morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 28Had a really odd dream last night. Odd dreams are not unusual for me, actually, but what made this one interesting was that my memory of how things were just before bed played a major role in my dream. I basically dreamt that I was exactly where I actually was - in the Shenandoahs, near the exact shelter, up the hill on the exact tent site, and in my tent but without my rainfly, which I normally have on. I had brought my food bags into the tent with me, which is the only time I dared do that in the "Shennies". Getting in after dark and with everyone else asleep, I didn't feel like stumbling around looking for the bear pole and waking everyone up. So my food bags were in there with me, right by my head, both in real life and in my dream. And it was the middle of the night in my dream as well as reality. I may as well have had my eyes open. I thought I did. A face appeared along the side of my tent, peering in, which of course was very freaky, and at first I thought it was human then it turned out to be a bear. That was still freaky but at least more normal. It came around the head of the tent smelling my food and starting to try to get it. It was pushing into my tent, leaning in closer and closer and I was just paralyzed with fear but at the same time I knew, KNEW it would go away if I could just say something because bears get scared off by the sound of human voices. I tried to speak, to yell, to shout, so it would go away but I couldn't find my voice. It was leaning in even closer now - would be breaking through my tent at any minute - I was SO desperate, and finally, FINALLY I found my voice and blurted out, of all things, "BAD BEAR!"...and woke myself up. I actually startled myself so, I was sitting up before I'd really come to and discovered I'd only been dreaming. Embarrassed and wondering if any of the nearby campers had heard my outburst, I listened for a moment, and hearing no peals of laughter or questions of what I was talking about, I laid back down and fell asleep once again.Biggest day yet, but I had to ride the night train in to complete it. Will flesh the rest of this entry out and explain later.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 31Traveled into Front Royal with Golden Bear. Met his friends and wife there, and they, VERY kindly, drove me all around and dropped me back off at the trailhead. Wonderful people. Sheltered that night with two older men, both named Bob, and Alien, plus a section hiker that tented but also set up his own camp under the pavillion. This is the first day that the heat began to bother me and made eating a hot dinner a bit of a chore. Getting my clothes wet in the shower turned out to not be the best move, as it was so humid my clothes wouldn't dry for 2 days, despite being quickdry material.
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 32Stayed late at the Denton shelter, and thus saw Sampson, Butters, Beatbox, Rocksteady, Beavis, Bondi, and Superchunk once again, which was a nice surprise. Melted on over to the place I was supposed to meet Ben and Lauren, and got to see Lady Cluck again also along the way. Before that I had passed Butters one last time, as he was having trouble due to the heat of the day and pina coladas from the night before. He decided to opt out of the 20 mile day everyone else was doing and head out with Lady Cluck once she came along.Had a fun night with Ben and Lauren at Manassas Gap Shelter that night which we miraculously had to ourselves.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: US 50, Ashby Gap
Miles today: 9.2

Day 33When I got up at 6:30, it was already warm enough that I knew the day was gonna be a scorcher. It was supposed to get up to a hundred degrees. Humidity was through the roof. And ever since I didn't stop in Front Royal, I had been aching for a shower. Or possibly reeking for a shower - either way. So I borrowed Ben's phone since mine was dead and called the parents. We were supposed to meet tomorrow, after I stayed the night in the next shelter, but that shelter was less than five miles away and the meeting point was less than ten, so I decided to get it over with and asked them if they could possibly meet me there today instead. They said they could, and that they could leave right away, so I set out for the day knowing it would end with me in my bed back home. Pretty good incentive. My feet needed a break after doing such big miles in the Shenandoahs (big miles for ME at any rate) so I told them one last push and they could rest for a while.The walk was a big, green, sweaty blur until I arrived at Dick's Dome for lunch.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 35Had a really hard time getting to sleep last night. My new sleeping bag smelled funny, a little rubbery or something, and it felt too cool and roomy (while home I traded out my real hiker mummy bag, which was a fifteen degree winter bag, for a layperson's forty degree summer bag - it's somewhat lighter and much less bulky, but not as efficient as a real hiker bag would be...but those cost moola I do not have). Also contributing to sleeping difficulty, my last-choice-left tent site was uneven and I kept sliding to one side of my tent. And on top of all that, I'd only hiked three and a half miles yesterday so I hadn't done the kind of physical exertion that makes sleeping on the ground easier. So due to the unrestful night, waking up early in the morning was not something I felt prepared to do.
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Day 36Something dropped on my face last night!Hikers usually crash pretty early, even when staying in hostels, so after my shower last night there wasn't time for much else except getting ready for bed. That was fine with me, except I think the caeffeine from my soda kicked in because I had another night of difficulty in getting to sleep. After tossing and turning for a while I decided to put on my iPod and listen to a podcast (a talk show, essentially, for you non-iPod people out there), because those usually do a good job of putting me to sleep. But while I was listening, I felt a tickle on my face, on the edge of my forehead near my hairline. Thinking it was merely my own hair tickling me I went to brush it aside and discovered, to my horror, something with legs - legs like little, rough twigs. Though I managed to brush it off my face and over the edge of the bunk (I was pretty sure) all without squealing (miracle!), I'm sure you can imagine how that did not help the sleeping.I fell asleep slowly, by small degrees, and was dismayed every time I woke up to see only a little time had elapsed. At 4:45 I almost gave up on trying to sleep, but I talked myself into one last try (until 5:30 I told myself), and this time managed to sleep until 7:20 or so. Had horrible dreams about alligators (my dream was VERY specific in it being alligators and not any other large reptilian creatures) in the Inner Harbour of Baltimore, breaking into churches and the Aquarium were we kept trying to hide out.
Date: 2007-12-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have decided to set up a trail journal. I have no clue how often this will be attended to or if I will be as thorough in describing my gear and my thoughts about it all. It is worth a shot though. Rach and I have decided to leave January 26th. That is pretty early, but a week later than we originally intended. We want to run into other thru-hikers, but need to leave early due to things that are in store for she and I in the summertime. Right now the trail is key and our most important feat, but I am all about making goals and working towards them. Rach and I have toyed around with the idea of trailnames. We both recognize the importance for ourselves to be named something we honestly earned while on the trail. We have laughed a few times and jokingly tagged each other random things, but it will be fun to see what transpires while on the trail. Concerning gear, I am about done...I think. haha...this is such a source of up and down for me. It is SO easy to become a 'gearhead', but I am working to stray away from that. Honestly, I have never lived outside for months at a time. I have NO clue how I am going to handle the weather or how my gear will hold up. I do know this... I am a fighter and will deal with it all as it comes. I am doing my best as I know it right now, but a lot of things I won't have figured out- not until I am on the trail, in the conditions.. I am using my head the best I can from my current position. That is all I can say about that...Well, I am off to prepare for college graduation. My life is absolutely incredible. Rach and I made the commitment to thru-hike a year ago today while in Honduras...on our way home. It is all coming together. That is what I am talking about!!!
Date: 2007-12-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I wanted to put another entry so I don't make excuses for not tending to this later on while on the trail. I desire to make it a 'habit' in some respect.The trail start is in a matter of 5 weeks. Wow. Time is flying. Everytime I drive somewhere, I cannot help but think about how long it would take to walk the same distance. When it is cold and rainy, I cannot help but think I will sleep in conditions of that nature. I have dreamt about the trail already...it is definitely on my mind. Whew...Rach and I talk tonight. Budgeting is my main concern right now. I also have small details to tend to before we begin. College graduate..a new label for myself. Strange to think about, actually. I am also a soon-to-be aunt, for all intensive purposes. I am waiting around in NC for Hayden to come into this world. I have never experienced being in the room when a baby is born- I am pumped.That is it for now. Thanks for reading...
Date: 2008-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, I have been fortunate to receive emails from folks who will be thru-hiking this year or who have aspirations to hike someday in the near future. That is great and I have enjoyed reading those emails. I appreciate the words of encouragement and advice. I have to start practicing pack and unpacking my pack, along with setting up my tent and working my stove. The big issue is I have half of my gear with me and the other half is in Athens, GA. I am in North Carolina right now. I am not going to stress too much right now. I need to set everything out and see what I am missing. I want to make sure I have enough clothing items, but not too many. I want to keep the weight of my pack down, but not be too skimpy and be in a bind while on the trail. That goes for clothing, but also other items I will want to pack.I have a sweetwater filter I will take with me. It was given to me in great condition. It is worth a shot. I think this whole hiking/packing thing will take a little while to refine, but I cannot wait to see what I use and how I modify different things. I imagine I will have days when I am smiling from ear to ear and others where I will be absolutely frustrated beyond belief...and I am ready to embrace those extremes and everything in between. I NEED this time on the trail.. My life is about to be rocked...and I CANNOT wait. Keep in touch..and thanks for reading. HAPPY NEW YEAR! More updates to come. Cannot wait to meet some of y'all on the trail or elsewhere.
Date: 2008-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am in Wilmington, NC for the moment.. headed to Savannah to see the family before the big trip up the Eastern side of the country. I feel so exhausted from driving and visiting people that it worries me about not being rested for the AT adventure....but I don't want to cut seeing the people I care about so I can hope to be rested "enough"- whatever that means. This is a dilemma I often face. I have the problem of always being busy- always wanting to experience 'something'. I look forward to having to slow down and take things in at a slower pace. I cannot keep going on like I do now or else I will burn out quickly in life. I find that I am good at stressing myself out, which I am not okay with...something has to change (like my perspective on things).Self-centeredness runs violently through the center of me, which is frustrating. This journey is a physical challenge I am pumped for, but more importantly I am begging the Lord to speak clearly to me as I walk. I desire to be more sacrifical as a person..and to show love more abundantly without expectation...to truly serve those around me as Christ so graciously showed as an example. It doesn't help that I am a 22 year old, single, female who has lived on my own for 5 years and provided for myself to not think just about how to take care of ME...but I am being called and have been convicted about that approach to relationships in my life. I WANT TO LOVE, SERVE, and truly be SACRFICIAL in regards to the people I am around- strangers, family members, friends... enemies and those people who don't show me love or services... Because it is not about what I can get out of it all, but more of what truly glorifies God. Boy am I self-centered and tired of it.It is cold today here in NC. I laugh and think about sleeping outside in it. Soon I will be.. WOW!!! I was encouraged today to take my time while on the trail. I have a dear friend of mine who has repeatedly encouraged me to take my time. I find myself listening to him, but blowing it off...and as I am consistently encouraged, I think Ineed to take it in..and give myself permission to take the trail as it comes- not plan it out in days...and not micromanage the trail because I need to let go of that super planning mentality.. I will finish strong, but it is okay for me to not have a date of when that HAS to be... So, thanks for that encouragement..and I am taking that advice to heart more now than Ihave recently...Rambling journal entry.. I am off now. Thanks for the support and encouragement, folks!!
Date: 2008-01-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am in Savannah visiting family. I want to add pictures, but I don't have my computer to do so. I need to figure out a sure-fire way of being able to do that while on the trail. I was able to talk with my hiking partner last night and get some stuff cleared up. That sure relieves a lot of stress. She and I are working off of the same page again.I go to bed each night thinking about the trail- thinking about how life as I know it now is about to change. That is exciting and makes me nervous at the same time. What a fun combination... I need to be diligent in my personal journaling these next two weeks..I have friends who have asked for letters before and after the trail. I think it is great that they desire to invest themselves in this journey of mine. I enjoy writing letters.. (And I like to receive letters!!)I have to get my maildrops in order these next couple of days. I have some contact information I must organize for the family and my friends. There are some loose ends I must focus on....I just need to get it done.Enjoy the day.
Date: 2008-01-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok..so, time is clearly ticking for me like it is for EVERYONE else...but it seems more intense lately as I think that I will be on the trail in 14 days!I am currently in Colorado. I am a nomad of random sorts- what can I say. I skiied today, which may not have been the best decision for my legs. Oh well- I enjoyed the day. It was the first time I had skiied in the West. The runs are long- had a good time.I am in a tizzy about gear for the cold. I am having a tough time with shoes. I have tried three different pairs and types of shoes that I wore out in the wilderness...and spent HOURS on end at the Salt Lake City REI trying on shoes. I have a huge foot for a female, but a narrow foot that doesn't fit perfectly in most men's shoes. I found a pair of Montrail trail runners, but I am REALLY feeling I need some gortex shoes. The dilemma of being a big girl. There are some slight stressors i am not sure how to contend with, especially before this journey. I would elaborate more, but I must wait until I am able to personally confront the issues...people read these things. Any gear and/or trail tips- bring them my way... I am interested in learning more...I am definitely not seasoned in the arena of camping and hiking, which will make the entire AT a hoot for so many reasons. Off to bed now...returning to Greenville, SC tomorrow.
Date: 2008-01-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok.. another location today. I am in Greenville- at my Gramps'. I am headed to Charlotte tomorrow to pick up my hiking partner and then we're headed to her future in-laws' and then over to one of my favorite families.. I have some random gear to pick up, like another dry sack and fingernail clippers... I am thinking about how I will pack my pack...be efficient in space and weight distribution. Racheal is going to share with me how she plans on doing her food... I still need to go buy my first few days worth of food. I am starting in a matter of 12 days!! Insane...and it is all my doing. How exciting. I am feeling better about a few things, yet I still have other things to contend with before I leave... like filing taxes, making sure money is squared away, school plans (if any) for the fall...where to and what for.. I think the latter of that list is going to be on hold until I gain some more clarification while hiking.I am headed to the Blueberry Patch Hostel.. I have heard great things about it. Thank you folks.. Also, thanks for the gear and shoe info... Much appreciated. I REALLY have enjoyed reading people's comments...words of encouragement.Anyone have the address to the Blueberry Patch Hostel??
Date: 2008-01-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yet again, I am posting from a different city.. I am in Andrews, NC. I helped out with the camp I have been connected to for the past 8.5 years of my life. They had campers for a weekend retreat and we ran rec. IT WAS (and still is) COLD! I cannot help but think about how cold it is going to be during our hike...which starts in FIVE DAYS!!! AHHHHH.. that is all I can seem to say to put how I feel into words (or a word).I am about to meet up with Rach to look at food stuff. I have some good friends who are lending me some gear to try... the Jetboil stove (I will still have my pocket rocket)and a -25 degree bag, and then I was given some fuel canisters. I still have not sat down to really journal my beginning thoughts. I do know I have some letters to send out soon to folks I love... I need to make time this last week while in Athens.. CRAZY times!! Thanks for your comments and words of encouragement. Man, it sure does brighten my day. Enjoy the day, folks!And I don't know if the Blueberry Patch is open.. I will call them.. Some folks have brought that to my attention. Anyone know for sure??
Date: 2008-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am in Athens, GA. We leave for Springer on Saturday morning..in two days. I have gained some good tips from previous thru-hikers. It is great...It is crazy cold. Once again, it puts our trip into perspective. This is not going to be easy. It will be great though. Apparently they are calling for frozen rain on Saturday...we will see how that goes. We are not going to change our departure date. It is still January 26th.Here are a few words of advice I have recently received..and have resonated with me..   Don't finish before you begin.   Just be...   Don't idolize the trail.   Rush when you want to rush; take your time when you want to take your time.I also have been asking people to pray for our ability to communicate..that is important, but I ask for prayer tht Rach and I will be able to love each other and show that daily...I will probably update once or twice more before we leave... CRAZY is the word that seems to come out of my mouth to describe what I am thinking.. and that does not even cover it.God has done some great things in the past day. He absoltely amazes me!!! Praise be to Him..
Date: 2008-01-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Let's be honest.. I don't have a clue what i am about to get myself into.. and all I can do is nervously laugh...There are no words to describe my thoughts. Strange.I am watching the weather channel while the electrician is working on fan stuff...late night/early morning. I am napping today! I was up til 1:30AM- went food and accessory shopping at Wal Mart last night. Today is GO time with my pack. I sure bet many of you would say, "Tsk..shame on you." because i dont have my pack packed...and I haven't even set up my tent yet. AHHH... today is the day to do it. hahaI will possibly write again today...since it is so close to start time. In case i don't, I am going to inform you all that updates will come as often as possible. If I cannot do them myself, either my Mom (Tamra) or friend (Maxwell) will do the updating based on our phone conversations.. Ok. I laugh because I am cold...ha..goodness. Apparently it is going to rain on Tuesday and Thursday of next week...and the high temp should fluctuate between the 40's and 50's... I say, good stuff...and bring on the sunshine!!I need to go back to bed..Enjoy the day,folks...this day!
Date: 2008-01-29
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 30.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We just hiked down from Blood mountain. There is supposed to be rain and 50mph wind tonight. We are opting to stay here at this hostel.. $15 each, but I bet it will be worth it. The sunset last night and sunrise this morning were incredible!! Last night was warm because Rach and I stuffed into my 1 person tent inside the shelter. I am getting stinky, but I feel good. My feet felt so tired last night...just like i just finished running a marathon. Blood mountain was a beast.. but well worth it. Some incredible views.My trekking pole already experienced malfunction...day one. I am working with it though. I realized I started hiking with too much food.. VERY heavy. There is some tweaking to do with planning for food and stops, but we will get it done.I am going to run.. I don't want to overdo my time on the complimentary computer. I just wanted to let everyone know I am good.. We are hiking on.. This has been tough, but I did not expect it to be easy. What an adventure we have on our hands.. I am VERY excited about meeting some of you other thru-hikers.. Hike strong and have fun!!