morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Abol Bridge

To: The Birches
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up fairly early this morning. well, earlier than i thought we would. around 7:30. we heard that gadget, someone we met back in VT, was at Abol Campground up the road a few miles. so, we wanted to go see him of course. and it was on the way to the birches so it worked out. we headed up to see if we could catch him before he headed out. he was gonna summit katahdin today. we just missed him too. he had just left we found out later. anyways...we hiked on up to katahdin stream campground and registered with the rangers. its kinda weird cause its all starting to really feel like its ending. oh well, not yet though! so we go down to the birches and set our stuff up. we got a fire goin, and guess who shows up! none other than my parents!!! how crazy! so...we sat with them for about an hour at the campsite before we decided to try to stuff 9 people in a 5 person car and go to town for dinner! and with 4 in the front seat, 3 in the back, and 2 in the trunk, we managed to get to town fine! oh, we got pictures of it too! good stuff. so, we went to get showers and stuff, cause we didn't want to be all nasty and go to dinner. haha! we still were though. so we got to a pizza place and sat and enjoyed dinner with the folks. oh, and all the parents showed up at the pizza place. so, we had a group of about 18 or so. huge! and the pizza was good. but we had to get back to the birches for the night so we had to go. we got back here at the birches around 8:30 and just crashed. we got a big, big day tomorrow! katahdin here we come!-diesel
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Katahdin!!!

To: HOME!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I don't quite know what to say to conclude this. Its been a long, hard journey, to say the least. And I still don't know quite to make of it all. I've learned so much along the way. About myself, the others that were with me, and about how I want life to be. I'm sure that I will be shown more each day how this trip has changed me. I am sitting at my house in FLA, letting myself slip gradually back into life. I've washed all the gear, got all the clothes washed. I am clean! And I do intend to stay that way! Ha! Its weird to be able to shower whenever I want. To drive to a restaurant whenever I want. To go see all the friends that I've thought about for 6 months whenever I want! But theres still something about the trail that I do miss. I know its not the trail itself! At least not the A.T. There wasn't a day that went by that something about the trail didn't frustrate me. But I think it is the simplicity of it. To have the only struggle be how many miles I want to hike today. Or that huge mountain I have to climb today. Or the two or three mountains I have to climb today. The family that was made along the way. I don't think I could ever have such close ties with anyone except those that were with me. Speck, Slickrock, Ketchup (formerly known as Frigid-Aire), OOPU, and Cire. The best partners in crime anyone could ask for. I miss you guys already! I think the only thing left to do is to not let this experience, and all that its brought, slip by. I want to take hold of everything that I learned. I want to live life fully! I don't want to fall back into the norm. I don't want to be the one that looks at people who aren't afraid to live with admiration. I want to be the one whose not afraid to step out and live! Well, I hate to conclude this. But, I don't know if I can keep up with writing journals entries everyday! Anyways...Congratulations to the GA->MEers, especially to 5-Alive plus One!!!Peace,Diesel
Date: 2003-01-22
To: Life as a Rock
Miles today: 0.0

BACKGROUND INFORMATIONI'm 28-years-old and was born and raised in Kansas City. After graduating from the University Of Kansas with a Bachelor's in Psychology, I decided it was time to spread my little Jayhawk wings and fly. I spent 6 months right after graduation in New York City (actually Long Island) working at The Women's Sports Foundation as an intern. It was GREAT. Some of the best times of my life. I also made some of my best friends there...hello to all my fellow WSF interns! I remember once a group of us interns were in the city on the subway and a woman said we looked homegrown. I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or insult. I should have told her I'm organic. 100% natural, no pesticides, chemicals, or alterations on me. I then moved on to Canton, Ohio for about a year and a half. Then spent six months in Alaska, and then finally made my way back to Kansas. As far as my occupation, I'm starting to identify with the saying, "a jack of all trades, master of none."WHY DO I WANT TO THRU-HIKE THE AT?My main motivating factor is to remember who I am. I believe we all come into this world with our compasses dead center, but slowly they get off track because we stop trusting them. We forget who we are and why we are here. We all have a purpose or mission to complete in this life. And I believe that the trail will help me rediscover myself. I envision myself as a jagged rock that tumbles along the trail, and with each day and each lesson my edges will start to smooth out. And one day in my life I will be a smooth rock. Make sense? I want the trail to make me stronger, wiser, more compassionate, more patient...I want the trail to transform me. And I believe it can. I have very little backpacking experience, but Lord willing Becca and I will summit Mt. Katahdin sometime in the Fall.And if my whole rock analogy didn't make sense maybe Henry can explain it better..."I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear, nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness out of it and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience."   Thoreau
Date: 2003-01-26
To: Day Hike
Miles today: 0.0

"Well, I've got money in the bank. I've got a car to drive. I've got a working set of hands that my guitar seems to like 'cause I've got a love that won't quit. And I've got time to rest. I've got a clear able mind that sees my life going fine. 'Cause everything I need is right here in my hands, right here in my hands, right here in my hands..." Everything I Need, Melissa FerrickBecca and I went out on a day hike yesterday at a local park. We loaded up our packs with all our gear and had a great time. Unfortunately, when we stopped to take a picture I lost my sunglasses. I didn't realize it until sometime later, and when we went back to look for them they were already gone. I guess someone will be enjoying my Oakley's. They were about four years old, but I was hoping that if I did lose them it would've been on the AT not on a practice trail. Oh well...Thanks to all of you that are reading along and showing an interest! Please sign my guest book (friends and family this means you too). I love mail! Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy hike to the 2003 class! I look forward to meeting you all.Oh ya, Becca's journal is now posted. I think it is two below mine. Feel free to read hers!
Date: 2003-02-04
To: Lil' dis lil' dat
Miles today: 0.0

You know I have some of the best friends IN THE WORLD! A few of them have said a little hello in my guest book. They're so encouraging, and nice, and fun! I was reading what they wrote and it made me feel so good. No matter what CRAZY idea wanders into my head they are all so supportive. Same with my parents. This is how the conversation went on the phone when I told my Dad I was going to Alaska:Hey Dad I'm going to Alaska to drive a big bus. You know like a motor coach.Denise, do you know how to drive a bus?Nope, but they're going to teach me.Okay, then that sounds good.And then when I told my Dad about the AT:"Hey Dad I'm going to thru-hike the AT next spring." And without skipping a beat my Dad replied, "I'd hike it with you but my knees wouldn't enjoy that."Thanks again for everyone's support. It really means so much to me.So what do you guys wanna know? Anyone have any questions or a topics they'd like to discuss? It is very strange to me to have such a public journal. I'm sure when I'm out on the trail it will just pour out of me onto the page, but right now I'm very aware that you are right there. As my friend Scott "Speed Racer" Miller put it, "I will be waiting with baited breath for each installment." That made me laugh my ass off. One thing I'm so looking forward to is meeting the Falconer in Vermont! My friend Lesley (Hi Nessman!) has a friend that trains falcons. I have no idea what his name is, so I call him the Falconer. Isn't that the coolest occupation? I think I'll tell people on the trail that I'm a Falconer. He has trained falcons that belong to people who are royalty in some country somewhere (I really know what I'm talking about). So anyway, he supposively has a barn where he keeps his falcons in Vermont and I'm definitely going to pay him a visit. And maybe I can wear one of those BIG gloves and hold a falcon! So Falconer if you read this I hope Les told you I really want to stop by and see your birds. Don't ask me why I find it so fascinating. I guess because seriously how often do you come across a Falconer in your lifetime. Once, maybe.
Date: 2003-02-05
To: Things I Will Miss
Miles today: 0.0

Here are some things I will miss in no particular order:1. Mi Cocina (my favorite mexican restuarant)2. Margaritas from Mi Cocina3. Calico Brown (my cat)4. Chiropractic care/Reflexology from Kimberly5. Massages from Jamie6. Energy work from Susan7. Heat8. Air Conditioning9. Unity Temple10. My (12-year-old) CAR the little, red, rice, rocket!11. Well Being Yoga, where I practice yoga.12. Oh yes, how could I forget...MUSIC. Good music. Not the crap on the radio.
Date: 2003-02-18
To: Trail Terms and Other Info
Miles today: 0.0

Here's some Trail Terms and other info that all you non-hikers might like to know.2,000 MILER: is a person who has hiked the entire distance between termini of the official (white-blazed) AT, either by thru-hiking or section hiking.THRU-HIKER: is a person who hikes the entire distance of the trail in one continuous journey.SECTION HIKER: is a person who is attempting to become a 2,000 miler by doing a series of section hikes over a period of time.BLAZES: are painted, 2-inch by 6-inch, vertical white rectangles that are placed at eye height on trees and other objects, in both directions, to mark the official route of the trail. Side trail are marked with blue blazes.SOBO: south bound hikerNOBO: north bound hikerTRAIL MAGIC: is the term used to describe all the wonderful, unexpected things that happen to thru-hikers during their hike.ZERO DAY: is a day during which zero miles of the AT are hiked, usually a day spent in a Trail town resupplying and resting but can be a day in the woods as well.SLACKPACKING: hiking without a backpack. You can make arrangements to have your pack driven to the next town. YOGI-ING: is the good-natured art of "letting" food be offered cheerfully by strangers whithout actually asking them directly (if you ask it's begging)GEAR HEAD: is a thru-hiker who has hiked over a thousand miles or so and still talks about nothing but gear.TRAIL NAME: is a nickname you are given on the trail from other hikers based on something you did or a personality traitOTHER AT QUESTIONS:HOW MANY MILES IS THE AT? 2,167 varies a few miles from year to yearHOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE THE ENTIRE AT?It varies for everyone, but usually around six monthsHOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The books say to average a dollar a mile. However, it depends on your lifestyle. Any where from $2000 to $5000 is a good range.HOW OFTEN DO YOU RESUPPLY?Again it varies from place to place, but on average you can go into town every 3 to 5 days.
Date: 2003-02-19
To: Are We There Yet Papa Smurf?
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings Earthlings!! Ahhhh!! Is it time to go yet??? The waiting is torture! I keep thinking about a Smurf episode I watched in the early 80's...the Smurf's are out trekking somewhere and they just keep walking and walking and every minute or so one of the smurfs would ask Papa Smurf "are we there yet Papa Smurf?" to the point that Papa Smurf almost decks one of them. Isn't it strange the things you remember from childhood? Couldn't tell you about any other Smurf episode, just that one. Speaking of childhood...Becca and I got to go speak to Mrs. Hovis' 4th grade class today about the Appalachian Trail. It was so fun and the kids where great. They had a TON of questions. Most of the questions where "what if" scenarios. Like one child asked, "what if one of you gets lost how would the other one know your lost?" and "what if a bear eats all your food even though it's hanging in the tree?" "what if you get caught in a hail storm?" "what if a tornado comes?" what if you get struck by lightning?" or "what if you fall and get hurt or attacked by an animal, what would you do?" After that question one girl said, "you have to stay calm." Which I thought was very insightful. I tried to stress the importance of the hiking community and how everyone looks out for each other. Becca mentioned Park Rangers and made it sound like there was one around every bend. Good God it was a lie, but we wanted to give the kids some hope! What we really wanted to tell the kids was if a bad situation occurs you put your head between your knees and kiss your ass good-bye! Somehow we didn't think that would be appropriate, though. Hopefully they will take away from our little presentation the importance of following your heart and making your own path through life. That it's okay to be different and to set small goals each day to work toward your dream. We told them that we aren't going to wake up each day and think I'm going to Maine. We are going to say, "today I'm going to hike to the next shelter" or "I'm going to walk 2 more miles." Small bite size goals kids! That's how we're going to get to Maine!
Date: 2003-02-28
To: You Can
Miles today: 0.0

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want." Margaret YoungI've had many people, upon learning that I'm hiking the AT, say that they wish they could do that. They look at me with a combined look of amazement, jealousy, and wonder. As if I possess something they don't or I hold the secret that they have been searching for. These looks come from all types of people. Some are my age just starting out in their career. Some from people nearing retirement thinking they are way past their prime. My response to all is simply, "you can". They then respond with all the reasons why they couldn't possibly do it. All their responsibilities, jobs, family, bills, too old, too fat, too sick...the list is endless. After they are done, my response is still the same. I tell them that no matter what their situation is there is a way. It may take some time to rearrange your life but it is possible. I tell them that there has been at least one person who has thru-hiked the AT with a similiar life situation as them. There have been the rich, the poor, the blind, the sighted, the old, the young, the experienced, the novice. The fact that there is someone who has hiked the AT with similar life situation as you speaks to the possibility that it can happen. My hope is that by telling them that they can, it will start to change those self-defeating thoughts in their head. I suggest ways that they could make it happen or tell them of someone I know or heard of that has done it who has a similiar life as they do. And if it is truly something their soul desires the trail will magically work its way into that person's consciousness and everywhere they turn will be reminders of the trail. And one day they will find themselves on that holy trail. And it won't matter how long they stay or how far they go; all that matters is they got there. "Illusion and fear tie up the Prometheus inside us. No, we cannot do this or that, because we don't have enough money, or enough talent, or enough intelligence. No, we cannot change the world, because it's been the way it's been too long. No one needs to hold us down if we believe we're down already. As long as there are walls inside our minds, we're bound to remain behind them. For if you think you can't, you can't. If you think you can, you might. And if you think God can, you're on your way..." Marianne Williamson
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Three Forks USFS 58

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

Today was TOUGH! Georgia's mountains showed us no mercy, especially Sassafras and Justus. Our goal was to make it to Gooch Shelter to meet up with Noid and Goober, but once Becca, Kay and I reached Justus Creek going one more mile felt like a marathon. Our bodies were exhausted and we needed some food.Becca's trailname is definitely "Wrong Way Brown." She and Goober had set out ahead of Kay and I and we were going to meet at a shelter about 1/2 mile down the trail. She once again lead the wrong way by-passing the shelter completely. She said she didn't see the sign at all. We all finally reunited in the afternoon.I've discovered I like up-hill better than down and my hiking poles are my new best friend. What a life saver they are! They saved me many times today. There's lots of little rocks, so if your foot lands on one it throws you off balance like a snap. I actually did fall once today. I landed wrong on my foot and wasn't able to catch myself and before I knew it I was on all fours. My angels must of been watching out for me because I didn't get hurt. I think I still had my hiking poles gripped by my thumbs. I did think I was going to do a somersault getting up because all my weight in my pack went to my head. But all was well.Another day rain and blister free. I hope I'm able to get some good z's tonight. Oh yeah, we apparently did have a little visitor last night. Goober didn't hang her bag and she discovered a small hole in it this morning. Probably a mouse or racoon. So I guess it does pay to hang.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was such a good day. I felt like a new woman. We even made it much further than we thought we would. We thought we'd go 6 miles to Woods Hole Shelter, but we all felt great so we went 2 more miles to Blood Mountain Shelter. Once there we figured might as well go to Neels Gap (another 2 miles) and get another night indoors and an all you can eat meal. You would've thought we had just summited Katahdin when we came to the Walasi-Yi Center. We were so proud of ourselves for such a big mile day. We'd only been there a short time when a familiar, clean face comes strolling up--it was Noid! She was so happy and surprised to see us. We all came to the conclusion that Kansas City women are just tough hikers. We breed strong women there. We call ourselves the KC crew. And some other hikers were glad to see that Noid's friends do exist. We're not a figment of her imagination.So today feels like the first day we're really starting to meet people. It's so hard to remember everyone's names but here are a few thru-hikers I met--Journey, Yo-Yo, Slow Walker, Red Beard, Seeds, Aligator, Two Fiddy and that's all I can think of at the moment. Goober is also here so we got reunited with her!I also got to weigh my pack and with food and water, it was 33 pounds. Not bad at all. Sure does feel a lot heavier than that after hiking up and down mountains all day. I think I can trim another 2-3 pounds off of it right now and by summer, it will only be around 25 because I won't need my sleeping bag or winter clothes. The weather today was still wet and super muddy. It only rained for an hour in the morning and didn't really rain the rest of the day. It was very foggy, but temp was in the 50's. Looks like next couple of days will be wet and possibly severe weather so we might stay put for awhile. I'm sure our bodies would love the rest.Kay got her trail name today. I came up with Pippi as in Pippi Long Stocking because she likes to wear her hair in braids. She seemed to like it. She is one tough cookie. She is 56 years-old and the mother of 6 grown boys. I believe she'll make it all the way.Well, time to go to bed. We're staying in a hostel tonight so I'm sleeping in a bunk bed in a room with the other hikers. Kind of like a shelter but without the mice. This is my first experience in this setting so it's fun. I pray we don't have any snorers in the group. Supposedly the really bad snorer isn't here tonight. Thank God!Oh yeah, we were excited to receive a care package from Yogi today. She gave us cookies. Thanks Yogi! It's just what I needed after a long hike!
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: No where
Miles today: 0.0

Today is our first zero day. It was pouring down rain this morning and a bit chilly. Although for the last 3 or 4 hours it's not been raining. I think I was ready to rest and rejuvenate. Plus our clothes needed a serious washing. Our bright yellow rainsuits were very muddy around our ankles. I was too lazy to put on my gators, but next time I will. I end up walking on my pants because they're a little too long and now I have a hole in one of the legs. The learning curve out here is fast.The big news of the day is that my trail name has changed a bit. I did confirm that there is already a Dimples on the trail, so a few of us came up with Dimple Rock. I guess there's a big rock in PA called that along a fierce river that Two-Fiddy has kayaked. But Dimple Rock still goes along with the original story and it's not Dimple Butt, so I'm happy.I noticed yesterday that hiking reminds me of rowing. I was on the crew team in college for a bit and it's all about rhythm. Hiking is similar--especially on the uphills. I just feel my mind switch over to a different mode and I get really focused. I've found if I take small steps going uphill I can make it to the top without stopping--usually. Yesterday was the first day I felt confident in my hiking abilities. It's starting to gel and make more sense. Plus my body is getting stronger and I'm getting wiser.Said good-bye to Noid again today. She said she's going to have to average about 14 miles a day, so it's likely we won't meet up again. But then again you never know.When we were on Springer we talked to a Ridge Runner who said 30% of thru-hikers drop out somewhere from Springer to Neels Gap. Which is why coming to Neels was so nice. It was like we passed a test.
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Wild Cat Mountain
Miles today: 6.2

The severe weather predicted for today passed us, although it was still wet, muddy, and foggy with occasional showers. This makes the 4th day in a row of rain. I'd say we've paid our dues. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and dry and it should continue to be that way for at least the next five days. Yeah!Got a late start this morning (10:15) and our knees and feet were talking, so we decided to make it a short day. Trying to gently acclimate our bodies to this new routine.I remembered today about my 2nd trail journal entry about being a rock tumbling along the trail smothing out my rough edges. I thought how interesting my trail name is Dimple Rock. It goes right along with my analogy.