morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-13
To: Hittin the trail with my pack
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After my shopping spree this weekend I met with my AT mentor, Knuckles to do some gear testing and hiking. Knuckles is great, and not only because she had a successful thru hike. She has been a gem for me and I feel very confident to be in her hands. On Saturday we met and she taught me how to properly stuff my pack. We went over all of her gear and the best and worst ways to organize. This is one reason I enjoy working with Knuckles. She is crazy organized, and has made this experience a little less daunting for me. Thank you Knuckles and thank you Ziploc baggies!After organizing our gear and stuffing our sacks I practiced cooking AKA boiling water for hot chocolate. The MSR pocket rocket requires minimal brain cells but for someone who has never spent the night in a cabin much less the woods I could use the guidance. We finished our meeting by taking our packs, and ourselves to a local trail. This was my first hiking attempt fully loaded and I was a bit nervous. For starters, I worry about what others think. (Believe me I know this is a waste of time and energy) My other concern was the extra weight and how my body would handle the stress. Mostly, I was concerned how my body would feel the next day. We only covered four miles but I was surprisingly pleased on all accounts. My bag fits perfect. Thank you Rockfish Gap Outfitters, and the guys that work there. Of course there was some aches and pains as the extra weight bared heavily on muscles, bones and joints. But I think some degree of this is to be expected. During the hike I felt strong, I could feel each muscle in my body working and I like this feeling. This was also my first time using trekking poles, which I now like to refer to as my 'knee savers'. I cannot wait to see how my knees hold up with there aid and the longer miles. Yesterday, I set out alone but this time with a 30 pound pack. I tackled Humpback Rocks Mountain on the 1 mi climb and then descended 3 miles on the AT. Though the mileage is minimal I pleased with the results. I am pleased with the performance of my gear and my body. Thank you Knuckles and Certain, both 2008 AT alumni. Both, in their own ways have impacted my preparations for the AT.
Date: 2013-02-15
To: Appalachian Trials-Zach Davis
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

One of my favorite AT thru hiking books is 'Appalachian Trials' by Zach Davis. The text claims to be a psychological and emotional guide to successfully thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. Do I think that reading this book will guarantee a successful thru hike? No, but I do think it is a great tool. One of the best tools Davis uses and suggest is the idea of making lists to examine your thoughts and feelings of a thru hike. He suggests making a list for each of the following statements. 1."I am thru hiking the Appalachian Trail because...." 2."When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will..." (Davis focuses on the personal benefits he hoped to acquire from thru hiking. He imagines rewards waiting at the top of Mt. Katahdin, like presents under a Christmas tree.)3."If I give up on the Appalachian Trail, I will..." (Negative consequences associated with quitting.)Davis suggest taking time to thoroughly examine these three statements and your feelings about them. He then goes further to suggest carrying the lists with you and referring to them frequently. I think this is an awesome idea, relatively simple to execute but with not so simple ramifications. Below I have listed the three statements Zach Davis suggest exploring. I have also included his answers which have been helpful in exploring my own. Thank you Mr. Zach Davis and to your work, 'Appalachian Trials'. I recommend this book to anyone interested in thru hiking. The author's determined mindset is encouraging and with no backpacking experience he gives me hope in my own pursuit. Time for me to put the pen to paper, in order to create my own lists. ~Jill or Aviator 1."I am thru hiking the Appalachian Trail because...." -I need some time to re-valuate the direction of my life-I am craving an adventure larger then life-Life is short, do awesome shit, stupid-Postponing happiness until retirement is a flawed approach to life-I have the rest of my life to sit in front of a computer-I want to expose myself to a new environment-I need a change of pace-What I am currently doing isn't working. -I suck at backpacking2."When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will..." (Davis focuses on the personal benefits he hoped to acquire from thru hiking. He imagines rewards waiting at the top of Mt. Katahdin, like presents under a Christmas tree.)-Have an unshakable confidence-Have the story of a lifetime-Restore a clearer sense of presence-Turn a glaring weakness into a strength-See life in a new light-Have overcome the greatest challenge of my life-Be a better listener-Leverage this accomplishment to create new momentum-Have a clearer idea of what I want to do with my life. 3."If I give up on the Appalachian Trail, I will..." (Negative consequences associated with quitting.)-Never believe in myself-Not like the person I see in the mirror-Continue to 'settle' in all other aspects of my life-Not be the person I believe I am-Carry the baggage of shame-Reveal my lack of confidence in my posture-Not be able to attract others
Date: 2013-02-17
To: Relationships
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I want to share an email I received earlier this week. The messenger whom I have never met was helpful in answering gear questions, but also very encouraging. Another message I received from a different hiker said that 90% of the equation is confidence. I, personally have shared with you my own belief that a thru hike is more psychological then physical. In saying this the message below, along with many other supportive notes I have received have helped strengthen my confidence in myself. It is interesting to me the power of words from another person, and a person I have never met. I value what others say, both the good and the bad, however, I do not let the negative compromise my own beliefs about myself. One thing I am really looking forward to on the trail are the relationships. These cyber interactions have reminded me that connecting with others is part of the experience I hope to obtain for with my thru hike. "I am going on a relationTRIP..."Hello Jill, You'll be starting late enough in the season that just the pad should be sufficient. Just so long as you have something. A sleeping bag, no matter what it's temp rating, isn't sufficient by it's self. I think a 0 degree bag to be serious overkill, you should be able to get away with a 30 degree bag. There maybe a few chilly nights, but it will soon become insufferably hot and you'll have to get a lighter bag anyway. Actually, a lot of hammock uses prefer quilts, since the bottom insulation isn't of any use and their easier to deal with inside a hammock than a bag. Anything you lay on inside the hammock will not move once you put your weight on it, making moving things around impossible. Are you familiar with www.whiteblaze.net ? If not, there are plenty of hikers and cyber hikers willing to pick apart gear lists and make suggestions on that forum. Myself included. I kind of doubt I'll catch up with you given your 7-8 day head start and being at least half my age, but who knows? My best wishes on having the time of your life out there on the AT. You seem to me as someone with the right characteristics to pull off a thru hike. Feet are the single biggest issue during the first couple of critical weeks, so be pro-active in keeping them happy.Steve, aka Slo-go'en
Date: 2013-02-18
To: Railroad
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I spent the day walking on the railroad tracks. I hiked one mile from my home for a relative easy hike along the tracks. I intended to stroll a couple of miles out and back but I accomplished much more. Obtaining an steady stride length was difficult since the tiles are not separated by equal distances. The rocks were the most challenging because they were not secure. They were loose and unstable so beware to walkers prone to ankle injuries. My ankles were stretched in all directions but thankfully these are two joints I have never had problems with (knock on wood). Total miles for the day was somewhere between 11-12 miles, the most I have done with a fully loaded pack. I enjoyed the walk, and an surprisingly beauty was seen. There were animals and unexpected historical places including an old railroad and gas station. The station housed a 1970's style phone booth and fuel pump. Cows hustled towards me, walking along side me. When I stopped and faced them they eagerly pushed each other out of the way to get as close to the fence as possible. The cows loved me! Some of the scenery may have been bland amongst the winter grey skies, and the leafless trees but beauty can be found anywhere. Today there was beauty in solitude, walking alone for several hours and several miles. There was peacefulness and the scenery felt calm with the lack of wind. I was alone with my own thinking, but I was constantly in forward motion. Being alone with my own thoughts can be a dangerous place for me but never when I am moving forward, never when I am striding even when it is one step at a time. Exercise has always given me an escape from reality. In the past walking did not fit in my exercise vocabulary. Today I know differently and am grateful for each foot I am able to put in front of me. Whether I am walking, jogging, running, or hiking I am moving forward and I am grateful for this. I am grateful for the ability to move.
Date: 2013-02-25
To: Living the dream
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It seems a little unnecessary to include so many journal entries prior to actually being on the trail. I enjoy documenting my pre-hike experiences. To me it is all part of a larger picture. From now until my start date of April 9th, I hope to write 1-3 entries a week. I have no protocol for these entries. I like include work from others' in the format of letters written, quotes and/or text from authors who have left an impression. Some of these authors you will recognize. Upon the trail I hope to journal each night of the current events of that day. The entries I assume will become much shorter. I will do this with the intention of uploading all entries upon access to town and an internet connection. I will do this to share my experience with family and friends, and hopefully to alleviate some worries from the Mom.Currently as I prepare for my AT departure I try to live as actively as possible. I usually hike (now with a fully loaded pack) at least 3 times a week. Gradually, I increase the number of days hiked and the distance of each. In addition I run, swim, and/or practice yoga and occasionally include a boot camp workout. I like to do most anything including last Friday nights broomball game. It was AWESOME! It is important to me both physically and emotionally to move my body. I want to admit a couple of things here. First, balance has been a struggle for me. In my past I have taken exercise to the extremes. Possibly I will go into my personal issues with this at another time... possibly. I have always struggled to gradually increase mileage, time or frequency. When I feel good I want to do more, and so I do. But then I can't stop despite how I feel or how my body feels. Because of this I have suffered many aches and pains, along with common overuse injuries.   Let's hope I have learned my lesson by now. Along with balance I have struggled to include running with my hiking. I love hiking but I REALLY love running. Rather I love the feeling I get from running. Thankfully, and I say this with a sad face my body cannot handle the distance it use to, but this gives me greater opportunities with other activities. Thankfully, and I say this with a happy face I can hike. I like to live a daily life of activity but I do fall short of this expectation.In other areas of preparation I am slowly waiting for more money to come my way to make my last gear purchases. I still need hiking pants, coat, sleeping bag, liner and pad, among some smaller items like a pocket knife. I am not worried in this regard for there is still plenty of time to acquire. I spend some time looking into gear recommendations, current trail conditions, or the occasional trail journal reads. I prefer to read books about other thru hikers, or books similar in theme. Mostly, my preparations at this point are spending as much time as possible on the local trails where I imagine myself on the AT.Just over a six weeks from now and my day dreams will no longer be imaginative. They will no longer be dreams.
Date: 2013-02-27
To: Gratitude
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I was reading a trail journal today by Dr. Spice and he stated the following... "RULE #7 Ignore anyone's negativity unless they are giving away free food." I have been blessed to have had positive support since my desire to thru hike was introduced. And to this day I rarely find otherwise. At the same time negativity can creep in at anytime and I have no room for it in my journey. I cannot afford negativity in any form, from myself or from another person or situation. There is always a silver lining, always a moment of gratitude. No matter what I pray that God helps me to stay grateful...
Date: 2013-03-01
To: Local AT hikes
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Earlier this week I met Knuckles to hike Riprap Hollow-Appalachian Trail Loop located at milepost 90 on skyline drive in the Shenandoah National Park. This was my first of what I hope to be of several SNP hikes. I have been told that this trail provides to be an ample representation of the AT due to the variety of the trail. I climbed and descended mountain tops, traversed through streams and vistas. Slightly off the trail there were rocks to straddle and climb. I like to imagine I am in remote and treacherous areas, pretending to be more bad ass than we all know I am. Yesterday, I flew solo and hiked NOBO from Reeds Gap to Humpback, out and back. I enjoyed beautiful scenery from the outlooks and a partially frozen waterfall. The weather was calm and excites me as spring is approaching. With spring comes a stampede of thru hikers beginning their journey, most likely a northbound trip. Best of luck to everyone currently hiking or about to begin.
Date: 2013-03-17
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Over the past couple of weeks I have slacked off on the hiking. I have been out of town enjoying March Madness at the ACC tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina. I have managed to hit the trail at least two times a week. The weather has not cooperated. While I still have the option I would like to choose not to hike and be miserable. The weather hasn't been all bad. Spring has peered around the corner making the freezing rain falling today less frigid. There is a warmth in the air and sunshine peers through the cracked clouds most days. Last week we got almost 2 feet of snow, but it quickly melted and none remains today. On the gear front I have most everything I need. I will be updating my gear list soon, deleting unwarranted items and adding newly purchased ones. My hammock and tarp finally arrived and I will be meeting with a friend next week to practice the set up. I ordered my sleeping bag, liner and foam pad. Up next is a shake down hike with my mentor. This will be my first overnight trip and will hopefully be happening this upcoming weekend. I have neglected to write in my journal due to pure laziness. I have always loved the idea of keeping a journal, but actually writing in it and then being diligent is a chronic a flaw of mine. Hopefully on the trail I will have less distractions and the time to establish a routine for myself. Winter continue to hang around here in the mountains of Virginia. I am sending thoughts and prayers to those on the trail. Stay warm!
Date: 2013-03-19
To: The 1st Hour
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

The first hour is the most difficult for me. It is during these 60 minutes that I am most filled with doubt. Daemons creep through my mind looking for an excuse to cut this trip short. During this time my pack feels heavier and my muscles strain more. The first hour seems to last longer. If I can push through the false alarms in my mind then things improve. Suddenly the second hand begins to tick more quickly and I have an extra bounce in my step. My confidence increases. Most often within the first hour or two on the Appalachian I am confronted with a sign of an approaching trail or landmark, a waterfall or vista. Seeing these things helps keep that bounce in my step. No matter how grueling the hike may or may not be, no matter how much I huff and puff the rewards are greater then the struggle.It's is worth it!
Date: 2013-03-22
To: Tonight the night
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight is the night of all nights. Tonight myself and my AT mentor, knuckles will hike out to a local AT shelter and spend the night. This is my first night in the woods, EVER! I am a major rookie in this field. The temperature will be in the mid to upper 20's, a little cold for my liking. I am a rookie and a wimp for the cold. Despite my rookie status preparations for a thru hike have taught me so much. I know that many others have gone before me with less experience. This is comforting. My lack of experience has never held me back on my journey to the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2013-04-07
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Arrived at hiker hostel tonight later then planned. After an 8 hour drive from va and my last supper at the back porch oyster bar we are nestled in our bunks. We were greeted warmly by Leigh and ecstatic about the amnesties and cleanliness.I am a little fearful about my upcoming expedition, praying for no early dismal, a light heart and the ability to enjoy each and every day. Jill
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Amicolola Falls

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

4/8Amicolola falls to springer mountainHiked the approach trail in just under 4 hours, arriving at Springer Mountain shelter around 2:00pm. I was greeted by a father and his super smart 7 year old whom we called Energizer. Later the place was full with campers and shelter dwellers. I enjoyed socializing with other hikers.A couple of things stand out to me on this day! First, at breakfast this morning at the hiker hostel which was fabulous I met 2012 thru hiker grin. He gave me this advice, "go slow the first week or two. Whatever you plan stop before then, people may pass but in a week or two you will be further along." One of my biggest concerns is pushing to hard and not listening to my body. Though I got to camp early and wanted to push on I am proud of myself for holding back the reins. Also 4/9 is special to me and I want this to be the day my feet began the AT. I did make two trips to Springer today. As I passed Northbound I forgot to sign the register. After setting up for the night I took a light stroll to sign and grab photos. A big goal was completed4/8Amicolola falls to springer mountain today just by starting the approach trail. Goal, make it to Springer Mountain, done.A brother and sister thru hiker couple stood out to me today, Treasure Hunter and Catsgill! They are super friendly and have a welcoming presence! I hope to see these guys again soon! P.S pack weight was 34lbsFalls were Amazing!
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel

To: Home - briefly
Miles today: 0.0

One word....GIARDIABrief TrAiL uPdATe... sidelined with Giardia. Hiked off the trail Wednesday am to stay at church. Felt rotten Tuesday, but thought I wasnt pushing myself hard enough. that night woke up extremly nautious, bloated and runs. Hiked from Wise shelter to Fox Creek Rte. 603-Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel. Ended up having to go the hospital Thursday sick & dehydrated! I have giardia from bad water. Going home for a couple days to get better,hope to be on trail n few days. Thankful to b close to home... Quite bummed, but staying positive. I was looking forward to cranking out some miles while Trail Days was going on. Forced to slow my roll... I will be back on the trail where I left off in a few days. This may give me some time to update and upload journal entries. Thank you Troutdale Baptist Church and the many trail angels who showed up with care packages, transportation and support. "AWOL" even came by to check out the hostel! Giardia can't keep me down! Total miles after 5 weeks is... 507.6!!!
Date: 2013-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So here goes, my first journal entry. I'm using my phone to practice for my trail reality. I heard an NPR story this morning while driving to work about a lady who typed an entire book into her phone using only one thumb. She has ALS and wrote 89,000 words. Well done, Susan!! I guess no complaining from me about how I'm gonna get this done. ??I'm not the best or most patient tech person. Cue laughter from my family here. I've managed to set up a couple of playlists, download some podcasts and will buy some books for my Kindle later today (maybe an extravagance for some but I gotta have a book!). Managing my TJ will be a learning experience no doubt. I'm writing in the note app and will copy into my journal from here. Here goes......
Date: 2013-03-10
To: home
Miles today: 0.0

I'm having spam, spam, chips and spam. Monty Python   Some food thoughts for my hike. I went to a cool factory the other day to pick up some items I'd ordered. The biz name is Shelf Reliance and it's located in American Fork, Utah.    I had read Balls and Sunshine's 2012 AT journal (awesome father/daughter hiking team--working on the CDT as the third leg of their triple crown with Sunshine set to become the youngest ever triple crown hiker at age 13!).   Shelf Reliance is a sponsor of theirs so I googled them.    I like the idea of keeping my pack weight down by using lightweight foods. I don't like the higher cost of the food or the added cost of mailing, nor do I want to chase packages up and down the trail.    Polaris advised using mail drops much less frequently than he did on his 2012 thru hike. My compromise looks like this: 8-9 packages mailed to selected stops that I will be WALKING RIGHT BY, at least two direct connections w/family to receive stuff along the way and buy the rest as I go.   I figure select mail drops will give me welcome relief from typical hiker resupply but won't rack up postage costs except when I want other hard-to-find stuff anyway. I can always ask for extra mailings if I want.    So, off to Shelf Reliance to check it out and save shipping costs to boot. Utah has lots of companies that specialize in food storage, as the market for these items is fueled by the large proportion of the state's LDS families who heed their faith's teachings on preparedness. The factory was neat as a pin and easy to find.    We were treated to a sunny showroom with bins of every fruit or veggie you can imagine, dairy items (yogurt bites in many flavors were yummy), proteins, dried eggs and milk....all there for the tasting. It reminded me of M & M World in Times Square with a lot less sugar.   We also saw all kinds of water filters, solar ovens, tool kits and other fun stuff. I'd already chosen my water filter system but it was fun to see so many options there and to physically examine them to compare weight and features. Def recommend a visit to their site or store.    I picked up my order of instant milk, freeze dried bell peppers and the dynamic duo of TVP sloppy joes and tacos. I couldn't resist splurging on a small can of freeze dried pineapple pieces--so tasty and lighter/less sugary than typical dried pineapple. Grand total was just over $100. Sweet!