lite Shoe off to Florida for a few days, and Subman ahead, I'm not sure what my hiking pace will do. I'd been mostly a follower at the beginning. Dog is still here, but has a little bit of a bum knee, and Bearkat is here,but I don't know what his pace is. I have blisters and my feet have been sore, so maybe it will be better if I take it easy with Dog at least until Hiawassee. I feel good mentally and physically, except for my feet. Hopefully they'll straighten up or toughen up soon. I'm ready to keep moving.
Date: 2003-03-05
From: Neel's Gap

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

Today was my first day hiking with Bearkat. I had a good time with he and Hotdog. We were joking around the whole 10 plus miles today. I'm glad I grew up with brothers, because it prepared me for life on the trail with the guys. I see them all as my brothers, and they will certainly look after me and any other female out here. Everyone seems to get along just fine. Just after the three of us arrived at the shelter, two guys arrived, but the shelter was full. If there were tent sites nearby, I would've pitched my tent, but none were nearby. Apparently the two guys don't have tents with them, so if it rains, they'll be coming down to join us somehow. I couldn't imagine NOT carrying a tent, or some kind of shelter with me!I had an up and down day today. We started out around 9am and seemed to make good time for a while, making about 5 miles in 3 hours. We were feeling good, and making good time. Then we ran into some good climbs after Tesnatee Gap. One of my blisters (on my pinky toe) popped on today's hike, and I fear each on my second toes will go soon. I'm hoping to survive until Hiawassee and re-evaluate then. I'm bummed about it, because my legs are feeling much stronger. Tomorrow, I'll try two pair socks and see if that helps. If it doesn't, I might be spending some time in Hiawassee to heal up and work on my footwear.I just want to keep on hiking. The views are awesome, and the weather has been good, despite what the forecasts have been warning us about. I think before too long, the forecasters will be right. Tomorrow is supposed to be rain all day, but then again, today was supposed to be too.I'm just hoping, fingers crossed, that my feet do better the next several days, then perhaps I'll take at least one day off. I have to heal up. I'm having such a good time with everyone, seeing a lot of the same people, and meeting new ones every day. It is so awesome.
Date: 2003-03-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The thunderstorm we had last night was just incredible! I'm so glad I was in the shelter. The thunder just echoed and rolled through the mountains. I guess Someone is smiling on us though, because the rain quit by the time we started hiking. Today was a beautiful day, once again. Sometimes when walking I have to stop and look around , taking in the views. I find myself grinning for no apparent reason and realize just how much I like doing this.It's also a lot easier with good company. Hotdog, Bearkat and I hiked together again, and we ended up seeing a lot of those we've been around for the last several days. Lunch at Blue Mountain Shelter was a brief reunion between the different paced hikers. Pat and Carly, A Train, Jenny/Dimples, newly-named Underpants, Denmark, Early Riser were there along with the three of us and two other hikers. Some of the group had planned on 12 or 15 mile day today, but we were thinking about making just over 9 and heading in to Helen tonight. When we got to Unicoi Gap, we decided to go ahead and climb the steep Rocky Mtn. Denmark and Early Riser were doing the same. We're all camped just below the top of the mountain, and had good, lively, and humorous conversation. I was laughing so hard at times, my sides hurt! This isn't supposed to be so much fun, is it? The hiking is hard, and the feet are sore, but so far it's well worth it. I'm still considering a day off in Hiawassee to heal up some. There are many miles to go, and I need to be prepared for them.I think I'm the only hiker out here not using hiking poles, and everyone says they're very glad they have them. I had considered getting them before the hike and am again considering that to take some strain off the feet and knees.There have been lots of sore knees out here. Slickrock got a lift to Hiawassee after the long,steep descent into Unicoi Gap today, so she could get a brace for her knee. I hope she and the rest of her gang (Speck, Upoo, Diesel, and Frigidair)can rest up and heal up and then get back out here. I don't like to hear of anyone leaving the trail. We've set ourselves up fortwo easy days going into Hiawassee, or one 11 miler and an easy morning. I'll decide tomorrow what I want to do. That's the way I try to do all of my days, one at a time.
Date: 2003-03-07
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: few clouds

Almost nine miles today, and they were hard-earned. I'm not the fastest of hikers by far. Some hikers that started 3 miles behind us today caught us by lunchtime, but that's okay. I know I can't go that fast, and don't have any time constraints. I hiked all day with Bearkat, Hotdog, Denmark, and Early Riser, and once again I had a great time! Yes, it's hard to climb these mountains and my feet hurt, but we had fun. It's like being around my brothers and sisters all day, cracking on one another all the time, but willing to help when necessary. I'll miss these people when we split up. I'm planning on taking at least one zero day in Hiawassee, Hotdog maybe two, and Bearkat's thinking about not taking any days off, so it looks like tomorrow is our last day hiking together. We have about 6 miles to Dick's Creek Gap. I'm looking to get a hotel room, possibly split with another one or several hikers. I don't mind. It's the same as staying at a hostel with the hikers, except hotel would be only four in a room.I don't know what Denmark and Early Riser are planning on doing. They'd mentioned going into town to resupply, then heading out, but the five of us were also talking about hitting the buffet at Daniel's steakhouse too. I guess I'll worry about all that tomorrow.Red is here at the Gap too. She blew past us earlier today and was camped when we arrived. She's cool, and pulled an 18 mile day yesterday. Zoiks! That's moving! Someday ,maybe I'll do that, but our recent pace has been quick enough for me. The sky is so clear tonight, I can see all of the stars. If it were warmer, I'd consider sleeping outside the tent. Maybe. I'm still afraid of critters, so I'll work on that 'sleeping under the stars' thing. Once again, the views were amazing today, especially on Tray Mtn. I was hiking along today and started smiling because I realized how neat the sound of walking through fallen leaves is. It's just so.... peaceful, or soothing. Swish, swish. I told Bearkat this and he probably thinks I'm crazy. That's fine with me though. If that's what crazy is, then so be it. I'm happy that way.