morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-02
To: For all the haters in tha house - by Jesse Baran
Miles today: 0.0

For all the haters in tha house - by Jesse Baran. When Molly first told me that Lefty and Righty, along with a European named Buoy, were going to embark on a quest so monumental...My "knee-jerk" reaction was to blurt out "She'll never make it to Maine!"i imagine i was jealous... and of course, foolishly skeptical.After hearing Molly discuss the Fellowship of the Left Right and Buoy without pause or change of topic for well over a week... i began to realize what cut of lumber this party was made up of.In retrospect... i recalled how when i first heard that Lefty was dealing with a "terminal" illness... my "knee-jerk" reaction was... "Oh No! Mollys friend doesnt have much time left..."i didnt expect her to say..."I'm going on the nations longest and most treacherous hike."... then Lefty came to visit us in Hollywood.The Young Woman i met was not a sickly person winding down her days... but a positive, energetic, brilliant and almost intimidatingly motivated person.The only sickly person was myself... i recall Molly's horror when i returned home from the bar and projectile vomited for an hour in the bathroom... wimpering and sobbing like the victim of a mustard gas attack. Lefty apparently had far too much class to even ridicule me about the previous night... BTW... thank you... i was mortified.When i was supposed to drop her off in Burbank at the airport... She took a bus... after i overslept... She had the bus route all mapped out and knew more about where the route was, and went than i did... and i live here.She had me drop her off 3 blocks from our apt... then took a Ghetto cruiser into the seedy valley... then god only knows somehow she got on a plane in a small obscure airport in porn valley and went home... unscaved.i tell you this hiking enthusiasts... if this Brave fool can survive in LA for a day... taking undependable city buses that wind through the seediest most crime ridden hell hole in North America... and still make her flight without any problems... She can walk throught the woods, eat granola, make her own Mu Mus if she so decides, and perhaps even pop out of the woods in Maine in record time...Either that or she will get much much further than any of us could, should, would... or have the delusion that we can.Don't give in Lefty... You and everyone who truly knows you... or who has had the pleasure of even catching a moment of YOU... is confident that no matter how hellish or rigorous the task... no matter how insurmountable it is...You'll pull through it... and leave us in your wake...Now to my favorite subject... myself...No matter what... i'll always be chugging generic grape sodas, clutching a small white cat... and watching sportcenter...Keep on rockin in the free world... and if you run into the Rainbow Tribe... tell them i said that this isnt what Josephine Baker had in mind... and if you hear dueling banjos... run like hell!
Date: 2006-04-03
To: Righty's Last Day of Work (YEAH!!!)
Miles today: 0.0

Well, today was my last day of work. Hard to believe ... but I am now free from work for the next 6 months. If I haven't mentioned before, I work in the Garden Shop in a Wal Mart store in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC. Spring and summer are our busiest time and I was so surprized and pleased when my store manager allowed me to take a 6 month leave so Kelley and I could realize our dream. I had told my co-worker and frind, Brenda, earlier this morning that since it was my last day I was going to "chill", anotherwords "goof off". Yeah, right !! We had 3 trucks to unload before noon. I just kept telling myself that all that lifting was good exercise and I'd be in better shape to start this trek.At lunch, an associate asked me about life on the trail and how I was going to deal with the tough times. My philosophy is to take things one day at a time and try not to get overwhelmed. This same associate made a very astute comment. She said "Just remember that ANY day on the trail has to be a better day than a day at work." Now, I love my job; but I do have to agree, work is work and not working IS definitely better. I must remember her words when I am cold, wet and hungry.Righty
Date: 2006-04-06
To: Take Out the Old or Bring In the New - by Righty
Miles today: 0.0

The "GEAR" Delima - Part 1In preparing for this trek, I had to make a decision between resurecting all my old equipment or purchasing new, more high tech equipment. Since money was a concern for me, I opted for the former and decided to be practical and see how much of my old hiking and ski gear could be salvaged.BACKPACK - My backpack, a Keltly Woman's external frame pack is only 3 years old; but a bit on the heavy side (close to 8 pounds). I know the newer generation of hikers prefer internal frame packs and I can see the attraction. However, I've only used an external frame pack so decided it was a non-issue. So what if it teeter-totters occasionally or if it catches on tree limbs.SLEEPING BAG - My sleeping bag is a 3 season NorthFace -- about 15 years old, but in excellent shape. I'm really attached to it (like a baby to it's blanket). It may be a few ounces heavier than the new stuff; but what's a few ouncs?STOVE - My stove is a borrowed Peak 1 that has been on the AT, PCT and CDT. It's got a lot of miles on it but still works like a charm.TENT - Again borrowed from a friend. It's a Eureka single person backpaker tent that 10-12 years ago was quite the fashion statement in army green. If I had to guess, I would say it was put away wet because it has a built in moldy smell. Buoy just stuck his nose inside for a second and started wheezing. Not even the dog would go inside. He insisted I take it down and wash it. I couldn't convince him that the rain would wash it soon enough.COOK POT - I did go out and purchase a new pot and assumed it was high tech. After all, it wasn't cast iron. I soon learned there is a vast difference in the quality of high tech items when the kids laughted at my new pot and pulled out their teflon coated titantium pot that felt weightless.HIKING POLES - I've never used hiking poles before but I've been told I should especially since I had knee surgery last fall. My Aunt Georgia from Alaska sent me a beautiful hand carved (by native Alaskans) burlwood hiking stick. I use it whenever I can and for photo ops; but have learned that I need to use 2 poles especially on the downhill side. So, I'm using left over ski poles that seem to work OK.CLOTHING - Speaking of skiing, for clothing I'm using my ski clothes that were high tech at one time. Most are poly-pros and work great for skiing. When I compare them to the kids new, super light weight, breathable tops and jackets, I can tell they, too, are a bit on the heavy side.Well, anyway, this is the saga of my gear. I didn't dare write about it under the "gear" section of the journal for fear of being laughed at. I'll let you know how it all works out in "The Gear Delima" - Part 2 in the next few weeks.
Date: 2006-04-07
To: Oh my gosh,.3 days and counting ! -by Righty
Miles today: 0.0

I have been so busy with last minute preparations that I haven't written a journal entry in ages. It's been HECTIC, HECTIC, HECTIC. You get the picture. I thought I was in really good shape until a day or two ago when so many "little" things came up that I hadn't thought about before. My list just got longer and longer.Buoy came into town on Monday night. He had just driven cross country from San Francisco. Lefty took the "red eye" from San Francisco on Tuesday night and arrived in Myrtle Beach Wednesday morning. Thursday was spent running around doing all these last minute errands and arranging for media coverage.This morning, Friday, we all went to my Wal*Mart to give a presentation about the AT. Tomorrow, one of my girlfriends is hosting an East Coast Kick-Off Party where we expect over 100 people.-Righty
Date: 2006-04-07
To: It's Tough To Say Goodbye -by Righty
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyThis morning Lefty, Buoy and I went to my Wal*Mart store (#2712) here in Myrtle Beach, SC in full hiking dress and gear. We were quite the spectacle!! We toured the store and handed out flyers about our trek. Then we attended one of the "famous" Friday morning Wal*Mart store meetings and gave a presentation about the AT and the local organization (Cure In Our Lifetime) for whom we're raising money. I'm overwhelmed with the support both management and fellow associates have shown. I am truly fortunate to work for a company that is so "community" minded and who helps their associates fulfill their dreams. Thanks to each and every one of you for your well-wishes, prayers and continued support. Saying Good-bye is bittersweet. Yes, I'm thrilled to be taking a 6 month leave and have the opportunity to do this hike with my daughter; however, Wal*Mart is like a big family and IT'S TOUGH TO SAY GOODBYE.
Date: 2006-04-07
To: Hey, Don't Forget About Me !! -By Jillie
Miles today: 0.0

HEY, DON'T FORGET ABOUT ME!!! by RightyI'm writing this entry for my wonderful little yellow lab named Jill. She is my constant companion and I can't imagine doing this hike without her. She is 7 years old; however she is young at heart and in excellent physical condition. If, at any time, I feel this hike is too arduous for her, she will go live with her Auntie Shana (my youngest daughter) and her brother (Shana's chocolate lab), Jack. Jillie has an outgoing personality and simply loves everyone. I've been working on getting her "whistle" trained ... just in case. She has her own doggie backpack which she tolerates well. She's not too fond of the "booties" and I think she'll have to have really "HURTY" feet before she wears them for real. She's been watching me pack and unpack my backpack for days and is anxious to get on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-08
To: An Ode - by Shana Bonaguide
Miles today: 0.0

.......an Ode by Shana BonaguideMy mother and sister plan to hike Georgia to MaineSurviving cancer...apparently that was not enough pain.A mother-daughter team, seeing the entire trail throughDetermined for a cause, and for what they "NEED" to do.Pampered, sedentary and civilized, is how I intend to remainIt is official: righty,lefty and bouy are certifiably insane!For a test of will and strength, the hike's as good as it getsSeriously, "survival of the fittest" ...Yup, I'll be taking bets.Both women are strong and determined, they can even be boldRighty has lived her life, refusing to grow up...or grow old.Lefty has insight and views she is determined to share,As for you Bouy, try to put your two cents in...If you dare!Laugh now, go ahead, what I have said is nothing but trueMy brother and I have certainly goofed on them a time or two,You see breast cancer has spared both he and I thus farSo we are the fortunate ones who will do the "hike" by car!I am excited and nervous about losing mom and sis to the trailTheir dream has come true, not even a matter of success or fail.As a nurse, I worry about their well being and their health I can think of several less strenuous ways to challenge ones self!I wish you only the best of luck, this is an extreme way to get fitRighty, I hope you discover the "meaning oflife", Lefty will see to itPlease remember to call me if you get a little bang or an "ouch",Jack and I will be the ones relaxing, kicked back on the couch! P.S. I have five bucks on Jillie!!!
Date: 2006-04-09
To: East Coast Kick-Off Party -by Righty
Miles today: 0.0

by RightySaturday afternoon was the day of our big East Coast Kick-Off party. There were two reasons for the shindig. One was to introduce my daughter (Lefty) and her husband (Buoy) to all my friends. The second was to have an opportunity to say "Good-bye" to everyone before we left to start the hike on April 10th. The party was hosted by longtime (meaning we go WAAAAY back) friend, Mary Cynthia Walters and her husband, who shall remain nameless, at the beautiful residence clubhouse where they live. They served champagne punch (and here I thought this was a "beer" group) along with an array of appertizers and a plethera of desserts. We had TWO cakes!! One was a pink and white breast cancer theme cake and the other was a humungous (that is a word, isn't it??) cake made like a mountain. Many of the guests brought token gifts for the trail. We now have enough trail mix, jerky and breadfast bars to feed another country. Well, that might be a slight exageration. Jillie (my dog for those of you who choose to read these entries backwards) actually got some very special treats too. Thanks Brenda. There may have even been a few prople who have actually hiked before because we did get an emergency blanket, bear bells, two snake bite kits (I guess they travel in pairs), and fire paste (whatever the heck that is). I'll probably get it mixed up in the dark and brush my teeth with it. One girlfriend gave me a cute (and very light) pillow with someone elses boyfriend's picture in it. Hmmm?? Got lots of bandaides .. but no second skin. One friend gave me as St Christopher's medal which I decided I'd better wear. We can use all the help we can get and it certainly can't hurt. We were fortunate enough to have media coverage from the SUN News so keep your eyes out for an article in the paper. We also had two representatives from A CURE IN OUR LIFETIME, one of the organizations we're going to sponsor.I certainly enjoyed myself and it was wonderful to spend time with family and friends before we leave for 6 months. Once we start hiking the only friends we'll have are ones that smell just like us. Thanks to each and every one of you for your good wishes, prayers and support. Thank you Mary for EVERYTHING.
Date: 2006-04-10
To: Good Bye Beach - Hello Mountains - by Righty
Miles today: 0.0

by RightyToday is Day 0. No more count downs. THIS IS IT. I have about 5 minutes as I wait for Lefty and Bouy to pick me up to start our drive to the trail head at Springer Mountain, GA. I haven't had time to get nervous YET. There have been so many last minute things to do .... not so much with the hike ... as with preparing to leave home for 6 months. I've racked my brain trying to remember if I've remembered everything. Guess if I haven't by now, I don't need it anyway. Unfortunately, I'm sure I have packed alot of things that I will decide I don't need and will have to get rid of. Oh well, live and learn. This may be my last journal entry for a while as I will probably be so tired at the end of the day after lugging my HEAVY pack around, I will just collapse.SEE YOU ON THE TRAIL!!!
Date: 2006-04-11
To: Springer Mountain, GA
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

The Approach Trailby BuoyOn April 11th we dropped Righty and Lefty off for their first 8.8 miles up to Springer Mountain. They high-fived each other and up they went into their adventure. Since this trail was just an approach trail (and not the actual AT) I opted out. Pappy his friend Louise and me Buoy very quickly found ourselves in the middle of our own adventure. It¢s just impossible to get from the Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain without serious ranger support. We had 4 maps, a GPS, three brains and lots of locals we could ask. And still we never had a chance. So we went all the way back to the ranger station to get directions. By the time we made it up to Springer Mountain shelter Righty and Lefty were already waiting for us. What a blamage (as the French say). We had such a beautiful day. The weather was just right. We all sat around the famous first white blaze and Appalachian trail plaque (which mark the official beginning of the trail) talking and enjoying an amazing sunset . Oh, yeah, and for some reason Lefty was able to convince righty and I to go along with her plan of showing our gut for the camera.We settled in for the first night. Pappy gave us lots of advise for our trip ahead. He has done the Appalachian Trail in 96, the PCT in 98 and the CDT in 02. He has lots of experience and we are very happy to have him around for the first 10 days of our hike. It was a warm night with just some wind. The ground was hard. Nobody told me that the ground would be hard on this trip. This was Louise¢s very first night in a tent. First night camping period. She is a trouper. We had all kind of funny sounding animals making noises and Louise did not sleep a minute. But she got up the next morning and hiked the 8.1 miles to Hightower Gap without any problems. Congrats Louise. We met our first fellow hikers, which was lots of fun.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hightower Gap, GA 
Miles today: 8.1

By BuoyRighty, Lefty, Louise and Pappy left at around 11 am for their hike north to Hightower Gap. I drove the van to Hightower Gap, hiked south back to Springer and than drove Pappys car back Hightower Gap, Sound complicated ? Lefty would agree with you. She thinks slack packing is way to complicated. I love hiking with a daypack I must admit. We all again had great day hiking. The weather was wonderful and the trail easy. I am not sure if Jillie the D.O.G. thought the same. She has been on a pretty steady hunger strike. We all love Jillie. She¢s the sunshine of our days. She is always in a good mood, always cheerful and always happy. Tonight we are staying close to a river at Hightower Gap which Lefty scouted out for us. I made us steak and Collard Greens. We had beer and honeybuns for dessert. Lefty and Pappy also ate some of the salmon I made. I had one bite of it and seriously doubted that is was still editable. I warned everybody not to eat the fish but Lefty and Pappy could not resist. Did I ever mentioned that Lefty is not afraid of anything ? Not even rotten Salmon. I do not think there is any danger for Pappy. He has a stomach made of steel. We already scouted out the road to Woody Gap. Woody Gap is our next goal for tomorrow. We are planning to hike to Woody Gap and then take our van back to the same camp site here right next to the river. I, Buoy will again hike North to South. Anyone know what kind of snake Lefty got way to close to? Of course, she has no idea, but that didn't stop her.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Hightower Gap, GA 

To: Woody Gap, GA 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

By BuoyToday we walked from Hightower Gap to Woody Gap. We were joined by Pappy and his friend Louise. People had warned us about the silly behavior of the Appalachian trail. This trail never goes around a mountain. It always goes straight up which is just not nice. So today we met the real Appalchian Trail. We hiked 12 Miles up and down and endless string of Mountains. We all were hurting, Jillie quit her hunger strike. Pappy smothered her dog food with Sardines and olive oil. This made her give in. She ate 2 bowls of it and than had an ¢I have to throw up¢ look on her face. We are now sitting around the fire eating honey buns, drinking beer and exchanging stories. Pappy is singing for us. I had a bunch of good stories today. The mountainside I hiked on partly collapsed right behind me. I just had hiked over it. Then all of the sudden the ground under my feet vibrated and I heart a loud roaring sound behind me. Tons of rocks were going down that mountain. Yesterday I had run into ¢Richard¢ right after he had left Springer mountain. He looked unkept and sickly. His equipment was pretty old except for the huge knife he was carrying. Well today I heard from a whole bunch of hikers about how weak he is. They told me that he does not have water or food and that he his in really bad shape. Since I am hiking North to South I knew I would run into him. When I finally found him he had his arms outstretched and leaning against a tree right in the middle of the trail. He looked like a dying man. I sat next to him and started talking. He was pretty disoriented but I think he remembered me. He was past hurting. He had forgotten to re-supply his water. Not a smart move. These mountains are so dry. And we had 80 plus degree. He needed to get out of the mountains fast. So I gave him all my water and food. Than I carried his backpack out for him. We had to go back about a mile and a half. It took a very long time. Richard could not really walk anymore. I had to push him and pull him. Finally we were back on Forest Service Road 42. I told him to wait and that I would come back with my car and give him a ride to the town of Suches. I still had hours of hiking ahead of me (without water) before I reached my camp. Hours later when we drove back to the spot where I left Richard he was gone.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap, GA 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

By LeftyThe hike up and down Blood Mountain proved to be more challenging than we had thought. It was hot today, in the upper 80's. That's hot for us Bay Area folks. Mom and I took a wrong turn that cost us about an hour. It wouldn't be so bad, except that it was the hardest part of our day and instead of completing the ascent of Blood Mountain we mistakenly took the path which brought us down the mountain. Once we realized what we had done, it was a less than cheerful trek back up to the spot we'd taken the wrong turn. Pappy was worried about us since he'd finished the route hours earlier. He hiked back in to make sure we were ok, and we met up with him on our last mile to go. Some of our highlights of the day included meeting lots of other hikers. Thanks to Pastor Ray from Delonaga for the homeade alcohol stove. Nice talking with you John from Gainsville-maybe we'll meet up with you again! And, flatfeet? good chatting with you as well. After Buoy met up with us at Neal's Gap, we headed to the small town of Helen about 20 miles away. All we knew about the town was that all of Pappy's German friends take busses down there for the Octoberfest each year. We thought in the least we may be able to get some good German beer, and maybe a shnitzel. As it turns out this town is like stepping into a Disneyland set of a Bavarian Village. As soon as Buoy saw it, he said, "Oh no! Germany isn't even this German." We had a good shnitzel and are sleeping in a bed for the first night in 5 nights. What more could we ask for? Buoy is insisting I turn off the laptop. Only 6 more hours before Pappy bangs on our door and sings the words, "It's time to get up hikers."-by Lefty
Date: 2006-04-15
To: It's Catch Up Time 
Miles today: 0.0

By RightyToday we are in Helen, Georgia, a beautiful German village. Of course, Buoy said it wasn't like any German town he's ever been in. We came in last night after a very LONG, challenging day on the trail. It was wonderful to take a hot shower and sleep on a soft mattress. Unfortunately, we didn't get much sleep because Jillie was sick all night. My guess is that she was suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Kelley was Florence Nightengale, bless her heart. I called my medical advisor, my daughter Shana, and apparently we had done all the right things ... but probably not soon enough. Hopefully after a day and half of rest Jill will be able to hit the trail again tomorrow. Today is our first 0 miles day.Both Buoy and Lefty have made entries about our first 4 days of hiking so I won't repeat what they've documented. However, I did want to mention some of the people we've met on the trail. On top of Springer Mountain we met Vincent & chatted briefly and learned he, also, was a cancer survivor. We appreciate all his words of encouragement. At the shelter {campsite} at Springer mountain we met Brad and Kelley and I shared a sunset with him. Yesterday Lefty and I met many interesting hikers. We had the good fortune to run into Pastor Ray Prince and he gave us one of his homemade alcohol stoves. He even showed us how to use it. Thanks so much. That was so incredibly generous. We also met John from Gainesville, GA and enjoyed talking to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his son. Hope to see you again in Virginia!! We met "Flatfoot", a native Georgian who has done the PCT and the AT and is training for the CDT. He gave us some helpful advise. Good luck on your adventures. It's wonderful to meet so many nice, interesting hikers. Hope we'll encounter each other again. Happy Trails.