morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-25
From: Deep Gap

To: Yellow Mountain (Overmountain Shelter)
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Fall seems to have arrived abruptly today. The morning was misty and chilly, and a blustery wind blew all day long. The hike was tough, with over 2 miles of vertical elevation change when I totaled it up after the fact. Unaka Mountain was a foggy wonderland that started to feel a little bit like a horror movie when I encountered a man running around with a crossbow looking for deer. It reminded me not of Maine (which I haven't seen), but of the Pacific Northwest. Drippy conifers, mosses, and ferns abounded.Roan Mountain, many miles later, was the largest of today's peaks. It was my last chance to see a view from over 6,000 feet, and the climb up was tough and slippery. Alas, the wind at the top nearly bowled me over, and the fog made it a complete white-out. (I didn't even find the shelter or the scenic overlook.) They say that Roan Mountain rivals the Smokies in its beauty and biodiversity. I'll have to return to check on that. Today I just wanted to keep moving to stay warm, and make sure the constantly creaking, moaning, and crackling trees didn't fall on me. After descending Roan Mountain and crossing Carver Gap, the guidebook showed 5 miles to Overmountain Shelter, a huge converted barn that sounded like a fun place to stay. I figured the trees would make a good windbreak, and it would be a relatively easy hike there despite the high mileage in bad weather. Wrong! I was immediately treated to over a mile of fully exposed meadow ridgeline walking. This was the first section of the trail I've seen with a completely unobstructed view on both sides lasting for such a distance.   Unfortunately, the wind was so strong, it was all I could do to keep on my feet, and the view was quite faint. The idea of my image, lumbering drunkenly across what could have been my favorite section of the trail yet made me laugh out loud. (I wonder if this is a sign that I'm becoming a crazy mountain woman. Next I'll be talking to myself.)After the exposed section, the trail descended into a picturesque forest, with dry leaves crunching underfoot. And at the end of the day, I luxuriated between the four (for once, not three) walls of the barn shelter. The wind at the shelter is so loud and strong, I put my earplugs in and still hear it screaming and feel it rocking me (and the entire barn) to sleep. But given the 26 miles of ups and downs, I think I'll sleep well tonight whether or not the mice help me with hairstyling.
Date: 2005-09-26
From: Yellow Mountain (Overmountain Shelter)

To: US 19E
Miles today: 8.7

As I awoke, the gusty wind was joined by rain. I ate in bed, then finished "A Walk in the Woods," then left with nothing else to do, got up and ventured out. Since I'm on pace to get to Damascus a little early, I took my time meandering through the woods on the way to Little Hump Mountain, trying to avoid getting sweaty under my rain suit. Just like in the Smokies, I enjoyed hiking in the rain, and the mud wasn't bad at all. Little Hump Mountain was a large bald with what I imagine could have been another great view. Just after it, I encountered a group of men sitting in folding chairs right in the middle of the trail between some trees. Somewhat mystified by their choice of location for a break, I soldiered on. Several minutes later, I understood why they had stopped. Hump Mountain was yet another beautiful, grassy expanse with no trees to mar the view or break the cold wind. I had fun climbing it anyway, glad of my rainsuit, but rushing a little to avoid potential lighning strikes. (There was no thunder, but I kept thinking I heard it because of the swishing and crinkling of my rain gear and the whistling wind.) I reached the top, triumphant, and took a picture of myself on the white backdrop of fog. The hike downhill from there was slow and uneventful. Lots of rocks and roots to slip on, and lots of vividly green trees, with just a few starting to turn brilliantly yellow. At one point, the trail brushed against the property boundary of a farm, where I saw 3 white-tailed deer leap away just as I drew my camera. I reached 19E at 1pm and deliberated about whether to continue on and camp or stay in a hostel tonight. I chose the hostel because some people at Overmountain Shelter told me it would rain more tonight. For $15, I get a 2-bedroom suite in the recently remodeled 2nd story of a 100-year-old barn. The property has a stream with a little bridge over it, and horses, cats, goats, and a dog that are all fun to watch. I got a resupply ride into town, had a terrible but caloric meal at Bob's Dairyland and a peanut butter milkshake at the Snack Shack for dessert, then bought a bunch of junk food at the Shell station and retired to the barn.I then ate some of the food in the hiker trade box, and I'm planning to make popcorn and hot cocoa as I watch a VHS movie this evening. I couldn't be cozier! I just wish I had cell phone service.
Date: 2005-09-28
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a late start this morning because I spent the night poring over a Pacific Crest Trail guidebook that was in the hostel and wondering if I should try to hike it in 2006. (Result: inconclusive. Great scenery, but a big time commitment, difficult logistics, danger, bugs, cold, and overwhelming dirt.)Today was a great day for wildlife: 5 deer, 2 bears, 2 big black snakes, and lots of lizards. The second group of deer I saw gave an alarm on my approach, sounding like a tooting sneeze. The first big black snake darted across the trail just one step in front of me. The mother bear and cub ran across the trail and away over the hill as I approached. And the lizards were constantly scuttling under rocks.Today's hike also included rare scenery: a waterfall, lots of stream crossings, a lake perimeter, and a ridgeline walk offering views of the lake and towns below. I headed for Vandeventer Shelter, but got there at 4:30 and decided to go another 7 miles to the next one, Iron Mountain. At Iron Mountain, I met four people from an outing club in Missouri and talked to them a bunch about backpacking equipment while I ate my dinner of Lipton Taco Rice. They seemed to regard me as a backpacking expert, which made me feel uncomfortable. I had only been on two weekend trips before this one!If I want to hike as far tomorrow as I did today, this will be my last night on the trail. So I was careful to pick a nice, comfortable site for my tent, and bedded down at 9:30 as the air turned cold.
Date: 2005-10-02
To: My Top 10 Good Things about Backpacking
Miles today: 0.0

Simplicity. Wearing the same outfit each day. Knowing what I'll do each day. Having so little stuff to worry about. "Doing dishes" with just a single pot/kettle/bowl/cup and a spork. Knowing what I'll eat for each meal and taking 0-10 minutes to prepare it.Exercise. Automatically being in fantastic shape. Seeing great scenery while working out.Progress. Always moving closer to a goal, no matter how fast or slow.Peace. Plenty of quiet and time to think about things and learn to enjoy my own company.Fresh Air. Breezes, the fresh smell, and a generally invigorating feeling.Food. While the food quality isn't good, my capability to enjoy epicurian pleasures was huge. I have never enjoyed a pizza so much, and loved being able to eat absolutely whatever I wanted.Spring Water. I had never realized how good water can be.People. The trail is a melting pot where just about everyone is friendly despite their differences.Circadian Rhythms. It's pleasant to go to sleep just after sunset and wake up at first light.Portable Comfort. No matter where I was, I could pop out my cozy sleeping bag, pad, and tent, and feel at home.Scenery. There is always the chance of finding great beauty or wildlife just around the bend.
Date: 2005-10-02
To: Top 10 Bad Things about Backpacking
Miles today: 0.0

Tough Terrain. Climbing mountains for no apparent reason, turning an ankle on a rock or root, or slipping on a wet log.Knee Pain. Going downhill really isn't that fun.Foot Pain. Blisters, stubbed toes, general soreness, you name it.Dirty Socks. Wearing the same stinky pair every day.No Bathrooms. No need to elaborate.Sweatiness. Having a constant sticky film on my skin.Spiderwebs (and other insects). Singlehandedly ruining hundreds of spiders' handiwork each day.Moisture. When it's wet, everything is pervasively damp.Monotony. It can take a long time to walk through a boring area. I hope it hasn't turned my brain to mush.Cooties. After a while, everything seems so dirty it's polluted and attracting insects.
Date: 2005-10-02
To: Thoughts on Equipment and Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

A lot of backpackers obsess about equipment and preparation. I certainly did as I was buying things before the trip began. In general, I was well prepared, but I didn't make optimal use of everything. Here are some things I could have changed.Things I would do differently next timeSet thinking goals, so I'd know how to focus my brain activity in boring or lonely places.Learn how to pitch my Tarptent with no creases at all.Get a haircut that doesn't flip ridiculously when it's not blow-dried.Buy Wingfoot's AT book instead of the Thru-Hiker's Companion and Data BookKnow the trail: natural history, terrain, botany, etc.Things I brought but didn't usePocket knifeToo much Esbit fuelVarious medicines and first-aid gearDEETSunscreenSun hatExtra bandannasBug netEmergency phone batteryThings I boughtA bookEarplugsAleveThings I lostClotheslinePepper sprayLuxury itemsWet wipesFlip-flopsRain pantsExtra underwearNalgene bottleJournal and bookCamera, charger, and second batteryPhone, charger, and second batteryToilet paperShovel
Date: 2005-10-02
To: Miscellaneous Popular Wisdom of the Southern AT
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome Jesus into your life, and you will be saved.People have a right to their guns.The trail community is like a family.Solo-hikers should be men.People carrying crossbows can still be nice.It doesn't take much money to get by or find happiness.People overseas shouldn't take Americans' jobs.Somethimes it's nice to sit on the front porch and let the world go by.People who went to Harvard are supposed to have their lives planned out.Southern hospitality runs deep.Breakfast must include eggs, meat, and biscuit.Stores aren't supposed to be open on Sunday.
Date: 2005-10-02
To: Good Eatin'
Miles today: 0.0

Best meals in townBreakfast at the Victorian Inn in Damascus, VA. Blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, and amazing fruit salad with fruit dip. Plus juice and coffee.Dinner at the Front Porch in Tennessee. Fresh guacamole, and a green chile pork burrito with plenty of sour cream, rice, and beans.Dinner at the Smoky Mountain Diner in Hot Springs. Pulled pork, corn bread, turnip greens, cole slaw, and cheesecake.Breakfast at Elmer's. Omelets, homemade granola, and apple butter toast.Ridge Runner milkshake with Fuddy Duddy ice cream in Damascus, VA.Best trail foodLaura Lee (Ingles store brand) tropical trail mixGranola with powdered milkAll varieties of Pop TartsFettucine Alfredo Lipton noodlesButter Lipton noodlesMarinated tunaCinnamon donettesWorst trail foodSardinesSugar-free hot chocolateFruit Roll-UpsPeanut butter crackersHome-dried fruit (with mothbally aftertaste)
Date: 2005-10-02
To: Best and Worst of the Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Best of the TrailSmokies from Siler's Bald to Mt. CammererGrayson Highlands to Buzzard Rock (Southbound)The Roans (Roan Mountain summit to Overmountain Shelter)19E to the swimming hole in Tennessee (Elk Park 2002 trail relocation)Wayah BaldAmicalola Falls and the Springer approach trailWorst of the TrailNorthern GeorgiaThe first 30 miles after Hot SpringsJump-Up Point to Sassafras Gap Shelter just north of Wesser, NCRock-hopping down Blood MountainWatauga LakeThe hills outside Erwin in drought
Date: 2004-09-01
To: Preceding the Hike
Miles today: 0.0

I've back dated this entry so it is slotted first.It appears there are unexpected readers of this journal. Not a problem but let me explain a couple of things before you continue. The "Prep" entries are prior to the actual hike, so you may want to skip forward to those entries with dates. These dated entries contain actual hiking entries.This journal was initially started as more of a personal record, so there are a few things you will have to tolerate. If you know me professionally, well now you will gain a little more insight into me personally.Good or bad, this journal is what it is...a record of my thoughts (not edited), emotions, and opinions.This is a record of my journey...my whole journey. Not just the parts that make for entertaining, light reading, but inclusive of the parts that will bring me back to the joys, frustrations, pains, and tears of hiking the Appalachian Trail when I read this again in 20 years.
Date: 2004-09-29
To: The beginning.....
Miles today: 0.0

My first preparation entry. I will do my best to keep this brief. I've been reading journals for the past several month's, and I've found I have a tendency to skip over the numerous prepartion entries, and get to the "meat of the journal", so I'll keep that in mind as I incessantly babble on here. Remember, I only said I would keep that in mind.Any personal details about me are really in my "About" section, so check it out if you want a little background info.My only real dilemma now is "tent or hammock". I have both (Black Diamond single wall first light, and Hennessey Hammock). Love them both and actually stay a little drier in the HH, and a little warmer in the tent. If these are the hardest decisions that I will have to make then I'm in pretty good shape. The shelter will probably depend on the season and temps. I do have to admit though that due to weight, I typically try to use the hammock. If Sid travels (big ole goofy yellow lab), then it is definitely the tent. The hammock makes my angel sea sick! Cheers for now. Two more entries, and then others can view my babble, so I guess anyone that reads this may have to put up with a few prep entries.Cheers for now!Sid
Date: 2004-10-15
To: Updating Gear
Miles today: 0.0

I decided this past weekend that I needed to update my back pack. I've been using an older Dana Design from when Dana made Dana(mucho comfortable old cadillac of a pack), and a comparable older Northface. I've been thinking though that perhaps I should think a little more "progressively" and take a look at a more lightweight pack around 3-4 pounds.I stopped on my lunch break at EMS, and my 1 hour lunch appeared to condense into 15 minutes. At least that is what it felt like. Anyway...the people were super nice, but I'm not sure if any of them had worn anything larger than a day pack in their lives. They tried to sell me their largest most expensive stove (I wasn't even looking at stoves) that they offered, and when I mentioned the word "alcohol" I got that total "Deer in the Head lights" stare. I then asked to see one of their Gregory packs that wasn't currently on display, and from the back they brought me a Marmot. Hmmmmmm.....oh well. Super nice fellas, but "packing challenged". I did feel badly for them though, so I bought a pair of socks.I'm still not decided on the pack. It will be tough to set aside my old 6 pound Dana. It has traveled many miles with me, and been used for many purposes (pillow, shield, blanket, dog bed, etc.). Anyway, I'm about through with the gear. I have most everything, and I'm sleeping out in a monsoon tonight to test my Hammock under extreme conditions to see how it holds up. I've got my fingers crossed!
Date: 2004-10-18
To: Why hike?
Miles today: 0.0

Just like everyone else who makes this decision, I'm often asked why. Why go through the struggles? Why do a hike in the middle of your life? Why do a hike at such a good point in your professional career? You are already in your late 30's. Why not wait until you retire? I have several reasons. I don't feel the need to really justify my hike, and some of the reasons are not really rational I guess, but let me give it a try for all those with the wrinkled up foreheads and the blank stares of confusion.I just love to be outdoors. There is a "pull" for me. This is something I've wanted to do since I was first exposed to distance hiking and the AT (10 years old maybe?). A day does not go by when I don't catch my mind wandering to the trail for a few seconds, while my excel formula adds a few zeros to my spreadsheet total...:-(.I don't have anything to "figure out". I'm not trying to "discover myself". I don't expect it to be a life changing experience. I'm not ducking "real world responsibilities. I just want to do this before my sore old knees on this tall ole body don't let me anymore. I'm in a place in my life where this is possible, and that place probably won't last for long. I want to live in a situation where I'm totally dependent on my own capabilities. I want to see what I'm capable of mentally, emotionally, and physically. I want to push myself completely, and see if anything "breaks"...:-). I want to wake up each morning not knowing what will happen that day, or round each corner knowing I will never see the same combination twice. I want my decisions to be based on my terms. Be it injury, lightning, rain, fatigue, hunger, etc. The deicision to continue or stop will be mine.I think it's pretty simple this decision of mine. Feel free to follow along, and see how it all works out. I don't think my words will completely describe my experience, but I'll do my best to be as honest as possible for those that might be interested. Honestly though, I just want to be able to sit back in my rocking chair with a teeny tiny on my lap and say "Look at what old Aunt ET did"...:-)
Date: 2004-11-01
To: Black Ninja Underwear
Miles today: 0.0

Unfortunately, it appears that I have also become one of these trail journal "writers" that enjoys the art of "pontification". I used this word for you Cricket! Ya gotta LOOK IT UP...LOL. I doubt anyone but me will really read this, so I shall pontificate as much as I please.What is up with Capilene underwear? It is hard as hell to find any color in women's XL other than BLACK..yuck! I'm going to have a hard enough time maintaining my femininity after 5 days with no shower. The last thing I need is to look like some gangly, long legged, stinky, dirty NINJA! Thus, I am going with LL Bean's version of capilene in a nice Lake Blue. I just call it pastel blue, but that may be a little TOO feminine for rugged hiker underwear.I've also had to choose a hiking cap for cold weather. I've decided on the lavendar wool knit cap with the big purple ball on top. I think it will go nicely with the Lake Blue. I know, I know...lavendar and pastel blue....can we say DIRT! It's ok...I'm taking baby wipes, and a dog bowl to scrub my clothes in when needed. Fear not, the dog bowl is a very light weight collapsible cloth material.Finally, I also picked out my "hiking watch" this week. It also is an LL Bean Classic, and it's color is a soft shade of "Bone". Is that not gonna be awesome with the Lake Blue and Lavendar?!! It is a tad pricey, so I"ll ask for it for Christmas and cross my fingers. It has a thermometer, barometer, altimeter (not sure if I spelled all these meters correctly), and finally, and best of all....IT TELLS TIME.That is it for this week's purchases. While the gear is certainly important, color and pattern coordination is a MUST!
Date: 2004-11-02
To: Underwear vs. President
Miles today: 0.0

I had a choice today...Lake Blue hiker underwear or voting. It was tough, but I finally controlled my urge to race home to see the new LL Bean underwear, and went to vote. I should have gotten the underwear first so I could examine it in the HOUR LONG LINE I had to wait in. To top it off, I could not find Oprah amongst the choices. Life can be so unfair. I believe I hear poll results beginning to roll forth from the "box of lies". Gotta scoot shortly.Going hiking this weekend. I'll have an update on Capilene vs. LL Bean mid-weight Protek (?). I'm also testing out my light weight Garmont boots. They are much lighter than my Alpine all leather 30 lb. ASOLOs. Chow!
Date: 2004-11-07
To: Simply Put....
Miles today: 0.0

This afternoon I raked the leaves in my yard, and watched as the breeze swirled the colors up and around me on the soft currents. I laughed softly watching Sid lunge at first one bright red, then orange and yellow leaf. I looked at my house. I thought about my hike. I smiled slightly, and thought about how fortunate I am. Life has given me balance.My house is an anchor. As the sun went down I stood in the yard and watched the house begin to warmly glow, calling me back. I knew that upon walking through the door I would feel the warmth, love and security that encompass my house. My house wraps around me when I laugh, cry, sleep, eat. It never changes. It allows me the continuity and solidness that is "home".My hikes are anchor me also. The sudden adrenaline rush experienced when standing on the edge of a sudden drop. The eagerness I feel as I walk towards the trail head to begin my walk. The excitement experienced from never knowing what the next day will bring or who/what may be brought into your life. The beautiful solitude of a ridge above treeline with not a soul in site. The wonderful feel of laughter as you sit amongst your "new friends" around the fire. My hikes allow me the peace, adventure, and solitude that remind me of the simple pleasures I may have forgotten.Life is balance. You can have as many anchors as you want in your life. Our life is shaped by the choices we make. By not limiting my choices, I allow life to show me the balance, and then let me choose my place in it.
Date: 2004-11-15
To: Campmor
Miles today: 0.0

I think one of the best analogies ever is "like a kid in a candy store". Get me in ANY backpacking/gear store, and no matter how much or little they have, I will ALWAYS find something I need.I hit the JACKPOT this weekend! I found the one retail Campmor store in the US (at least I've been told it is). Actually, a friend of mine that has never camped in her life suggested it to me. I told her "you're nuts"..."they only have merchandise on-line". I should not have questioned the New Jersey semi-native.So, on Saturday we headed to the store. I made her go b/c I knew she would not be interested in shopping here in the least. The only draw for her was the Macy's down the street. I knew it would be VERY dangerous for me to go alone. After about 2 hours she began to get that "glazed" look, and started wandering towards the front door. Exactly as I had planned. Let me just say I was in HEAVEN! I did not know which way to turn first! I wanted one of everything. Everything was "newer", "faster", "stronger" . I think I"m becoming a gear freak. I bought several items...silnyl tarp, two dehydrated meals to try out of curiosity (had one for lunch yesterday, and have been suffereing ever since...:-(), spice holder, more camp soap, new Snow Peak pot and cup, etc. Let me just say the pot and cup were a tad frustrating. Amongst all the combinations, they just did not have a good pot/cup combination. I had to buy them seperately. I'm guessing that's intentional.The staff was VERY helpful, and the majority looked like ex thru-hikers. I'm wondering if that is a required look, or if many of them naturally migrate here eventually.I finally tore myself away and exited with a heavy bag and a lighter pocket. I then put the bag in the trunk to force myself to wait til I got home to drag it all out and inspect everything. I could feel it calling from the trunk all the way home...."open me", "set me up", "try me on"..."USE ME IMMEDIATELY". I have so little will power. It was a good thing we were on the parkway with few places to stop safely.All I can say is that it was a VERY GOOD DAY.