morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Baxter State Park

To: Munson, ME
Miles today: 115.0
Weather: light rain

Made it to Munson in 8 days after summiting Katahdin on the 27th, but only after getting a lucky hitch from Long Pond Tote Rd. I skipped about 10 miles of the trail, but desperate conditions called for it. Hurricane Arthur had flooded the brooks to sights unseen in living memory, or at least the living memory of Matt, an outfitter that picked me up and brought me to the Lakeshore House in Munson. I tried to cross Little Wilson Brook (see the pic), which was up to my waist, and barely hung onto the rope to make it to the other side; my pack and gear got wet, spun me around and tried to drag me under, and for a second I thought I would have to ditch it midstream. (I had it un-clipped and loose of course.) It was a seriously close call and a dumb decision to try to cross, but was so tired of being wet--the rain started two days ago and hasn't stopped, and I was so close to the Highway and Munson. I had a separate freak out moment on Chairback Mntn, which is as technical a climb as Katahdin, but with a full pack on. I've been pushed to and beyond my capabilities by the Hundred Mile Wilderness; it's hazardous in many respects. Still, it's wild, and I wouldn't be any where else. I covered about 10-12 miles between shelters, though I had an 18 mile day on the flats before White Cap Mountain--great views and 3-bars at its summit--and a 17 miler ending at the Chairback Gap Lean-to. I must slow down, but was running low on food.I've met so many cool people already--NOBO's "G" and Chase on Katahdin, Cannonball and Coyote near Abol Bridge, and Dakota Joe and Phil (Fill?) Powcahunka lean-to, a few flip-floppers (Doc Hazard) and the Newlyweds, and a few fellow SOBO's (Mark from Chi-town, Chad from Kansas City, Oliver from Knoxville, London from Virginia, and Vulture and Cactus from IU--and am amazed at the supportive community out here. (I am worried about V&C, a really cool couple of recent college grads, as I left them in the shelter to check out the fording prospects of Little Wilson and other brooks ahead of. I hope they had more sense than to follow me across it.)Am now ensconced in the warm and friendly Lakeshore Inn, having my first beer (and real food) in a week! Back on the trail tomorrow. (To friends and family: the cell coverage is spotty even in the towns of Maine, so forgive the neglect. I love and miss you all, and am coming home as fast as my legs will carry me.)
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Sapphire, NC

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Heading back to the Appalachian Trail on the 29th of March, give or take a day or so. Thanks to a friend, I'll be riding to Sapphire, NC, with my daughter on her spring break, and then on to Damascus, VA (somehow?) to walk the remaining 460 miles south to Georgia. Home mid May, with luck.
Date: 2014-11-14
To: So it Begins
Miles today: 0.0

I've never been much of a journal person but for something this epic I thought I'd give it a go. My name is Erica and I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2015. I first heard about the trail a few years ago from my best friend. We were chatting on the phone and she said "Hey, you want to hike the AT with me?" I said sure, always willing to try anything once. Since then I have been practically obsessed with hiking it. Finally, I have the time and money to do so (hopefully! and hopefully my best friend will be able to come out and hike a section with me). I've been slowly buying gear this year although it feels like I've been collecting things forever. I have just a few incidentals left, then its just food and a plane ticket and I'll be all set to go. I'm super excited and yet completely terrified. Some days I feel I can complete this no problem and other days I feel like I am nuts to even consider to do something like this. I guess I'll never know until I try.
Date: 2014-12-02
To: What to Wear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The holidays are upon us and I realized I have only 3 more months until I hit the trail. When I first started the beginning stages of planning I had all this time. The start date was just a day looming far off in the future. But now its so close I can taste it! I guess the biggest issue I've been having is trying to plan my wardrobe. I'm not so much worried about the warmer months, its the cold that concerns me. I'm really not too interested in experiencing hypothermia. It just doesn't seem like it'd be fun. I have a long sleeve smart wool shirt and I have to get a new rain jacket...but I'm not quite sure what to wear in the middle. Another jacket? A fleece sweatshirt? I just cant decide. Eventually, I'll just have to pick something and go with it. If it doesn't work, I could always pick something else up on the trail. Not ideal, since I'm on a very tight budget. Luckily, Christmas is coming and I have a ton of REI gift cards coming my way!
Date: 2014-12-23
To: Happy Holidays
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Christmas is just about here and I have about 2.5 months until I hit the trail. I can't believe how quickly time has flown. I just keep thinking "In two months i'll be on the trail, just two months"I went two weeks ago and saw Wild at the movie theater. I thought it was very well done. I loved the book. Cheryl's struggle to make herself into the women her mother wanted her to be was very powerful and moving. My reasons for walking the trail are nowhere near as compelling but still important to me all the same. I've started discussing my journal with my family a lot more openly. Before I would mention that I was thinking about making the trip and talking briefly about what it was. Now I giving everyone a start date and a definite "I'm Going!" The first question I usually get is "You're going by yourself?" When I confirm the second question is "ARE YOU BRINGING A GUN?!?!?!" When I deny this question I get a lovely lecture about safety. But once I explain to them how unnecessary it is, how illegal it is (As i do not have a pistol permit and guns aren't allowed in state parks, etc.) how dangerous it is (I've never shot a gun before...) and how heavy they are (I'd rather save the weight for gummy bears) their fears seem to be assuaged. I'm actually somewhat surprised by the support I've gotten. I wasn't too concerned about my sisters. Were very close and support each other no matter what. They already have letters written that they are going to send me while I'm on the trail, LOL! My fiance isn't too pleased about the trip. But I have been planning this since before we met and he realizes it is important to me. He said e would help with my mail drops and pick me up in Maine after I finish. I plan to send him lots of postcard, letters, text messages, etc. while I'm gone. The biggest surprise I have to say was my grandfather. He's a very big advocate for working hard and being responsible. So when I told him I was taking 6 months off to live in the woods I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But he is my biggest supporter! He told me that he wanted to be the first to read my journal when I get back...and it must be a hand written journal! I think that's it for now,Happy Holidays!
Date: 2015-01-07
To: New Beginnings
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, its been an interesting holiday season. Christmas with my family was great. I actually had some time off this year to spend with them. Then all of a sudden it was a new year! 2014 seemed to have gone by so quick, there were a lot of ups and downs but I am ready to see what 2015 will bring. So far the start to the new year hasn't been that great. My fiance and I split up last weekend. It was pretty devastating. I've cried more in the past few days than I have in my entire life. But at least I have a 2200 mile backpacking trip coming up to get over it. I had to move back in with my mom. Which means I not only have to commute to work now but I have to sleep on the couch. I have piles of crap and boxes stacked in my sister's room which I feel bad for. But its not like I can find a new place to live when I am leaving in 2 months. Plus my mom is moving in a few months too. Luckily I've moved so much in the past couple of years that I have slimmed down all my stuff. My entire life fits in 7 boxes. Its been a struggle to try to get anything done. All I want to do is wallow in self pity on the couch. My sisters make me do things though, which means I randomly burst out in tears in the middle of the store. Oh well. I cry a little less everyday. My best friend is coming to visit this week! She has family in Maine and will drive down to CT for the day to see me. I'm excited because we can talk gear all day and all night!!! I'm definitely getting more excited for my hike. I'm also a lot more nervous too since I am going to be homeless and jobless when I get back. But I've had a lot more support from my family for my hike. My dad said he would watch my dog for me while I'm gone which is a huge load off my mind. Now I just have to figure out where I'm going to leave my car for a few months. I have 67 days until I leave for GA!!
Date: 2015-01-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My best friend drove down from Maine to visit me last week for a day. She herself was visiting family up there, she's been living in Tucson for the past couple of years. It was GREAT to see her!! I showed her all the gear I've collected so far and we went through everything. We had dinner out, hot wings and steak, and then went to REI!! She hiked a section of the trail so I got a lot of pointers from her. Plus it was so great to be able to talk to gear with someone who actually understands everything I'm saying. But I'm pretty sure I have everything I need now. I just have to put a few things together and practice packing my pack. And of course buy food. Then I'm good to go. I plan to give my notice to work in about a month. I cant wait!! See you on the trail!
Date: 2015-01-18
To: TWO MONTHS!!!
Miles today: 0.0

   Two months exactly until I hit the trail!! I am so excited. I can't believe its here already.Its been getting much colder here since the start of January. Today it rained and all the roads turned to ice. Including the driveway at my job. Which meant my poor car was unable to climb the massive hill of ice masquerading as a driveway. So the poor thing was stuck at work. So sad. I had to call my sister to come pick me up and my mom will have to drop me back off at work tomorrow. Hopefully the rain will stop so my boss can get the driveway sanded. Such a hassle. And on top of that I had to see my ex-fiance too. I needed to pick up some mail that didn't get forwarded. It was definitely hard seeing him again, especially with his callous attitude. I found it unnecessary for him to treat me like that but if treating me like crap is his way of getting through the break up than so be it. Most of what he said was complete bull but a little of what he said was true. I do believe he isn't ready for a long term relationship. Hes a bit immature and needs to grow up quite a bit still, which isn't easy. And I may not be ready for one either. There is so much of the world that I want to explore and I want someone who is willing to explore with me, not hold me back. Needless to say I can not wait to get on the trail. I need to find myself again. I was so wrapped up in being in a relationship that I lost part of myself. I need to be free again. 59 more days until I'm free! In about a month I'll let my jobs know I'm leaving. I can't wait. I'm also contemplating getting another tattoo before I hit the trail. Something small...but I should save my money for the trail...but I really want one! See you on the trail!
Date: 2015-01-20
To: Quotes
Miles today: 0.0

So I've been contemplating quotes. It seems that everyone as some sort of significant quote that they use to sign their journal with or trail registers. I want one too! I cant decide on what kind of quote to go with. Something epic, something from a book or should I just pick random movie quotes. The only one I can think of is "Welcome to Jurassic Park" Probably the best line of the movie! Just something to think about!
Date: 2015-01-25
To: What's cooking
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Decided to play with my stove today! We'll see how it goes. I managed to light it without blowing anything up. So that's a plus. I'm entering this entry with my phone to see how that goes as well. 49 days until I leave for GA!I made a Knorr pasta side with my stove. It came out pretty good. I added a little bit too much water so it was a bit sloppy. But overall super easy.
Date: 2015-01-31
To: Tattoos and Friends
Miles today: 0.0

I ended up getting a new tattoo and its absolutely lovely! I got it as a reminder to never compromise on my happiness. To never settle for less than I deserve. And to follow my dreams no matter how impossible they seem. I have 43 days until I leave for GA!! I got a package from my Best-ie today! It had some things for my first aid kit, a compression sack for my sleeping bag and the best thing of all...a gift card for my nook! So awesome. 43 Days!!! Cant wait!!
Date: 2015-02-02
To: Winter, ugh
Miles today: 0.0

Winter has finally hit here in CT. Snow, Snow, and more snow. And because I have such a long commute I have to continue to miss work. My bosses don't want me trying to drive in this crap. Plus my car doesn't really handle the snow as well as I would like. But while I have a snow day I played around with packing my pack. I found that I couldn't fit my tent in the pack with the sleeping bag and the sleeping pad. So I put the tent on the outside of my pack but then the pack cover doesn't fit right on the pack. So I'll have to play around with it a bit more. But my base weight is 21 pounds! I was expecting it to be a bit more so now I'm afraid that I'm fogetting something! Lol!
Date: 2015-02-09
To: 34 Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am down to 34 days before I leave for GA! I can't believe it's here already. I'll be telling work soon that I'm leaving. A suprise came in the mail today! I signed up for the REI visa card and when you make your first purchase they send you a 100 gift card. The gift card cane in the mail today!! Of course I spent it right away! My new stuff should be here by Friday!
Date: 2015-02-13
To: 30 Days
Miles today: 0.0

30 Freaking Days Left!!!! Holy Catfish I cant believe its just a month away. I told all my bosses that I am leaving. My last day of work is March 13th! They were very supportive and excited for my trip, thankfully. And everyone said they would love to have me back when I am done. The trip is also Facebook official now! Haha. I posted a status update with my impending departure. And I created a facebook page for everyone to follow me. www.facebook.com/thistle2015 Feel free to come like my page.
Date: 2015-02-20
To: Enticement
Miles today: 0.0

Well, Good Golly Miss Molly, 23 days until I leave for GA!! Holy Catfish, I can't believe its so close. Some interesting developments happened at work. I currently work three part time jobs at different horse barns in the area. After I lost my full-time job last fall, I just picked up what I could employment-wise, I knew I was leaving in a few months so I wasn't too worried about finding the 'perfect' job, so to speak. So I was called into the office at my favorite of the three jobs last Saturday. My boss said she didn't want to lose me and preceded to make me an offer I couldn't refuse. There is a possibility of a place to live, a possible raise, help with finishing up my vet tech certification, the job at the farm and at the small animal vet clinic she owns, plus a few other things. It was pretty tempting... very tempting in fact. And if it was offered a few months ago I may have took her up on it. But now, I just cant. I have too much invested in the hike and I know i would regret it forever if I didn't hike now. I feel like if she likes me that much and shes been waiting for all this time for the right employee then she could wait a few more months for me to get back. And if she finds someone else while I'm gone then she finds someone else. On another note, I've picked up a few more hours at work to make a bit more money before I leave. And of course, I came down with a cold this week. Not fun. The cough tends to linger for a while so I'm hoping this time it clears up before I leave. see ya'll on the trail soon!
Date: 2015-03-14
To: Almost there!
Miles today: 0.0

So much has been happening since my last journal entry. I became officially unemployed on Friday the 13th at about 8am! I've been looking forward to this for such a long time. It was such a great feeling. But I've had a bit of anxiety about being jobless as well, but I'm sure i'll get over it once I get on the trail! I had a going away party last night with a bunch of family and friends, there ended up being about 20 of us. We went to the local sports bar where they have the BEST wings!! I am going to miss those when I'm on the trail. Maybe I can get some sent in a care package! After the party a few of us went out dancing. Been such a long time since I went dancing!! It was a great time! I even ran into a friend from when my sister and I were kids, such a surprise to see him!I would also like to thank my family and friends for all the support they've given me for this trip. I am so overwhelmed by it. There have been many inquires into how they can help with my journey, so I am looking forward to some awesome trail magic! My grandmother also did something...I'm not sure how I feel about it. She went down to the local town newspaper and spoke to the editor about my trip. He wants to do a story on the trip. Now I really cant wimp out, haha!I would also like to thank the women from Wild and White Blazing. Its a fantastic group for women interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail. These women are so helpful and encouraging. Its just a great community, they helped alleviate some of my fears and concerns, answered any question I had no matter how dumb it sounded. I will forever be grateful and I hope to meet them at some point. Lastly, I have put all my bills on autopay, canceled and postponed what I could. I'm dropping off my car at my grandparents house tonight. The rest of my things are in boxes, packed away in the attic. My dad is picking up the dog on Monday, so I get to spend my last few hours here with him. I'm really going to miss my baby, I hate leaving him but I know my dad will take good care of him. All that's left it to fly to GA tomorrow! I land in Atlanta at 330pm. My aunt will be picking me up, I'll spend a few days at her house. Boots on the trail Wednesday! See ya'll out there!!
Date: 2015-03-17
To: 1 more day!
Miles today: 0.0

1 day left until I hit the trail!!! (Insert girlish scream of excitement here) I arrived in GA on Sunday afternoon. It was a quick flight, left on time and arrived early. I had a lovely seat on the aisle, no screaming babies or nasty B.O. smells. Haha. I've been relaxing at my Aunt's house in Dallas, GA. The 70 degree weather is excellent!! But a complete change from the 30 degree weather in CT! I'm dying a bit from the extreme change. I did some running around yesterday and picked up some last minute items that I needed. Today I plan to set up my tent again, just because. And pack and unpack my pack a few times more, just because. Never can be too prepared. Yesterday my aunt and cousin (she's 4) took me to thier special place. It's called High Shoals, it's a little waterfall with a few hiking trails. We had a picnic lunch, took off our shoes and waded in the water. Such a glorious day! I think that's it for now. The next time I check in I'll be on the trail!!See you out there!
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Springer Mountian

To: Hawk Mountian Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

It's finally here!! The day I leave for the trail. I'm so excited. My aunt Julie, my cousin Kairi and her friend Kaitlyn (both of whom are 4) came with me to drop me off. I registered at Amicalola.. Hiker number 542!! My pack ended up weighing 44 pounds. Good grief I don't know how it got that heavy. I definitely will do a pack shake down at Neels Gap. We took some pictures and then took off to Springer Mountian. I had no interest in hiking the approach trail. Once we got to the parking area Julie and the girls decided to hike with me to the summit of Springer Mountian. It was only about .9 miles from the parking area. Oh boy! What a struggle. Trying to hike up there with two 4 years, Ugh. But we made it!! Such an amazing view. I signed the register and took some pictures. I can't believe that this moment is finally here. After all those years of planning and dreaming. It's just amazing. We got back to the parking area at 215pm. I said my final goodbyes and took off down the trail. It was a beautiful sunny day. I couldn't ask for better weather to start. The pack was making my back and shoulder a bit sore but I powered on through. I made it to my first stop Hawk Mountian Shelter at about 530. Holy Tent City! I knew about the massive amount of people starting but my god I was not prepared to see that many people. If I had to guess I would say there about 40-45 people there. I found a flat spot and set up my tent. I went down to the creek to grab some water. I'm carrying two water bottles. One for clean water and one for dirty water. Then I filter the dirty to the clean when I need more water. I'm always carrying 2 liters of water. This shelter had a privy which was nice and completely disgusting, lol. I made dinner and then hung my food bag from the bear cables. I wasnt too sure how to hang a bear bag yet and the cables were there available for use. Once I cleaned up I crawled in my tent and read before bed. Not too bad for my first day. Am loving every second!!
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Bull Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were suppose to get rain but it still hadn't started. It would drizzle here and there. TJ left pretty early, we said goodbye, he planned to do 18 miles or so depending on the weather. We probably won't see him again. Will passed by as well, he asked if I wanted to hike with him, I told him to go on, I still had a but of packing up left to do. I left camp about 8, I think. And boy did I book it!!! Very easy hike and I stayed ahead of the rain. I pulled into low gap shelter at 1230. I was just flying today. I felt so good. It was fantastic. I was contemplating pushing on but decided to stay. Sunny came in a few minutes behind mr, Will was already there along with the guy from England I kept leap frogging with all day. We set up our tents just before the rain started. We hung out at the shelter and chatted with a bunch of guys that came in after us. I can't remember all thier names. One was six pack, one was speak easy. One of the guys there had a bit of hyperthermia a few days ago but he says he's doing fine now. Still hiking along. Guys are just gross, hahaha. Every single one in the shelter was just sitting there picking toe crud, getting undressed, and just being gross. HAHAHA! So glad I'm in my own tent. I did get my period this afternoon. I used the Diva cup and had a bit of a melt down because I couldn't get it out later. I checked the book and saw we were close to town with a doctor. So that's the plan for tomorrow. What a day