morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-10-19
From: Front Royal

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 105.0
Weather: light rain

Not being computer friendly, I started out of Front Royal after a hard walk from Harpers Ferry. The ups and downs are not that difficult but the road bed for the feet is rocky and sharp. The roller coaster is a pain in the ass but over quickly. I have met lots of excited hikers both going north and south. Seems we all share one common interest and that is putting one foot in front of the other. Out of Front Royal I was greeted by a lovely deer who accompied me for several miles staying only yards ahead of me. Shennadoah National Park turns out to be so well maintained and organized. The water situation is quite savere so I am toting 3.5 liters -- larger than the one liter I usually carry before camp. So far I have found two "Huts" without water. The views are wonderful in this beautiful Park. The trail is more than adiquit. I find the extra weight of the water to be a burdon. But this is OK. All I am carrying beyond my "Judy's Garnola" is dehydrated vegetables and grains. So the water is necessary. (Also for sustaining life I suppose.)I met Gary and Mallory at Skyland in the Shennadoahs who became my dear friends for many wonderful reasons. I wish them well and thank them for making sure my arrival in Waynesboro was totally organized. Tomorrow the rest of Virginia south opens to me and I look forward to a renewed vigor for the continuation of this hike. I have been working hard this half day to make sure I leave tomorrow early but organized. It is important to say I am hiking the hike I have wanted to hike. Maybe a little austire in some ways and extravigant in others. My friends Lone Wolf and Gypsy understand this. I also want to thank my dear friend Jack Tarlin for lending me his maps of the Shendoah Park. (It is the first time they have ever gone south.) Thanks Jack.
Date: 2007-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Time is slipping into the future up here in rural Jersey. My 10 day countdown to the trail has begun, and I am anxiously awake (again), running many details of my trip through my mind - wingfoot mileage, food calories, shoes, etc - that have, as I stumble across them, been already very thought out. Sigh - I am in a strange place of - will it ever come? and it's coming so quickly!Welcome to my journal! My name is Alice, and I am a (newly) 19-year-old high school graduate who has elected to take this gap year out of boarding school before college to recharge my batteries and follow some dreams. I can't even describe how much I've learned this year about myself, people, and the world. My sense of life - it's beauty and fragility - has been utterly warped, and as the AT smiles around the next bend, I am thrilled, nervous, and open to experience whatever it has to teach me. I am flying down to Atlanta next Friday, and beginning the great journey toward home on the 17th of February. A thru-hiker wrote once - everyone on the trail is looking for something. While I am not entirely sure where my motivations stem from, I am sure that I am being called right now to Georgia, and that things will be revealed with each footstep closer to five million strides complete. My parents are apprehensive, my friends are excited and sad to say goodbye, and I am on some crazy brink of epiphany and excitement that I have trouble going to sleep! These journals have given me great hope for and knowledge of what is to come... I hope to add my own little drop in the bucket with my own thoughts, worries, and joys. God will always provide mercy and strength as we need it - I pray for the determination and protection to complete this journey, for the fellowship of the trail, and the understanding it will take to push forward, push deeper into the heart of the creation.-The Alleycat
Date: 2007-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A week from today will be my last day at work waitressing. I must remember the monotony of work when my mind wanders to the 'comforts' of home. Mr. Happy says today was a bit warm on the trail! Hoorah. 10-day countdown!! Anything will seem warm to this biting NJ weather. I unpacked and redid my backpack today. I have a great new Atmos 50, and everything fits! Success! My winter gear/food/water/gas included I weigh 25 lbs. Base weight: 15. I'm wary of the household scale, however, and may take my pack to UPS tomorrow. I think I could shed a few (2-3)pounds, but I am not too worried. I'm going to repackage some canned goods, but other than that, I'm pretty OK. I am so sure that I am over/underpacking certain things. The trail will let me know after a few days. I am as ready as I can be. I am ready. I've put on about 7 pounds, have been working out as much as the double-shift schedule and my serious bedhead will allow, and have spent great time in prayer. Financially speaking, I would greatly benefit from another month of working, but college stands strong as a firm September deadline. Must get to New Haven on time! Hiker boxes here we come :0).The Alleycat
Date: 2007-02-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another day floats by... tables turn, dishes served, apron on, apron off. Tidbit: Tony Shalhoub came and ate at my restaurant yesterday! The Monk writers back in today. How quirky. Everyday I grow in the knowledge that the trail is where I'm supposed to be right now... but even still, lately I am very careful where I walk, lest I sprain an ankle! I thought today of what it meant to take another step, what my journey meant in the scheme of life. Five to six months when I'm 25 will seem like a flash. This past fall I spent some time in the mystery that is Nepal, and my thoughts drift back constantly to the incredible people, hills, and lifestyle I saw there. To me, my greatest challenge will be to walk forward with 25 pounds. It will be full of obstacles, and I will struggle on some level constantly. Have you ever seen a porter walking 20 miles in a day with 100 lbs. of meat on his back? Sometimes I'm scared by how blessed so many of us are. Am I actually living a life that is human, or am I just pretending? Everyone's lives present different physical, emotional, and mental challenges we must each overcome. We must live the hand that is dealt to us, that calls to us. In the presence of permanent small agonies, I pray for the mindset of perspective and empowerment. Make no mistake, me, this trip is your choice. Accepting responsibility... wow... can I handle it?? Everything I am resounds - yes. It is time.Sponsorship is something I have carefully set up for myself. My sister, my best friends... they have strict orders to say what I need to hear to take the next step, take this journey in bits. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by this whole sheer mass of trail. Tonight my sister noted - Magellen sailed the whole world port by port. (How did my baby sis get so wise??) I must think in these terms. First, the approach trail. Check, I will say. Then to Neel's. Check, again I'll say. And slowly pennies will add up into bills. Peace...-The Alleycat
Date: 2007-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Exactly one week from today I will be fast asleep in the Springer Mtn Shelter! One week! What more can I say right now... After my last Saturday at the restaurant, I am exhausted but thrilled at what the future holds. Dad and I walked to the grocery store today (me in all my backpacking gear), testing out my trail shoes - solomons. After 3 miles today, plus a run and hike yesterday, they still feel great! More testing to come in the next few, but I'm pretty happy with them. The Masai montrails just weren't going to last. Sigh. I really loved those runners... A little more on my gear - I am starting out with about 5 pounds of food (mostly lipton dinners and some form of chocolate or mac/cheese), 3/4 thermarest, wonderful sleeping bag, a msr pocket rocket stove, crocs, solomon trail runners, winter clothes (more detail later), and other necessities - mostly tinies not worth mentioning. Bookwise: journal, bible, wingfoot's thru-hikers companion, and probably 'Endurance', which I'm in the middle of reading. Brining iPod Nano and an FM tuner. About 24 pounds altogether! Weather.com says I should make at least the first few days of my trip without freezing to death! Some blogs are up discussing how darn cold it is! What won't kill us makes us stronger? :0)Gotta hit the hay. Who am I kidding? I can't sleep!Alleycat
Date: 2007-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Three days left until I head to Atlanta. I keep deleting this sentence... I guess words just aren't sufficing today. Two more days of waitressing. Two! All that's left now is to pack up my toothbrush, wrap some duct tape around my leki's and head to the hills. I will be updating as often as possible from towns - I am not carrying pocketmail, as I have been saving every penny! Who said patience was a virtue again? -Alleycat
Date: 2007-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.On the verge of the Appalachian Trail, my heart is fluttering with ideas of situations and gear questions that have yet to reveal themselves. More and more things keep appearing to make this trip fall into God's will - my brother coming out instead of Costa Rica, my newly active parents, the trail community. Still prayin' on. Seems like thinkin is all I have to do lately. Last day of work today. This is really happening. For any one who is interested in more personal, long-winded thoughts of mine, feel free to check out my blog at www.drinklifetothelees.blogspot.com. Jai Massai! -The Alleycat
Date: 2007-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I spent the day with friends in NYC, and boy is the weather crazy up here! Lots of snow, and freezing weather. I wore my salomon's and they hold up incredibly well in snow/slush. Tomorrow is my final day at home. I'll run around a bit to the drug store for a small toothpaste, make sure everythin is together. I feel quiet... I'm prepared for this journey, but I am really feeling the weight of leaving these comforts, these loving faces around me. A serious time. My heart is heavy. "Give me singleness of purpose..."
Date: 2007-02-16
From: Home

To: Heading to Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

(entry by Ziploc): Today Alleycat started her journey, leaving from home, using all of the accouterments of modern life that will soon be left behind: cars, planes, Marta trains, etc.It was exhilerating to see Alleycat leave, for all the wonderful adventures ahead, but difficult on the home front. The idea that she'll be gone for up to six months is quite a challenge to get our heads around.Alleycat weighed in at the airport, with full pack, food, clothes, everything except fuel for her stove. 31 pounds, including the weight of a huge army duffle bag that has to weigh around 3-5 pounds. So off Alleycat goes, homeless but smiling, with an entire life packed into 25-28 pounds. Talk about going lightly.The trek begins tomorrow around 10am. 1 mile and one footstep at a time.WE LOVE YOU!XOXOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-17
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Springer Mountain!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

(entry by ZipLoc): Alleycat has stepped her first step!She was driven by her wonderful friend Kirby (from Lville) from Atlanta to the approach trail head in Amicalola and began her adventure at noon today. She called just before she arrived, saying that the mountains looked "huge" (this from someone who has seen the Rockies and Alps), but it's probably as much perspective as anything else. She was happy and excited, describing the clouds over the park as being very strange but beautiful; almost like a badly painted canvas.Today she plans to hike the 8 mile approach trail from Amicalola to Springer Mountain where she expects to meet up with Juniper and spend the night.Her first steps, meal, and night on the trail. What a day!Leading and following,ZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-17
From: Springer Mountain!

To: Springer Mountain!
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

(Entry by ZipLoc): Alleycat is at Springer Mountain shelter!She arrived at 4pm, met up with her partner, Juniper, who sounds like a great trail mate, and hunkered down for a "dinner in a bag," according to her text message. By 6:45pm, it was snowing, "so beautiful", and still. Her first night, first shelter, first meal. Weather sounds pretty decent for the Gainesville-Asheville area, with almost every night for the next 10 days being above freezing, and modest chances (20-40%) of rain for this Tuesday and this weekend.You can text Alleycat, but she's keeping her cell off to conserve battery power and, likely, to enjoy the peacefulness.Off you go!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-18
From: Springer Mountain!

To: Springer Mountain!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

(Entry by ZipLoc): It's cold out thar!We got a quick text from AlleyCat this morning, with a brief note reminding her and us that she's back in the wilds, albeit small reminders:"Survived first night! brr! Mouse got peanuts on bear cable. Ice on sleeping bag wind one inch snow still smilin!! Love Yall!"It sounds like she needed to pack mouse traps or better containers, not ziplocs .No precipitation on radar, so it should be an enjoyable and dry day.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-18
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

(Entry by ZipLoc): Speedy Gonzales!Alleycat left Springer Mountain today, after finding ice on her sleeping bag and 1" of snow on the ground. It didn't prove too much of a hinderance, as she & Juniper made the next shelter (Hawk, mile 7.6) at lunch time and continued to Gooch shelter at hile 14.9.She reports that it was a beautiful day of walking and that all's well.Hopefully it'll warm up, which the weather report says it will! Dry too?March along, lil soldier!XOXOZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-19
From: Gooch Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

(Entry by ZipLoc): AlleyCat calls the "real" world!AlleyCat called in today to report that she is having a GREAT DAY! We were amazed at the cell phone quality, which lasted for 3-4 minutes before it faded away and returned AlleyCat to the real "real" world. She reported that everything is "so good" and that while she's a little tuckered out, her body feels good and her feet and knees are doing well (albeit tired). No Long Trail giardia or Nepalese e-coli so far!Her first night, at Springer Shelter, was cold. A blizzard came roaring through, deposited an inch of snow, and moved on. Last night, at Gooch shelter, included a nice warm hat, which left her very toasty. She and Juniper are doing well and have similar walking speeds; AlleyCat is apparently a little faster in the morning while Juniper is a little faster in the afternoon.No other thru-hikers seen yet, but there are a modest number of section and day hikers that they've met. So far so good. Onwards to NC!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-22
From: Walasi-Yi 

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

(Entry by ZipLoc): Her first 50!!!!Alleycat reports in that she's made it to Tray Mountain shelter and has passed the first 50-mile mark. It's been a "harddr" day (sic) but she's doing great.If my math is right, today is also the most miles in one day so far, which is remarkable.Leland reports that the weather by him (a little further north) is fantastic today, with warm weather and clear skies.Hopefully AlleyCat et al are in the same weather pattern!The first 50 is the hardest!XOXOZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-23
From: Tray Mountain

To: The Blueberry Patch
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Hiawassee safe and sound. Juniper and I have picked up a third NOBO'er named Dan (we dubbed him Salamander). I've reverted to calling Juniper J and Salamander Sal. Trying to be ultralite! Coming to the Bpatch was a great decision - I am getting the faithful conversations I need for motivation. What an incredible couple.I am officially clean and now in the public library. The last three days from Neels have been great... we went Neels-Low Gap-Tray Mtn-Hiawassee. I have become an extremely hungry young woman. Out of Neels we had a "pack shakedown" by a very nice man-Alpine-who could only get rid of a deoderant from my pack! I was pretty proud of myself. Juniper had to get new boots, however, so we left at about 12:15. About a mile out of Walasi-Yi, feeling refreshed and glad to be back on the trail, we met two SOBO's who were only 2 more hiking days away from their completed trip! Iceman and Tundra Wookie looked like warriors, and were incredibly kind for our brief interchange. Meeting them was so motivating - it was strange, I didn't want to be finishing, because I haven't had the journey, but I prayed fiercely that I will have the opportunity to finish what I've started. As two end, many others begin. I have to own my journey... got a long way to go. Carolina here we come! The last two days I've been jumping out of my sleeping bag and walking alone with the Lord for the morning hours, just singing along the trail, praying, and being. Today I was really involved in "Country Roads" and two Emory guys came around the corner. Whoops! Dang summer camp... I can barely separate walking and singin! My body's holding up pretty well. My right knee is pretty darn sore, and my right achilles tendon is also a bit swollen. But nothing (I pray) that will stop me from hitting the NOC! Tomorrow we are taking a "pseudo-zero" day - less than 5 miles to our next shelter to let our bodies recover from the shock of the initial week. "Give me singleness of purpose, strength to lift the burden of my fellow man, and realization of the privelege that is mine, so I may rely on You with the simple faith of a child."
Date: 2007-02-25
From: The Blueberry Patch

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

(Entry by ZipLoc): Alleycat crashes into NC!83.1 miles (91.1 including the approach trail) so far, as Alleycat arrives at the Standing Indian shelter. She's very excited about crossing her first border and getting closer to visits from family members in NC.She reports another "Crazy day" and her TMs all have that wonderful smile of hers!There are storms heading towards the Northeast, but it looks like the temps in southern NC are above freezing at night, mid-50's in the day, and only a small chance of rain for Tuesday and a 60% of rain on Thursday.And yes, per Alleycat's last posting, if her only "luxury" item is deodorant, the rest of us thank her! LOL.She's in an NC state of mind.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-26
From: Standing Indian

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

(Entry by ZipLoc): A new record! 20 miles from one little AlleyCat!She reports in today that she and her motley crew have reached Siler Bald shelter in NC. This is mile marker 110.3 (+8.8, don't forget!), making this 119.1 miles, or over 5% of the entire AT. Great job, AlleyCat, J, and Sal!Her quick TM read "Made a 20 mile day! At siler bald! perfect weather. miss u all..." All it takes to know she's having a blast.There's rain the forecast for Tuesday (30%) and the high possibility (60%) for Thursday. Keep sending her team warm, dry thoughts!Wet feet remind one of the pleasures of dry feet.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-02-27
From: Siler Bald

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 0.0

Hey all! Here I am in Bryson City just catchin up on internet, et c. Wow... what an amazing last couple of days. The trail just gets more and more gorgeous. From Albert Mountain to last night's sunset under the Wasser Bald firetower to the Nantahala River...I feel like I'm growing and growing out here, like I wouldn't be anywhere else! We've definitely caught up with some of the NOBO community. Lots of characters out here. Juniper and I are making great headway - we somehow ended up doing a 20-miler two days ago (Hawk and I hitched into Franklin mid-afternoon, got a milkshake - met Little Moon who worked at McD's who gave us candied walnuts!! - and got back on the trail :0), and I accidentally did 17 yesterday after I couldn't find Juniper's tent on Copper Ridge Bald, and somehow ended up at Tellico Gap. But I did get to meet a Yoyo'er named WMD (Weapon of Mouse Destruction) who carried mousetraps. Cracked me up! My body feels great and alive. No pains or aches really, aside from some sore feetsies. Also, I wished I had gone to the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin! Mom and Grams, its a date!Delicious trail magic at the Wesser Bald shelter this morning! Yum! We're here with Osprey who will hang with us until at least Fontana. He is such a gearhead! Then to the Smokies! We're really crusing, and speaking for myself, I feel just great. The only frustration right now is that I haven't been very warm at night, so I bought a silk liner for my bag (half the weight, twice the warmth of a coolmax). Hopefully that will help a lot. I'm forcing myself to eat as well... the weight is falling off! One day at a time. Walking by faith, not by sight. I feel free out here.
Date: 2007-03-04
From: Siler Bald

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 90.0
Weather: clear sky

(Entry by ZipLoc): Fontana Dam!No, AlleyCat didn't walk 90 miles in the last day, but there are a few days entry's missing, so this should bring her tally up to 162.6 plus the approach trail: 170.4 miles!She's doing great, having called in yesterday from a pay phone (get a good calling card, AlleyCat!) when cell service was less than optimal. Now that she's in the Smokies, contact might be a little tough.AlleyCat reports great headway, with 20-mile and 17-mile days this week. She's in great health (no blisters!), but Juniper was waylaid with blisters and is resting up for a day or so before rejoining AlleyCat and her ever-expanding troupe. She will be meeting her grandfather and flying buddy next week and will hopefully see Charley and take a day off the trail to rest (and wash up) at Charley's. Leland hopes to join her this coming weekend and hike a week or two. Perry is in New Orleans but might be able to spend some of her Spring Break with AlleyCat too if time and logistics permit.Walk in health, dear AlleyCat. Don't sing too loud. Keep on stepin'!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am taking a zero today and tomorrow here at my wonderful wonderful aunt's house outside Hendersonville. Getting some TLC, fam time, a bed, sweet cousins and an uncle full of AT stories! I love my family. So, yes! My first days off. I am more tired than I thought I would be. Weird to be in clothes, not walking.Sorry for the lack of updates. I have generally forgotten about the existence of my cell phone, and have been very much living in the moment. The Appalachian Trail took me up and down up and down many miles through the Smokies, and I am falling head over heels in love with the path. I feel alive, and outside. I have many new nicknames... 1)Drowned Rat - Osprey calls me this after a crazy rainstorm from the NOC to Sassafras where I literally lost purpose and sense of what "dry" meant. Hysterical day! 2)Big Tough Dog - a name for this cat who needs to be more intense when the two hawks - osprey and hawk- think they can take an Alleycat. 3)Half-plate - sigh. Mom, I guess I am still a comparatively tiny tummy. This I am working on.Oh the Smokies! They were not red, and they did not kill me, but instead filled me up with amazing views and a few new friendships. Pretty crowded in some parts, but we really were so blessed with perfect weather (minus an inch of snow on the first morning). Wild amounts of ice after Clingman's and up Newfound gap. Could have sent some tapes into America's Funniest Home Videos! I laugh all day long. My sweet grandfather brought me, Osprey and Hawk a real feast at Newfound Gap, and we grilled up Omaha steaks that night! I loveeee you Gramps. Love love love love !!!I can't wait to hit the trail again. I'm pretty tired and feeling inarticulate as I write this, but just to let yall know, I am so happy, very healthy, and resting up. Leland, my dear brother, is coming out from Monday to Sunday/Monday, and this only increases my joy of what is to come. I think often of Psalm 24."The mountains are calling, and I must go." -John Muir