morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-10
To: Safe and Sound at Home on Hubby's Birthday
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I've made it home, safe and sound, and it happens to be my husband's birthday. He's fast asleep, as it is past 3:00 am. I was met at the door by my youngest son, Toby, who commented on my increasingly diminishing size (I love you, son!), and although I'm dreadfully tired, I'm wired at the same time. It was great to walk in my door and see my beloved youngest son, whom I think has grown even taller and more handsome in my absence. He informed me that he and his siblings had purchased buttermilk so that I could make my "famous" homemade buttermilk "Happy Birthday Pancakes" tomorrow (today, actually) for their daddy, who turns 54. Old man!!! (Just kidding, sweetie!) It's my family tradition. My best way of demonstrating my love for my family, aside from abundant hugs and kisses (which they sometimes find embarrassing in their excess), is to cook for them. And I'm a pretty fair cook, if I do say so myself.The house looks so big!!! Do I really live here????? Tessa immediately made a run for my bed, where I intend to retreat in just a moment myself. It feels so odd to be here in this big house, when my home has been the trail for the past several months. My entire earthly possessions have been what I can carry on my back of late, yet in my "real" life I live in what most would call a mansion: eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a guest house, pool, 11,500 square feet of pretty cool digs next to Lake Travis...but I love the trail! Who would ever have guessed that a formerly overweight, depressed, wealthy middle-aged woman would find new life on a wilderness trail on which the only possessions are that which can be carried on her back?Life is so perplexing. But I love my life, and a year ago I couldn't say that, I was so lost. The AT has healed me in so many ways! Honestly, folks...I think the best thing one can do for one's self is to step outside of his/her own comfort zone and have a real, honest-to-goodness adventure! I adore adventure, and I hope there are more to come for me! In the meantime, it's so great to be home. I'm headed upstairs now, where I'll turn five jets of spray on myself in my shower. I might even turn on the steam and just luxuriate! Maybe I'll be able to dig out the dirt embedded in the massive callouses on my feet, although I'm convinced that it'll take a sandblaster or pressure washer to get me clean at this point.(An aside: last time I came home it was Toby who greeted me first, as he did this time. Last time his first words were something like, "Geeze, Mom! You're so tiny!" This time it was, "Oh my God, Mom...you really did get a buzz..." Oh well. I still have my boobs to prove I'm female! I AM A GIRL, honest!!!!!! Look close!)ANGUS, YOU ROCK!!!!!!! I love you, girlfriend! Now go home and scrape the manure out of your boot treads! And make your hubby late for church, as we discussed! Ooh, la la!
Date: 2011-07-12
To: YouTube Video Channel
Miles today: 0.0

I've created a YouTube video channel, to which I will be downloading videos from the trail. (Actually, once I'm no longer at home, my family will be the ones downloading my videos to the channel. Toby, you're in charge of this.) At any rate, I thought you might enjoy taking a peek. The videos of the day with the cows during the thunderstorm will be the first to be downloaded. Enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/user/tamijo1962?feature=mhee
Date: 2011-07-12
To: I Want Your Help...
Miles today: 0.0

It's great to be home in the bosom of my wonderful family. Everyone sees the changes in me outwardly, but they also see the changes I have made inwardly, and they are happy for me. The trail has been so beneficial to me. I feel ready to embrace life again; in fact, I feel ready to embrace life as never before! I intend to make fitness a major part of my life. I will never be overweight again! I intend to continue to challenge my body to see just what it can do. I intend to love more deeply, give of myself more fully, and be the best wife, mother, daughter, and friend that I can be to those whom I love. And I intend to continue with my campaign of Safe Sleep. While I am home, I will be making calls to local and state newspapers, television stations, and radio stations to see if I can somehow bring more attention to my hike and its purpose. I invite you do to the same for me. Any attention that I can garner for my cause could mean saving a baby's life! Please help me in this endeavour. Call your own local television stations and tell them about me. Ask them to read my blog. If they want to feature me in a news story, they can contact Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids in Danger, at 312.595-0649. As I do not wish to publish my own personal contact information on a public forum, Nancy has agreed to act as my go-between. She will take the contact information of anyone interested in featuring my story and call me. The Kids in Danger Website is http://www.kidsindanger.org/. Check it out, then help me make this world a better, safer place for the wee ones who depend on us! And, of course, if you wish to make a donation to my foundation, I would be grateful. Simply click on the Donate button in the right column of my blog.I assure you that once my trek has come to an end, my work will have only just begun. I have lives to help save, and you can help me to do it!
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I'm enjoying my home visit. Mostly I've stayed at my house and kept to myself; cleaning my gear, catching up on chores at home, editing my photos and blogs (I have a blog on TrailJournals, too...the same entries as on this, but I haven't kept that one updated), spending time with my family, etc. I've seen a few friends, but not many. I'm keeping it low-key, but I will be putting a few social engagements on my calendar before I leave. I need some sushi (Doris and Earl, it's my treat this time), tennis, and bridge. Pat bought me a new "phone," but this baby is much more than a phone. I love it, but I have so much to learn about it! It's a Droid, and I've been playing with the speech-to-text feature on it. I was using this feature to discuss my gear, and I was amused at what the Droid "heard" as opposed to what I was trying to say. Despite trying to enunciate as clearly as possible, the Droid heard "gaiters and hammocks" as...well, you guessed it; hence the title of this entry. I found it quite funny; I hope you do, too. It's amazing what the Droid can do. It's also amazing to see some of the marvelous apps one can download. If any of you has an app that you think is super cool, let me know and I'll check it out! There are also many, many not-so-marvelous apps. For instance, I was disgusted to see just how many apps for gross sounds, particularly fart sounds, there are. Just how many apps of that sort does the world need??? And live wallpaper featuring women with jiggling buttocks and breasts? Puh-lease! For me, I chose an aquarium scene. It's pretty cool. This is definitely a grown-up toy, and I'm having big fun with it.I have definitely decided that it's time for me to flip. I'll head to Maine and hike back to where I left the trail, in the wonderful town of Pearisburg (did you detect that note of sarcasm in my voice?). I don't know how long it will take me. I've got to be the slowest hiker on the trail!!!! There always seems to be something standing in my way, but there'll be nothing that can stop me except illness or injury, whether my own or that of a loved one. I will be accompanied to Maine by my hiking buddy, Wai-chee. Wai-chee is a hiking machine, and I just hope she won't be too bored by my slow pace. She's a little speed-demon on the trail, although her style is generally day-hiking. Unless I am mistaken, she's never backpacked, so maybe if I slip a few pounds of rocks into her pack I can slow her down somewhat. Otherwise, she'll be making camp at 2:00 pm, while I roll in at about 8:00 pm. Wai-chee, I'm working on the logistics. It'll be fun! I'm so glad that you've decided to join me for a hundred miles or so! Friends, if anyone else is interested in joining me let me know! I'd love to have more friends from home get a glimpse of my life on the AT.
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Time to Flip-Flop...Time to Flip-Flop I'm currently in the process of formulating a plan to get back on the trail ASAP. I'll be flying into Bangor Airport, after which I'll need a shuttle to Baxter State Park. In addition, I'm working on arranging to have Tessa kenneled while I hike Katahdin and the 100-Mile Wilderness. The 100-Mile Wilderness is considered the wildest section of the Appalachian Trail. Resupply is impossible. In fact, the sign at the start of the 100-mile Wilderness reads, "CAUTION: It is 100 miles south to the nearest town at Monson. There are NO places to obtain supplies or help until Monson. Do not attempt this section unless you have a minimum of 10 days supplies and are fully equipped. This is the longest wilderness section of the entire AT and its difficulty should not be underestimated. Good hiking! MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Club)."I don't want to bring Tessa through the 100-mile wilderness. Ten days' of food for myself will be heavy enough; I don't want to carry her food as well. So, I intend to find a safe place for Tessa, hike Katahdin and the 100-Mile Wilderness, get Tessa back and head south to where I left the trail in Pearisburg.My hiking friend Wai-chee will be flying to Maine with me, and together we'll tackle the 100-mile Wilderness. I hope she understands what she's in for! I have no doubt of her abilities, because she's probably one of the strongest, fittest people I know. But she's never backpacked before, and starting at what is probably one of the most challenging sections of the trail probably isn't the best plan. But it's what she wants to do, and I'll be glad for a companion for that stretch of the trail. We'll be fine. And perhaps if I try to keep up with her (impossible, but I can try), she'll push me to do some big miles so that I can complete that stretch as quickly as possible.The weather in Maine looks beautiful right now, and I'm excited to get back to the trail. I think this plan will be perfect. By flip-flopping as I intend, I'll hopefully avoid the extreme heat of the south this summer (parts of the nation are poised to experience a massive heat wave) and the extreme cold of Maine that is likely in the late fall. I'll avoid black fly season, and best of all, as a SOBO (Southbounder), I'll likely get to see all of the wonderful trail friends I fell behind by being the slowest hiker on the planet!I'm excited. If anyone has any advice for me about working out the logistics of this plan let me know! Otherwise, I'll be hitting the trail as soon as I can get a flight booked and make my way to Maine!
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Home

To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0

The New and Improved Sunshine(Folks, I maintain a blog at www.shutterbugtami.blogspot.com. On it are the identical entries to what you see here, plus photos, video, links and more. Check it out!)I was looking at some old photographs of me (some older than others), and I thought it might be fun to share some of them with you, just to show you the changes in me over the past years. Boy, have I had my ups and downs!???????????????????(Photo here)This image caused me to vow to never wear green again. But I fell in love with the top below and took a chance. I still like ruffles, but the ones today are far better than the ones from the fourth grade. Don't you agree?(This is my Aiden haircut. Look to the right. See the resemblance between grandmother and grandson? Of course, he was far more beautiful than I will ever be.)(Photo here)I was a weird kid and I loved exotic pets. Here I am with my pet skunk, Honey. I hitchhiked from Ohio to Texas with her in a cat carrier. Imagine the drivers' surprise when they asked me what was in the crate!(Speaking of hitchhiking: kids, do as your Mama says, not as she does: DON'T HITCHHIKE!!!! The only reason I do it now is necessity: most of these tiny little towns that I pass through in Appalachia have no buses, taxis, etc. All the hikers do it, and the locals know we depend on them.)(Photo here)The purpose of the photo below is to show you what I looked like when I was at what I felt to be my ideal weight: about 100 pounds. I'll likely never get that low again, and even if I did, the sands of time have shifted a bit after bearing four children and living nearly 49 years on this planet. But I am a work in progress, and I'll be the best that I can! The most important thing is that I am regaining my health!???????????(Photo here)Below is a photograph of me at my worst. It was taken at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Total frump girl! I want to cry just looking at it. How did I allow myself to sink to such a low point???I can't believe I'm sharing this, but I do so in the hope that I might inspire someone else to recapture their health by changing their lifestyle. Maybe you can't get on a trail and hike all day, every day, but you can and should do something! I will NEVER look like this again!(Photo here)Here is how I looked several months prior to embarking on my hike. This is such a lame photograph: neither of my hiking poles is adjusted, and the hiking skirt is just the worst garment ever! (Even my seasoned hiking buddies told me that despite the technical features, I should never wear this skirt again. One friend declared that the only way it could possibly be worse would be if it were plaid. I tend to agree. (Photo here)Finally, here I am today. I'm still a work in progress. I'd like to lose about 15 more pounds or so and continue to do everything I can to firm up, but at my age there's only so much I can do. Still, the improvement is appreciable, no?? And my improvement on the inside is just as appreciable. For the first time in a long time, I feel truly happy. I know what I need now: fresh air, sunshine, physical challenges, and a trail.(Photo here)
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

The Best Gift ImaginableYesterday was my youngest son Toby's birthday. Happy sixteenth birthday, my darling! We had a marvelous day together! I took him out to lunch, where we enjoyed the finest of sushi. It was the first time he'd ever had real, high-quality sushi (as opposed to the grocery-store stuff which, while good, simply doesn't compare.) As I knew he would, he LOVED it! The kid has Cadillac taste. Thank goodness his mama has a Cadillac budget (thanks to Pat and his marvelous brain!). I told him that the sky was the limit, and we took advantage of it and enjoyed all sorts of wonderful delicacies. Joining us were some of my very best friends on the planet, Doris and Earl. Together our foursome had a fine time! And since Toby drove me, I was able to heighten my culinary experience with some warm sak©: delicious!Although yesterday was Toby¢s birthday, the best gift of all was the gift that Toby gave to me: he has decided to come to Maine with me and hike through Katahdin and the 100-mile Wilderness! I am beyond ecstatic! Finally, someone in my family wants to experience what I experience on the trail! I am hoping that Toby gets the hiking bug, and that he and I and share future adventures before I get too old.What¢s funny is that, in planning for my own trip, I agonized over gear for over a year. I bought stuff, replaced it, bought more, changed my mind¢¦but when I shopped for Toby I spent less than two hours, and he was fully outfitted. Amazing! I¢ve learned a lot these past months, and I am so eager and happy to share it all with my beloved son! Together, my Toby and I, along with Wai-chee, are going to have a marvelous time!I leave to head to Maine bright and early Monday morning. Pat wants to hike Katahdin with me and see me off. He was with me when I began in Georgia at the southern terminus, and now he wants to see me off again at the northern terminus. He¢s so sweet and thoughtful! The plan is to drive as straight-through as we can; between Pat, Wai-chee and me, we have three experienced drivers. Hopefully, with the aid of a light-blocking sleep-mask and some-noise canceling headphones, we can take turns resting and driving in order to get to Maine as soon as possible. I want to enjoy a meal of fresh Maine lobster, then hit the trail early the following morning. My feet should be back on the trail by Wednesday if all goes well.Look out, Katahdin... here we come!
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Don't Forget to Read the Fine Print!Sometimes fine print is scary. But in this case, it might lead to treasures you were prevoiusly unaware of! It has come to my attention, during this home visit, that many of you are not aware that I have posted numerous photos and videos of my journey. Just look at the fine print in the right-hand column of my blog. There are lots of fun things there, but most particularly, I want you to make note of the link to my photographs. I have some fun stuff there..beautiful vistas, beautiful people, and dead cows. Check it out! And to make things easier, here's a link:http://shutterbugtami.smugmug.com/2011/Tamis-Trek-Along-theHappy trails to you, one and all...I'm in the thick of preparations to return to the trail myself, and although I will miss my family terribly, my job is unfinished. The trail awaits, there is more work to be done, and I'm ready for the next phase!
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Day: 14Date: 2013-04-07Start Location: Tray MountainCamping Location: Addis GapToday¢s Miles:Cumulative Miles: 64.24-7-13I¢ve found myself a relatively comfortable log to sit on, and I am basking in the sun for a bit while my pasta cooks. Tessa has found herself a nice soft patch of dried leaves in which to sleep. We hiked about 6 miles, from Tray Mountain to where I am now: Addis Gap. Sadly I can go no further today. My damned right leg is still giving me trouble! Darn, darn darn!I¢m going to hike the remaining 6.4 miles to Hiawassi in the morning then decide whether I feel I can go any further. This is so frustrating! I want to hike but my right leg doesn¢t want to let me!! I just need to be patient and really baby it for awhile, I guess. So, I¢m going to enjoy a nice hot cup of Chai tea, some pasta, and then call it a night. Where¢s a Tootsie Roll when you need it???
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Dick's Creek

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Trail Day: 16Date: 2013-04-09Start Location: Dick¢s CreekCamping Location: Bly GapToday¢s Miles: 9Cumulative Miles: 78.6I only did 6.4 miles yesterday. I had every intention of hiking further, but I got ¢stuck¢ in Hiawassi. First I went to the grocery store, where I bought Tessa some food and lunch for me: fried chicken and mac & cheese. So yummy! And oh-so-bad for me! I did have fresh fruit too, though. Then I went to the post office to see if there was anything there. Nothing. ? Oh well. Next I went in search of shorts. I didn¢t bring any because I expected the cold weather to hang on a bit longer, but these past couple of days have been so warm that I¢ve been rather uncomfortable. Finally, just as I was donning my backpack to head back to the trail, some fellow hikers I¢d met the day before came upon me and invited me to join them for a beer. My cell phone had virtually no charge, so I thought, ¢I¢ll just have a couple of beers and charge my phone, then head back to the trail.¢ Well, one beer turned into three plus an all-you-can-eat buffet, so I shared one of the beds with the only other female in the group while the fellows used the other bed and the floor. I crept out of there quietly at 6:00 A.M., and it took me about an hour to get back to the trail. I¢ve been hiking about 4 hours- not getting far though! I¢ve stopped numerous times to take pictures, play with Tessa, chase a chipmunk, enjoy a view, and baby my right leg. I¢m in no hurry today. I intend to hike at least seven more miles to Muskrat Creek Shelter, which will put me in North Carolina, my first state-line crossing. Yay! I¢m currently at Plumorchard Gap shelter having my break but I¢m out of here in just a few minutes. I had some protein mix, and Tessa¢s had kibble mixed with peanut butter. We¢re fed and hydrated. Now for Muskrat Creek and North Carolina!More later¢¦P.S. enjoyed a brief visit with Shrek and Talker, Stillmatt, Rambo and Jimmy. (Rolling Russ, Rambo, Rup, & Dutch were the folks I stayed with last night. Watched Sly Fox make a wooden spoon.)
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Trail Day: 17Date: 2013-04-10Today¢s Destination Goal:Start Location: Bly GapCamping Location: Standing IndianToday¢s Miles: 7.7Cumulative Miles: 86.37:00AMI went to sleep very early last night. I was POOPED! But it feels great to have reached a milestone of sorts. I am now in North Carolina! One state down, 13 to go. 78.6 miles down, 2105.7 to go. No sweat!I slept so wonderfully last night. It was a new moon so the sky was very dark, making the stars just glitter and glow so beautifully! I cover my hammock with a tarp only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, I love to look at the sky above me. And last night¢s sky was splendid. Time to break camp and hit the trail. More later¢¦
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Standing Indian

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Trail Day: 18Date: 2013-04-11Start Location: Standing IndianCamping Location: Long Branch ShelterToday¢s Miles: 15.7Cumulative Miles: 102Today was a BIG day! I passed 100 miles, I conquered Albert Mountain (quite the challenge), and I hiked almost 16 miles! What¢s more, I feel great! I think I¢ve jumped a big hurdle. I¢m taking Aleve on a regular basis (2x / day), wearing a brace on my knee, taking my anti-inflammatory medicine daily, and taking breaks when my body tells me to. I¢m conscious to stay fueled and hydrated and, if today is any indication, my efforts are paying off. I¢m feeling pretty darned strong.        Tessa was a champ today. We really hiked some challenging miles. Thankfully, they were interspersed by some delightfully gentle miles. She hung with me through it all, but as soon as we came to camp she was ready for bed! I had to wash her muddy feet first, because she was filthy. We spent the final couple of miles hiking in the rain, and by day¢s end she was tired and dirty. I¢m so proud of the way she¢s handling herself. She keeps going when I need her to, but when our workout is done she¢s out in a flash! She¢s my little hero, my Wonder Dog, my best trail friend. I can¢t imagine doing this without her.         Tomorrow I head into Franklin, N.C. for some much-needed tasks: food resupply, laundry, and a nice long, hot shower! I can hardly wait! I did bathe yesterday, in an ice-cold mountain stream; I even washed my hair. It felt marvelous. I saw where my fellow hikers were getting water and I just went upstream a bit, and I had the area to myself. I took advantage of it and I am so glad I did. It felt great to climb into my hammock with a clean body. Well, I¢m exhausted. I was the first one up this morning, and I¢m the last to head to bed. I¢m beat, but also have a very satisfying sense of accomplishment in my heart. I worked hard today        I have much to tell you, and I¢ll use my quiet time in Franklin to do so¢¦after my nice hot shower, hot meal, laundry, etc¢¦