morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: My sister Kate's Place
Miles today: 0.0

One eye opened up, almost afraid to look, I peered out the window and saw a rosy, clean dawn. I felt like doing a jig! Even the birds seemed to be singing a cheery tune. I walked outside and, lo and behold, I could actually see the Shenandoah Valley and she sure is pretty. I know it sounds weird but it has been forever since I have seen the sun. We packed up and walked down to the parkway to hitch to town. While I was standing by the road I saw what looked like a spotted stuffed animal nestled in the grass. It turned out to be a fawn calmly sleeping the morning away. Her eyelashes were so long! DA got some good pics. All I wanted to do was skim my hands across it. Along her back and down her ears. She looked as soft as a kitten.We got our rides and Kate came and got us. I have my sleeping bag on the floor (some things are hard to give up). She made us some caramel chocolate chip cookies. WOW!! I am stuffed and I am already plotting how many I can eat in the morning before everyone else wakes up. Nice to be here and especially nice to hangout with my older sister Kate.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-27
From: My sister Kate's Place

To: My parent's home.
Miles today: 0.0

I am not sure where to start this journal and what to share. After all this is supposed to be about hiking and yet life creeps in and yanks you back. We arrived at my folks' house this morning and the changes in them are painful, scary and sad to see. They still look good, just frayed around the edges and worn. You can make the mistake that hiking this or any other trail can shelter you from your life..that nothing else is going on...people aren't changing, getting older. They are though. Life doesn't wait on anyone.When I got here I went down to the beauty shop to see my mother and when I walked in and saw her in the chair my heart cracked and opened and then I was hugging her and fighting tears. She gazed up at me with such love and tenderness. She can't see anymore and her face has become much more expressive because of that. I know that sounds odd but absolutely true.Part of the challenge of getting older is watching the folks you love age as well and having a certain understanding of how difficult that can be. The age I see on my face is beginning to mirror what I see in theirs.The trail feels like a long way off right now. I have to be very, very careful that while hiking I don't miss out on my LIFE and that I continue to pay attention to the things that are important and say the words that need to be said. ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-29
From: My parent's home.

To: My parent's home.
Miles today: 0.0

May 28 & May 29.My stay here is winding down and we will be back on the trail on Tues. The long drive back tomorrow. It has been good to spend time with my family. I may come back in a month or 2 to see how things are going.I miss the simplicity of the woods with all its' sounds and smells. My body is going thru withdrawls. The sudden lack of movement has me restless. I feel like a tiger chasing its tail....and yet leaving is always very difficult and fatigueing. I just live so far away that the goodbyes are plain sad.Anyhow, DA put some pics on my site for me. I hope to slowly put more on soon... I hope you enjoy them Lisa! and Gigi next time I am in Seattle I will come and visit..I can't wait to be on the trail again and sleeping in my tent. I leave part of myself right here though.. watching tv with my folks and sleeping in the cleanest sheets in the world cuz my mom washed them. Why is that?------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-30
From: My parent's home.

To: My parent's home.
Miles today: 0.0

Well, plans have changed again! If I was a girl on a schedule I would be confused by now. My parents wanted us to stay a few more days so my brother said he would drive us down Thursday afternoon to be on the trail Friday. It is all fine with me and gives me some time to hangout with my folks and run around Wheeling. I have been eating so much that I may have to be rolled down the trail though. Yikes! DA has been the one everyone is givng extra food though He is freaked about that but good naturedly eats anything my mom puts in front of him. We went down and played the slots...very weird. I had fun even though I lost 13 bucks. From the serenity of the woods to a smoke filled casino full of very focused people with an air of desperation clinging to them. My brother won 80 dollars. Go figure!------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-31
From: My parent's home.

To: My parent's home.
Miles today: 0.0

I am actually wearing a skirt and looking like a civilised person! I even got a hair cut....hmmm....I need to get back to the trail before I start painting my freaking nails. I went to the library today to see where some of my buddies are. It looks like we may get a chance to hike with some folks I haven't seen in a long time. I am so excited to get back on the trail. I need to be moving north again. I miss Alaska, Brad and the dogs so much. If I want to finish the hike this year I have to do some miles. I still would like to be done before Labor Day. I take every day as it comes. I have nothing to prove to myself and if the pull of AK is stronger then the lure of the trail then so be it. Being here just emphasises to me yet again how important it is to be present in my life. I want to keep things in perspective. Ten years ago distance hiking was what I was all about. I have changed quite a bit and I don't define myself by it anymore. At least not as much as I did. I have other things on my mind these days. Still, my feet are itching for the dirt, rocks and roots of the trail and as long as I have that ache for the walk I will keep on trucking...besides I gotta catch up to Jersey! ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-01
From: My parent's home.

To: My parent's home.
Miles today: 0.0

You guys want to know something? Maybe the most unexpected thing that has happened to me on the course of this trip is that sometimes I wander around with this pocket mail device, clinging to it like a polar bear does to the ice. So much has happened while visiting my parents that makes my heart beat lonely and fierce in my chest. My need to write about it soothes my otherwise troubled mind. My mom took me thru their most important papers and objects today. Telling me that she "doesn't mind if we sell it all". She can't see my tears so I just brush them away as I listen to her put their full and astonishing life into a few simple words. They don't begin to exlain the emotion that runs thru my interwhined fingers to the balls of my feet. She shuffles along, shoulders bowed-seemingly shrinking right in front of me. There is a sadness lurking in her eyes and the fraility of her neck makes me want to give her 20 years of my life.I leave tomorrow and I will miss them so much. I sit on this couch and just watch them noticing thier features and mannerisns. Seeing all of us in that. I don't begin to have the vocabulary to put into words what a force they have been and still are in my life. But I think you guys know what I am talking about. I wish I could crawl inside Brads' arms and sleep and wake up to his laughter and Lulus' softness. That is all I need right now.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Powell's Gap

To: Lewis Campground
Miles today: 14.5

My brother dropped us off in the rain and on the shaky legs of a fawn I took my first steps on the trail in 10 days. I am a different person than I was. Seeing my parents and all that happened there has taken some of the wind out of my sails. One thing I was absolutely certain of though was that I needed to walk. I yearned for the moment when I would be dropped off at the trail and I could stretch my legs out again. After we said goodbye to Mark and I watched his car till it turned the corner and I slipped gratefully yet wearily into the woods and the trails' embrace. Many times thru out the morning I tipped my head skyward and let the rain cool my face. The weather..which only a few short days ago would have bothered me, was exactly what I wanted. I needed it to cleanse my mind and make me feel new again. Ya know? It was almost weird to be out. We did see some other hikers but are camped here alone. I think most folks went up to the shelter. I am hoping we don't get too much rain cuz this poor tent will float away! You want to know what I am really hoping for though? That this hike can engage me like it did before I went to Wheeling. Right now it feels almost frivilous to be out here when my mother is where she is. I am not quite sure how to deal with that. I am learning to cope with what just IS compared to what it was just a few short months ago. Tomorrow is another day..a new beginning and it will be what I make of it. My Dad does so beautifully with it all and sees it as a process and part of the contract in the marriage. He has stepped up to the plate for my mom and does it with a tenderness that I can only look at in awe and admiration. I hope that I can do half as well if and when someone needs me like my mother does him. Tomorrow I will hike for them and enjoy the rich beauty of the rain as best as I can. ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.comTranscriber Note: I've added photos provided by Dead Animal to some of the journal pages from Nov 8 on.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Skyland

To: Skyline Drive Campsite
Miles today: 22.7

I had a good day. I met a nice couple about my age very interested in the trail. After we talked for awhile they bought us breakfast. What great trail magic. Thanks so much..We got hiking about 9 am hoping to get to the last diner in the park about 18 miles away before it closed at 5:30. The trail was perfect and we got there early and sprawled in the sun, eating and relaxing. Yes, I said sun! I was actually dripping sweat most of the day. The humidity was high and I loved it! Bring on summer. DA doesn't like the heat and had a tuff time adjusting to the weather change. We left the diner wanting to make more miles and have an easy day into Front Royal. I was climbing the hill when I looked up and saw another black bear munching on the sweet green grass of early summer. He wasn't concerned with us at all and I got to watch him for quite awhile. They really are just so lovely. I don't think I could ever get bored with seeing them. We have been hearing about a couple of problem bears. They are hungry and the cool spring has yet to bring the berries out. Anyhow, I am fat and happy.. camped on a grassy spot. Very comfy. Rumor has it that the numbers are way down this year for hikers getting to Harpers Ferry, only 142 as of 5 days ago. They are estimating that about 1900 started in Ga. They think it is because of the cool rainy Spring. I am getting my trail legs back. It feels great to be out following the white blazes again. ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Skyline Drive Campsite

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

I ran into No Worries and Rabbit! It was so good to see them as I thought they would be way up ahead. I think they were happy to see us also.. I have been running into new faces .. but there difinitely seems to be less folks out now. The trail is thinning out. We got a very early start, hoping to beat some of the heat. Yep, I think summer is here to stay and it will be as much of a challenge as the cool temps. The humidity hit me today and I was soaked within an hour. The heat saps my energy but also feels good. The climbs weren't too bad as we made our way thru the last of the Park. Bye Shennies. I have enjoyed the graded trails there. Funny, as soon as I left the Park the trail got very rocky and had a steeper grade. Whatever ! We did the 14 miles before noon and got a quick ride into town where we staggered around under the 90 degree temps..trying to find a cheap place to stay and get the errands done. I don't want to take a 0 day for awhile so will leave tomorrow and get to Harpers Ferry by Thursday. I didn't sleep well last night so didn't have much energy and am glad to be here with the air conditioning on. Amazing huh ?.. talking about air conditioning ! It is wierd to me that even though I have hiked this trail the better part of twice before that, I am only a few miles from a big milestone. I have just about worn out my sneakers getting here. I am feeling every rock these days. I miss the gang up ahead but ya never know.. might catch them. Jersey where are you ?!------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was gonna leave early and be out of this town...really I was..But,you know how it goes. We didn't roll out of the room until after 11 this morning. We had to go to the outfitter..you know,just to look ! and then we couldn't resist a pint of ice cream and an egg salad sandwich. By the time I was done with all that I was sitting on a bench outside the store in a heat drenched, self induced stupor. We came up with a plan and that was to go out with our packs hike 8 miles to the main road and if we wanted to come back in to town we could. It felt good to be out even though it was about 90 and once again I was soaked after the first climb.The trail curved thru high, grassy fields and rocky ridges and was nice even though we were within shouting distance of roads the whole day.We came back in and I am now watching tv and trying not to scratch my legs. Poison ivy! The bugs are now a constant presence and dive bomb my eyes while hiking. I can't believe how fast summer blossomed. The straw berries are beginning to color the hillsides and the raspberries are flowering. I cant wait!Tomorrow onward (really ) The trail can be hiked a dozen diferent ways and I am exploring them all...ps- happy belated birthday big B pps- My parents don't read my journal cuz they don't have a puter but I just want to say hi to them anyhow and let everyone know how magnificent they are. We should all be as lucky as I am.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Front Royal

To: Highway 5 campsite
Miles today: 19.5

I am obsessed with water! I dwell on it, admire every creek I cross, pour it over my sweaty wrists and best of all gulp it down with covetous abandon. Today I had 6 liters and I am thirsty still.This morning we got dropped off back where we got off by a nice guy who was very interested in Alaska. He wanted to know if we had traffic jams up there, etc. This part of the country is so crowded. I get stressed anymore when I am around so much of too much. The ceaseless noise of the highway followed us into the woods. It was again very hot and humid. I think we had all better get used to it cuz it is going to keep us company from here on out. The hike was nice though.. gently rolling hills without a lot of elevation gain.We stopped at Manassas gap shelter to get water and who strolled in but B money! I hadn't seen her since Kincora, several hundred miles back. It was terrific to see her.... She is camped a few miles behind us but I am sure we will see her soon. Tomorrow I will stop at Bears Den hostel.. not too far from my sister's house. I hear they have good coffee. It is just 7 miles from this pretty little campsite. It has been awhile since I camped near water. We are getting lower and lower these days and not having many views. I remember this part of the trail being sorta bland. We won't see big mnts until Vermont now. Well, I am tired. I twisted my back this morning and it has been a LONG day. I hope to feel better tomorrow...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Highway 5 campsite

To: Campsite by Keys Gap
Miles today: 20.8

I woke up with a lot of clenching back pain and thought I was going to be in for a long day. We are in the middle of the "roller coaster". Yep, some folks actually get enjoyment out of putting us thru crazy up and down trail! Basically we went up 400 feet, down the other side and then up again. The rocks are here to stay and they add a mean streak to this hike. My feet are killing me! I got to bears den around 10 am. I love that place... I would have stayed there but it was tooo early. So I had ice cream and pizza instead. What can I say. The 3 rasta kids were there with their dog. The boy has bright red locks to his butt....what a color!We hiked on in the blazing heat.. sweating everything out of us including our good moods. Man. I forgot how much I could sweat. The afternoon rain came and it felt divine. I could have stood out in it like a water Goddess...I was tempted to go down to Blackburn hostel but didn't, knowing I would want to stay and I needed to get closer to Harpers Ferry. So after a quick stop at the David Lesser shelter we went on to the road. There is a diner just off the trail so we ambled down there for dinner...a celebration of 1000 miles hiked. It doesn't seem possible that I have come that far. By the noise of the traffic I know I am finally out of the South and heading into the middle of my hike. The first time I came thru here I was a green girl of 27...after a lifetime of experiences...mostly all good, here I go again, older, hopefully a bit wiser but just as delighted with the trail....and sometimes as moved with a world I see thru still trusting eyes. I am not sure how long I will continue. A lot is happening in my life right now that requires my attention . Ya want to know something? I had hoped for the CDT this year and the Triple Crown but with my parents livng on this side of the country I decided on the AT again. Now I am so glad I did cuz they need me to be close....and I am right where I need to be.Missing you Brad, always, always missing you.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Campsite by Keys Gap

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Welcome to Harpers Ferry West Virginia! 1009 miles baby! I can not believe it. I have walked this section 3 times...a different person every one...We got up early ..my back killing me.. and hiked in here in awe of this land mark. How the heck did I get here? This town embodies all the trail means. This is where they put up the good fight.. in the little offices upstairs. You would never know what a gigantic heart this space has. The small building doesn't look like much, yet I was thinking about it the day I took my first steps out on the trail. When you reach this you have a 50-50 chance of climbing Katahdin.I sat on the steps outside drinking in the accomplishment for maybe the last time in my life..and it felt sweet... so very very sweet...This town has quite a history. It is where Virginia broke off and became 2 states when the fight for precious freedom and equality was raging.I am relaxing at the Hilltop, a funky hotel perfect for the occasion. Every hiker has the same dazzled expression. It is very cool to see.I am gonna go do my chores and enjoy the moment. I take every day as it comes out here. I miss Brad so much.. my life up there. I know it sounds corny but I just want to make the guy coffee and get all the hugs I want in return....and yet my feet keep heading for the trail. I don't know for how long but I have enjoyed it more than I can say and I still want to see what is around every corner. The fact is I dream of the rocky, craggy Whites of New Hampshire and the euphoria of walking thru Maine. So have patience with me Brad...and if I get off before the end I will have no regrets and only look forward..towards my future..------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Maryland
Miles today: 2.2

I know kinda pathetic!! My brother is coming out to meet us in Boonsboro tomorrow just 16 miles away so decided to stay here and hike very early in the morning when it is cooler. Let me tell ya it is stinking hot.. bordering on dangerous. I can not get enough fluids. It was kinda wierd walking out of Harpers Ferry.. I just got here! But, leave we did .. walking thru this lovely town, admiring the old buildings. We crossed the Potomac river and walked right into Maryland. Wva already gone. I called my brother while in the woods and came up with the plan for tomorrow . So here we are...resting, drinking and enjoying the air conditoning. Dead Animal went into the bathroon and there was a 2 foot black snake hiding from the wet, soupy heat.. he jumped abput 3 feet! He got him out and we watched him slither up a tree..that was the excitement of the day. Only 40 miles of Maryland and then Pa!..------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Maryland

To: Campsite by Monument
Miles today: 19.5

I woke up tired after watching 3 chick flicks on Lifetime channel. It was terrific! I stumbled over to the little store for caramel coffee.. which was also rather tasty if I do say so myself..and off we went. We followed the canal for another mile and then set into the Maryland woods. The length of this state (along the AT) is a slender state park called South Mountain. It runs the whole 40 miles that we will be hiking. And you know what that means by now... soda machines, restrooms, campsites and 1 gucci restuarant. I had a diet coke and a flavored water at the first one and lazed around in the sun. We needed to do the 16 miles by 2:30 but the terrian was easy and we rolled into the dalgren campgrd at 1. This is the only campgrd that offers free showers to hikers..very nice.. I took a long one and then hiked to the restuarant to wait for my brother, Jon. We ended up spending about 4 hrs with them. Yacking over turkey subs...they were excellent. It was great seeing them and catching up. They dropped us off and we hiked another 3 miles or so and found a flat spot to pitch. Tomorrow it is on to PA and the infamous rocks. I like this state though cuz there are lots of campgrds, etc., to visit. It is kinda fun to watch families picnicing, playing frisbee and enjoying summer. Some have swimming pools and snack bars. I haven't been very hungry lately..could be the heat.Well, I am tired and it is late so nite..... ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com