morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-09-06
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Birches
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

Today is day 153. I have hiked 2173.9 miles on the AT so far, not counting extra miles for the Approach Trail, blue blazes, shelters, water, and other diversions. In another 5.2 miles I will have walked the length of the AT. This really hit home to me about 1.5 miles from the Birches. Soon after I got a great view of Katahdin. I have longed for this day and tomorrow for some time. I will be excited and happy tomorrow when the Ohio Brothers are reunited and summit Mt. Katahdin. It has been a long, hard journey and I will be glad to see it end. I have met some great people, seen fantastic sights, and had great experiences. It has not been easy, but I knew it wouldn't. It has been hard being away from home. I have not seen Judy since May 25. Today was a beautiful day and would have been a perfect day to summit. Tomorrow the forecast is for a 50% chance of showers. I got to the ranger station before lunch, paid for my campsite, and filled out the necessary papers. I was number 242 to register this year. I was number 344 at Harpers Ferry, and around 550 at Amicolola Falls, so I guess I moved up or people are dropping off.
Date: 2010-09-07
From: Birches

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, after 154 days the journey is over. My brother Jim arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground shortly after 6 am. It had rained overnight and was overcast and damp. We began our summit along with Trashman and his son, Karl around 7:25. The first 2.5 miles were fairly easy. Soon we hit the rocks and climbing along with the clouds and wind. Visibility was only about 50 to 100 feet. Jim and I arrived at the summit around noon. We took pictures and shortly after we headed down the mountain because of the cold and lack of views. We got to the campground around 4:15. Also summiting today were Suguaro, Sherlock, Akido Joe, Buckwheat, Piece o Cake, Scout, and Boo. After leaving Baxter we headed to Millinocket and the AT Cafe for lunch/dinner. We also were looking for Barley. I offered him a ride to Cleveland. Barley is from Lansing, MI and summited yesterday. We found him in front of the Cafe. It seemed like everyone who summited today was at the cafe. We had a great dinner and said our goodbyes to our hiking partners. Then we headed down the road. We drove to Portland and spent the night at the Econolodge.
Date: 2010-09-08
To: Parma, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

Jim drove all the way from Portland to Parma while Barley and I relaxed. We all looked like cripples when we would get out of the car. I guess our hiking bodies are not used to sitting in a car for 12 hours. Our friend Martin called us on route and told us he is grilling steaks for us when we arrive. We got to Martin's around 8:30 and drank some beers and had some fantastic food. Thanks Martin. After this we went back to Jim's house and crashed for the night.
Date: 2010-09-09
To: Chillicothe, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

Judy drove up to Jim's house this morning and arrived a little before 11. We were soon on our way south back home. I am now at home and getting used to life off the trail. I will review my equipment and other information at a later date. I also hope to get more of my pictures posted when I find the time. Thanks to everyone who has followed my hike through my journals. Thanks for the words of encouragement and support.
Date: 2009-02-12
To: The Final Decision
Miles today: 0.0

On March 29, 2006, I summited Springer Mountain with my family, signed the register, and then started hiking north, saying farewell to my family in the parking lot on the north side of the mountain. Three weeks and 160 miles later, like a spoiled child who had gotten bored of a toy, I quit. Many people asked me why I got off the trail ("got off the trail" sounds so much nicer than "quit"). At the time, my answer was that "I'm just not a thru-hiker." I would tell people that I still greatly wanted to hike the entire trail, but as a section hiker, not a thru-hiker. I said that I just had no interest in doing the same thing every day for six months. It took me about a year and a half to final realize that was BS. I am, without a doubt, a thru-hiker, but I wasn't ready yet. The real reasons for quitting include lots of small factors like being lost in my life in general, hating my hiking partner (who, in one of the great bad decisions of my life, I was dating at the time), feeling like I was not tough enough to hike without a partner, etc. All in all, however, the reason comes down to this: I was not ready yet. Logistically, I was incredibly prepared. Physically, I was fairly prepared and doing very well with "trail-conditioning" before I quit. Mentally, I was absolutely not there. I could spout all these things in an attempt to convince myself and others that I was ready, but in reality, I was not at all ready to commit to a thru-hike. I had decided that the time was right just a couple of months before I began, and focused on logistics, had not thought much about the realities of the trail beyond physical difficulties such as blistered feet, aching body, and rain-soaked clothes. In December of 2007, just before Christmas, all this really sunk in, and I suddenly felt the drive to do it right. I decided then and there that in two years, after finishing the three years I had committed myself to directing a camp that I adore, I would hike- solo this time, and with two years to "get my head in the game." I immediately set up a savings account solely for trail money (though it hasn't grown nearly as much as I planned). I have planned on a 2010 thru-hike for the past 14 months and my enthusiasm has not waivered, but I have been afraid to "lock in my plans," listening to others saying that I never know what will happen between now and then. This is all true, but this is something that I have to do, and I know that now is the time in my life, while I still have the option to pull out for 6 months. Over the last few days, I have realized that the time has come to make a commitment, set a start date, and quit giving other life things permission to get in the way of my goal. So, I hereby shout it from an imaginary mountaintop: March 10, 2010, the day after my 28th birthday, I will once again hike up Springer Mountain, this time for real.
Date: 2009-07-19
To: Amazing Support
Miles today: 0.0

It has been quite some time since I added to this journal (my apologies, Dan!), but no worries- my conviction and plans haven't changed in the slightest! If anything, they have grown. I don't think I've said much about this, but I am currently the director of a program providing three summer camps and a ski weekend for kids with cancer and their families. I am in my third summer with Big Sky Kids, and it has been an incredible journey! I spent most of the last two weeks immersed in our longest camp. I could do without most of the days in the office, but each day spent at camp makes it harder to leave. A couple of times, I even thought, "Maybe I should just stay for a couple more years since things are going so well." The second I thought about my hike, however, I knew this is not an option for me. This hike has evolved over the last few years from something that I want to do into something that I MUST do. As it became common knowledge that I am leaving here and going out into the woods next spring, I received the best possible reaction that one could receive- shared sadness over my leaving, coupled with incredible excitement and encouragement about what lies ahead for me. I have received this reaction from many over the summer, but the amazing volunteer staff at this last camp took their support one step further. They surprised me on the last night of camp with one of the most thoughtful, touching gifts I have ever received. Following a discussion during camp with our camp doc about my plans to ditch my practically-ancient Thermarest for a new one, one of the exact two models I had been considering was presented to me by the greatest staff a camp director could ask for. This, however, is no ordinary Thermarest. It had been signed with supportive, encouraging commentary (and much more flattery than I deserve!) by the entire staff, so that their words can follow me up the trail, and so that they can quite literally support me each night! How does one come upon such incredible people in her life? I'm a lucky girl, that's for sure!I will now be hitting the trail in 234 days! Postscript, March 2, 2011: That Thermarest made it the entire way, never even needing a patch. The inscriptions are all faded, but most still legible, and it remained one of my most treasured possessions out on the trail. I got such comfort from unfurling it each night, feeling the love of those who made it so special.
Date: 2009-10-29
To: Still here, still excited!
Miles today: 0.0

Hi, my name is Keona, and I have committed Trail Journal neglect. It has been 102 days since my last entry. I'm still here, though! (Hence the title...) My commitment and excitment have not waned in the least bit, but for some reason, I have just been a total slacker about sharing any of this with the rest of the TJ world. So, I could probably write many thousands of words at this point, but I'll try to keep it short and make this a general update. Since my last entry, here are the high points: I had a wonderful summer of camps, meeting many more amazing campers. The early fall was insane and surreal as I worked tirelessly to prepare both my professional and personal lives for moving. On September 2, I left Bozeman and headed east, meeting my wonderful mom for a folk festival (Yay, Storyhill Fest!) in Brainerd, MN. We had a fantastic time and then headed south to Georgia. I have been back home since September 9, and am having a great time. I have come to the point that almost everything I do is for the single goal of a successful thru-hike. I work A LOT at a job waiting tables. Although I certainly do not hate my job (usually...), I would always rather be doing something else, but I get through each day just fine because the sole purpose of being there is saving enough money to take off in March without borrowing any. When I am off work, I spend most of my time researching, buying, and testing gear (more on my in-progress gear list later). I am also working on an unfinished project to pass along knowledge to my replacement in my old job. Even this is so that I can embark on my hike with a clear conscience knowing that the program will be in good hands. Although I'm not getting to hike nearly as much as I'd like, I'm trying to spend as much time as possible on my feet, to begin getting in hiking shape (though I have a LONG way to go!). There is a partially-read book by my bed that was abandoned in the middle to make way for reading trail journals of other female thru-hikers to glean wisdom from their adventures (Thanks, Persistent and Storm!). It feels amazing to have my life be so focused on this one unbelievably important thing. I am so very lucky. I hit the trail in 132 days!!! Postscript, March 10, 2011: This mention of Persistent and Storm soon led to them getting in touch with me and becoming two of my greatest supporters throughout my hike. I just hope that someday I can do for someone else what they did for me.
Date: 2010-01-22
To: The Tenners
Miles today: 0.0

This is just a short entry to let everyone who swings by know about a group that has just gotten together. Thanks to Longhaul, we are now amassing a group of 2010 AT thru-hiker hopefuls, or "Tenners," as we've decided to call ourselves. He started us off by searching through TJs for hikers listing a 2010 start date and an email address, but any 2010 thru-hiker, whether or not you have a TJ of your own, is welcome to join. If you're interested, just click here Click to join ATTennersand join us!
Date: 2010-02-17
To: Blessings Abound
Miles today: 0.0

This is the day I have had:This morning, I received an incredibly sweet facebook message from an old friend volunteering to be one of six journal transcribers who will type and post about a month's worth of my handwritten journal entries. This followed four other very quick and enthusiastic responses to a request for transcribers within the last couple of days. The response I have received to this has simply astounded me. This afternoon, I got an equally enthusiastic response from a salon owner (also friends with my mother) when I officially asked her to be a volunteer barber to shave my head for St. Baldrick's Foundation. She not only said yes, but seemed genuinely thrilled to be a part of the event.About an hour later, I arrived home and got the mail. In it was a card from a dear friend in Bozeman, who I have not seen in almost two years, and seldom even talked to in that time. She wrote a cheerful, beautiful, and encouraging card about my upcoming hike and about her own five week section hike many years ago. In it, she put a $100 bill for my "treat cash stash" for splurges in town. I literally sat in my car and cried.I have no earthly idea what I have done to receive all of this love, but world, I hear you. I really just had to sit down and write and thank everyone out there for all of your unbelievable love and support. I truly don't know how I possibly deserve all of this, but I am also truly grateful. I spend a lot of time worrying about the bad things and evil people in the world, but man, when I stop and look through different eyes, the world is just beautiful. It is full of so very many beautiful people. Life is good. Postscript, March 10, 2011: Life really is good. This kindness continued throughout my hike and afterwards, and I think the trail taught even more than before to look for the good in others. Much happiness surrounds me.
Date: 2010-03-08
To: Bald is beautiful!
Miles today: 0.0

This will have to be a quick one, since I am just taking a short break from prepping my maildrops, but I wanted to update everyone on my head shaving. We had a fabulous send-off party yesterday, where Karen with Lava Hair Studio shaved my head (Thanks, Karen!). I LOVE my new do, and the generosity of all that surround me simply astounds me! Just during this small event (around 35 people), $386 was donated!!! This brings the St. Baldrick's total amount raised to $966, and the Big Sky Kids total to around $800. Wow!!! The pic above is one of the great ones that my friend Angela took. (Thanks, Angela!) In a stroke of genius, she superimposed a very special poem. Dream Big was sent to me by Storm (GAME '09), after having been passed down to her through several classes of thru-hikers. (Thank you, Storm!) Although I had read it before on Storm's Trail Journal, when I read it outloud a couple of weeks ago, it gave me goose bumps. The text can be tough to read on the picture, so I'll inclue it here:DREAM BIG      If ever there were a time to dare,to make a difference,to embark on something worth doing,it is now.Not for some grand cause, necessarily,but for something that tugs at your heartsomething that is your aspirationSomething that's your dream You owe it to yourselfto make each day here countHave funDig deepStretch Dream big. Know, though, that things worth doingseldom come easy.There will be good daysand there will be bad daysThere will be times whenyou want to turn around,pack it up,call it quits.Those times tell youthat you are pushing yourself,that you are not afraid to learn by trying. Persist. Because with an idea,determination,and the right tools,you can do great things.Let your instincts,your intellectand your heartguide you. Trust. Believe in the incredible powerOf all the things that will cross your paththis year. The start of something newbrings the hope of something great.Anything is possible.There is only one you,and you will only pass this way once.Do it right.It has been an amazing couple of days, for sure!!! I could do without all the rain in the forcast for the first four days of my hike, but regardless, I can't wait to be out there!
Date: 2010-03-11
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: moderate rain

I hear that the beginning is an awfully good place to start. I stepped off from Springer at 10:24 this morning. This came after a crazy morning- slick-shaving my head, running late, realizing I'd forgotten my poles, turning the Subaru around and consequently running even later, getting carsick as Dad maneuvered the vehicle through miles of deep, squishy mud, and eventually hopping out and hiking the mile south on the AT to that wonderful, famous plaque. We took LOTS of photos, and then Amanda and I both officially started our trek to Maine. I was both lucky and grateful to do so with my incredible parents and Amanda's loving family.Today's hike was beautiful. It was rainy all day and extremely muddy, but beautiful. I am so happy to be out here that I floated for much of the day. A brief low point was realizing as I got out my bagel and Armour sliced dried beef that I had, in fact, left my cheese in the refrigerator at home. Believe it or not, I survived this moment of horror. I know you're all relieved.There's quite a crowd here at the shelter tonight. We arrived around 3 and got space in the loft. It's about 6:25 and I have eaten dinner, gotten water, hung my food bag, and changed into dry clothes. I am now very warm and cozy in my sleeping bag and plan to stay here until morning. All in all, SO happy to be out here and looking forward to tomorrow (though, admittedly, not to the rain and thrunderstorms it will likely hold). Postscript, March 11, 2011: Man, what memories! I wasn't sure what it would feel like to start rereading my hiking entries, but it's amazing! I had forgotten little details, like forgetting my trekking poles. When I read about them, it brings me right back to that day like it was yesterday, rather than a year ago. I remember exactly what it felt like having that first experience of cozying up warm and dry in my sleeping bag, knowing that my miles were hiked, chores were done, and all I had to do for the next 12 hours was lay there in peace and read or sleep. This feeling remained one of my most treasured joys throughout the hike.
Date: 2010-03-13
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: campsite in Miller Gap, just N of Dockery Lake Tr.
Miles today: 7.9

8:05 amHeard an owl this morning around 5. Life is SO good. EveningToday we were teased with sunshine, but the rain prevailed, along with an added bonus of sleet. We did, however, get some views, and had a really enjoyable hike.One more happening this afternoon that I promised to write about- as Amanda and I were hiking down from Ramrock Mountain with Cliff, a local Suches resident I had just met who knows my dad fairly well, we hiked by two middle-aged Asian med eating lunch. One of them asked where we were headed, and we said, "Maine." He said we were two brave girls, and then turned to tell the other man, who apparently didn't speak English, what we are doing. We didn't realize he was translating at the moment, so we had turned to head down the trail. As soon as the man stopped translating, the other man immediately emitted an earthly, gutteral, grunt sort of sound. Cliff, Amanda, and I all laughed and turned around. His sound (and the look upon his face) rather perfectly summed up the enormity of what lies ahead.We are in at a campsite by a creek in Miller Gap. Shortly after arrival, we were joined by Quarter Pounder, Llano, and RA Wizard. (Go Tenners! Hehehe) None of us are socializing much, though, as we all wanted to get out of the rain and cold, and were all in our tents (and hammocks) before dark. All in all, a good, tiring day. Ready for sleep.
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Neels Gap

To: campsite just S of Poor Mtn.
Miles today: 7.8

There is just something inherently good and comforting about backpacking with my daddy. He is the first person who ever took me backpacking. He gave me the solid foundations of my knowledge on the subject, and he has taught me even more today. For example, if you brush your teeth, then take a drink of water and brush some more with the water in your mouth, that cleans most of the toothpaste off of your brush. This may seem like a minor tip, but it was like magic to a thru-hiker trying to make all of her camp chores and routines more fluid. We have had a wonderful day! I woke up, clean, warm, and dry in the Deer Cabin that I shared with Amanda, Cheeks, and Mojave. I sat in the dark on the front steps until Mom and Dad arrived around 6:50. I got great hugs, said bye to Mom, and promptly went back to bed for a while. After the sun was up, I got up once again and got to slowly packing my DRY gear. I said my goodbyes to Amanda (weird and a little sad because I'm not sure when I'll run into her again), and then Dad and I headed up to the Walasi-yi Center (Mountain Crossings) for a few gear purchases for dad and a fun momentary hello with Cool Breeze for me. At about 10:40, we were finally off. Believe it or not, as of yet (it's 7:53pm), we have had NO RAIN today! (Yes, I'm jinxing it now...) We did, however, put packcovers and rain jackets on this morning due to ice on trees both melting and falling on our heads in chunks. The weather hasn't been quite as perfect as I was hoping (enveloping fog, cold temps- hovering around 36 degrees now, and ferocious winds), but we did get a couple hours of pretty nice sun and beautiful views. In fact, just a few minutes ago, I had a nice vista beyond my hammock, but alas, the fog that cleared off briefly has closed in again.It really has been delightful backpacking with my dad for the first time in many years. We have hiked together all day and had lots of great conversations. We have talked about many deep things, and others definitely not so deep. A conversation about snot rockets (a hiker's best friend!) comes to mind. Although we both were quite cold as we settled into camp, we each had a glass of wine (complete with actual plastic wineglasses!) and had a delicious dinner. Somehow now, I'm still out of my hammock and am much warmer. (Perhaps because I'm no longer thinning my blood with alcohol. Hmm...)It's been a fantastic one, and I'm looking forward to another! On the loose...Postscript, March 15, 2011: I had such an amazing time during those few days hiking with my dad. I had forgotten that the toothbrush cleaning tip came from him, because after doing that twice a day for over 6 months, it was definitely second nature.
Date: 2010-03-16
From: campsite just S of Poor Mtn.

To: campsite about 1 mi S of Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.3

Man, what a beautiful day!!! We have had amazing weather all day! This is in many ways a completely different hike than it was over the last five days. We hiked some great trail with stunning views and are now at a campsite that Mom and Dad apparently pioneered many years ago. There are quite a few other hikers here, including numerous thru-hikers and right next to us, a really nice couple from Savannah out for several days. I'm watching the bright orange sun sink below the horizon, and am going to go join a campfire that someone built before turning in to read. We only have a short 3.1 miles out tomorrow, and then I plan to take one or maybe even two zero days at the house. Another great day on the trail...Ahh! I almost forgot- one of my favorite moments today was yet another happy hour with a glass and a half of wine from the bottle that dad brought. Now I'm just trying to figure out how to have a glass every evening of my thru-hike.