morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-12
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn.
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Thoughts on why people hike the A.T.Patch (from Bumpass, WV) is doing it to quit smoking. Some people do it to take a break after college to figure out the next step. Other people do it to get away from bad family life or failed relationships in general. Why am I here? I have a wonderful relationship with Yusi, a loving family, plenty of positives in my life...so what am I doing in the woods?My first thoughts turn toward communion. Seeking communion with Nature, with Sue and with Myself.I feel like I've lost touch of the beauty in nature. Just to be outside and appreciate the thriving life around you. Walking in the woods, seeing the plants emerge and spending a morning whistling along to the bird songs makes my heart light. Some of that joy in returning.Important also is a chance to build a bond with Sue. Although we're 7 years and 7 days apart in age I feel like we've always shared a similair outlook on life. It's a wonderful gift to be able to experience it together out here in the woods. I'm learning lots about her and about the way we interact as we go along. I'm looking forward t more deep conversations as the trip progresses.Finally, a chance to think: to really delve into what my human experience is all about. My role in the the wold and life in general. What do I want to create, to leave behind as my leagacy? How will my life impact the lives of those I meet? For now it comes down to goodness and increasing the amount of it in the world. There are easy ways to brighten someone's day or even make a long term contribution toward improving someone's life, but is it necessary to do more? Do the deeds done that go unnoticed become of less worth? It seems intention (or heart) is the deciding factor. Actions motivated by a good heart are never in error and never a waste.
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Blue Mtn.

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Happy St. Patrick's Day.Very chilly. Got to the shelter at noon, but decided to hole up for the night. Met Euchre and got going on a marathon game of BVG (Boys vs. Girls) card. We got whooped: 2 of 3, 3 of 5 and 4 of 7. Still holding out for 5 of 9.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Indian Grave Mtn.

To: Miss Janet's Hostel
Miles today: 8.3

Got out of bed at 8am and walked into a bustling kitchen; breakfast preparation was in full swing. Helped make the eggs, fruit salad and sawmill gravy. Nice hearty breakfast and got ready to head out into the rain and snow. We did a 9 mile slack pack back from Indian Grave Mtn. back to Miss Janet's.The first 2 miles was beautiful and fun to be back in the snow. Soon enough it got cold and our gloves got nice and soaked. Half way through the hike we were out of the snow and into the rain. No more ATrail, we were hiking the ARiver. 4"-5" of water in full motion. We tried to keep the feet dry as much as possible until we came to the 20ft. wide, 3ft. deep white water river we had to cross. From there we started running back to our shuttle to keep warm. Got picked up by a wonderful thru hiker from last year named Valley Girl, and delivered back to the hostel where hot showers and kaluha coffee waited for us.Spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching movies and eating cookies.Tomorrow is likely gonna be our first offical zero day. Possibly hitching a ride back to Hot Springs for Trail Fest this weekend.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Hot Springs

To: Miss Janet's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day. Enjoyed wonderful weather for the first day of Trail Fest. Free snickers and assorted gear from the outfitters. Great bluegrass music and Native American dancing. Spent the afternoon around the campsite swapping the guitar around. Firefly, Sticky Fingers, Chunky, Kool Aid and Bliss finally made it back into the woods.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Sam's Gap

To: Miss Janet's Hostel
Miles today: 24.5

Big day. Made up the 24+ miles from Sam's Gap where we came off last Wednesday. Slackpacked the trip, carrying bare essentials. Weather was fantastic and nearly all the snow was melted off Big Bald (there was 1 1/2 feet there two days ago).Now were caught up and ready back North once we loose ourselves from the grip of Erwin.
Date: 2003-01-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Picked up some more supplies for the upcomming hike and ended up meeting Tanglewood. He was extremely helpful as he provided many good suggestions for equipment, start dates, and other details! Sometimes, I feel that I am greatly unprepared for all of this, even though I've been planning it for years! So much to know...! Anyway, I hope to meet up with E-Dogg tomorrow in order to figure out some more details for our start on the AT. Our start date is not far away!
Date: 2003-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I've spent the past several weeks dehydrating food, preparing meals, packaging food drops, and gathering my equipment. I'm finally making some headway! I really enjoy dehydrating all of my own food and I'm starting to get somewhat creative with my meal options. I'm a little bit worried that my food will not stay fresh after six months of storage. However, it makes me happy to know that I'll be eating some healthy snacks, including veggies and fruit, while I'm on the trail.I have also been getting out almost everyday for a nice long hike. Today, I'm in Delaware so I went to White Clay Creek State Park. This is one of my favorite places to spend time because it's fairly quiet and has lots of nice trails (the trails are fairly easy to follow and even I don't get lost...!). I took this picture while I was out today. I love this snowy weather!I have met several amazing people in the past few weeks who have really helped me with my trail planning. I feel very lucky to have crossed paths with so many other thru-hikers. I can use all of the ideas and advice that I can get! Thanks for all the help!!
Date: 2003-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been going out nearly every day for a short hike, just to make sure that I start this March with at least a little preparation...! Although I haven't been carrying the weight that I plan to hike with, I have been trying out all of my equipment. So far, I am very pleased with everything, including my tent (I was a little bit unsure of this!). I've also been trying to figure out how to use my new camera. I know it shouldn't be complicated, but I'm having a hard time re-sizing my photos so that they look "normal" on this webpage -- I apologize for the overly large photos! However, I did take this picture at Annapolis Rocks on the AT in Maryland. I live fairly close to this part of the trail, and most of my daily hikes are in this area. We made reservations in Georgia for the night of the 13th. E-Dogg and I will be starting the next day...less than a month from now! I'm really enjoying all of my pre-hike preparations, though I must admit that I'm becoming very spoiled by all of this time off!
Date: 2003-02-18
To: The Wellness Center
Miles today: 0.0

I have done alot of thinking this past few months and I have come to the conclusion that I would like to do more this spring than hike for the sole purpose of reaching my own dreams and goals. I had a moment of enlightment after a very strange dream one night that purhaps I could help raise money towards supporting an invaluable organization. I gave this alot of thought before telling others about my idea because I was unsure of how the details would all come together. However, my friends and family have been unbelievably supportive of my plan and I have decided to dedicate my hike toward supporting a local, Delaware organization.So, after considering several different suggestions, I decided to take the advice of my friend, Angela, and look into an organization called The Wellness Community. This organization is national, though there is an office in Delaware that I have been in contact with. The Wellness Community offers an amazing service to the public by offering love, hope, and support to those who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as the friends and family of these cancer patients. I think that this organization is truly amazing as I have seen the dedication and support that is given to helping people cope with the effects of cancer. I'm sure that everyone has been touched by this disease in one form or another. In Delaware alone, there are currently 11,000 people who are living with cancer.I would like to thank the many people who have helped me raise money toward The Wellness Community of Delaware. If you would like to help, please feel free to email me and I'll give you more information. The services provided by this organization are truly amazing and have already helped thousands of people. Thank you!!
Date: 2003-02-19
To: Blizzard of 2003
Miles today: 0.0

I've spent the last 6 days in Delaware, enjoying the "Blizzard of 2003." Thankfully, I had good company and had a nice time visiting. I took this picture of the "green" on the University of Delaware's campus after the first major snow day. I hope that all of this snow works it's way off of the east coast before I head down to Georgia! It's quite a work out to trudge through 2 feet of snow!!!I am almost done putting all of my food packages together. I still have to organize them into food drops, but hopefully that won't take too much time. It will probably be key to know my mail drops first---this is my goal for the next two days! I'm excited to get outside and go for a hike tomorrow morning. I've been somewhat lazy these past few days and I'm feeling out of shape! Fingers crossed that it doesn't snow more...!
Date: 2003-03-04
To: One week left
Miles today: 0.0

I'm putting the finishing touches on all of my trail preparations. I'm so anxious to get going that I keep finding unnecessary details to preoccupy myself with. I think that I've memorized my maildrops, food supplies, and daily itinerary. I'm definitely ready to start hiking!My mom has agreed to be my joural transcriber, so look for her to be adding to my journal as I hike. I'm not sure how much of a lag there might be between my actual location and my trail journal, but at least it will give you a general idea. Whenever possible, I will personally add a journal entry. I'll also be checking my email when trail towns offer internet access, so please feel free to email me too!I've been reading many of the other journals on this website and I'm really looking forward to meeting other hikers. Only one week left...!
Date: 2003-03-14
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the day. Honestly, I'm scared, anxious, and excited...all rolled into one. I'm starting to wonder what I have gotten myself into. Even after all of these preparations, I'm suddendly worried that I've gotten in over my head. But at the same time, I can't wait to get out there. I've been waiting for this day for SO long, and it came so fast. I can hardly believe that today is the day that I will start this amazing life adventure. I'm so glad to be starting with E-Dogg, RangerBob and Butterfly. They are wonderful people and I'm already enjoying there company! So, it starts here. See you up the trail!
Date: 2003-03-17
From: One week left

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am already having so much fun! The first 2 days were, admittedly, pretty tough,but everyone seems to be in very high spirits. E-Dogg, Ranger Bob, Butterfly, and I have been hiking together for the past 3 days. The shelters have all been very full of other through-hikers so we've been joining many others by tenting nar the shelters. The four of us made it to Hawk Mtn. Shelter the first night, despite a late start. Our hike on day #2 was a bit harder for me as my muscles felt kinda tired. We ended after 7.1 miles at Gooch Gap Shelter.Nice, but crowded just as the day before. Our longest mileage day thus far has been Sunda with 10.6. This brought us to Jarrard Gap where we tented with Neely and Matt. They are so funny and I'm glad to be getting to know them better.E-Dogg and I made great time hiking this morning. We were prepared for a rough climb up Blood Mtn. ( this is Georgia's highest point). Luckily, the climb up was fairly easy, however, the view was obscured by lots of fog and it started raining....again. It has rained every day! I was quite proud to make it to the Walasi-Yi Center, my first mail drop. I was starting towonder if E- Dogg and I would make itafter following the "wrong" trail off Blood Mtn! We made the executive decision to stay overnight here at the hostel. I'm glad we did because lots of others are here too. Nate, from the Center, went through my pack for me and I found some weight to cut. I'm not really having any pack issues, but always good to trim down.So, no complaints and all is well! I've had a showr and am waiting for some laundry. A bunch of us may head into town for some dinner. I'm hoping to meet more of my fellow hikers! Next stop.... The Blueberry Patch.
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Walasi-Yi Center
Miles today: 0.0

I am already having so much fun! The first 2 days were, admittedly, pretty tough, but everyone seems o be in very high spirits. E- Dog, Ranger Bob, Butterfly, and I have been hiking together for the past 3 days. The shelters have all been very full of other through- hikers so we've been joining many others by tenting near the shelters. The 4 of us made it to Hawk Mtn. Shelter the 1st night, despite a late start. Our hike on day #2 was a bit harder for me as my muscles felt kinda tired. We ended after 7.1 miles at Gooch Gap Shelter. Nice, but crowded just as the day before. Our longest mileage day thus far has been Sunday with 10.6. This brought us to Jarrad Gap where we tented with Neely and Matt. The are so funny and I'm glad to be getting to know them better.E-Dogg and I made great time hiking this morning. We were prepared for a rough climb up Blood Mtn. (this is Georgia's highest point). Luckily, the climb up was fairly easy. The view, however, was obscured by lots of fog and it started rainging....again. It has rained every day! I was quite proud to makeit to the Walasi-Yi Center, my first mail drop. I was starting to wonder if E-Dogg and I would make it after following the "wrong" trail off Blood Mtn! We made the executive decision to stay ovenight here at the hostel. I'm glad we did because lots of others are here too. Nate, from the Center, went through my pack for me and I found some weight to cut. I'm not really having any pack issues, but always good to trim down.So, no complaints and all is well! I've had a shower and am waiting for some laundry. A bunch of us may head into town for some dinne. I'm hoping to meet more of my fellow through- hikers. Next stop.... The Blueberry Patch!
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Franklin, NC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I made it to Franklin, NC which means that I've hiked a little over 100 miles now! My body feels every inch of that but I can feel myself geeeting into better shape. I had my first big mileage day the other day as I hiked 17 miles. I'm pretty much averaging 12-13 every day now. I get up at 6 a.m. and hike most of my miles by lunchtime. It feels wonderful to be outside every day!I keep meeting more and more wonderful people every day. The huge crowd that I originally started with is somewhat spread out now. It's easier to find space in the shelters, though I generally choose to put up my tent anyway. Too many mice in the shelters!The weather has been perfect for the past few days. It really helps keep spirits high. The views have been great... as they should be when one has to hike up HUGE mountains to see them. We've hiked up some pretty vertical trails these past few days.I love my camera and have been using it alot now that the weather is nicer. The forecast says we'll have no rain until Wednesday. Here's hoping!I'm waiting for a shuttle to take me back to the trail this morning.My next stop probably won't be until Friday where I'll be meeting Danielle in Fontana Dam. I'm looking forward to seeing a familiar face and hiking the Smokies with her.Time seems to be flying by quickly. I pretty much hike with someone different every day. I parted with E-Dogg a few days ago since I had to come into Franklin for a mail drop. Hopefully I'll catch up with her at some point up the trail.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey, this is LT reporting to you from Fontana Dam. So far, I am having an amazing experience! In only two weeks time, I have met some wonderful people, seen some beautiful vistas, and hiked over 160 miles! I am gearing up to hike the Smokies...which seem somewhat intimidating! The weather channel is predicting snow, but I'm excited for it---makes the hike all the more extreme! Danielle will be joining me for the next 5 days and I'm very happy to be seeing a familiar face and have a familiar hiking buddy back again! Thank you so much to all of you who have given support thus far. It means so much to hear from you all and it keeps me going up some of the more difficult mountains! My poor body feels every inch of every mile thus far! Some sections of the trail were designed to be humbling! I have had the opportunity to meet and hike with many others and the list is too great to type. But I'm having fun with everyone and continually meet new people as I progress up the trail. I've been fortunate enough to hit some "trail magic" along the way as well. Animal, Apple, and Butch Cassidy have all offered food and good company at key points in my hike. So nice to stumble upon random acts of kindness!So, the greatest lessons I have learned so far: 1. Go with the flow! 2. Perfect strangers will often come to your rescue 3. Normal standards of comfort and cleanliness become very low when thru-hiking!I can't wait to talk to you all individually! Please don't hesitate to come and hike with me...I would love the company! I'll update as soon as possible---maybe in Tennessee??!!
Date: 2003-04-06
To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello!I'm writing to you fom Hot Springs, NC... cute little town that offers more services than any of the other southern towns so far. I'm headed back to the trail in a few minutes, but I wanted to say hello to all of you!The past week or two has been pretty crazy. The Smoky Mt. kicked my ass with lots of snow, rain, mud, sleet...etc. But, looking back, I wouldn't have done it any other way. The scenery was awesome and despite beng really cold, the snow wasn't soooo bad. It did get down to 0 degrees one night... but you know what they say: what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!Gotta run but I'll email ASAP. Thanks for all of the emails. It is awesome to hear from you all! Hope that everyone had fun on Spring Break!Love,LT---------Some Days You Gotta Dance, Live it When You Get the Chance.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Erwin, TN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Guys,   Here's another update from the trail! I made it to Erwin, TN on April 9. The timing was perfect as the threatening rain clouds that had followed us for days finally broke open. Melissa (aka Magnolia), F8, and I did the 17- mile hike into town and honestly, it was one of my favorite days yet. We laughed the whole time and it would seem that I have been pegged with a trail name, that, to my chagrin, might actually stick! I'm now being called "Miss Kitty"... you'll have to ask if you want the story behind that one!   We managed to hitch into town and although we tried to stay at Miss Janet's hostel, it was overwhelmingly full of other hikers due to the weather. So we had to resort to the Motel 8, but it served us well.   The 3 of us made an extensive # of phone calls but eventually, we managed to co-ordinate a shuttle to bring us 9 miles up the trail the next morning. This allowed us to slack- pack a few miles when we might not have otherwise hiked any miles due to the threat of snow.   So... we were VERY glad to have only hiked 9 miles that day. Turns out that it snowed almost a foot in the upper elevations and the trail was essentially one deep stream of runing water. We had to cross one stram that was thigh-high with cold gushing water. Needless to say, we were freezing cold, wet, and happy to see the campground.    The 3 of us stayed on in a rustic cabin where we were able to beg our way into getting a propane heater too. Thankfully that helped to warm us up and dry out our clothes. Unfortunately, Magnolia became ill and had to leave F8 and me for a motel room. I'm sad to be without my new hiking buddy.   As a result of the snow, cold, and rain, I thought it might be best to wait out the weather one more day. So here I am, at Uncle Johnny's Nolichocky Hostel; spending my thid night in Erwin. It feels nice to have a day off but I'm quite anxious to hit the trail and move on to Damascus! For now, I'm enjoying the all- you- can- eat pizza I just had. I think I finally got my appetite!
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Another update...this time from Hampton, TN. I crawled my way into town yesterday afternoon after becomming violently ill on top of Pond Flats (a rather large climb up but thankfully, an easy climb down!). Luckily, this town is only 3 miles from where I became ill and even luckier for me, the man who owns the hostel where I am staying happened to be driving by while I was looking for a ride! So, I was quite pleased to make it into a nice dry hostel so easily as I was really hurting! I'm dissapointed to now be a few days behind my hiking buddies, Magnolia and F8, but I'll try and hike fast to catch them!This past week of hiking has been really amazing. After the snow fell near Erwin, TN the weather cleared up and we hiked through perfect, 75 degree weather. The trail was a bit sloppy still and it took Magnolia and I way toooo long to climb up Roan Mt (I think this might be the second highest mt we've climbed yet). Actually, it took us equally as long to climb back down again as the trail was super-muddy and we fell practically every other step. But, we were "thankful for" so many other things that day that despite this frustration, we enjoyed our hike.My favorite part of the entire hike so far has been the hike after Roan Mountain. These places are probably very unfamiliar to many who read this, but if you ever get the urge, I would highly suggest hiking in this area. Magnolia and I stayed at an old barn that has been converted to a shelter. It is nestled into a beautiful valley and many of us slept out under the stars that night. A truly wonderful night with a full moon too!The following morning, we hiked over several mountains and then through beautful valleys. I got some awesome photos and can't believe how lucky we were to have such gorgeous weather throughout it all. Definitely some gorgeous scenery. We met two trial runners who offered to bring us into town to get our food drops. These people were truly amazing as they not only brought us 2.5 miles to my mail drop, but then also brought us 5 miles the other direction to Magnolia's mail drop! Saved us enough time that we were able to stop at Subway and eat some real food!!! Yay for that!!!So, things have been very good with the exception of this illness. Unfortunately, many other hikers have come down with a similar virus so I guess it's good to get it out of the way now. In a few days, I'll be in Damascus, VA which is a pretty big marker along the way. Rumor has it that once in Virginia, it's easy to make bigger mileage every day....we'll see about that!Hope everyone is doing well! Happy holidays to everyone!