morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the morning getting blessed by the May dew- in the Beltane tradition. Pretty cool- a blessing for good health. Went to the store for a brief resupply, then on the Trail by maybe 10:30- was hoping for a 17-mile day to meet up with the "crew," but my feet started killing me again today. The trail was really rocky, so maybe that was the reason. Very challenging trail today, but sooo beautiful-> elevation map showed a straight-up vertical line heading up to Pond Flats AND there was a reason for that- the trail was straight up!! Whew! And it was pretty humid today-> sweatfest. Started raining after lunch. And then it dawned on me that after being 90% sure that I would get off the Trail in a few weeks, I realized I just couldn't stand being out here very much longer. I realized I needed to get off in Damascus- a good stopping point. So I searched for a phone at Watauga Lake- no luck; so I just started walking toward town(was at a road crossing on the Trail). Got maybe 1/2 mile when "Lowell" offered me a ride in his rusted-out Volvo. Let me tell ya, I was so ambivalent about hopping in, but in my desparate woman thinking I saw that he had a big bag of cat food in his back seat- "a guy with cats can't be all bad." So he drove me to a phone, I called Kevin and asked him to pick me up in Damascus in a few days, then Lowell drove me back to the trailhead without incident. See, people are trustworthy! It's just all part of the magic of the Trail.So, there it is... I'm getting off the Trail. I'll just try it out for a week or so, I can always hop back on at TRail Days if I miss it. We'll see. I'm just not really happy out here- sure, it's amazing: the wilderness, the views, the physical exertions, the mental and physical challenge. But I think I've found some of what I was seeking, so I'm ready to pack it in and head home where my life really is. Looking to finish the Trail in sections now- hopefully with brothers, friends, etc. It's very sad and it's very hard to stay out here talking with hikers and knowing I won't be making the trak to Katahdin with them THIS year. Again, we'll see...
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woohoo! Made my 20-something day! Fairly gentle terrain today, huge thunderstorm about 4:00 though. Everything, everybody got soaked. Good friends at the shelter though. It's packed; when I arrived there, Wanderer said, "The bad news is the shelter is full; the good news is no one has claimed the picnic table." So that's exactly where I'm sleeping, pulled it under the roof a little more; hope I stay dry. I'm a little more at peace with my decision to call off the thru-hike. I realized that the main reason I came out here was to do some soul-searching. Probably 90% of what I was seeking, I uncovered before I even set foot on Springer Mountain. As with life, it's about the journey, not the destination. Even though I had to get out here and reaching Katahdin this fall would be cool, I feel a stronger calling to be at home now. And I'm getting better with that thought.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

Very relaxing day- slept in til maybe 8, hoped for the sun to peek out to dry some of our stuff before heading off to next shelter. No luck on the sun til maybe noon, but we left about 10am and had a nice flat hike. I think we stopped almost every 45 minutes for a break or food- no big rush to make 8 miles! Thunder kept rolling around all day, but about 30 seconds after Pippi (the last of our little group) ducked under the shelter, the bottom dropped out and it even started hailing! The sun made its lasting appearance again later in afternoon, so we were able to set up tents and sleep in peace. Gazer made a great campfire in honor of my last night on Trail- how nice. Many people at shelter tonight- most just taking it easy and looking forward to Damascus tomorrow; many taking zero day(s) in this nice Trail town. I've got many zero days ahead of me- sad and elated at the same time.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The last day of my thru-hike? Crossed VA state line- yea!! Goodbye GA,NC, and TN! Nice flat hike again today and absolutely gorgeous weather! Beautiful foliage- flame azaleas are amazing! Tried to catch my blooming mayapple this morning, but didn't see one. We took all kinds of pictures along the way and once we crossed into Damascus. Thru-hikers were teeming the streets of town as we hiked in. Met up with Kevin shortly- he was kinda scared of me- not knowing what to expect, whether I'd be emotional: sad to be leaving the Trail, elated to see him, excited to come home. I didn't know either- I think I felt a mixture of everything, but mostly just uncertainty-> how will I react? have I made the right decision? what will home feel like? can I ever get the smell out of my clothes? Ate lunch with the magic 4- Gazer, Baby Steps, Pippi, Wanderer- and Kevin of course. Dogs were waiting out in the truck- they were beside themselves to see me and I of course cried at seeing their cute little wagging tails! Crossed the street to the little ice cream shop where the whole idea of thru-hiking was born- I thought it would make good closure, and of course I'd make the sacrifice of eating the hugest brownie sundae I've ever seen, much less inhaled!! This is it! Maybe?
Date: 2002-05-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've become obsessed--> of course, this is not the first time I've gotten some crazy idea in my head and drove everyone around me(including myself) nuts! But I'm about 95% sure that I'll hike the AT next year!!I went on a car-camping trip 2 weekends ago to Mt Rogers in SW Virginia. Parts of the AT pass through the park, so we rambled on to the trail at times. And it was just around this time that several northbound thru-hikers were passing through Damascus. As we were sitting on our fat butts eating ice cream, we talked about whether we could or would want to hike the whole trail. I had decided that I couldn't. My friend, Paula couldn't believe I had resigned myself this. She said "I can totally see you doing it" and I mused on those words during the drive back to Durham--> and at the end of the 3-4hr trip, it become approachable.Here's what holds me back: 1)the fear of failure--> but how would I possibly know if I'd fail if I don't even try it in the first place-duh! 2) getting someone to go with me--> I've talked to several friends, family members and we're "in negotiations" It's funny, ever since this decision to make the hike, I've been evaluating practically every person I know as to whether they would or could do the thru-hike. Family, friends, coworkers, people I meet for the first time- I keep sizing everyone up. It's really bizarre. 3) money--> this is where the kizmet falls in- I estimated what it would cost for the trip/gear itself and added the fixed expenses(school loans, mortgage, health insurance,etc) for the time that I'd be gone- right now, I will have the exact amount in semi-liquid savings, I mean the exact amount, without having to dip into retirement, etc. Kizmet! 4) telling my mother--> 'nuff said!!5) a mere inconvenience, not really a fear: s@#*-ing in some hole in the woods and also "packing it out" once a month; carrying that around for days? not looking forward to it. We'll see...
Date: 2002-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm waiting in the parking lot of REI- they've got about 10 minutes until they open- big sale this coming weekend and I'm hoping to price everything- get some ideas.[later]I just spent 4hrs in that store doing... I don't know what? Started getting fuzzy-headed and realized it was waaay past lunchtime. Tried on a miliion packs, climbed inside sleeping bags, and completely monopolized the time of two very helpful clerks. The shopping part is kinda neat for all this. I loathe (I mean really hate!) shopping in general, but all these new terms- polypro, Whisperlite, titanium weight, bag loft- it's fascinating yet overwhelming. Still doing more gear research- online, books, friends, outdoors store clerks. "...and miles to 'learn' before I sleep..."
Date: 2002-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Taken much time off from journal writing, but been too busy researching other stuff--> books I've read(and I'll apologize if I botch the titles): Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson), A Journey North... (Adrienne Hall), Season on the Trail (lynn Setzer), Woman's Guide to Thru-hiking the AT (Beverly Hugo), Logue & Logue's backpacker's book(can't remember name). Also bought the Trhu-hiker's Handbook, Food Planning to AT thru-hike(from the ATC), Thru-Hiker's Workbook. And I've been looking into more gear crap- online, local trailshops. I've also taken a few more dayhikes around the area and am trying to beef up my workouts- mostly kick up the cardio a bit. Planning some weekend backpacking trips with friends, trying recipes, etc. I'm considering a solo hike (shh! don't tell my mother!). Reading the "Woman's Guide..." gave me a little empowerment to do the thing on my own. I've discovered that part of the fear of doing a solo hike is spending that much time with just myself would almost surely lead to introspection, etc. Oooo, do I really want to discover who I really am? what I really want in life? where my real limits are? Hmm, yeah! But it scares the crap out of me!! But subconsciously that's part of what I want to glean out of this trip. So, yeah, I've become committed to this hike and not much will stop me. Again, we'll see...
Date: 2002-07-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

One weekend backpacking trip under my belt-> let's hope that one slacker weekend trip could predict success for this 6-month trek I've promised myself to. But several key lessons were learned- how to use a water filter, how to be anal about keeping a down sleeping bag dry, (oh, speaking of anal...)how to $*#@ in the woods, how to bearbag, the importance of bandanas and trashbags, the art of preparing meals in and eating out of a Ziploc bag, the bliss of GORP, and how to keep your pack clean and dry when you know you're gonna return it right after the trip. The trip was great, albeit pretty easy-moderate./Lately though, I've just been checking out gear, returning half of it, trying out possible trail dinners in the safety of my kitchen. I've also been dodging my brother's phone calls which seem to always convey some story about folks being killed in the wilderness or attacked by rabid bears or contracting ebola from domestic mosquitoes. Several more weekend trips are in the works, looking forward to the serenity of the mountains and the slosh-slop of muddy trails. (I dream of rain in these drought conditions of NC this summer)/I finally get to tell my boss this week about my "leave of absence" request or resignation or whatever I gotta do next spring. We'll see...Til next time...
Date: 2002-08-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trailname has been dubbed! I was recently extolling the nutritional values and general yumminess of using soynuts in my GORP when my friend said "you're gonna turn into a soynut." And thus, the name materialized. The whole soy thing goes much further however... I'm allergic to all nuts, peanut butter, etc, so this forces me to be pretty creative with protein-packed snacks and meals. I use salted and unsalted soynuts(and other seeds) in different GORP combos; eat energy bars with some kinda soy concoction as the protein; use soy butter in place of the ever-versatile peanut butter. And if that's not bad enough, I'm also a vegetarian, which means TVP, tofu, soy milk--> I'm experimenting right now on making homemade tofu-jerky(it's been kinda scary up to this point!)   Aaaack! When will it all end? Basically I'm guessing that over the course of this trip, I will have accumulated so many soy isoflavones to ward off any impending menopausal symptoms that are even thinking of setting in some 20 years from now!/So, there's where the name came from. If only hiking the Trail were as easy as inventing a trailname...
Date: 2002-11-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I was able to nail down a start date this weekend, and I am totally exhilarated and excited and frightened and joyful. March 21- what a beautiful sound. It's only been hours since that date has come into light and already it has a mystical, otherworldly tune to it. It's very odd that this is the date that just "worked out" too- this is the day that my father passed away; it will be 4 years in 2003. Maybe I can tap into the energy that dissipated from his physical life and channel it to propel me thru the mountains. At the same time: reality has sunk in. I actually got choked up and dropped a few tears as I made my reservation with the nice lady at Amicalola Lodge in Georgia. The dream is coming to fruition- this is amazing- I hope that everyone, at some time of their lives, can see their dreams unfolding; it's so awesome. And that concludes the questions part of the Miss America pageant- I'm such a cornball at times.My plan is to pencil out an itinerary by the end of the year, then start making lists for maildrops, etc after 2003 sets in. i've been keeping in pretty good shape- running and lifting pretty regularly, but I'll be stepping it up after the first of the year- actually, I may back off lifting a bit and put more energy into cardio. That should be fun!My plan is to spend Paddy's Day with my family and friends, then spend a few days chillin' with my boyfriend at Amicalola Lodge near Springer Mtn, and then head off! March 21- wow. It'll be here soon!
Date: 2003-01-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Happy New Year - I have less than two months...WOW!!! I have some friends that have been bugging me to add another entry: so here it is. :-) I moved my stuff to my parents, I have shut off all of the stuff you need to before you move away...I have a week left at my job and then I am travelling to VA for a while then up to Ohio to do some hiking in the snow...I have been so blessed here at this church, with my friends here and I hope all of you know that you are so precious to me! Thank you for helping me become who I am at this time AND for supporting me in this journey. I know of a lot of people who will be hiking the AT and their friends and family thing they are nuts - but I have been so encouraged and supported. I have more food than I know what to do with - who knew you could dehydrate so much?! Anne, I am not going to climb any waterfalls and will do my best to stay on the trail at all times. And now I am going to get to the gym and pretend that I am hiking in the mountains. Blessings!!!
Date: 2003-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning all - I had a moment about a week ago, I was walking around REI in Nashville with some friends and all of sudden it hit me. I am REALLY GOING TO HIKE THE AT. You would think that after leaving a job(that I loved) and selling a house I would have figured it out but no...took a bit of randomness. I have been hiking in Ohio these past few days with my sister. 12 miles here...6 miles there...it's fun seeing a hiking trail covered in snow that hasn't been disturbed yet and then looking back and seeing your footprint behind you.We have most of our food finished, most of our gear, now I am just trying to eliminate what I don't need and add what I might have forgotten. Only 3 and a half weeks left!!! Wow.To all the kids at Pensacola First UMC - HI!!! Hope you are having a blast in school, sunday school and Pathways...you are in my prayers! Thank you for praying for me. Blessings,Em
Date: 2003-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all - just got finished working on (what feels like...1000's) a lot of my trail mixes and vitamin drinks...I look at it all and know that I have so much finished but still so much to do!!! I have all of my equipment cept one thing and I should have that this saturday. I have to tell on myself - I learn so much about hiking everyday. My sister and I have been preparing for the trail by trying to hike around 6-10 miles in the HUGE(haha)hills of Ohio in the snow. Well, yesterday we hiked 9 miles and I forgot my insoles. Which - if you know me, you know how bad my feet are - is a big deal. I wasn't sure I was going to make it home - only 9 miles. With 35 pounds in my pack...my left foot still doesn't like me. When I am on the AT this won't ever be a problem cause I will never take them out - but now I use the same insoles in my jogging shoes too. Oh well, I learned a huge lesson! Always remember your insoles and then keep hiking. Have a blessed week everyone!!Emily
Date: 2003-02-26
To: Atlanta, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Okay - THIS IS IT!!! We are leaving tonight for Atlanta(through a snow storm-fun) and will be on Springer this Saturday! I didn't think it would ever get here!!! HUGE thank you to everyone that has been so supportive of this Journey. Thank you for all of the prayers, food, and excitement that you all have given me. I am so grateful - you will never know. Thank you to mom for keeping this journal up to date for me - from now on the entries will be from her. You are the best! Thanks to you and dad for everything. Everyone that plans on sending something -please double check our mail drops on this site - they may change as we get slower or faster. :-)Whew - so much to take care of still today. I am so excited! Pack 31 - here we come!Blessings to all - speck(Em)
Date: 2003-03-01
From: Atlanta, GA

To: top of mtn. past hightop gap
Miles today: 8.3

Amazing Day!! All five of us have the most amazing parents. Thanks to all of you for supporting us. Mom, everyone loved the sandwiches...we did all have to help Oopu finish his extra large sandwich...it kind of took us awhile. Kind of funny. It was never ending!!!I feel great right now and really good about how I am doing physically. Now if I could get my feet doing just as well. For those of you that dont know I cut about 5-6 in. off my hair last night-it is short!!! Thanks to all 10 of you thta helped cut itwith those teeny tiny scissors. It is a little rainy and cool outside and has been for the later part of the day. Can I tell you how funny it was to try to hang the food bag...After Julia and I tried about eight times each we finally got some help. At least we have 6 months to learn how...well, its 7 pm and every else is in bed...so I guess I will join them!Thank you for the prayers!Best quote of the day-David: "All I want to know is -who put my feet in cement blocks?"Blessings,speck
Date: 2003-03-02
From: top of mtn. past hightop gap

To: gooch gap
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It's only about 4:30pm and we are finished for the day. Yeah! We hiked up Sassafras mtn. today and it kicked our rear end-we alsp didn't have enough water so we had to hike for awhile without any...that kind of scared me. Slickrock(jULIA) was really strugling without it..but again our group(5 Alive)kept sharing and supporting her and each other. And when we did get to the stream...wow,best part of the day!!!The rest of the group has their trail names now-Julia's is Slickrock, Leah's is Frigid Air, Jason is Diesel and David is Oopu. I have also run into Wench and Bumpkin today and got to meet Liteshoe, Hot Dog, Subman, A-train, Red, Tommy, and many others...I am so excited about being out here-we have seen so many great views. Lord, I praise and thank You for this opportunity.We had a campfire tonight - Swallowtail set it up and then Hot dOg kept it going for us. Diesel got out theguitar and he and I did some praise and worship songs. Its interesting to watch people who arent sure if they want to sing those songs but like them and want to hang out...thanks to all of you who encouraged us to keep singing even though you would have wanted somethingelse...this is an amazing community.Blessings, Speck
Date: 2003-03-03
From: gooch gap

To: .7miles short of Slaughter gap
Miles today: 10.3

What a hard day...we have had a good day though. Poor Diesel has had blisters on both feet since the first day...and he has been such a trooper, he is trying not to complain but we all knew he was hurting. Once more 5 Alive has stepped up to the task-we finally got him to put his Chaco Sandals to hike for awhile and we all took some of his extra gear. I carried his 4 pound Martin Backpacker guitar...oh my gosh...it added a lot of weight to my pack. I don't know how he does it. But everyone has been very patient with each other.We met up with Lumberjack today-he hiked most of the day with us. We got some trail magic today from MudButt and Swallowtail. Water and candy bars...so good. And at the best time ever...thank you!!!Oh yeah, we didn't have too much trouble finding water today but Frigid Air always has enough for all of us...she is water queen.I washed my hair and face tonight and I am not sure I got all the soap out...guess I will find out tomorrow. It's hard to rinse my hair with water from my water bladder...you would have to watch me to understand.I think we are going to only hike 3 miles tomorrow. Going to take a day so that Diesels blisters can heal.Sorry this was so long!!!Blessings,speck
Date: 2003-03-04
From: .7miles short of Slaughter gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

how weird is it that when you do absolutely nothing the time does not move. We woke up at our campsite around 7 am to some amazing skies...and then saw many beautiful georgia views...have I mentioned how great the weather has been so far? We only did 3 miles today to get to the Walasy-yi center for free hamburgers and a little gear changes. Also a chance to air out our blisters...so now with clean clothes, clean bodies, and a bed in a hostel-it is time for bed. We are going to try for 12 miles tomorrow to help make up for our short day today...Proverbs 3:5-6speck
Date: 2003-03-05
From: Neels Gap

To: hogpen gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Started at 9:30 am...wow, what a great day!!! Have I mentioned how much I love it out here. I have been recently nicknamed the "Beast" by some of my hiking partners-I am not sure if I like it or not...but it's cause I love to hike straight up the mountains fast. hahaha...so who knows. I love to be ahead or behind of the others and to just pray, think, or sing. I have been learning a lot about being vulnerable with others over the past six weeks...sharing who I am and not allowing my past or my fears of out come to shame me from relationships...so as I meet others out here - who am I? Also, how do five very different people hike together without separating? Can we do it? So I am with Diesel about 4 miles behind the rest of 5 Alive because he is going to rest his feet for 2 and a half days..I have an amazing friend coming to get us tomorrow morning and drive us to Hiawassee and then she will bring me back here to Hogpen Gap so that I can try to catch up with the others in Hiawassee on Saturday. So we are facing our first challenge and I think we have come up with a great solution-it is so incredible to watch God humble every one of us where we need it! Plus, I get to do 2 days by myself and see if I can do 25 miles in that time. We will see.We are camping at a site with Justin, Kim and Coach. Love meeting all these people...okay...hiked 700 feet in .7 of a mile...loved that! Good night and blessings,speck