morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-10
From: VA 311, Catawba, VA

To: McAfee Knob
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

We got up early and DROVE to the trail. It was an easy hike to McAfee Knob. You would think on our last day of our "attempted thru-hike" we'd be all emotional and sad, but it was quite the opposite. We couldn't wait to get back to the car so we could drive up the trail to find our friends and do some trail magic.We got up there and found that popular photographed place on McAfee's Knob. We pulled out the camera and hit the on button and nothing happend. Except the battery light flashed. I couldn't believe it! Our last day on the trail and no pictures! I had even planned for the battery, but since we slackpacked I didn't have it with me. Luckily, the camera did end up working. We were running around taking as many pictures as we could before the battery failed. We sat there for awhile and tried to soak it in, but to be honest it looked like every other view we'd been seeing for the last month. Another confirmation that we needed to leave the trail.We got back down to the car and I took of my boots for the last time. NOW that calls for a moment of celebration! I took them off joyfully and said, "no more foot pain. Wahoo"! I slipped on my tevas and got behind the wheel. It felt great to drive...I love driving.We drove up to Daleville and amazingly found Chafe and Foxie. It's a big area and we weren't sure if we'd be able to find them. They weren't leaving town until tomorrow so we'd say our good-byes then.Wrong Way and I drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway trying to find Moxy, Crazy Talk, Pipes, Windtalker, Moo, 42, Sleepy Floyd, Torch, Superman, and Hot Rod. We finally came across two hikers (Bubbalooga and Action Jackson). They too were getting off the trail and needed a ride to town. We all laughed at the fact we were all leaving. It felt great to be in the company of others who were leaving. They informed us that Sleepy Floyd had passed there about an hour ago. They also lead us to a shelter only .3 from the road. We figure we could read the register and figure out where everyone was. We discovered from other hikers that Moxy, Pipes, Windtalker, and Crazy Talk should be there with in the hour. Yeah!!! It was so exciting and so fun being a hiker detective. It was hilarious to see all their faces when they saw it was us. A look of shock, excitment, and confusion. We lured them in with sodas and oranges and then dropped the bomb that we were leaving. Moxy took it the worst, but in a funny way. She would yell and laugh and say NO and tell us how we were making her angry and then we'd say "have a soda" and she'd say that's not going to make me feel better. It was funny. We made a plan to met them tomorrow in the afternoon at the James River and we'd drive them into town to resupply.It was a great day!
Date: 2003-06-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We had spent the night in the same hotel as Chafe and Foxie..the Econo Lodge in Daleville. We learned from them that Carnethy Bob and Verity were also there. We were so happy to hear that because we wanted to say good-bye and see them one last time. It was an uneventful good-bye. No tears or strong emotion. I know we will all stay in touch and see each other again some day. As they were all talking about how many miles to cover that day and where to meet up, I was so glad not to be apart of it. Another clear sign that I was done with the trail.Something funny I forgot to mention yesterday was what Action Jackson and Bubbalooga had told us. They had spent 2 weeks off the trail and had gotten dropped off the night before at 1 a.m. The next morning Bubbalooga was eating his nasty oatmeal and Action Jackson was eating his broken up poptart and they just knew it was time to leave. They couldn't take another day of it. And that's when we found them on the side of the road on the Blue Ridge Parkway.So today was a blast! We dropped off Chafe 40 miles north of Daleville because he is hiking south to meet his wife. Then we went to meet Moxy, Windtalker, Pipes, and Crazy Talk. We ended up driving into Lynchburg, VA. It was a chore to try to fit 6 people and 4 backpacks in a Chevy, Cavalier, but by gollie we did it! We got them all ready to hit the trail. We went to the grocery store, post office, outfitter, and subway. It was so fun driving them around. A huge thunderstorm hit while we were eating dinner and when we returned them to the trail it started to sprinkle. I was so happy I didn't have to deal with the rain.
Date: 2003-06-12
To: Heading South
Miles today: 0.0

There are times in your life where everything goes so smoothly and seamlessly that you know you're on the right path. That's how it felt for us after the decision to leave the trail was made. We were able to get a ride into Roanoke to rent a car so easily. The 3rd car that passed us gave us a lift. We were able to FIND and say good-bye to some of our friends on the trail, which is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. AND when we went to return the in-town car to pick up the car we were driving to Atlanta we found out they gave us a CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG (no extra charge)! We had the top down the whole way! Except when it started to rain. We can't even out drive the rain.So tonight I got to sleep in a big, comfortable bed with real sheets and sleep in COTTON pj's. I also got to wash my hair with shampoo and CONDITIONER! Then I plopped myself on the couch and watched movies until I couldn't keep my eyes open. It was heaven. I do have to admit, though, when I'm out walking around town and I have to pee my first instinct is to go behind a bush and drop my drawers. Guess some habits are hard to break.
Date: 2003-02-27
To: Somewhere along I-75
Miles today: 0.0

Ah-ha! I am FINALLY posting an entry! After having told countless people about this journal, I'm finally following through! I think it's a good time to start the journal. There are so many thoughts and emotions running through my head with my start date only two days away. So let's begin by saying, "Hello! My start date is only two days away!" Two days until I step foot on the trail, not stepping off for 5 1/2 months! Well, figuratively speaking anyway. Sure I'll be popping into towns and what not, thus walking off the trail, but you get my drift.Let's see...thoughts and emotions that are currently running through my head:"Gee, can I really hike for 5 1/2 months straight? I mean, come on, the longest backpacking trip I've been on was 5 DAYS long.""I'm really going to miss my family, friends, and familiar places. I've never lived outside of southeastern Michigan in all of my 25 years. Let me tell you, when you become sentimental about eating your last curry meal at your favorite lunch spot, you've got it bad.""Why, oh why, did I wait until today to figure out my medical insurance, realize I lost my gaiters, buy fuel, etc?" (Oh, yea, I forgot to mention we're leaving for Georgia this afternoon).And then I remember why I'm doing this and I think:"This is going to be an awesome adventure! One that I can tell my family and friends about for years to come!"Yep, an adventure, in so many ways. For me, backpacking cleanses my mind and body. To have the opportunity to do that for 5 1/2 months is tremendous! Plus, I like adventures. I like trying new things and challenging myself to my limits. Competing in triathlons was my most recent adventure, now this, then onto graduate school, adventure racing, etc... There is so much to see and do in one lifetime so I say go out and do it! And did I mention the people you meet along the way? They make it all the more fulfilling.I sound like a motivaional speaker on "Oprah" or something, so I'm going to stop here. If you're reading this, fabulous! I invite you to follow my journey along the Appalachian Trail. I promise it will be a fun one!And thank you to all my family and friends for being so supportive. It's been exciting to share my preparation with you and even more exciting to have you follow me along the trail. I better go get that fuel...
Date: 2003-03-01
From: Spinger Mtn., GA

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

I'm laying in my sleeping bag listening to rain fall on the roof of my tent and the laughter coming from the shelter, all the while trying to figure out how to explain in words what this first day on the trail has been like. It's hard to explain because it all seems so surreal. I haven't totally grasped the fact that I'll be on this trail for 5 1/2 months, and I probably won't for some time yet. I wonder if the realization will hit me all at once or gradually?The day began with Moesie (my grandma) sounding the morning alarm at 6:30 a.m. After Moesie, my mom, Sarah (my sister) and I were all ready to go, we headed out for a wild ride on the forest service road that led to Mt. Springer, the southern terminus of the A.T. Being the groovy chicks they are, my mom & Sarah hiked up and down Springer with me while Moesie waited at the bottom for our tearful good-bye. And that it was - tearful. But I've now realized that 5 1/2 months isn't all that long and before I know it, I'll be standing atop Mt. Katahdin.The climb up Springer is a great example of how time flies so quickly. While up there, I had to remind myself that I was actually there and to observe all that was around so I could stash it away in my memory. I had to remind myself because things were happening so quickly. So the point is, before I know it, the trail will be done. I mean, my first day is nearly over!!Today was fabulous, the hike wasn't all that strenuous. Saw some great views, like the beautiful Long Creek Falls. The people are great, too! I got my first taste of trail magic from "Swallowtail" when I came off Springer. A nice goodie bag filled with candy and a tangerine. I was able to return some trail magic by lending my stove to a fellow hiker.So, it's kinda odd for me to be sleeping in a tent alone tonight. I've always had hiking partners and I have to admit I feel a bit lonely, but knowing those tenting around me makes me feel better. And there are so many people! I'm not sure of the exact count of thru-hikers, but we probably have around 25 people camping here tonight. Sweet! Well, this journey has officially started. Who knows what it may hold. I can only wait and see...
Date: 2003-03-02
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

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

I woke up this morning to a very wet tent and damp sleeping bag. Condensation had been dripping on me all night long. Talk about an initiation to the A.T.! Luckily, the rest of the day was dry, at least the weather anyway. Today's hiking made me break quite a sweat. Many steeper ups and downs compared to yesterday.Let me just mention that some things out here on the trail don't change from back home. I'm a slowpoke getting myself ready at home AND on the trail. I woke up at 7 a.m. with the majority of the pack, but was the absolute last hiker to leave, and mind you, it was 9:30 a.m. when I left. What was I doing, you ask? I've been trying to figure that out myself and am determined to find a solution. I shall no longer be the last person to leave camp! The cool thing is, I'm never the last one to reach camp, so I make up for it.It's now 8 p.m. and I'm settling down for the night. Bedtime is very early around here. Once it gets dark there's not much we can do. It's pretty darn cold too, so the sleeping bags call our names early in the night. Before we head to bed, it's like a big camping party every night. We all flip-flop each other during the day and then meet up at night. We socialize and then head to bed.I hear the sun is suppposed to be out tomorrow. I'm looking forwared to that. I can't wait for Spring!
Date: 2003-03-03
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to a frigid morning, around 20 degrees. If there is anything to get you moving quickly in the morning, it's cold weather. I wasn't the last one out of camp this morning. Yes! Today was a 10 mile trek to Woods Hole Shelter. I set myself up for a short trip into Neels Gap tomorrow to resupply and hostel for the night. Word is that the owner/operator of the hostel and store is having a barbeque for us 3/1 hikers and to celebrate his b-day. Mmmm, I can smell the hotdogs already.I hiked off and on with a great group of people today. "Liteshoe", "Hot Dog", "Wench", "Bumpkin", Kevin, "Subman", "Pringles", "A-Train" and "Red." We all experienced trail magic from "Swallowtail" and "Mudbutt" at Woody Gap. Moon pies never tasted so good. Thanks ladies!Not only did I get more trail magic, but I got my trail name: "Dimples." I was waiting for that one, but have to admit I like it a lot. Erin and "Denmark" came up with it. There was a beautiful sunset tonight. Every time I looked over at it it only got better. I feel so fortunate to be able to see such beautiful sights every day.
Date: 2003-03-04
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in the shelter last night and miraculously there weren't any mice. I lucked out because they can get nas-tee. Tonight is much more plush in the hostel at the Walasi-Yi Center. Bunks, toilet, shower, washer/dryer... at this point it's the Ritz Carleton to me. I'm clean for the first time in 4 days. What a luscious feeling!I hiked up Blood Mt. today, the hightest point in Georgia. There was a great old stone shelter atop the summit that was built by the CCC during the Depression era. Looking at it you could tell it holds such history. The musty smell helps a bit, too.The remainder of the hike was downhill, for about 3 miles. Funny thing about hiking, you'd think you'd look forward to hiking downhill, but not so. Downhill is rough on the knees and toes! It's almost better to trudge uphill. The Walasi-Yi Center looked like an oasis when I first sighted it. I bought a new pack and boots. Got my pack weight down to 33 lbs. with water and food. Sweet! It feels so much nicer to have a leaner pack. I started with a 40 lb. pack with about 10 days worth of food. A bit overkill.Now I'm getting cozy in my bunk. Lots of people here tonight. It feels like a dormitory. "Crumbsnatcher" made a beer run and picked up a 6 pack of Newcastle for me. I passed out five bottles and kept one for myself. I am incredibly pooped tonight. I was ready to keel over when I was getting fit for my pack. I haven't been sleeping well at all for the past three nights. I think I'm going to shoot for 11 miles tomorrow to Low Gap Shelter. It looks as though I'll just be hiking with "A-Train" tomorrow, that is if I can keep up with him. "Red" is staying behind a day as she's injured her achilles. She's going to try to make-up her mileage in time to meet us in Hiawassee.To end tonight's entry on a more personal note, the trail has so far brought me an enormous amount of time to contemplate, which was pretty inherent from the get-go. It's interesting though, despite the fact I'm hiking "solo," the alone time and social time combined are already shedding light on several burning questions, or are at least starting too. I'm not sure that made any sense, but there you go.Off to bed I go. I need my beauty rest.
Date: 2003-03-05
From: Walasi-Yi Center

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

Punched out 11 miles today from Neels Gap. Keep increasing day to day. It really wasn't all that bad. A few rough ups and downs but the miles passed quickly, thanks to the company of A-Train. Pack 31 already seems to be thinning out. We didn't run into nearly as many people as we're used to. Although it is a full house in the shelter tonight and plenty of people camping around us. We're shoved in like sausages in this shelter. There's Slow Ride, me, A-Train, Michael from Alabama, Wench, Hot Dog, Bearcat, and Braveheart.It's really dark out now and the headlamps are dotting the landscape like floating lights. It's pretty funny to watch them all from the shelter. Wow! Everybody is pulling in now. So much for the start of this entry. It's a freakin' party! Tattoo, Lumberjack, Early Riser and Denmark just made it in under cover of dark.One of the coolest things out here is where all the hikers come from. Slow Ride is from Boston, A-Train from Brooklyn, Michael from Alabama, Braveheart from New Zealand...everywhere! It's sweet to hear all the accents, especially Slow Ride's Boston accent, "We were twee-sted!"Too bad I didn't get any pics tonight, people are rolling in late though. What an awesome time. Looking forward to many more nights like this!
Date: 2003-03-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a heck of a thunderstorm last night at Low Gap. The lightning was so bright it was blinding and the thunder actually shook the shelter itself. Miraculously, after raining the whole night through, it stopped around 6 this morning, just in time for us hikers to get up and going. Well, the early risers anyway. I didn't get up until a little after 7 and wasn't out on the trail until 8:45. No big deal, we still hiked nearly 15 miles, our longest stretch yet. The group today consisted of me, A-Train, Grunt (formerly Michael from Alabama), and later on Ray. We hiked for 8 hours, making it a long day. It worked out well though because we only have 10 miles to hike to get a hitch into Hiawassee, GA tomorrow. Time to resupply on food and try to check e-mail. I'm debating on whether to stay in Hiawassee or at the Blueberry Patch Hostel where I can get a scrumptious blueberry pancake breakfast. Only problem is I have to go into town anyway. I have 10 miles to figure it out tomorrow.I'm still trying to get into a groove here on the trail. A routine is slowly forming but I'm still lacking my appetite. Maybe it's because my main staple is nutrition bars. Sure I'm used to them from triathlon training, but three times a day? I think I need more variety.Tonight is calm but chilly. Another flaming sunset to end the night. To the left of the shelter are the twinkling lights of Hiawassee. I can't get used to going to bed at 7:30/8:00 every night. Yep, that's right. It's 7:37p and I'm the last one with a headlamp on in this shelter. I can't wait for daylight savings to begin/end or whatever it does. We just need more daylight!I'm still having a great time, even if I do have to brush my teeth in the dark. The people, natural beauty, and...oh yeah! There was a wonderful fresh scent along the trail today. It smelled similar to my friend Peter's cologne. I think I'm going to try to bottle it and call it "A.T. Scent," not to be mistaken for hiker stench, which let me tell you is already starting to take full effect. It will be interesting to see if any townspeople shirk away from us tomorrow. That will be the sign!It's now 7:48p, nearly time for bed. Goodnight!
Date: 2003-03-07
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

A chilly morning turned into a beautifully sun-filled day. The climb up Kelly's Knob seemed neverending but we eventually tackled it. We ran into a few familiar faces but all in all Pack 31 has spread out considerably. It was the 15 miler that pulled us away.I took my first hitch into town with my fellow hikers to reach Hiawassee, GA. A very friendly local man picked up six of us in his pick-up truck. My first time riding in the back of a pick-up as well! It was a great feeling, with the sun shining and warm wind blowing while we flew past the rolling mountains of Georgia. It made me really realize how slow paced my life has become. The eleven mile drive into town took only a matter of minutes whereas it took us nearly a whole day of hiking to cover the same distance.We made our way to the posh Holiday Inn as opposed to the infamous Mull's Motel because it was actually cheaper. Then we headed to Daniel's Steakhouse for an all-you-can-eat salad and hot bar. I grabbed myself two plates full of food and went to town. Yumminess for only $6.50 a piece, plus 99 cents for a bottomless glass of sweet tea.We ran into Ox at the restaurant, a '97 thru-hiker and native of Michigan. We chatted a bit and then A-Train and I headed to the grocery store, walking like zombies through the aisles because we were so tired.Tomorrow we're back on the trail for a short hike. I can already tell it's gonna be kinda tough getting back out there after stopping in town. These beds are darn comfortable.
Date: 2003-03-08
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Sitting around a blazing fire at the Sweet Plumorchard Gap Shelter. To give you an idea of the male to female ratio out here on the trail, there are two females and 14 males at the shelter tonight. It¢s nice, the guys can¢t open doors for us, but they do help reach things and make some awesome fires like tonight. Thanks goes out to Lumberjack for maintaining this blazing fire. Of course, we women could make an awesome fire too. Today was a short 4.5 mile hike from Dicks Creek Gap. We got a hitch for a few miles from a woman in Hiawassee, which was a bit silly. She dropped A-Train and I off in the middle of nowhere on the road to Dicks Creek. We jumped out of the car, I popped my Pringles, started munching away and flung my thumb up in the air and luckily grabbed the first car that went by. The driver was an interesting feller. We were appreciative for the ride though.It was tough getting back into the swing of things on the trail after being in town. We moved much slower or at least seemed to. Good thing it was such a short hike.We finally caught back up with Subman and Pringles in Hiawassee, just in time to see Pringles off. He headed back to Florida after hiking thorough Georgia with Subman. I will miss him! Hope to see him in Maine for our triumphant finish.I want to add an interesting thought here¢¦ When I checked my e-mail today, I received a message from my old archaeology professor offering me a spot on her yearly summer excavation in Ecuador with all expenses paid. And without a second thought, I e-mailed her back saying I wasn¢t able to accept it because I am on the trail. Just now am I reflecting on that. It¢s interesting how you choose your life¢s priorities.
Date: 2003-03-09
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Today marked a turning point in my hike. So early you ask? Let¢s just say it was an early turning point where all of a sudden, while hiking, I felt that this was totally right. I¢m sure it helped that it was so beautiful out, bolstering my good mood. Whatever it was, I felt comfortable on the trail and felt it was where I should be.That first week took quite a bit of adjusting. Now I¢ve got my appetite back and my legs seem stronger. I guess I just needed to get over that first week hump to become comfortable. A southbounder came through our shelter tonight and really made me realize how ¢green¢ I am on this trail. His name is Gizmo, and he¢s been heading south since last June, almost 9 months ago. Amazing to see somebody at the end of their journey while I¢m at the beginning of mine.However, we did cross the Georgia/North Carolina border today, so we¢re on our way! Amazing that one state is already down.After we entered NC, we ran into the Chunky Gal Trail. There are some oddly named things down here. Southerners seem to like the word ¢lick¢ because it¢s everywhere along the trail: Licklog Gap, Young Lick Knob, Swinging Lick Gap¢¦ The list goes on and on and I have no idea of the word¢s meaning. Now there¢s something to ponder.