morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've decided to post my journal here so that my family and friends will be able to follow my adventure. I can't believe that what I've been dreaming of for so long is only 49 days away! I still have so much left to do before I leave, but all I want to do is get hiking! A little bit about what I'm doing...I'll be turning 39 the day before I start hiking. I want to start my fortieth year on this planet with a great adventure. I'm originally from Maine, and spent my adolescent/teen years living just outside of Baxter State Park...Mount Katahdin was my backyard view from the time I was ten till I was sixteen and I never ventured there until six years ago. I'm sure, though, that having all that beauty right there for that long began the inspiration for this journey. Six years ago...I decided to hike Katahdin with my youngest sister, who had done it several times. We didn't make it up the trail that we had chosen (Cathedral), due to my fears on the boulder section. We then started up the Saddle Trail, and I knew that I could make it, but we ran out of time. I was frustrated, but knew it wouldn't be wise to continue. We agreed to try again next year and hit the Saddle Trail right off. Five years ago...my sister, my cousin and I hit the trail. I felt very comfortable, having begun the year before, confident that I would make it to the top. There was a group of teens that was traveling along the same trail who arrived at the peak about the same time we did. They said something to my sister later on about it being " a big deal that 'that lady' made it to the top".   Yup, I guess it was a big deal. I don't know when I've ever felt more elated; when I've ever felt so enormous, yet so small at the same time. The vista from the top of Katahdin was the most incredible thing I've ever seen...it will be driving/pulling me all the way up the trail this year.Okay...long enough entry...will continue saga later...
Date: 2003-03-02
To: Name change
Miles today: 0.0

When I chose a trail name I wasn't completely satisfied with it. I have been fascinated with dragons since I was a child, and am a Dragon in the Chinese horoscope. I knew that I wanted Dragon as part of my trail name. Dragon Lady, however sounded, I don't know, fierce...perhaps unapproachable. And while I definitely can be both of these, it's usually only at a certain time of the month! However, it was all that I could think of at the time. Last night I purchased Beverly "Maine Rose" Hugo's book, 'Women & Thru-Hiking on the Appalachian Trail', and began to read. I hadn't gotten past page one when I realized there was already a Dragon Lady..."Two-time thru-hiker, Susan Roquemore" (inspiration! Two-time thru-hiker!). In a way I felt deflated...I would need to work on a new name (oh no! Another night of tossing and turning, with one more thing that I needed to work out for the trail...). Yet perhaps then my new name would be more suited to me. A more detailed Chinese horoscope book further defines each animal type by an element, determined by the date on which you were born. I am, then, a Wood Dragon... (incidentally, Wood Dragons are the most open and flexible of Dragons, who tend to be a very stubborn lot!) So, then, I will be a Wood Dragon, roving the woods... Woods Dragon. Yeah, I think that will work. Now if only I could get down to setting up my mail drop boxes...
Date: 2003-03-05
To: Pre-Trail Magic???
Miles today: 0.0

On Monday, I drove north to visit with my friends, Grapenut and Bandaged Heart {and their beautiful daughter, my goddess-daughter, Grace}. They were members of my church and are the couple with whom I hiked the Trail in Maine. Bandaged Heart was recently ordained, and will soon have her own congregation...Yay! After catching up for a bit and having a wonderful and extremely filling dinner at the restaurant where Grapenut is executive chef {I think I'm practicing for town meals on the Trail...we even stopped for Ben and Jerry's on the way back to their home!}, Bandaged Heart headed up to the attic and dragged down their gear. I pulled out my list of "still need"s and we started matching stuff up. Trekking poles, water purifier, hydration sack, all the stuff sacks I could ever want {:)}, a candle lantern...many odds and ends. I am really all set now! Weeeeellllll...almost...wait, I'm sure there's SOMETHING I'm still missing. Maybe just ONE more trip to REI...Grapenut, Bandaged Heart: Thank you SO MUCH...not just for the gear and hospitality, but for the inspiration to start this adventure and the support to see it through. I hope that I can be there for you when you return to the Trail to finish your own trek.   :)
Date: 2003-03-09
To: Mail Drops!
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, so because I am on a budget, I am using the mail drop system to do the majority of my resupplying. I know that there are disadvantages to this, however, the biggest disadvantage to me would be having to go home without finishing my hike due to lack of funds! I have listed my mail drops on this site...they are, of course tentative, but I'll make sure to update them. I am doing some bulk buying at BJ's and a natural foods store, and have been watching for any specials that pop up (all the oatmeal I could ever want, only $1 a box...10 packets per box!!!) I have been dehyrating a bunch of stuff (veggies, fruit, spaghetti sauce)...have killed the cheapo dehydrator that my sister and I bought, but borrowed my mother's super Harvest Savor (I promise, Mom, I will be good to your dehydrator and will bring it back this weekend!). The one that we bought only cost $15, and we got 6 months of dehydrating out of it, so I'm not too upset...I think it was the spaghetti sauce that killed it!Anyway, I'm really feeling like things are falling into place...I now have almost all of my gear, have my tentative mail drop schedule worked out, will be shopping next week for massive amounts of mac and cheese, tuna, jerky, rice, etc. I am planning on taking a leave of absence from my job, if HR approves it, although I don't really know that I'll be returning to micro-world of the mall. I'm hoping to work out "what I really want to be when I grow up" during the next six months. Or maybe I'll just never grow up...:) Yeah, that's it!Only 22 days to go...
Date: 2003-03-25
To: Almost time!
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning with my heart racing, dizzy, hard to breathe. I've had several of these mornings lately, but they tend to be due to the number of going away parties that I've had recently. Last night all I did was pack the rest of my mail drop boxes and break down massive amounts of cardboard (bulk food buying, what an adventure...I've never spent so much money at one time on food before in my life!). So why was I feeling like I'd spent the night at the local pub doing shots with my favorite bartender? (I love you, Mary! :))I guess reality is sinking in...I'm REALLY going to do this! What am I, crazy?!?!? I finished work on Friday, and have applied for a leave of absence. No more mall for me! I went into the store on Saturday and flaunted my lack of dress code...jeans, lace shirt and hiking boots...mwa-ha-ha! I would never have been able to wear that on the clock. I am SUCH a rebel!Sunday, I went to church for the last service for awhile. I will miss my church community so much. They have supported and sustained me in so many ways these past several years, and have helped me to grow into the person I am now. More on that later...and the fabu bash they threw me!Yesterday I got the dentist appointment out of the way (went to the doctor two weeks ago) and today I'm luxuriating in a last hair-do before I leave (I'm gonna wash that gray right outta my hair!). Yes, I'm indulging in a little bit of vanity. And I'm going to color it while in town on the trail, as well (it just won't be done as well as my hairdresser does...thanks, Sue!). I just can't help it, you see. I've been a "natural" redhead since 1983...I can't stop now! :) {grime, sweat, stench...but what FABU hair!!)Anyway, the last minute stuff continues...clean out my car, my apartment, my life so I can hit the Trail. I think I'm ready. (I'm scared!)I know I'm ready.Bring it on...
Date: 2003-03-28
To: she's off the Georgia!
Miles today: 0.0

Hello! This is Elizabeth's friend Stephanie. I promised to be her "journal-master."I'm very excited for Elizabeth. She's been talking about this trip since about 5 minutes after I met her. That was, gosh, 7 years ago. I know I can't believe she's on her way. She's going to do fabu and send lot of great updates.I will transcribe her journal as soon as I get the entries, and hopefully she'llhave lots of pictures to share.All the best Zabu!Stephanie~if there are any problems with the postings, please contact me as foca20@yahoo.com
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Well, I made it through my first day! I was joined by my sis, whose trail name I have designated as "Seester", and she will continue with me for the next three days. She has sustained a few blisters on her bunion joints...ouch! Sorry, Seester!! My feet are, so far, blister free...just a couple of sore spots. I used the massage oil, though, Mom...I'll let you know how it works. My brother was able to join us for most of the hike...he started later, cause he was parking his car at the top of Springer Mt. He ran a good three miles to catch up to us, though! Thanks, again, Rob...it meant a lot to me to have you here.So...we're camped at the top of Springer Mt, and tomorrow we officially start the Trail. I'm looking forward to it!Bumbling errors I've made so far...1.Not checking how far away the water source was before going there...2.Dumping said water directly after pumping it3.Dumping most of my dinner (pasta express with sauce, veggies and bacon) on the ground right next to my tent...greaaaat move to deter bears from checking out your site...4.Spraying myself with fuel while removing the bottle from the stove Oh, well...live and learn, right?I'm having a great time so far, although am certainly tired!Time to hit the hay!
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was technically an easier day for us, but it felt more difficult. It was really hard to sleep last night, so I think my body was slower. We saw a beautifiul sunrise this morning right out of our tents on the top of Springer. The first part of the day was a lot of downhill, which I liked, but was difficult for Seester. We are looking at taking a shorter day than planned on Friday, then a short hike on Saturday (originally going to be a zero day). We'll see how it works out. The shelter and surrounding campsites are pretty full tonight...lots of company.Hoping for a warmer night (it got so windy and cold last night..brrr!), so I can sleep!Blunder for the night (last night): took water bottle into tent with me...unfortunately, water bottle LEAKS!!! Dried out tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes today...{sigh} Sure glad I'm getting all of this stupid stuff out of the way early!Mom, the massage oil is GREAT!! Thanks! Start: Springer MountainDestination: Hawk Mountain ShelterMiles: 7.6 Nighty! :)Elizabeth/Woods Dragon
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was really great! We did good miles, and the mountains that I thought were going to kick my butt didn't. Yay! Bernie did better today, as she switched to her camp shoes, that is her Tevas. She is now "Sandal-clad Seester". This is the first night that I"ll be staying in a shelter...the past two nights I set up my tent (which is quite nice, by the way, and sets up very easily). Will keep everyone posted on the mice...We're scheduled to do 12 miles tomorrow...our biggest day so far. And the forecast calls for clouds or rain...we've had nothing but sunshine so far...we're burnt already!That's it for today...an early dinner and an early night so we can get up and get going early tomorrow morning. Nighty!:)Elizabeth/Woods Dragon
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Holy cow!! Today totally kicked our butts! It all started when I "slept" in the shelter last night. Okay, so I know they're only mice (and I like mice, really), but I still didn't want them running over my head. The real one that I did have look me in the face didn't freak me out as much as the one that I hallucinated (and screamed about). I finally got some restless sleep between 3 and 6...not enough. Also, my appetite hasn't really kicked in yet...didn't have much to eat till dinner. So, I was running reeeeally slowly today. Seester put her boots back on today, but was really hurting. She started developing blisters between her toes! She"ll be very happy to see our brother tomorrow afternoon! She's been great, though...a real trooper. I'll really miss her when she heads home!We arrived at the shelter just as it started to rain. So, I got to test my skill at setting up my tent in the rain...Yay! Twigs and Nuts helped me, and very little rain got inside. I'm now snug inside, have done some yoga to stretch out and am writing this...hoping that my tent proves itself water tight...we'll see! Just a short four mile day tomorrow, then we'll stay overnight at the Walasi-Yi. Hot showers, YAY!! Also, we'll see Rob and his family once more before Seester heads home and I head home much more slowly, and on my own... Nighty!:)Elizabeth/Woods Dragon
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Wood's Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap/Walasi-Yi
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

We got up early this morning, and I have to say that I slept like a baby! I was snuggled in my sleeping bag, wearing my Eddie Bauer thermolene top and bottom, as well as my earflap fleece cap. And even though it was pouring and windy out, I was warm and dry. I love my REI Coupe! It truly is a great little tent! Seester did not fare as well...she had some puddles in her tent. She did discover, when she was taking down her tent, that a salamander had joined her for the night. We set off on our four miler in the rain, just as it started to lightning and thunder. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but also exhilarating! When we got to the top of Blood Mt (the highest point on the AT in GA), the rain had stopped and we could see for miles...mountains in every direction, all shrouded in clouds. It was absolutely breathtaking...I got another inkling as to why I'm doing this. We descended to Neels Gap as the sun came out and met my brother and his family. They took me, Seester! and Dutch out for lunch. It was fabulous! I know that my "hiker's appetite" hasn't kicked in yet...I could have had ice cream for dessert, but didn't have room after salad, fries, green beans and a half rack of ribs. Thanks so much for the lunch R & D!!! I did my laundry, dried out all my gear, traded in my stove for a lighter weight alcohol stove, and sent a bunch of stuff home with Seester (who was ECSTATIC to be going home...her feet and knee are a mess). Thanks, Seester, for joining me, supporting me and believing in me. I will miss you!Saying goodbye to my family was one of the hardest things I've had to do... I just took a fabu hot shower, went through all my gear again, ate pepperoni and mushroom pizza and am getting ready to hit the hay. We're doing 11 miles tomorrow. We have changed our itinerary a bit, so as to carry less food. We'll be heading into Hiawassee on Tuesday evening with some new friends, Nuts and Twigs. We're bouncing half of our food there, to cut our pack weight.I have met, and continue to meet great people out here. Life on the trail is good... Nighty!:)Elizabeth/Woods Dragon
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Walasi-Yi

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

Today started out well...the weather was great...I was able to start outin my tee shirt and shorts (sorry all you Boston and Maine areapeoples!). I was feeling very strong, and my pack, with my new (and lackof old) equipment weighed in at 42 pounds...down 11 from my startingweight at Amicalola Falls. I was trying to figure out my pace, now thatI am without my Seester. I tried to keep up with Dutch at first, but Idon't think that I'll ever be able to keep up with him. I did make goodtime, 2 miles per hour, which is good in the mountains of north GA, letme tell you! I finally settled into a comfortable pace, although I amstill eternally slow on the uphills, I can cruise through the downs andflats. I abused my arches today, though, and am taking Motrin thisevening.The weather was most bizarre today, and had us changing in and out of ourrain gear constantly (I caught up with Twigs and Nuts). It was almostsleeting for a brief period, but it's mostly just really windy. It lentto the day feeling really eerie, and all three of us were not feelingwell (dizzy, nauseous) due to the weird weather changes. Here at the shelter tonight, there are probably close to 25 people..somestaying in the shelter, many, including myself, tenting. Someone has aguitar and is playing and singing down at the shelter. I am hanging outin my tent, not feeling dreadfully sociable. I know that it will getbetter, but right now I miss my Seester.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

Well, today we awoke to a "mist"ical, magical world, after a night ofsteady rain. It was a messy job getting our tents put away...they weredirty and wet. Twigs and Nuts were having oatmeal and tea, so I joinedthem for a cuppa...Green Tea with Chai...yum! I started out into the mist. It really seemed as though faeries orsprites could emerge from any spot...a cascading moutain stream, anunderground spring, a fallen tree. I see wood dragons, root dragons, evensome stone dragons (Seester would understand)...here there be dragons...Iam among good company in these woods. I spent a good part of the day alone, often leapfrogging with Twigs andNuts or Big E. We descended, after 9 miles of ups and downs, into Unicoi Gap, where werested for awhile and experienced our first bit of trail magic! Not onlyhad Litefoot set up some magic, but there was also a group of Scouts andtheir leaders/parents. I overheard one woman asking if anyone wanted anymore cookies or soda, and I raised my hand. She asked if we'd likeanything and we feasted on cookies, apples and soda.We then continued to where we are now encamped, which is the site of anold cheese factory. A much smaller group now, it's me, Dutch, Twigs,Nuts, Reason, Big E and Buddy/Loser (we're trying to come up with anappropriate name for him. We'll be doing another 12 miler tomorrow, heading into Hiawassee, GA, andtaking a zero day on Wednesday. Feeling strong, but looking forward to arestful day and being clean!
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Hiawassee

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Well, we have officially been on the trail for 8 days! We did almost 13 miles today in rain, fog, mud...bleah! Everything we have is totally wet...which is why we are now at a motel in Hiawassee! (cont'd, 4/9)I was talking last night, and couldn't type at the same time...So Twigs, Nuts and I have one room here at the Hiawassee Inn, Dutch and Reason have another, and Buddy and Big E have a third. Buddy is going back out onto the Trail today, as he is hiking with a friend who stayed at a shelter that we all passed yesterday. Not sure what Big E is going to do, but the rest of us are taking a zero day today...Yay! We went out to an all you can eat buffet last night, and ate SOOOO much! My "hiker's" appetite kicked in yesterday, and I was hungry all day long. I ate a huge salad (fresh veggies are some of the things I miss the most), then a plate full of fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and two rolls with margarine. I ended my meal with a small piece of cheese cake. We also celebrated our first week out on the trail with a few beers. We contacted people by phone, and were in bed at the very late hour of ten (it's usually 7 or 8ish on the Trail.Today we'll be doing laundry, airing out our tents, going online at the library, and restocking our food supplies. Verrrry exciting stuff! Oh, and eating some more. Did I mention that I'm hungry? Must go find breakfast...
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Well, today was a pretty easy day...we left town at about noon, in a shuttle that is provided by the motel. Dutch and I picked up our bounce box at the Blueberry Patch, and bounced some stuff ahead to the NOC. The owner of the Blueberry Patch then very graciously brought us to the trailhead. We did 4.5 miles to the shelter, where there are about ten of us huddled in here. It's really pretty chilly, and we've heard that it may snow tonight. We're going to try to do 11 miles tomorrow, but may just check in at 7...we'll see how the bods are feeling.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: F.U.S.S. entry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I said before that I wanted to tell you about my fabu party, but what I would like to talk about is my church community. I have been a member of the First Universalist Society of Salem for several years now, and have found the congregation to be the kindest, most loving and supportive group of people I've met. They welcomed me into their midst, giving me opportunities to serve both the church community (working with youth, singing in the choir), as well as the greater community (working with the food pantry). I have become a better person, and have grown due to my involvement in the church. I really got a chance to experience what wonderful people they were, though, when I decided to hike the Appalachian Trail. Many people adjusted their own responsiblities in the church and the pantry to take over mine. And even though they said they'll miss me, they were all excited for me, and stood behind me at every step of my preparation. The piece de resistance, though, was the fabu party that they threw for me, two Sundays before I left. Everyone pitched in to spring for Karaoke and the Disco Diva (thank you, Diva, you're wonderful!) and there was great food for everyone. I absolutely loved the cake with the map of the Trail emblazoned on it, and can't wait to take "Elizabear" (with her tent and backpack) home with me when I get back! I'm glad that so far you haven't had to adorn her with many bandaids! To everyone in the F.U.S.S. community: your gifts and the party were wonderful, but are not as important   as your incredible support of me as I work/walk towards achieving this dream of mine. Thank you for everything...I'll see you on Rally Sunday!:)
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Have you ever stopped for several moments at the top of a mountain and listened to the snow melt around you? This was my introduction to my second state of hiking! After a fairly grueling hike up two mountains, just past the state line, I took a break to just listen (oh, okay, and to catch my breath...the ups are still difficult for me in that respect), and all I could hear was snow melting. It was a fabulous thing, I must say!So, we've entered our second state, and left behind 3000 and 4000 foot altitudes for 4000 and 5000 foot altitudes. The air is sharper, crisper and, well...colder! Although it didn't snow on us last night, it definitely snowed here! It is supposed to get warmer tomorrow, however, so I assume it won't stay around long. I set up my tent tonight, and am glad I did. The air inside is warmer than that of the shelter, and the shelter, designed for 6 is jam packed tonight. I only did 7 miles today, listening to my body, which wanted to STOP! I'm still on the edge of a cold, and I don't want to push it. Dutch and Reason continued on another 5 miles, and Nuts and Twigs stayed here, as well. We bear-bagged our food without the boys tonight, and did just fine. Now, I'm just bundling up for the night and hitting the hay...hope to feel better and do 12 miles tomorrow...