morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-01
To: Visiting the Trail....
Miles today: 0.0

Good afternoon dear readers, It is 4 weeks to the day until my last day on the job. Today, I sent an email to my work colleagues about the next stage in my transition out, and am sitting more and more in the visitor¢s chair in my office. After my last day on March 1st, I¢ll only ever return as a visitor and friend. My coworkers have been amazingly supportive and interested in my plans, and so I think it¢s time to reflect on the AT itself, for everyone who will be following me.   I first saw AT in 2005 in the smokies, ironically enough at Cligmans Dome, the highest point of the entire AT at 6,643 feet. That misty lovely October day, I only had a vague knowledge of the trail stretching in either direction and how far it really went. I remember feeling, however, that somehow I was part of something bigger then myself. When I returned home after that vacation, I started to learn more about the trail in fits and starts. It wasn¢t until 2007 that I really comprehended that people hike the entire trail in 1 year ¢ that¢s when my dream of thru-hiking began. That spot at Clingman¢s Dome where the AT crosses a small path up to the tower? No matter what the weather that day, I'm going to take a photo there, as a thru hiker. The Appalachian Trail (AT) is part of the National Park System and is designated as a National Scenic Trail. The AT is called the ¢Footpath for the People¢, originally conceived in 1921 and completed in 1937. It is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, measuring roughly 2,184 miles in length, with the official mileage changing slightly each year due to re-routes. Some fun facts: ¢¢ Southern terminus: Springer Mountain, Georgia ¢ where I¢ll be starting on 3-13-2013¢¢ Northern terminus: Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine ¢ where I will hopefully end 6-7 months later¢¢ 2,185 miles through 14 states¢¢ 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year. Of those, about 2,000 people attempt to ¢thru-hike¢ the Trail ¢ that¢s me! ¢¢ More than 250 three-sided shelters at established campsites exist along the AT¢¢ ¢Thru-hikers¢ walk the entire Trail in a continuous journey. ¢Section-hikers¢ piece the entire Trail together over years. Those who complete the entire trail are known as ¢2000-milers¢. 1 in 4 who attempt a thru-hike successfully completes the journey¢¢ Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).¢¢ Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; both ends of the trail, especially New Hampshire and Maine, are the hardest. ¢¢ The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. Mt. Everest is 29,029 feet - ouch!¢¢ Backpackers can burn up to 6,000 calories a day hiking in the mountains¢¢ Hikers usually adopt ¢trail names¢ while hiking the Trail, which are often descriptive or humorous - my trail name is ¢Pathfinder¢, see the "About Trailname" link on the left. Sources:Appalachian Trail Conservancy website: www.appalachiantrail.orgNational Park System website: www.nps.gov/appa
Date: 2013-02-15
To: Obsessing....
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Good evening dear readers, I¢ve been getting several ¢goodbye¢ cards, and last week¢s favorite is definitely the picture posted here. Life is funny and wonderful, isn¢t it, when a colleague who you¢ve worked with for years, but never met in person because he lives in another state, hits your dream to a ¢T¢!   Various items I¢ve been obsessing over the past few weeks: 1. Mail drops, including how many and specific locations. I know I¢ve left this until relatively the last minute, but believe it or not this was me deliberately doing so. Most people would describe me as very structured and detail oriented (sometimes to a fault!) and part of this trip for me is learning to go with the flow and take life and experiences as they come. I decided early on that I was going to do a mix of mail drops and resupply in trail towns, but now I¢m struggling with exactly how many to do of each since the decision now needs to be made.   Does this defeat the purpose? Right now, I¢m leaning towards making boxes for the areas I know resupply isn¢t the easiest or the selection usually isn¢t great, and then just packaging up enough from what food items I¢ve already bought/prepared and wipe my hands of it! Right, that¢s what I¢m going to do. Whew, decision made, you¢re all my witnesses.   2. Physical fitness, am I doing enough for training? I am now walking every morning (which isn¢t new) with my fully loaded pack (which is new), and while 3 miles on flat ground doesn¢t really simulate the trail it is all I can realistically, until I¢m done with work ¢ which is only 2 weeks away as of today! I go longer and hills, as least as much as can be found in northeast Ohio, on the weekends, and I figure I¢ll have to make do, but I¢m still worried. I¢m planning to be very slow at the beginning and expect some pain (no pain, no Maine!) until I get in better shape ¢ I just need to remember I¢m not in a race and to hike my own hike. 3. Directly related to #2, I¢ve been obsessing again with my gear, specifically the weight of items. Talk about a cringe worthy, shaking your head action ¢ do I REALLY need to have 0.000 oz in my tracking log? I told you I was detail-oriented. 3 decimal places, really?!   Regardless, I¢ve been going over everything with the eye to cutting¢¦.and then putting back in, or replacing with something else I¢m considering. *sigh*. My poor parents had to watch me pack and unpack my pack in their dining room several times this week, with stuff spread out everywhere¢¦.We really don¢t want to mention the state of my bedroom or gear closet. Don¢t worry, Mom, you¢ll get your spare bedroom back soon, I promise.   Word of the Week: Irreverent ¢ deficient in veneration or respectI¢ve learned that being irreverent in serious situations can help to lighten the mood, just make sure it is socially appropriate to do so!
Date: 2013-02-20
To: Preparing for the trail with a few weeks to go....
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Good morning dear readers,I admit, I felt really hardcore this morning! It was 18 degrees outside, with a wind chill of 1 with blowing snow. I got all bundled up in my hiking layers with my pack for my morning walk at 5:30am. The pic is of me at the side door where I actually had enough light to take a photo without the flash killing my vision. There¢s something so special about walking in the quiet stillness that comes with a fresh snowfall, before most people are up for the day. As my thoughts inevitably turn to the trail these days, I spent some time thinking about how I would cope with the same conditions in the mountains. I was very happy with my layering system, but I do have to admit, though, that I was happy to return home to a nice warm house and able to take a hot shower. Coincidentally, yesterday I learned of the new book ¢Appalachian Trials: The Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail¢ by Zach Davis. I don't think this could have come at a better time for me, as after my ¢Obsessing¢ post I¢ve been thinking that I¢m worrying too much about the little things, and probably need to think big picture and what will keep me on the trail long term beyond my determination to finish. I¢m only a few pages in, but it¢s great so far! Written in a very engaging style, and I already have some good suggestions. I almost never write reviews (which always makes me feel slightly guilty because I almost always read them ¢ hypocritical much, Renee?) except when something really touches me. I¢m thinking this book is going to go on the short list. Word of the Day: Invidious - tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envyAnxiety-provoking thoughts can help prepare one for the rigors of the trail, but can be quite invidious to one¢s feeling of preparedness and/or self confidence.
Date: 2013-03-13
To: The "starting line" beckons....
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good morning dear readers,Later this morning I will be taken by the great staff at the Hiker Hostel to the beginning of the approach trail, and several miles up, up, up to Springer Mt summit. For me, that will actually be tomorrow since I'll be staying at the Len Foote Hike Inn this evening. I'm very glad I made those arrangements, 5 miles seems like a very reasonable first day to me! I'm super excited that Regina is planning on joining me at the visitor's center to hike up with me. My trip yesterday was very easy, despite my anxiety over my pack not making it. After saying goodbye to Mom, my great sis and niece put up with my nervous chatter and braved the blowing snow and potholes to take me to the airport. It was great to be dropped off with hugs and "I love you's", especially compared paying for a taxi! Thanks again Debi & Kyrie, love you!!I scoped out a window seat at the airport, enjoyed watching the plane arrive and all the activity with the airport crew. I boarded before I saw my duffle bag get loaded, yikes. After an easy flight filled with the welcome warmth of the sun at my window seat and writing a bunch in my first journal, and boy was I glad I shelled out the extra $$ to have more leg room, almost the first thing I saw at baggage claim was my bag coming out in the oversized area. Whew! Easy trip on MARTA to the North Springs Station, where Howard from the Phoenix area and I chatted most of the trip. Amazingly we both became aware of the AT at Clingmans Dome in the Smokies! Just reaffirmed my desire to see that sign by the summit as a thru-hiker.A short wait later at the station, which allowed me to eat my yummy lunch of 2 cutie clementines, some green pepper slices and an energy bar, also marveling about the sunshine and bright blue sky (rather chilly in the shade!) and then an easy van ride with Leigh and Josh. The first glimpse of the Appalachian mountain range ridge line brought a huge smile to my face! I had truly left Ohio behind.Gorgeous scenery and house, truly set up to cater to hikers' needs. I spent some time outside in the warm sun on the back deck, amidst the plentiful wind chimes and brisk breeze. Good conversations getting to know the other hikers, and a great campfire amidst twinkly stars, after some gasoline and assistance from Josh! A special thanks to Carolyn who helped me mail back my duffle bag, carry-on bag, and the comfy pants I wore to travel in. Just me and my pack now, setting off to Maine. Word of the Day: Efflorescence: a bursting forth or floweringMy mom is looking after my 2 plants (see picture) a peace lily and Christmas cactus, whose unexpected efflorescence I took as a good omen for my trip as I love flowers and the blooming life they represent for me. Of course, the plants could be merely overjoyed at the knowledge that I *won't* be taking care of them for the next several months! I have a black thumb.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light snow

Good evening dear readers, Well then, I knew the gorgeous weather wouldn't hold. Rained all day, and while the hiking was fun in its own way from the foggy mists that so reminded me of the first day I saw the trail at Clingmans Dome in the Smokies, so many years ago now. I definitely need to come back and hike this section again in the autumn, I know I missed a ton of great views. Despite the threat of lightening, I really enjoyed the hiking, once i got the temperature control thing figured out. Had lunch at Tenaste Gap, during a brief lull in the rain and to give me some fuel for the climb up Wildcat Mountain. Saw a small group of daffodils blooming at the summit which was awesome - spring is coming slowly but surely. Some sleet was blowing sideways on Sheep Rock, I don't think I've ever hiked as fast as that last mile down into Low Gap.Camping in the mud and wet is not very fun. I can deal with it, but it's just gross when everything you own becomes instantly either damp, wet, or dirty, or all 3. After visiting the roofless privy (how very unfortunate) and then setting up the tent I immediately got changed and got into my sleeping bag - I was pretty cold by then and very conscious it was prime hypothermia weather. I had some cell signal, so asked Debbie if she could pick me up at Unicoi Gap tomorrow to dry out and clean up. Here's me being flexible with my schedule! Well, and panicking as well. To my relief, she promptly replied in the affirmative. So much easier to deal with the muck when I know it is short lived. Question - is there any way to get in and out of a tent in the pouring rain and not get yourself wet? Perhaps I haven't mastered the trick yet. I went down to the shelter to get water and cook dinner during a brief lull in the downpour - no one seemed particularly chatty though a few guys said hello and smiled. Everyone frankly looked liked drowned rats, and some extremely miserable. I felt a lot better once I had some hot chocolate, dessert, and then dinner - the order is correct, had to eat something while dinner, a Mountain House Beef Stroganoff, was cooking! Once back at my tent site, it was pouring again, and I literally stood there for a few minutes hoping it was going to lessen up a bit before opening the fly. 12+ hours in my tent is a LONG time, especially since I left my pen somewhere in my soaked tent and wasn't about to uncurl from my sleeping bag to search for it to journal. IPhone to the rescue! It helped tremendously to read the TJ guest book entries and emails from family and friends - thanks everyone! Word of the day - bedraggledBedraggled - left wet and limp; soiled or stainedI felt particularly bedraggled when I realized I had gotten my down sweater wet when going out to "water the leaves" before bedtime.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Low Gap Shelter campsite

To: Unicoi Gap - Debbie's cabin to the rescue!
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: snow

Good afternoon dear readers,Woke up and relieved that the sun was out and the sky was blue! Tried to dry out some when packing up, but was less than successful. Since I knew I was going to Debbie's I packed up my wet tent and was on my way by 10. While a late start, I was actually one of the first out of camp. I wish I would have taken a few pictures of all of us looking like drowned rats, but wasn't in the mood. Beautiful hiking, though incredibly rocky near the old site for rocky top shelter - should have been clued in by the name, huh?! I perched on some rocks to have lunch - needed the energy but saw a great lunch site half a mile later - oh, well! The woods had that amazing fresh scent this morning - just glorious! The morning also had nice Trail magic from an older hiking group - cutie and granola bar! Leap frogged with several hikers, all guys. Made good time during some easier sections of trail - wait, in Georgia?! I know, I was shocked, too. However, the descent down Blue Mountain was brutal - rocky and steep switchbacks. uAt Unicoi Gap, had about an hour to wait for Debbie, so talked with a young couple who were going to camp at the road crossing and then hitch in the AM, and 2 guys from Colorado. First time feeling like "hiker trash"'on the side of the road! I was happy to see Debbie, as by then the sun was going behind the mt and it was getting chilly. With everyone else gone I felt somewhat vulnerable as a single woman by herself, but it did allow me to journal for a bit and bask in the sun We stopped at Ingles for some groceries, had rotisserie chicken, potatoes and veggies for dinner - yum! After talking with Debbie, I decided to zero the next day to rest my right knee which began to hurt a few days ago coming down off Blood Mt, and avoid the anticipated very cold weather, and she is so nice to let me do so at her house!
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Debbie's cabin in Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,The end of my first zero day, and the first day of spring! It was so nice to have a leisurely start to the day, not that I've really been "on the clock" but I have been conscious of my hiking pace and wanting to get out of camp quicker than I have been. With making and eating breakfast , it's about 2 hours. I know I'll get more efficient, but I still feel flustered of what to do first, when, etc. I was also frustrated today with trying to streamline my resupply and gear cleaning process - ughh, I'll get this soon, right? I think I need to go with the flow a bit more here me try not to impose my structure on everything! Regina, Joan, and Debbie have been a fantastic support system for me as I think back on my first week! I'm a bit nervous to go on my own but I know I can handle it. Many hikers seem to have groups established already, but I've been assured the groups are fluid as people get on and off the trail. I do need to make an effort to be social so I can meet more people! My knee pain is also worrisome, but icing it today and taking vitamin I are helping! Despite my worries, today was really lovely. I was invited to Debbie's in laws, Pat and Lee, for lunch, which is their main meal of the day. Soooooooo fantastic, fried pork chops, homemade macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, baby Lima beans, and sweet tea - true Southern hospitality! I am getting so spoiled . Talked for a while with Mom & Dad, feeling quite homesick now so great to hear their voices. While I am still loving the AT and living my dream, I miss everyone at home and wondering how life is going on without me. Hopefully being out in the woods again will raise my spirits.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Debbie's cabin in Hiawassee

To: Sassafras Gap campsites
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A very chilly good evening to you, dear readers! I'm in my tent, camping with 2 other hiking pairs, very happy that I have a 15 degree bag! Apparently it was very cold last night, and saw plenty of a candy coating of snow during the hike today out of Unicoi Gap today. Debbie was so excited to see the snow as we drove up, and I have to admit I'm so used to it at home at first I didn't realize what I was really seeing - oh, right, this is Georgia, not Ohio. Very cold tonight, going to sleep with my water so it doesn't freeze. The sky was bright blue today with white fluffy clouds, which was simply gorgeous with the snow. Despite the amazing scenery, today was quite hard for me mentally. I felt very alone and kept wishing I would run into someone I knew to share the day's wonders. It's also amazing to me how stripped down and raw my emotions feel out here - can't hide behind the everyday grind from issues I've been needing to work through and come to peace on for a while now - lots of time to think, that's for sure.I passed or was passed very few times by other thru hikers, the same 2 pairs of hikers who while nice and friendly none of us lingered in the cold to talk much. I asked to tag along after Tray Mountain shelter which seemed very windy and cold even at 3pm! A brisk walk to Sassafras Gap later and camp was shortly set up. What a haul up the water hill, oy!   But, where is everyone else? Despite my mood, it's gorgeous out here! Frankly I didn't expect this much solitude out here. Probably I need to spend some time at shelters to meet more hikers. I don't mind hiking mostly by myself, but I'm really wanting to connect with others out here - probably my expectations coming into play! Everything is a learning experience, I just need to push through this. I did look at my home keepsakes before journaling tonight - the first time I've read through all the personal notes and items - they helped so much! If I was teary when I got them, that was doubled tonight but that's a good thing .
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Sassafras Gap campsites

To: Dick's Creek Gap - to Henson Cove B&B
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Good evening dear readers,Well, here's me being flexible. Instead of camping tonight, I jumped on the excuse of a wintery mix coming in to get picked up at Dick's Creek Gap, so here I am at the great Henson Cove Place cabin and B&B. Dave was able to pick me up when I called him from Powell Mt, and a quick hike down the mountain, and now doing laundry and taking a great shower. Before my trip I wanted to go to as many B&Bs as possible since I love their unique character and homey feeling. Well, future B&Bs along the AT, you've got a high standard to live up to! So relaxing. Today's hiking was short, and hard. Kelly's Knob - what a climb! Trail maintainers, of whom I spoke with 6, had brought great trail magic before the climb! I had a great brownie, and took a cutie orange and a snickers. Boy, did I need them to get up that hill. Frankly, I should've stopped to have lunch at the vista, but I just wanted to get down the mountain. I've spent the evening emailing and on FB, and it's been so nice to connect again with family and friends. I also got great news from Joan - she's able to come hike with me tomorrow! Her flower hike got cancelled, which stinks, but I'm definitely the beneficiary of her plans getting cancelled this month! I've realized I needed tonight to take care of myself mentally - I don't need the excuse of the weather (though real and serious) or my knee, which has been doing a lot better. I was feeling down on myself for needing a break so soon, but I don't as much now. I'm totally getting why so many say the trail is more mental than physical, though the physical is plenty hard! Had great Mexican take out, and had to laugh, standing in a very busy restaurant on a Friday evening in my hiking tights and puffy down sweater! Totally did not look like a local
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Dick's Creek Gap - to Henson Cove B&B

To: Bly Gap campsites
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A very rainy good evening to you, dear readers!I'm in North Carolina!!! My first state crossing today, 1 down, lots to go.   This is also officially the longest backpacking trip I've ever been on . Yea, I'm so excited and proud of myself! This morning started with a mouthwatering breakfast at the B&B, and Joan arrived promptly at 9am. We were on the road, glancing warily at the cloudy sky and raindrops the few miles back to the trail, while talking excitedly! I was so relieved - we saw lots of other hikers at the Gap, despite the rain! After about half an hour, the rain stopped and the day became really beautiful. Had lunch near Plumorchard shelter, my original destination the day before. It was just great to talk things out with Joan, so we did a meandering hike until I realized it was already 4pm and we were still 2 miles from the border! After getting some water (thank heavens Joan saw the piped spring, climbing down that other hill would have been an adventure for sure!) and some unnecessary advice from another hiker that we puzzled about for a while, I turned on the juice and made tracks - I could almost smell my first major milestone! Wow, the sign's location is so....not....impressive. Joan told me to look for the rocks on the left, and I was puzzled, we were on a ledge on a hillside. But, there it was! I'm glad I didn't sneeze and miss it . Well, despite me wanting some fireworks and a finish line, still had lots of fun taking pics! Then on to finding a campsite. There were quite a few guys already camping, and the ledge up by the famous oak seemed really windy and cold. Mist was coming in, and we were expecting a storm. We decided to join the guys and just walk a bit to find some privacy to go to the bathroom - there were people all over the place! Yes, I was just asking a few days ago where everyone was. Some of the guys built a great fire, which Joan and I really enjoyed after dinner and a short walk to see the sunset, do the aforementioned private items, and see a frozen waterfall. Haha, joke's on us, we had a great conversation how campfires weren't a necessary or big part of our backpacking experiences!   Nice, nice evening, so happy and content tonight and feeling so accomplished despite my worries about the weather forecast.