morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-02
To: How to Plan a Thru- Hike
Miles today: 0.0

How to plan a thru hike: Consult handbook, databook, companion, guidebook, etc. Lurk at every AT website, studying the archives until your eyes cross. Develop spreadsheet combining trail town info, mileage, shelter distances and maildrops. Carefully plan miles using GPS, calculus course you took, and topo maps. Copy the above in triplicate: one copy to carry, one copy for your mail-dropper, and place one copy in your safe deposit box. Assemble menu of oatmeal, poptarts, snickers, Ramen, dehydrated spaghetti sauce and expensive freeze-dried packages for the next five months. Hike to Neels Gap, toss out everything but your underwear, and hike your real hike.Ha ha ha. I'm so tired of planning - I just wanna gooo! I'm so jealous of the big crowd that's 'out there' and sooo look forward to reading their trail journals, instead of their planning journals. This will be sooo cool.Take care.
Date: 2003-03-13
To: Yippee Skippy
Miles today: 0.0

I'm sicka' planning - let's gooo! I'm restless and I can't sit still or concentrate long enough to read all the daily entries popping up at TrailJournals. I figure it'll give me something to do next fall when I get back home and miss the trail, anyways. I'll get the hiker's whole story, not little bits & pieces at a time. I had a scary moment today - I've been to a couple 'dreadlock' websites and decided to do a little experimentation after my fiance left the house this morning... I back-combed a dreadlock onto the top of my head and it stuck straight up like a cattail. Then I had a helluva time getting it out. I decided if I put in dreads or shave my head, it'll have to be AFTER Cornelius drops me off at Springer. I could imagine the look on his face if he saw me with dreads sticking up all over my head, defying gravity. Besides taking my boots for a walk today (3 hours), I bought some Skippy peanut butter PACKETS for my maildrops. I haven't read anything about them in the TJ or TrailForums - maybe they haven't been discovered by hikers yet??? They come in a box of 6; 0.9 oz. each packet (enough for two bagel halves). Available in plain or chocolate flavored at Albertson's down here in Florida. About $2-2.50 per box. I hated carrying a jar of PB, then running out of bagels to put it on. These packets should be GREAT. There is a pix of them here so you know what to look for in your grocery store. I could only find them at my least-favorite grocery, and only at a certain store in the area. Save yourself some hassle and call around first before you go out to get some. Otherwise, I'm still putting off figuring out my PocketMail gadget - I'll tackle that tomorrow...
Date: 2003-03-27
From: home

To: Atlanta, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Heading out to Atlanta, GA in Cornelius's RV with my son, my sister, and Shellie (Sparky). Stopping at a friend's house for a visit, REI for some powdered eggs, then FINALLY to the trail Saturday. Next entry should be from the trail, courtesy of PocketMail. My e-addy: specialt@pocketmail.com   CIYA!
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Long Creek Falls

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

What in the world is all this white stuff??? I thought it was raining intermittently through the night, all toasty warm in my bivy. In the morning, I wondered who had put something on my tent - turns out it was snow! The temperature was about 40, and warmed up to just over 50 (perfect hiking weather). I was hot and unzipping/taking my hat off on the "ups" and chilly on the "downs". Sparky and I made it to Hawk Mtn shelter by 10am. Due to a lack of 'unofficial' campsites or water, we struggled on to Justus Creek. It is 'supposed to' be cold for one more night. I am in my bivy, wearing everything I own (at 5pm). I kept thinking, since I still have a cold, I should be home, under an electric blanket, with a remote in my hand. Instead, I'll have to hike to Neels Gap for any relief from this weather. I'm already looking forward to it (17.1 miles). I am happy to be making good miles, and making good miles is making me happy!!! I'm having a good time - no first-time jitters. Ya'll oughta get out here!Most thankful for: dry trails and occasional sunshine.
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Justus Creek

To: Dockery Lake Trail campsite
Miles today: 9.0

Awoke to a little bit warmer morning. It's still a shocker, putting on yesterday's semi-dry clothes. Ran into John, the ridgerunner. He was surprised I remembered him from last year. He said it had gotten into the teens last night. I was snug and even got too warm in the middle of the night and took off my fleece jacket and used it as a neck pillow. We were up and on the trail by 8am. Signed in at Gooch Mtn shelter. Took my long pants off at lunchtime. Zipped/unzipped and put my hat/hood on and off a billion times - one minute you're going uphill in the sunshine; next you're coasting downhill with a cold wind in your face.Camping tonight at an 'unofficial' site with a lot of broken glass scattered around. Just Sparky, me, and a guy from New Jersey. The sun is just setting, the campfire is out, and I am warm and cozy in my bivy. Looking forward to getting to the Walasi-Yi Center tomorrow, for a soft bed, a warm shower, clean clothes, and talking to my Boyz. They didn't expect me to make it there until Thursday. I guess exercising on the stairs helped. That, and I have a watch this time, so I don't quit for the day at 1pm!!! Most thankful for: good thoughts about my Boyz, and good miles.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Dockery Lake Trail campsite

To: Neel's Gap/Walasi-Yi Center
Miles today: 8.1

We hit the trail at 7:30am after a quiet, windless night at Dockery Lake Trail campsite. I guess Sparky had hooked up with "Jersey"; they talked by the campfire while I stayed warm in my bivy. I didn't see her all day, until I got to the center and she had just gotten me the LAST bunk at the hostel. She didn't want to spend the $15, but she wants help with her gear from Winton. I'm just thankful to have a roof over my head tonight. I'm taking the day off tomorrow, too, to see if I can knock this cold. I think there is something green growing in my lungs - I've coughed up several of its spawn. This was the first day I've hiked without my jacket, and I got a little sunburned on Blood Mountain. I don't care what other people say; that is a tough mountain. Not just the climb, but the downhill is rough, with big boulders to hop over and twist and contort your knees and feet.I had to take a crap, so I found a big boulder to hide behind where I could see if any thru-hikers were heading down the trail. I'llbedamned if some guy didn't come by from the opposite direction. There were NO southbounders for 4 days, forGodsakes. He saw my bigfatass, with a turd hanging halfway out, and looked thoroughly disgusted. Serves him right; a gentleman would've spun around on his heels and pretended not to have seen anything. This guy just continued sauntering on by. That was the big event of the day. Sparky is camped out a couple hundred yards away. She asked me to bring her a cheeseburger if we went to a take-out place. I had asked in the store if there would be a shuttle to a restaurant tonight "yes". So I didn't buy any of the goodies in the store - just got change for laundry. The employees (who are sooo sweet) closed up shop and didn't know when or where to take us or if there was enough room in the van for everybody. I hadn't eaten since some cheese at lunchtime, so I decided theheckwiththem and had a bagel. Then when I was coming out of the laundry room with my laundry, the shuttle van was taking off. Now since the store was closed, I couldn't even get a Pepsi. I don't like the cliquey group at the hostel tonight - they seem immature and attention-seeking. They were probably sticking their tongues out at me behind the tinted glass as I watched them drive off. I haven't called home yet - I'm embarrassed about my hoarse voice and I don't want the Boyz to worry. We are a day ahead of schedule, anyways. I'll do that tomorrow when the hikers leave and it quiets down. I sure hope Cornelius remembered to mail my box Monday. Most thankful for: getting the weight off my feet, and a hot shower.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Neel's Gap/Walasi-Yi Center

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

After the "popular" group left me behind last night, I ate some scrounged hotdogs from the fridge and went to bed early. When the Beautiful people returned from their exclusive feast, they had no respect for the 3-4 of us that were already in bed with the lights off. They came into the bedroom talking loudly, turned on the lights, and rummaged through their packs (probably to see if we had stolen anything). I was smart - my upper bunk had two lights on the wall DIRECTLY next to me, one at my head and one at my feet. (I have a photo as proof). I unscrewed the bulbs when I went to bed. I quietly smirked when the loud people flicked all kinds of switches, "How do you get them on?" trying to turn them on. How frickin rude. The light would've been RIGHT in my face. As I expected, there was a lot of snoring going on last night. We were actually laughing about it early on - three snorers were going at it musically. I'm really not too thrilled about sleeping in a group. I just figured this time, I'd get them back with my coughing. I take cold/cough capsules at night, but they don't seem to do much. Between the snoring and my coughing, I only slept a couple hours. I had given up on sleeping by 6am so I got up with a few other early birds, drank some of the Beautiful People's orange juice (yep, straight out of the jug) and waited around for the store to open at 8:30am to get a lower, darker, quieter bunk for tonight. Earplugs ready. Jeez, I sure sound like a bitch after this entry. Maybe I shouldn't share so much???Anyways, Sparky had her gear looked at by one of the outfitters and all they recommended was a few stuff sacks. I couldn't believe it. Since we started, she has said "I've gotta get a ..." numerous times. She was outta here by 10am for a short day to the next shelter. I am supposed to catch up with her in Hot Springs, where she will be spending a few days. It's kinda a load off my shoulders - I felt responsible for her in a way. By 2pm I had finished a book, had a nap, and basically been horizontal for 4 hours. My voice isn't hoarse anymore, but this dry cough won't quit. I tried calling home around after-school time but no-one picked up. That is a mood decelerator. I left the number here so they can call me this evening. Otherwise, I'll try in the morning at before-school time.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Neel's Gap/Walasi-Yi Center

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: clear sky

I did get ahold of Cornelius last night, but couldn't get ahold of Lil' Glenn-he was at his dad's house; he didn't answer his cellphone and I don't recall his home phone #. Darn. I probably would've cried, anyways. Cornelius said instead of letting him and my Dad (who came down from Indiana) help by picking Glenn up from and taking him to school, ex arranged for Early- and After-care. That was stoopid and expensive. Now Cornelius is wondering if he'll ever see Glenn. We'll see what happens Saturday, when ex is supposed to work. I had two dreams about my ex last night - one, that he was moving, and two, that he was on high doses of Xanax. I slept between coughing fits, which are decreasing in frequency. The Hostel was only about half full and much quieter last night. I'm one of the last three hikers to leave this a.m.,if you don't count the girls who have been hanging around here without paying.Before I left the hostel, I thought I would give it one more shot and try to reach Glenn at Earlycare. He wasn't there. Maybe he was at Cornelius'. Nope. I had visions of ex stealing Glenn from me and subpoena'ing me while I was away and getting full custody and...and...and... I ended up crying on the phone when Cornelius said Glenn wasn't there either. I'm sure Cornelius will get ahold of them today and arrange to babysit Saturday and all that, but it made for a bit of a rough morning! I got over it once my legs needed my attention. I saw very few people today. I guess they're all stopping by the hostel. The weather is gorgeous and looked like close to 90 degrees this afternoon. Water is few and far between. I stopped at one blue-blaze and it was barely a trickle. I've been drinking lots of yucky warm water from the hostel all day due to the heat. I sure could've used a cold Coke. It was a good, but exhausting walk today - I even found myself thinking good th! oughts on UPHILLS! Glenn said he might want to hike the AT when he's 16, so I've been daydreaming about that - even that Cornelius or my Dad would come, too. My Dad took us kids to the trails at Chain O' Lakes and Fox Island Park and Smokey Mountains because he enjoyed hiking them. Maybe if he had five year's notice, he would be willing to go for it. I remember when I told him all about my AT plans - he said "Hmm, that sounds like something I'd like to do, only I'd want a recliner to sit in at the end of the day". Oboy, if he wants to make it up Wildcat Mtn, where I just came from, he'd better start getting in shape NOW!I'm so swift. I remember what a bear the blue-blaze to this shelter was, so I set up my bivy at one of the unofficial campsites alongside it, and I'll walk to the shelter carrying only an empty water bucket. I need to start watching for Sparky's entries in the registers, too. Wonder how she's doing. Most thankful for: my health and some privacy.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Cold Springs Gap
Miles today: 8.2

This morning was foggy with big, dense clouds buzzing by overhead, so I prepared for the rumored "three days of rain" I had heard about. I wore my raincoat and pack cover all day; there were a few sprinkles at lunchtime. Otherwise, another perfect hiking day. I have tried Aqua-Mira tabs for the first time - I plan to ditch my water filter at the next stop. I'm also going to look for a skirt - that would make it much easier to pee in the woods. I hiked till about 3pm, when I was nearly limping and started to get spasms in my left shin. I knew it was time to stop then. I got everything squared away, even had time for some grooming, when it suddenly started raining around 5pm. I'm sure glad I was all set up. During the day, I had wondered how I was going to get everything out of the tent, get the tent in the pack, then everything in the pack again if it was raining. duhh... I'll keep the bivy in the lower compartment!I met several people today who I knew from the computer. Unfortunately, I also came to the conclusion that I'm not out here to socialize - I just wasn't feeling friendly. Sparky hadn't signed in at Whitley Gap, but at Low Gap she did, and said she, too, had to go there for water and stayed the night before I got there. I guess I'm still tailing her by a day. I have decided NOT to hitch into Helen just to check on Glenn. Calling only means saying goodbye again, and I know Glenn is alright, or I would be having dreams about him. When he was a baby, I used to think that I could watch what he was dreaming while I was asleep. It's a weird sensation to describe - maybe another mother would understand. But I do think he's ok.The peace of the woods has come over me. I find myself in deep, 40-50 minute daydreams where I am unaware of my footsteps. I had a long one about coming home; "Cornelius, can I live in the Roadtrek?". I also think a lot about our new home, under construction, and today had one of these deep daydreams about my little office. I even have a daybed picked out-simple yet a bit curvy, in dusky green. I wasn't paying much attention to my feet during these times, and got blisters on the bottoms of each of my fourth toes. I think they have been coming on since day one, only this day they really filled up with fluid. I have also been using moleskin and duct tape on my left heel-it seems to press against my boot on uphills. Of all things, I've got a hotspot on my right palm from leaning onto my pole! I wrapped my hand with hot-pink duct tape today and almost dropped my pole down the mountain twice, thinking the duct tape on my palm was the pole strap.What a treat tonight! Around 8pm two horned owls started calling to each other. Soon the two of them were right near my campsite making all kinds of crazy-monkey noises! Hmmm... this may not be so special if it continues through the night.Most thankful for: Nature's special therapy and special treats.
Date: 2002-01-29
To: 2002 pre-hike
Miles today: 0.0

It seems there is WAY too much to do in order to get ready to live so simply - so basically - eat, walk, eat, sleep, eat, walk... Test the stove, seal the tent seams, pack the food, buy the long underwear, break in the boots... Least of all, put everything I own in storage and mail out address changes. I try to do something every day (paint my pots with stove paint; walk/jog 1 1/2 hours; address birthday cards for next July; pack a box with books).My biggest fear - FAILING. I remember too well the feeling of failing my first nursing clinical - being alone - stressed - and coming to the airport and bawling on Nelius' shoulder :-( After all this preparation, I am sooo afraid of not making it - calling home crying after a few days of rain or cold - I want to do this trip in order to GET STRONG, not wimp out.I have learned to avoid bringing up the subject of hiking the AT to acquaintances. The most common response: 1) by yourself? 2) that's not safe, is it? 3) (the kindest) that's a long trail, isn't it? My own family doesn't think I'll make it, forGodsakes, and that puts even more pressure on me not to FAIL. My fiance's loving support - if you make it to Maine, great, I'll pick you up; If you make it to the Terminus at Springer and it's too hard, I'll pick you up! Lord Willing, I'll make it to Khatadin, strong and refreshed without breaking an ankle. My Dad has been supportive, too, "That sounds like something I'd like to do, but I'd want a recliner after walking all day". He also offered to take me to parts of the AT to "get used to climbing mountains" since there's nowhere to do that in Florida. My sister Wendy has done some hikes with me, and is excited for me, but I sense that she doubts I'll make it. As for my Mom and brother and sister in Indiana, they're placing their bets on how soon I'll drop out. One for 3 days, one for 7 days, one for 3 hours. In a way I can't blame them - how in the world could a short-legged, out of shape, pushing-40 mother of a 10 year old hike up and down mountains and sleep on the forest floor for 5-6 months? Unless you've had the dream, you wouldn't understand. This is the biggest adventure of my life, and I honestly believe that I am going to LOVE IT!!!So although it may sound nuts to buy tons of food (30# of M&M's, 20 boxes of cereal, 23# of oatmeal), become 'homeless' and disappear for 5-6 months, I will return with the peace of mind that I have accomplished more this year, overcome more challenges, and learned more about myself than any other of my 36 years on this planet. I hope to have the insight to come back with goals to create lifelong happiness in Little Glenn's and my life.
Date: 2002-03-05
From: 2002 pre-hike

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I bought my Kelty Tioga backpack today from Bill Jackson's. It was less painful than I had imagined. I had fears of the waist strap not fitting around my big gut, and the salesman snickering about me, a fat blonde chick, attempting to hike 2000+ miles. They were nice, though, and had hiked the AT 10 years and 3 years ago themselves. The backpack was the last 'big' item I needed - now I just need little things like a fishhook and line, a signal mirror, candles, etc. I was thrilled to discover that my loaded pack weighs less than 32#!!! Even with frivolities like my therma-rest chair and bug-hut. There's also more small items to load, and my heaviest maildrop weighs 24#. Whew.I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed about moving all my stuff out within a few weeks. My Drew Street storage is nearly full. I'm having problems finding boxes. The house is trashed. At least I've got a few bucks in savings - I don't have financial worries (yet). My agency has me sceduled all week at a facility that just took back one of its employees who quit (so they don't need me), but I haven't bothered to ask for a reassignment because I have so much to do, to get ready to move out of the apartment--I can use the time off. Not much more to say - the maildrops are put together - I'll just pick up some boxes at Office Depot. It was a gargantuan task, packaging all that oatmeal and spaghetti--I'm still dehydrating the spaghetti sauce 24/7. I COULD be totally ready in a couple days. Ready to MOVE, that's another story!!!My biggest fear at this time is killing my ankles. After jogging on them with all two tons of me, they swelled like two hamhocks and the left one still bothers me. I stopped walk/jogging 4 miles and hop on the trampoline every now and then, instead.
Date: 2002-03-27
From: 2002 pre-hike

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Most of my belongings are moved into storage, which is pre-paid for 5 months. I've signed checks for my parents to take care of my bills. I've given them all the necessary babysitting info I can think of. I've made arrangements for my pets, car, and maildrops. Things are coming together nicely and my to-do list is shrinking. A minor disappointment - my driver couldn't take me to Springer Wednesday; he should be ready Friday. I just took things a little easier these past few days; hopefully they weren't wasted. The weather in the appalachias has been rainy, anyhow. I had a bit of panic - my backpack seemed so spacious up until now, but once I loaded it up with 'the works', there's only a couple inches left for my food!!! The warm clothes, especially the jacket, take up a lot of room. I'll see what I can squeeze in here and move there tomorrow - right now I'm too tired and my lower back aches from hauling boxes into storage. No problemo getting off work--it was time to go, anyhow. My salary had not kept up with my qualifications. My family is pressuring me to hurry up and get back, before I've even left. They keep asking "Will you be back for so and so" and I reply "Not if I'm going to Maine". I'm also getting quite tired of free advice from non-backpackers :-( My son has picked up on the general attitude and now instead of being proud of his mom, he wants me home. I hope all this means I won't be taken for granted once I return! I want my ex to suffer (just a little) while I'm gone (heeheehee). My biggest fear: wimping out, and leaving my responsibilities in the hands of others.
Date: 2002-03-31
From: 2002 pre-hike

To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

Easter Sunday - I was up at 5:30am, rooting through maildrops, re-packing my pack, and packing up my computer. I think it finally sunk in to Glenn that I'll be gone - he said "Who will I play ball with" and stared into space for a while. Mom and Wendy told me to hurry back. Cornelius came around 1pm - we made a dash to K-Mart for batteries, packing tape and contact supplies; had a bite to eat at Wendy's; finished up some laundry; packed my clothes away. I said bye-bye to Cookie (got a little teary-eyed), dropped a rent check at the office for Mom and Dad, and headed off to Wendy's house with an April Fool's Day letter from Kerr-McGee, who is going to start strip-mining in Pinellas Park! I put on my fully-loaded (37#) pack for the first time and almost got a hernia. Luckily there was a wall behind me, or I would've hoisted it up and tipped over.Almost 3:30pm by the time we headed to Tampa. Made Atlanta by 1am - 16 lane highways are MUCH less intimidating at that hour. We've done that several times before. (Forgot - we stopped at Flying J just inside Georgia for turkey, garlic mash, green bean buffet). Overnight incognito at a hotel parking lot in the Roadtrek (forgot to touch the 'Dr. Seuss grass' I saw when we parked) Suburban Lodge?