morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-12-15
To: Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0

I'm trying to check off things on my To Do list...even though I should be thinking only about getting ready for Christmas. I can't seem to stop thinking about the trail and always planning. I've become obsessive about it and my family (Dennis, my partner and Dana, my recent college graduated daughter who's considering hiking with me for a couple of months) are getting tired of it already. And there's three more months - but I worry there's not enough time - and I worry there's too much time and I'll forget all the neat tricks I'm learning that will come in handy out there. Things like using cottonballs and vaseline to start a fire....using pot cozies to keep your water hot to steep your food (I made one today out of Reflectix material)...sleeping with your water bottle and boots so they don't freeze, etc.My plan is to start at Springer Mtn on or about March 13th in order to get near to Roanoke VA by May 4th. The only commitment I have is my older daughter's wedding in San Diego May 12th. I'm having to plan on how to get to the airport no matter how far I've gotten - that's where a list of these people who graciously shuttle thru-hikers comes in handy - (thanks David R.My latest concern is shelter. When Dana said she would join me for a while (that's still up in the air), I found a 2 person tent from Big Sky that was light but spacious and ordered it. That was almost 2 months ago. For a while they were away and responded to my email with an away message, but now there 800 number is temporarily disconnected. So, for now I've ordered a Clark Jungle hammock that will do for me (I hope...got to try it out), but I haven't figured out what I'll order for a lightweight 2 person tent. (All my old gear is just too heavy for this extended a hike).Decisions...decisions. So much researching. For a while it was fun, but now my arms ache from so much Googling!
Date: 2007-01-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Decisions, decisions...so much to get done. Do I take a hammock or use a tent. I love both of the new ones I got (Clark Jungle Hammock - the netting unzips...YES! and a Big Sky Evolution 2P 2D tent...so light!) I've decided I don't want to continue to screw around with making the hammock warm...everything is just adding weight and the it's beginning to weigh more than a tent. I think I'll use the hammock in the warmer months instead of trying to get used to it from the start. I'll need the tent when others join me on the trail anyways.Still trying to finish all the little gear things like a fanny pack for storing stuff in an accessible location, comfy shorts (can't find the one pair I was going to bring...I was wearing them 'cause they're my favorites, but they've disappeared!).Got my food dehydrator yesterday! Dried pasta, apples, and rice last night. It is so cool and easy - even my partner, Dennis, will be able to do this so he can keep up the supply of healthy foods to me.Also started searching about our local grocery store for foods that would work on the trail...and there's lots of options. The meal planning and drop box preparation is my next activity. I still have to finish my schedule plans..I've only got half of it done.Mentally how am I doing? I go from scared (can I really do this?) to excited (I can't wait to get started) to exhausted (will this planning ever end?). The next 9 weeks are going to fly by! And I'm feeling a bit disorganized at all that needs to be done. There is a lot of work to getting ready to lead a simplified life!I have to say as much as I want to talk about what I'm going to be doing, I'm also tired of explaining what I'm going to be doing. Many don't comprehend the magnitude of this trip..and those that do think I'm crazy to be doing it.I've been researching a ton on the internet and learned lots of new tricks; found ultralight gear;and made alchohol stoves, wood stoves, wind screens, and pot cozies! I've been trying out new gear like tents, hammocks, alcohol stoves, and clothing.I've been getting into better shape walking with a 30+ pound pack on the Erie Canal near my home or on the trails all around our town, going to the gym and cranking up the treadmill to the highest incline, doing lots of squats with weights and using leg machines. I know the trail is going to be much harder than anything I'm doing now, but all this can't hurt...and may help, a little?
Date: 2007-01-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Seems like there's so much to do and so much to read, that writing in my journal is the last thing on my mind. But in reading others journals, I often wished they had discussed more about the details of planning for this long hike. Years ago I never would have even attempted to do it because I thought the planning would be overwhelming. Well, it is...and I am! I'm finding out how anal I really am...my friends have been right all these years!I have a spreadsheet workbook that I started to construct over 3 months ago. It has tips & tricks as I've found them on line; food ideas; places ya gotta see; gear listing; list of everything on order, date arrived, date returned, and credit issued; Christmas list so others could buy me the right stuff; drop box places; drop box contents; my schedule; things I still need to get;....it's my brain on Excel! I couldn't live without it.I spent until the end of 2006 focusing mainly on gear. Pretty much everything was replaced with lighter gear. I've probably taken about 10 lbs out in weight...gives me more room for comfort gear! I've ordered things, tried them out, and returned them if I wasn't happy. Too bad my planning and testing period has been in the winter, but luckily it's been a mild winter. I still have to try out my tent with inflatable down mattress, new bag, and pillow...yes a pillow. If one-third of my time is spent sleeping, then I will be comfortable...and I need a pillow to sleep. I even travel on business with my pillow. But I am bringing a smaller one that will hang off the back of my pack. I'm using a tent for the colder months and will move to my hammock when things warm up. I'm just too afraid of the cold, so I'll start out with something I'm comfortable in. Weight wise there's no difference.The other thing I did was make some stoves. I made a couple of alcohol stoves: the penny stove and the super cat. The super cat is easier because you don't need a pot stand for it. Your pot rests right on the can. And it has few pieces to lose. I also made a windscreen from aluminum flashing and a freezer bag cozy from Reflectix. All directions for these I found on line. I also made a little wood stove that burns sticks. I'm going to bring it too. I've got cotton balls coated with vaseline for firestarter. I'm hoping to use this to minimize the amount of fuel I need to carry or to just warm the feet under a picnic table.My next entry will talk more about food preparation! What a trip that has been!!!I
Date: 2007-02-14
To: 23 Days & Counting
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's official: I'm retired! That just means more time to plan and pack and plan and repack! Don't know if that's a good thing. I'm mentally drained by this process of thinking through all my decisions to anticipate something I know so little about. I've backpacked alot...in the mountains...but never alone and never for so long. And I have new gear. And it's winter, so there's not much opportunity to try it out. Just have to trust my gut.And speaking of gear...I put my pack on fully loaded with food and water for a hike last week, then weighed it when I got back...40 pounds! How did that happen?????   I took everything out, weighed it, then compared it to Sgt. Rock's listing on WhiteBlaze.net of suggested gear. Found the heavy culprits, but everything was just a few ounces more than his stuff...except there were essentials that he left out...like a windscreen for an alcohol stove. It did force me to rethink some decisions: no insulated mug (saved 10 oz) - guess just the gatorade bottle I have as a backup to my water bladder will have to do for hot drinks and rehydrating food. I tried it though and I think the boiling water in it caused it to give off some serious toxins. Now I'm wondering what cooking in freezer bags for 6 months will do to me! Can't be healthy.And I thought about replacing my gravity water filter (Amigos H20) with KlearWater chemicals until I realized I need about 25 bottles of the stuff to the tune of $300. Hmmmm....have to rethink this one. Such dilemna's: weight vs. price. But it would save 7 oz!And my down inflate mattress is out and my Thermarest back in. But the 3 inches of comfort sure felt good (on the living room floor) while it lasted. Another 10 oz saved! (And after I send the tent home and move into my hammock - when the weather warms up - I won't need a pad except for sleeping in shelters.)   And that's the process to get the weight down. Every item will have to be "rethunk" to determine if the weight is worth it or is there an alternative. The one thing that is not staying home is my pillow!!! It weights 11 oz in its stuff sack and it WILL ride on the top of my pack. I can't sleep without a soft, squishy place to put my head.Dennis keeps reminding me that it all will be over and soon all I'll have to do is put one foot in front of the other.
Date: 2007-02-22
To: The prep continues
Miles today: 0.0

My daughter, Dana, designed this hiker card for me using my signing of The Bag Lady and my flower sketch. I think it turned out great and I plan to use it when I meet people who ask me what I'm doing. This way they can go to this journal and read about my hike and others'. This is such a great site that I want to get the word out!I've been retired now for three weeks and I wonder how I got it all done before when I was working. The list of tasks to get prepared seems endless. This is what I've been doing this week:1. Got an audio CD book from the library and found directions on line for copying it to my iPod...that step is still on my To Do list.2. Got out to the woods while the weather was warm and set up my hammock to see if putting it on the ground during cold weather will keep me warm. It works!3. Took the Hiker Card file to Kinkos to get cards printed...required two trips because the .tif file wouldn't open4. Marked Dennis' calendar with all my drop box ship and pick-up dates so that he knows when to get them in the mail!5. Drafted a letter to send to friends that I want to let know that I'm doing this6. Notified writer of Outside column of local paper in case his readers would like to follow my hike. (I've often wished I could have followed others, but the paper tells us about their hikes usually AFTER they've done it.)7. Made 20 mini packs (taking qt freezer bags and using my bag sealer sealed it shallower and then divided it into two packs...the seams rip smoothly and I just cut through the zip and duct tape the edge of the zipper.)...made this to put in fragrance free hair conditioner to be shipped to me in resupply boxes.8. Sewed two side pockets into my Clark Jungle hammock up near my head for putting reading glasses, headlight, and paperback.9. Sewed loop into seam at foot of hammock so that I could hook my boots up there at night.10. Made freezer bag cozies out of Reflectix material for my friends that are coming out to hike with me.So that gives you an idea of the type of tasks I'm doing to pass the time until I start to walk. Dennis just keeps telling me that pretty soon this will all be over and that all I'll have to do is put one foot in front of the other!
Date: 2007-03-02
To: It's all about the people
Miles today: 0.0

I'm one week away from leaving town...9 days from my March 11th departure off of Springer Mtn. It's all about the people. One of the reasons I decided I could do the AT was when I read Jean Deeds book "One More Mountain to Climb: An Inspirational Journey" and she talked more about the people she met on the trail than the flora and fauna. It's not a lonely trail - and that's a good thing!But I've been meeting people way before this hike has even begun. First there's the online community. Once you put your journal out here, you get wonderful notes from people that are hiking, want to hike, and did hike the AT. Great words of encouragement!Then there's the people that see you out with your pack on and ask you why, like Deb and Peggy in Mendon Ponds Park when we were out cross-country skiing (yes with 30+ pounds on my back...great conditioning!). They are hoping to bike cross country in '08 and I may just join them!   And Laura, a woman who overheard me tell the clerk in a fabric store that the silk I was buying was for making a pee rag...well, she asked! And Laura picked up the conversation from there and has a lot of interest in doing something like this. We hope to meet for coffee to talk more before I leave. And then there's Sally at Staples. Staples, give that woman a raise! She knows the meaning of customer service! I was looking for stickers for my drop boxes so that they would be easily noticed in a large stack of boxes and when we couldn't find what we wanted on the racks, she goes and explores the catalog for me to find just what I need. And then fills out the form to sign me up for some sort of membership so that Staples will ship them to my door for free. Sure beats the service I got at Office Max where I couldn't even find someone to ask. So Sally, my hat's off to you and best of luck to your son, too. (I'll carry him in my heart on this hike - he would have done similar endeavors if he hadn't been injured in that car accident years ago.)And the people I met when the local paper (Democrat & Chronicle) decided to do an article on me to air the day I start my hike, March 11th. Leo Roth, outdoor writer, and Jamie Germano, photographer met me on a snowy morning in the woods to get the pics and the scoop!And there will be the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts I'm speaking to Monday, March 5th to show them my gear and talk about the planning and preparation so that they "know" me as they follow along in my journal. And last, but surely, not least, are my friends who've been wining and dining me as I retire and begin this journey. Their support and well wishes mean the world to me! And their friendship is the best!!! They do think I'm a bit whacko though...but then that's nothing new! It's all about the people!
Date: 2007-03-06
To: Last minute things
Miles today: 0.0

My PocketMail device arrived today and so I'm learning to type on it...it' slowgoing because the keyboard is smaller than a standard one and i have to learnall over finger placement!Last night I had the honor of meeting with two local scout troops [Boy ScoutTroop #okay I'm tryingthis pocket thing out, it's somewhat hard butit's okay Iguess....mom's going to have to learn to type all over again... yadda yaddaThat was my daughter, Dana...kids today seem so much more adaptable.ok back to last night. I spoke to Boy Scout Troup# 262 and Girl Scout Troup #844. They were so interested and full of good questions! It took almost anhour to show them trail and what I'm bringing in my pack. I'm making a lot ofassumptions about what will work. They want me to come back after I've walkedit and share my stories. Dennis and I've been packing a drop box so he knows what i've been thinkingwould work. I'm sure my thoughts will change over time! Lots of kinks to workout.Last night when my bite valve leaked and my pack got soaked on the way over, Irealized the importance of a shutoff valve. Better to find that out now!My daughter, Dana, landed home yesterday to pack up a few things to move toAnnapolis and start her own bakery business with a wholesome food french pastryfocus: La Bonne Bouche Bakery. So 2007 looks like it will be a very busy year for the Zimmerwomen: a wedding, anew business, and an Appalachian Trail thru-hike!Off to finish packing! 5 days to the start of my long walk!------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2007-03-09
To: The last day home and the trip to Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

Can't sleep. Got things to do before we leave for the airport. Stay calm...tooexcited! Check the tasks off one at a time. Get flight data, get map of MARTAtrain, show Dana how to sew strap with sewing machine, load iPod, pack up pack,get breakfast and be out the door by 10:15 for 11:45 flight. No problem. Things went well until we realized the iPod wasn't loading. Restart process andbabysit PC. Past 10:15...no problem, say I...got fat in the schedule. Finallydecide to take iPod with whatever's on it because now it's getting closer to10:30...gotta go.Get to airport...gotta have photos...lose track of time...hugs and goodbyes, andlast words of love and support...get into airport, up to kiosk, open hikerwallet to get credit card to swipe...NO CREDIT CARD! Yup, after all my effortsnot to forget something, I forgot to transfer my usual card from my everydaywallet to my hiker wallet. No problem...I've got a backup. System isn'tfinding my reservation. Quick look over to the line...it's winding out thedoor! Tick tock...go wait in line....change mind...go around up to counter. Good they're going to help me...but what's that you're asking? Do I want totake a later flight? NO. Well the flight is booked and everyone else ischecked in. You have no seat assignment. No way. I should have checked in online. Now the line to hand in your luggage is 2 miles long. Cut to the front. "I'm on the Atlanta flight!" They quickly take my bag and I scurry to security. People are moving slow with lots to remove. I cut to the front again. I'm getting good at this! Take off hiking shoes, hip pack,and windshirt. Through security... grab shoes, jacket and pack and hightail itto my gate. I can't miss this flight! So now I'm running with shoes in hand tothe gate. Please, please have a seat for me! Yup they do! Whew!!! Later Ifound out my family was outside watching this escapade with the suspense of notreally knowing what was happening inside...but they were cheering for me!The rest of the trip was enjoyable and uneventful: got to past the time withLinda who retired from the same company as I did (really enjoyed your company,Linda; and don't forget it's 15 minute miles for your target - no strolling!);my bag with my pack was already in baggage claim; hooked up with Gerry, familyin Atlanta, by phone to arrange the meeting at the train; got ticket and foundright train. Alas I'm sitting quietly in the suburbs of Atlanta listening tothe birds, see the daffodils in bloom, and enjoying the spring like day (aftersix weeeks of cold and snow - delightful change). I have to confess that I cried when I sat down in my seat on the plane, put myiPod on, and realized where I was headed! It's a very moving experience whendreams become a reality...almost surrealistic. Tomorrow I hang out here, andSunday I'm off to Springer Mtn. to start the hike of lifetime!
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Stove Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

The Adventure Begins!The day started after a very restless night of wild dreams. Hard to believethat the day I've been wishing and waiting for had finally arrived. Had lunchplans with Dennis' Aunt Janet and Uncle Gary who live in Dahlonega nearSpringer. What a delightful town - think I've found my retirement town!Off then with two cars to the sign-in and weigh at the Park office. 38 poundswith 2 liters og water...not terrible! And finally the 45 minute drive up tothe top of Springer. (The Approach Trail is blue, so why walk it? I have enoughmiles to walk in the days ahead!)Goodbyes to Kathy, Gerry, Gerrard, my family and hosts in Atlanta...and I wasoff! Finally! I hiked south to the southern terminus, the plaque, andregistration with "Many Sleeps" the Ridge Runner. He said it was the nicest dayhe's seen this year: sunny and in the 70's. (Thanks, Mom...now that you're incharge of the weather!) Then I turned around at the top of Springer and I wasoff! And it felt great! I am so at home in the woods...have been ever since Iwas a little girl. And the idea that I get to walk for the next 6 months seemsso exceptional! At one point I was so moved while I was walking, that I criedwith joy! I'm so happy to be here!!!!!!!!!!Good night, sleep beckons....
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Stove Creek Shelter

To: Justis Creek
Miles today: 11.9

First full DayA day of extremes. Cold and clear last night...hot and sunnytoday...unseasonably so! Sleep was restless...my brain won't turn off. Sundidn't rise until nearly 8:30 so a late start. Boy was it up and down today...Ithink one climb went on for a mile. And I'm moving pretty slowly. 11 milesusually should take 5.5 hours before breaks. Today I didn't get into camp until7pm...long day, heavy pack, tired feet. I was lucky that I didn't run out ofwater like many did. There was a long stretch (5 miles) with no water source. I gotta watch out for that...I just got lucky today. When I'm hiking along I'm writing journal entries in my head...and am I evereloquent and poetic! But now I'm just poopec! But I gotta tell you about a little trail magic I was able to give. I washiking up the last hill before camp and feeling pretty worn out...just ploddingalong. I see this young girl on a rock with only a water bottle. I asked herif she was okay and she says "I'm not moving, at all, any more!" She wasbeat...hated hiking...and this was day one of five! She was with a group ofgirls from a local school that required all sophomores to do a 5 day 30 mileovernight hike. She agreed that she probably couldn't spend the night there. Someone had taken her pack on. So we chatted and we climbed and Brionna, youhelped me get through those last miles into camp! Thank you...and I can't waitto hear from you how the rest of the trip went. Always remember it's the toughtimes that make the other times so sweet.Gotta sleep...think tonight I will!
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Justis Creek

To: Jarrard Gap Campsite
Miles today: 11.1

Much better day. Up at 8 ish, tea & honey for breakfast...not hungry...yet! Took me an hour to pack up all my gear, but I was the first one out. Last nightI put my hammock up on the ground...less comfort, but warmer...alot! Did itagain tonight. Hiked on and off with others: Daniel (thru-hiker); friend,Megan, and her dog, Tucker (hiking to Franklin, TN or NC);Bob (thru'd in'03...Starbuck,he says he hiked with you, Snack Machine, and Dragon Fly); Bob'sfriend who quit today because of his feet; Clint (thru-hiker); and Jesse (athru-hiker and retired like me). Oh, yeah, and there's Tim, doing a week, didthe trail in two parts years ago, and camped here with me tonight. So that'sthe crew. Daniel, Megan, and Tucker didn't show up...so I'm thinking theystopped by the stream a ways back.Today was really good and made me believe I have this in me. I have to confessthat yesterday I had my doubts. Was asking myself why I thought this was a goodidea! Today I found the joy!Lunch was tuna and mayo on a hockey puck! We (Dennis & I) thought it would be agood idea to vacuum pack my bread to keep it fresher...well it never inflates! Compact english muffins for bread this week.But i must admit that dinner was great...mashed potatoes, dehydrated corn, andthe rest of tuna from lunch...mmmm! The cat stove is working very well. So easy, few parts, and quite quick.I'm slowly dying and can't possibly write all the deep and profound thoughts Ihave while I'm hiking. I think Jesse has the right idea: a recorder andsoftware at home that puts it into text. I'll have to find out more.I did learn one thing: listening to music