morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-01-22
To: local streets of Kansas
Miles today: 0.0

Fellow hikers:This is an introduction into my adventure, my destiny, with a small hint of my crazy mindset. Oh so soon, will this trip begin, I'm AT bound. It's been a year since I originally decided to partake on this adventure, and a long year at that. Mainly I have been working two jobs to help support the aftermath of my trip, but even my coworkers are pumped about me going. Everyone promises to keep up with reading the journals, and sending me food, and did I mention sending me food. I have never been a fan of keeping up with a journal, but I am all about a fresh start. So I'll keep this short simple and to the point.... Here it goes, it's time, bring it on!!!!Becca
Date: 2003-01-24
To: Things I will miss
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I'd include a Top Ten List of things I will miss...1. First and foremost Mi Cocina (my favorite Mexican Restaurant)2. A margarita from Mi Cocina3. Papa John's Pizza4. Did I mention margaritas?5. Free access to a phone to call my family6. Watching Friends at 6:30 every night (TV is just a bad habit that I'm willing to give up)7. A hot shower8. My friends, although they will always be with me in my heart9. Cali shmallie from the mountain valley10. Attending Unity on SundaysThis list only demonstrates a small part of my life. I will gain more through this journey than I can ever dream.
Date: 2003-01-26
To: Shawnee Mission Park Trails
Miles today: 0.0

Yeah, we finally made it out this weekend for a day hike. Denise and I went over to a local park and spent some time climbing hills, testing out our hiking poles, and packs, what a sweet day. We got a couple of great pictures while out there. Hopefully we can figure out how to download them, so we can at least have some pre-hike pictures. The weather was perfect for hiking. The sun was out, cool to cold breeze, and enough mud to make a small house. I think this morning I just feel a bit overtaken with excitement. I can't sleep, can't eat, and definitely can't sit still for more than 30 seconds without at least obsessing about the trail. I don't really know if I could ever truly express my feelings that surround this adventure. Even on the dayhike yesterday, I found myself pretending that this was really the trail, and it was finally time. To put it mildly, I'm happy. I feel good deep down head to toe. I wake up in the morning knowing that I have a journey, because each day I encounter something new, and something different about myself.
Date: 2003-02-03
To: a whole lot of nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

My dear fellow hikers:Some people have inquired about my history, "what's my story", and "why in the sam hell are you doing this?" And well I just want to share a bit of background and my reasoning for choosing this adventure. First and foremost I am 26 years old, have a good head on my shoulders, and a great sense of sarcasm. I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, immediately started off my professional career as a registered nurse, and stopped that madness two years later. Not that I didn't love being a nurse, but the fact is ,in a blunt fashion, I don't believe in corporate healthcare. Sorry but I would rather be focused on the patient and not whether or not they have insurance. But who knew, that's just me!!!!!! Call me crazy!!! I love mexican food, and a good old fashion margarita. Oh and did I mention I can't wait to get out of Kansas. OHHHHHHHH help me, it's 35 some odd days until it's time. I grew up on the foothills of the Appalachian's in Alabama and I finally feel as though I'm coming home. Funny thought.... Leonard Skinnard just went through my head.. who would have known. I have to admit, today was simply a hard day. I have officially reached the irritability phase... apparently a new 12 step program for the preparation of a thru-hike. If that is the case I need a sponsor. Anyone? I am beyond anxious, and in overkill of excitement. I have a countdown at work, a countdown at home, and can officially claim I haven't slept in about 2 days now. It's been an interesting process this past year.So many people have been a part of this process. It would take me hours to list all of them, but you know who you are. My family, my friends, and even the support of my primary physician, who would have known.. Thanks Dr. Murray!!! I have been thinking of you guys a lot lately, and I don't know what I would do without you.
Date: 2003-03-04
To: almost time
Miles today: 0.0

hello all:It is almost time, yes the countdown is still in effect!! I only have two days left of work, and then off to a new adventure. I have to admit this week of waiting has been one step shy of hell. Toooo funny for words let me tell ya. First of all the other night I hung out with some camping buddies and had a great time talking about the trail, the hilarous stories they have encountered, and so on. And that night I went home and stayed up all night out of pure excitement. I have to tell you that my thought process the entire night 1am, 2am, now it's 3am, uh oh now it's almost 5am.. and there I was 9 hours later still laying in bed daydreaming about the trail.. Just as an insight one thing that was running over and over in my head sometime around 2am included thinking about how a bear would eat peanut butter off of a spoon, PLEASE OH PLEASE, why in the hell would I even have that thought. Rule number one you don't go around feeding bears peanut butter, and number two guess what (on that note) you never feed a bear, EVER. So tell me why in world would I have that thought process. But it was a great laugh in the morning!!! Tell ya what that phone call to my boss at 6:30am to tell her I couldn't come in was not to fun.. But she is so understanding that it truly wasn't that big of a deal. But again, it sure was funny to tell her why I wasn't coming in "Sorry I can't come in today because I never went to sleep because I thought it was more important to think about what it would look like if a bear tried to eat peanut butter". Oh well life goes on.. So anyway, did I tell you that I am ready yet? Yep it's time so bring it on!
Date: 2003-03-15
From: almost time

To: Three Forks
Miles today: 4.1

Saturday 3/15/03 4.1 miles from Mt. Springer to Three Forks, USFS Raod 58, elevation 2550! Hip Hip Hooray-the day has finally come, March 15, 2003! Right now it's approximately 6:58 p.m. I'm sitting in my tent, dinner was a success Ramen noodles, tuna, GORP, and lots of water. Learned a new term today, "sump" which means that you finish your dinner in your cooking pot then put half liter of water in it and drink the residual. Oh man, needed a chaser after that. Oh help me, but leave no trace!! So our first night with bear bagging was a success as well. Granted it needs a bit more experience, but pretty good for our first try! We made it 4.1 miles today. Not bad for the first day jitters. So gorgeous out here. We are camped out near a running brook, the weather is fantastic, and my tummy is full. Life doesn't get any better than that. On my first day out I'm not sure I have anything truly profound or enlightening to say but I do know one thing-it was all worth it. The waiting, patience, praying, support, working 2 jobs...yes ladies and gentlemen, this was without a doubt worth every bit of energy that I put forth. Noid just walked by my tent and said, "I'm a bear, I'm a bear." What a goose! Oh and to let everyone know, I have thought about just about everyone I know, maybe because my ears are ringing. Hopefully, you were just as excited for this start date as I am.And to my family, my wonderful supportive family...a gigantic thank you for letting us stay with you prior to the start date, the food, everything. Even my future mail drops-hint, hint. I love you guys, and I know you know this-but your support has meant the world to me. I'm sure it has opened a few doors you have never seen in me.Hey, I even made a few new friends today.(1) Goober-she's too cool.(2) Noid-you are the queen(3) Kay-oh you better watch out-your trail name is coming soon.(4) Denise-better known as Dimples now.(5) and Erin-but she was off with some other friends.All in all, what a great day! Now all I have to do is make it through tonight. The fun begins all over again in approximately 11 hours. See you then!
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Three Forks

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

3/16/03 Sunday Day 2 miles today 9.5. Stopped at Justus Creek. What a fabulous day. Absolutely gorgeous-about 58 degrees, partly cloudy, and the view was spectacular. Today was interesting though as far as our hike is concerned. We climbed one of the hardest sections in Georgia. Sassafras and Justus Mt. It was a killer! Personally, I'm so proud of myself. I seriously can't believe how far we went...9.5 miles across that section was great for me. But I do have to say that at one point today I finally lived up to my new trail name. I have officially been named Wrong Way, but they have been calling me Wrong Way Brown. The story behind that is everytime we blue blaze to a shelter, I always turn around and try to leave in the same direction I came in-backtracking back to Mt. Springer. Everytime!! So hence the name. But we had a rough day, just the steep elevation and continuous climbs. Lots of breaks....but all in all, a great time. We have stopped at Justus Creek for the night, and hanging out with some sectional hikers. Sitting around a campfire, just had some dinner and a crapload of water. So I hope to take some Benadryl tonight for a better night's rest. Last night, I only got 2 hours of sleep so I'm really tired this evening. But I plan on having a great rest and rejuvenation for tomorrow's quest. Oh, and by the way, no blisters yet!! Hooray!
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Justus Creek

To: Goose Creek
Miles today: 6.4

Monday 3/17/03 Cabin at Goose Creek. Miles today 6.4. Very rainy! Cool to cold. I had a strong day today but my poor friends were just not happy. We had no less just started to leave after putting our packs together this morining and it started to sprinkle. By the time I put my rain gear and pack cover on, the rain was in a downpour. We hiked about 7.5 hours in the rain and we reached a spot with a few trees, ducked underneath them, and ate a little lunch. We finally reached Woody Gap, and Kay and Dimples (Denise) were spent for the day. (Denise's trailname is now Dimples but you have to read her journal to find out the story behind her trailname.) Anyway, so we made it to the country general stor where I called my family first on a pay phone. Went inside to warm up with some hot cocoa, then went back outside to call Jim and Ruth Ann Miner for assistance. Ahhh, our first experience of trailmagic! They not only came to pick us up, but we went over to their house to warm up, offered up a warm beverage. We talked for a little while, and Jim drove us down to cabins for our night's rest. And oh the cabins were great. After spending an entire day in the pouring rain, we got a HOT shower, clothes washed, and a shuttle down the the "all you can eat" buffet. Yes, I'm in heaven ladies and gentlemen. I had a great night's sleep, and all of our equipment is dry and ready to go for the morning's new adventure. It's amazing what can happen in just one day.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Goose Creek

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 4 Long day of hiking!! 10.7 miles to Neel's Gap. Blood Mt. is done! Another day of rain, rain, rain, and guess what...more rain. BUT we completed a long hike to Blood Mt. and finished 2.4 miles to the bottom! I seriously threw off my pack, ran into the store, bought a Vanilla Coke and a pack of Wild Berry Skittles. Life is good! We checked into the hostel at Neel's Gap. We got the last three bunks! Sweet! Only had a few minutes before the dinner shuttle left at 6:30 so again we ate at the "all you can eat" buffet. Yeah, we're starting to get spoiled but we did earn it at least. Then came back to the hostel about 8:00. I was so exhausted I went to bed at 9:00. But prior to finally falling asleep I got up the last time to use the bathroom and outside on the covered porch were 10 guys huddled up in their sleeping bags. They had to get out of the rain and they didn't want to pay for any cabins. I think they may have gotten a better night's sleep than I did. Long night! My body wants to shut down at 9:00 but my mind is still going to at least 11:00. I sure hope this rain ends soon!
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Neel's Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 5 Neel's Gap cabins. A zero day. More rain with a chance of severe weather forecasted for Thursday. Okay, so this weather sucks. Too much rain already. I want to be able to see some type of view once we reach the tops of each mountain. All we see is approximately 50 feet of fog. But today is zero day here at Neel's Gap. We worked so hard to reach Blood Mt. and finish off yesterday night. The only problem is now we are stuck inside a cabin all day, watching The Weather Channel or movies while it rains and storms outside. Luckily, the front is moving SE so we may just be able to take off tomorrow morning without having to take another zero day. Here is is 5:00 p.m. and we ordered some pizza. Ahhh, the pleasure of hiking. It's all you can eat every night of the week. The Weather Channel predicts rain again for tomorrow with occasional thunderstorms, but we'll see. Otherwise I'm still pumped about this journey regardless of the weather or the challenges ahead!
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Neel's Gap

To: Wildcat Mt.
Miles today: 6.2

Day 6 3/20/03 Wildcat Mt. 6.2 miles. Short hike today mainly because it was raining, extremely muddy, and almost boring because we couldn't see any sights from the climb. Plus, my body is talking to me today....hurting a bit in my left knee from all the downward climbs so it's time to stop for today. So we picked a grand spot on top of Wildcat Mt...cozy, little unofficial campsite. Yes it is still raining but has not shown any signs of severe weather yet. We were all anxious to get back on the trail for more today. We did get kind of a late start this morning (10:15 a.m.), but I'm not in a race so who's counting. We had a great dinner and we are now relaxing in our tents. The rain has stopped but I can still feel the drips of cold water coming off the canopy of trees. From what I can hear, the sun is supposed to shine tomorrow! I can't wait! I plan on soaking it all up! By the way, the North Carolina border is only about 39 more miles. Too exciting. I promise to take pictures!
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Blue Mt.

To: Tray Mt.
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 8 miles 9.7 to Tray Mt. What a fabulous day! It was partly sunny, about 54 degrees, little breezy at times, but perfect hiking weather. I did leave my jacket on the majority of the day cause when the sun went behind the clouds, ohh it got cold fast. We hiked up two gigantic steep hills, Ricky Mt. and Tray Mt. But it sure was nice to see some smiley faces at the shelter when we arrived. Two-Step, Journey, and Patrick (Lucky) were already here getting to cook dinner. It was so fabulous though to be able to hang out with them and eat dinner. They were all impressed with my homemade alcohol stove. It is pretty cool if I say so myself. I love that it's so light, compact, and works like a charm! Hot meals coming my way. Now all I need is variety. As we are all hanging out in the shelter getting ready to bear bag our food for the night, a young guy named Ben offered to lend us a hand. He was so helpful. Truly we have had no idea what we were doing. I'm surprised we still have our food to this day. But he demonstrated the correct knots to use, where to hang the food, how high, you name it. So Ben, I hope you see this in our journal but THANK YOU. When we came back from learning our new techniques, another guy was playing a wooden flute in the shelter. So cool to hear that while laying in our tent. It's days like this that will keep me going. Oh and not mention we are at the top of Tray Mt., camped out so that we can see the sunset tonight over the mountain and the sun rise in the morning. Life is good!
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Tray Mt.

To: Hiawassee, Ga
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 9 3/23/03 miles 10.6Destination: Hiawassee Ga. Almost to the border welcome to the town of Hiawassee. Yesterday was another big day for us. 10.6 miles especially over Kelly Knob was great. It slowly is getting easier to climb over the mountains but still working on my trail legs. In the morning, it started off a bit chilly approximately 30 degrees...our morning wake up call. It makes getting out of the tent a bit difficult. We packed up quickly, had some oatmeal, and took off down the mountain. We met up for lunch at Addis Gap with Journey, Two-Step, Lucky , Drinkwater, and Sheep Stuff. After our fine meal of pita bread with peanut butter, half of Baby Ruth, Rama noodles, cheese, and GORP, we headed north up Kelly's Knob. No sweat! We made it into Dick's Creek Gap about 3:30, ahead of our planned schedule. But a nice couple from Hiawassee gave us a ride into town. We all decided to take a zero day tomorrow and hang out with friends. Tucker and Deanna are driving up from Atlanta to see us tomorrow, and maybe will spend a day or so hiking. But once we got into town, we parked our bags at the Holiday Inn, took a hot shower, and had a fabulous meal at Daniel's Steakhouse. Journey, Two-Step were also eating there, so it was nice to see their smiling faces. Also had a chance to call home. It was great to hear their voices. They sounded so chipper! I do need to remember to call Amy and Lane to tell them about my next maildrop in North Carolina. I've never been to North Carolina so this ought to be a great way to see the sights.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Hiawassee, Ga

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

3/25/03 8.8 miles Crossing the Border!!! Great hiking weather! Sunny, somewhat cool with the wind. We finally made it to North Carolina. I can finally say I have been to NC! 75.4 so far and still going. I have to admit I have been slacking on my journals but I'm so tired by the time I go to bed and I don't feel like writing. But today was our first day out with Tucker and Deanna. Man they were fresh legs and ahead of us all day! But we still enjoyed all the laughs and camera action especially at the border. The girls hiked ahead of us and set up a rope on the border crossing (kinda like a finish line). Also Piper and Just Josh were hanging out there and clapped as we came in. It was sweet. Piper brought up red wine and we all had a small sip when we finished. So we camped at Bly Gap for the night, set up a campfire and ate some dinner. We had a great dinner, Chilimac with beef and Lipton noodles with Kool-aid! Tasted like a $100 dinner.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

3/26/03 Destination Standing Indian Shelter (?) Good day of hiking but not too many miles. Today was one big uphill after another. Bly Gap was just not far, at least not first thing in the morning. We made an early stop at Standing Indian Shelter around 3:30 or so. Tucker and Deanna made a nice campfire and we cooked up a fancy dinner together. It did sprinkle a little this afternoon after we reached the shelter but the fire kept us warm. I think Dimple Rock is starting to hit rock bottom with this cold, poor thing. She's just got a rattle to her deep cough. Not a good sign. So Piper gave her some Nyquil for the night. Hopefully, that will help. We met some great people tonight. Deanna got it all on video tape, all of us sitting around the campfire watching the sunset. Now that's a classic AT moment. Had lots of laughs with Serendipity. He cracks me up, lots of good AT stories. Should sleep good tonight, I took some Tylenol PM. Help me drift off at least. So I hope tomorrow brings about good times!
Date: 2003-03-30
To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

3/30/03 Deep Gap to Carter Gap Shelter 8.5 miles Snow, snow, and more snow. Overnight it snowed approximately a good 3 inches, but the drifts in many places were over a foot. Yeah, it's a bit cold or downright freaking cold. At least in the 20s with the low expected in the teens. So Dimple Rock and I are tucked in at the shelter with Goat, Sprite, and Flow. Having an excellent time just hanging out talking with the guys, eating dinner, and enjoying our first experience in a shelter. If the mice and rats come out tonight it will be a downright miracle. That would have to be one seriously hungry mouse. Today we hiked in the snow 8.5 miles in 4 hours. We were hauling butt to the next shelter. But man we had a great time. Beautiful! Even though it's cold, wet, snowing, and oh did I mention the cold, we are still having fun. Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the low 60s so that should be nice. Also it's great to have Dimple Rock and myself back 100% with our health. We are in full functioning mode. So I think it's about time to buckle in for the night cause it's gonna be a chilly one!
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

3/31/03 12 miles to Rock Gap Wish this cold weather would pass. Well this morning, it was downright freezing. The temperature at 7:30 a.m. was 18 degrees, but during the night it was much lower than that! I got almost one hour of sleep from 2:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. We all sat together in the shelter this morning until about 9:00 a.m. We just talked about who was going to be the first man out. So we all made a run for it about 9:10. I stayed in my sleeping bag until I had to pack it last. But the most painful thing I have yet to experience was putting on wet socks from yesterday and then tennis shoes that had ice on the inside of them. It took about 1/2 hour until I could feel my feet on the trail. I can't wait till it gets warmer. But we put in great mileage today to Rock Gap Shelter. We sat on top of Mt. Albert for lunch next to the fire tower. What a lunchtime view! Lately it seems as though I'm living in a constant great dream. I have seen more beautiful things in the past 2 weeks than I have ever in my life. It was worth the wait and hard work to get here even for this present moment. I may be cold, somewhat hungry, and a little bit in pain but every moment has been well worth it. Yes I have had moments where I think I can't take one more step, but it's the faith and evergrowing appreciation for what God has given me right now that keeps me going. Tonight's sleep should be good after a little dose of Tylenol PM. If not, I'll just up the dose tomorrow night! Ha Ha