morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-02-21
To: Springer, Here I Come!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

In two very short days, I will head up to Springer Mountain, snap a few pictures to mark the start of my journey, say my tearful goodbyes to my folks and begin the adventure of a lifetime! Okay, well really I'll just begin walking northbound with blurry vision, trying to not to trip over the rocks and roots as I wipe excess amounts of salty water from my eyes in an effort to "get it together". But soon I'm sure I'll get hungry, eat a snack, and keep walking up until bedtime. And then I'll do this again everyday for the next five to six months. So why exactly would I want to go live in the woods for six months? (I get this question alot.) I want to learn from the best- Mother Nature. I want to experience indefinable joy, see just a piece of the beauty this great nation has to offer, listen to the sounds of the wild, witness the pretty wildflowers growing undisturbed, meet amazing people with whom to share fantastic memories, and to connect with nature in a way that provides me lifelong peace and strength. But I'm not just hiking for the happy butterflies, bunnies, and rainbows. I am hiking to be humbled- to know what it feels like to be scared, uncertain, frustrated, homesick, cold, wet, tired beyond belief, and in physical and mental pain. It is through the fire that we are made strong, through our wounds and weakness that we find courage and strength. Ultimately, I want to be a horticultural therapist. I want to connect people with nature in a way that enables healing and growth and overall improvement in well-being. I have personally experienced the power of nature to put life into perspective and bring peace and contentment to the heart. However, I still have much to learn and discover about myself before I am able to be the centered, compassionate, and giving therapist that will be required of me in my pursuit of helping others. While hiking the AT is not formal education by any means, I consider it a vital part of my journey to reach my aspirations and am open and ready to receive the lessons that are learned by hiking the trail. I will reach Katadin as an empowered and strong woman with a greater sense of purpose and commitment to my goals. But until then, I will be walking day in and day out, sharing my experience through the occasional journal entry.
Date: 2014-02-24
From: Hightower, Just Shy of Horse Gap

To: About 4 Miles Past Woody Gap
Miles today: 15.7

What a fool I was to not look carefully at my guide book to see that there were no water sources between Hawk Mountain Shelter and Gooch Gap. Again, learning these very real lessons at a rapid pace. Use the information you have available to you when making crucial decisions. But instead of doing this yesterday and filling my water bottle to the brim when I had the opportunity, I simply got what I needed for the night and early morning. Not even taking a glance at the wealth of knowledge sprawled across the guide's pages this morning , I didn't even know the kind of trouble I would have found myself in where it not for the loving kindness of a caring soul whom I will never be able to personally thank. As I came down from Sassafras Mountain and reached Cooper Gap, I was fully expecting to find a stream. Instead, my eyes searched around and rested upon the three gallon jugs of spring water left as trail magic for idiots like me who were not prepared to accept the reality of living in the wilderness. Before I even got to the bottom of the gap, my eyes began welling up with tears as I came to the humble realization of my mistake. I filled my water, drank nearly a liter, filled my bottle again and began walking up Justus Mountain with my tears of gratitude as the only stream found in Cooper Gap. If you happen to be the individual who showed me the unconditional love of The Lord and his ability to provide for his children this morning, then let me say thank you. And to all of you who have ever or will ever do any form of trail magic, I thank you from the bottom of my heart because you are as much a part of my journey as these mountains.
Date: 2014-02-25
From: About 4 Miles Past Woody Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 6.7

Well, I am super jazzed about how much I am loving hiking! Unfortunately, my feet don't exactly share this same sentiment. Rather, "those puppies are barking!" So instead of being foolish and continuing to hike on unsteady legs with throbbing feet, I decided to use my better judgement and hike the seven miles this morning over the top of Blood Mountain to Mountain Crossings, the hiker hostel at Neel's Gap. So I got here and began the process of washing clothes, showering, and repacking food from the supply box left here a couple of days ago by my kind parents. While waiting for the wash cycle to finish, I was greeted by two sweet kitties who were eager for the behind-the-ear scratches. As I am a huge animal lover, this did me just as much good as the hot shower. Soon after the kitties left to go chase mice, or whatever it is they do, the two gentlemen hikers whom I shared a campsite with last night came rolling through and asked if I'd seen the bear on my way out of camp this morning. "Bear!? No way! You're pulling my leg!" But honestly, they saw the black bear, and I, despite my best efforts to be quite and keep my eyes peeled as I left camp at 5 til 7, Bear Friend did not make himself known to me this morning. But yesterday, after seeing what I believe to be a malamu named Juno (not sure of the spelling; A gigantic husky-looking mammoth of a dog), I would have been lucky to see another great beast in the forest. I was happy to continue the animal-loving trend by finally convincing Corbin, the Crossing's resident store pup, to allow me to pet him for a few minutes leaving me only slightly disappointed that the last couple of days' wealth of animal appreciation didn't include a bear sighting. After all, I am still in bear country with only three days of hiking under my belt.
Date: 2014-02-26
From: Neel's Gap

To: A Couple Miles Before Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I left Mountain Crossing and was on the trail by 6 AM, still keeping my eyes peeled for Bear Friend, but also appreciating the birds and squirrels waking up with the morning sun. As I made by way up and over the mountains, the cloud cover and dropping temperature made me very anxious about spending the night outside. Since I have a lightweight pack (base weight of 11 lb), I know I'll be pushing my gear to the limits tonight and this thought consumed me to the point that I considered calling a shuttle at Hogpin Gap. But right as I reached the road crossing, the sun began to come out and warm the day. By the time I reached Low Gap Shelter for a long lunch with other thru hikers, I was able to take off my socks and shoes and enjoy the sunshine. After talking with the other hikers about how far they intended to go, I decided to hike on as well in hopes of getting in another long day. Fearing the wind and low temperatures predicted for the night, I looked continuously for a hammock site out of the wind and preferably with a fire ring. Well, my persistence paid off. After passing by other semi-suitable sites, I found a decent one a few miles before the Blue Mountain Shelter. Once I got my hammock and tarp set up, I began building the framework for a roaring hot fire. Not long after, a fellow thru hiker, Will from Vermont (no trail name yet), joined me and we enjoyed the break from the cold with the toasty fire I was hoping for. Since this is the first fire I've ever build on my own, I've got to say, I am extremely proud of myself. Sitting here, all nice and cozy, I am dreading leaving it's comfort. At least now I know that I am capable of escaping the cold, and that is a huge confidence booster. I only hope my set up is enough to keep the risks of the chilly night at bay.
Date: 2014-02-27
From: A Couple Miles Before Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 17.0

The last two nights have left me wondering why in the world I decided to leave Springer in February. After spending the last two nights in scary cold temperatures and waking up to the cold and wind, I am longing for my zero day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). I woke up on day 5 and had myself a grand ol' pity party! I left camp at 7, and since I'd used my remaining water the night before to douse the campfire, I was eager to find the next water source. At Jacks Knob Trail, I took a steep trek down to a stream that had all but frozen over save a single, sad little drip of water. I patiently waited the ten minutes it took to fill my bottle halfway and then attempted to cook my breakfast and cup of tea. My cook pot, however, was not ready for breakfast and took a spiteful tumble down the hill. After fetching my cook ware and lighting the stove, I prepared my packet of grits for the promise of piping hot water. Just as the bubbles furiously began to shake the lid of my pot, I reached for the handle and instead spilled my grits all over the forest floor. "Great!" was all I could muster. I picked up the fallen leaves one by one and tried rather pathetically to shake my grits back into their rightful place. I did the best I could to reclaim my breakfast but must admit that I had a little extra fiber along with the contents of the original packet. I made my tea, and after fighting my crystallized honey straws, managed to sweeten the tea to perfection. Okay, not perfection, but far superior to the grits. Now I'm not proud of what happened next, but once I turned on my Dicks Creek Gap playlist (all my playlists are named after AT sites) and Katy Perry sang "fireworks", I got a little teary eyed. The pity party was over and instead I was motivated to "...let (my) colors burst, go on, show 'em what (I'm) worth.... Cause baby, you're a firrrrrrrrreeeeworrrrrrkkkkkkkk!!!" So a little cheesy, but it helped me remember that I am hiking to learn to be a stronger person capable of overcoming the obstacles that present themselves to me. And the thought of fireworks did warm me up a bit.
Date: 2014-03-02
From: Beech Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Now who would've thought that by day 8, I would complete my first twenty mile day!! I really only set out to make the 16 miles from Beech Gap to Rock Gap Shelter, but at 3 in the afternoon, I just wasn't ready to be done hiking! And the promise of a hot delicious pizza at the NOC did, of course, add to my motivation to keep moving. It's amazing how much time slows down while on the AT. At noon today, I huffed and puffed my way to the top of Albert Mountain (I did the last really tough, hand-over-hand portion without stopping as a tribute to what my brother considers the Albert Mountain Challenge). But even though I summitted Albert early this afternoon, it seems like that was ages ago (or at least 10 miles ago)! Once several others made it to the top too, a group of four hikers asked if I knew the area well enough to help them find a shortcut back to the Standing Indian Backcountry Parking area. Well, as a matter of fact, I was able to tell them to take the Long Branch Trail once they reached Glassemine Gap. Thankfully, Daddy and I had taken this route on a gear-testing hike just a few weeks ago. It was nice to feel the self-assured confidence that comes with being familiar with one's surroundings (in addition to being at least slightly helpful to a group of hikers that were not so thrilled with the mice they'd experienced at Carter Gap Shelter the night before). It made me stop and appreciate that, while I have begun this grand adventure full of unknowns, the start of my hike is on trails to which I am accustomed and therefore makes me feel much more at home and at peace than I expected to feel at this point in my journey.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center- Yes, you read that right

To: Locust Grove Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I got exactly what I needed while enjoying two full zero days after reaching the NOC. After a "Class V" meal consisting of all the breakfast bests, I continued to sit at the River's End Restaurant until lunch time. By the time everything on the lunch menu was fair game, my dearest friend, Katherine, had arrived. After the long haul I'd had, a friendly face turned the whole day around! She and I split a pizza as we shared lunch with Mex-buk-i (who was celebrating his 61st birthday!!) and the two NC boys, Ramses and St. Nick. We all had a wonderful time talking, eating, and celebrating our brief reprieve from the trail. Before long, it was time for laundry, checking-in for the night, and, of course, yet another meal. Feeling fueled and relaxed, Katherine and I spent nearly as much time laughing as we did chatting about every detail of life. It is so true that laughter is the best medicine. Well that, and Mexican. So the next morning, she drove us to Franklin so that we could eat at the yummy Mi Casa Restaurant there in town. After a large bowl of cheese dip and a super burrito, we checked into the Budget Inn and proceeded to lounge around and laugh some more. Feeling rested after another night indoors and ready for the stretch from the NOC to Fontana, we made our way to the Huddle House in Franklin and then back towards where I'd come off the trail just two brief days ago. I did not want to say goodbye to my sweet girl, but had to press on despite my desire to keep gabbing and giggling. The climb out of the NOC was great considering I had two brand new poles to assist in my ascent. (Daddy was too kind to order them for me and have them shipped to and waiting for me at the outfitters store!) I soon passed Sassafras Shelter and reached Cheoah Bald. What a view! After the rain and fog I had recently experienced, such a vast vista put me at peace and reminded me of why I'm hiking. I stopped for a long break and enjoyed the salami chips my sissy had made and sent to the NOC. My family and friends really outdid themselves. In addition to poles and salami chips, I also received another warm wool shirt, a silk liner for my top quilt, hot hands, and a resupply of food. I felt so very blessed that the first real resting days of my hike were filled with an outpouring of love and support. (Not to mention all of the comment lovin' I received from my Trail Journal friends!)
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Locust Grove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started off with some early morning rain but turned out to be a beautiful day. Yet today seemed to be one of the hardest. Not because of the terrain, the weather, the mileage, or anything to do with actual hiking, but rather because today stands between me and my love, Brett. My amazing boyfriend is meeting me tomorrow at Fontana so that we can spend some of his Spring Break together. We intend to do a little hiking, but for the most part, we just want to enjoy each other's company. In addition to seeing my sweetheart, I am also dying to see my Chiefy Boy! Chief is our one and a half year old boxer-lab mix, and lemme tell yah, he is the world's most cuddly and loving dog on the face of the planet! And the best part is that I know he will be equally excited to see me. Waiting for tomorrow has made today tough. Of course, one of the reasons for hiking is to learn to be present and enjoy the "todays" of life. But the anticipation for tomorrow has made the mere ten miles of today's relatively easy terrain (with the exception of the Jacob's Ladder section) seem to drag on and on. This just goes to show that very much of this hike is attributed to my state of mind. Physically, today was one of the easiest so far, but emotionally and mentally, I have had one of my toughest trail days yet. I cannot wait to see my boys tomorrow!
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana to Athens, GA
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I reached the Fontana Dam Visitors Center, I was more than ready to see my amazing man and our sweet pup, Chief. As I finished heating some ramen noodles by the Visitor's Center, the boys arrived, and it was all smiles and hugs and kisses and laugher while Chiefy ran several laps of excitement around the parking lot. But my hiking day wasn't over! We headed towards the Fontana Village Disc Golf park and played a round there before heading back to Athens. We set out to plan a hike for the second half of the week, but rather than take Chief out into the cold and wet, we spent our time playing disc golf, going on day hikes, and enjoying the nice weather here. It's now Sunday and time for Brett to take me back to Fontana so that I can hike the Smokies. While I have treasured each and every minute of my time spent with my boys, I am excited to hit the Smokies!
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Fontana to Athens, GA

To: Fontana to Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

You can never spend too much time with the ones you love. So rather than leave the warmth and comfort of Athens on Sunday as I had originally planned, I didn't start hiking into the Smokies until 7 o'clock this morning. See, I woke up on Sunday all set to hit the trail, and I just wasn't ready. Not only was I dreading leaving my boys, but I also hadn't actually gotten any more food or fuel for my resupply. Well, as soon as I told my parents about my decision to stay another night, they jumped at the idea of being sweet trail angels and came on over for a delicious lunch and full resupply! So after waking up at 3 AM to make the trip back up to Fontana, my darling and I said our goodbyes, and I began hiking again. Within the first hour, soon after getting it together post-tearful goodbye, I turned the corner and saw the Great Smokey Mountains' furry welcoming committee. Doe friend looked up at me and seemed as taken off guard by my presence as I was hers. She scoped me out for a minute and then went on about munching her little bits of salad fixin's. She kept moseying on about her early morning routine until she was a mere ten or twelve feet from me, completely fine with letting me be a part of her day. She then got onto the trail in front of me, walked on a ways, then went up the other side of the trail to meet up with another deer friend, who also was unperturbed by my presence. It was a kind reminder to see these beautiful creatures enjoying the morning, and encouraging me to do the same.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Fontana to Spence Field Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter to Silers Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

This morning was absolutely beautiful! Not ten minutes after leaving the shelter, I got to a sunny patch of trail with a view of the sea of clouds surrounding the few mountain tops that poked their heads up through the fog. Before long, I got to Rocky Top, which provided incredible, nearly 360 degree views. The day stayed sunny and got fairly warm. I was grateful for the much improved weather. I made it today to the the Silers Bald Shelter, though I originally set out to make it to Double Spring Gap. I was just exhausted and didn't want to go any farther. Although, this was probably a mistake because it is incredibly windy and, surprisingly, I'm the only one here- not the most comforting of circumstances. I built a small fire in the fireplace but it doesn't seem to be warming this place up very much. Hopefully, I can sleep safely and soundly tonight in hopes of a fifteen and a half mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Spence Field Shelter to Silers Bald Shelter 

To: Silers Bald Shelter to Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

How do I begin to describe today? Should I mention that I woke up cold and tired and began clocking miles in the wet fog with the wind blowing so hard that even two large birds above fiercely flapped their wings just to stay in place midair? Do I talk about how I spent the first half of the day on the verge of tears, fighting my physical discomfort of being cold and wet while thinking about how much I miss loved ones, questioning why I'm out here hiking in the first place? Or should I discuss how I foolishly hiked a half mile off trail despite a word of caution from Daddy and a special notation in my guide book? The hazy view atop Clingman's Dome or the continual muck in the middle of the trail? (Well, I did get away with mentioning those things but...) What today was really about was the unexpected beauty that was present the whole time, just not always within sight. As I struggled to think positive thoughts and keep up a good attitude, the sun began burning through the clouds, blue sky finally made its return, and the birds made more noise singing their songs than I've heard thus far. The hike down from Clingman's was gorgeous with the soft, light green moss covering the fallen limbs and trees. And just to add to the day's sweet turn, a bag of Cutie clementines hung from a tree just before I reached the Newfound Gap parking lot. And at that point, there was no doubt that I was no longer alone. The Spring Fever Bug has been biting folks left and right as the hike up to Icewater Shelter was full of day hikers of all sorts out enjoying the day that just hours before I had considered one of the worst of my hike. And to top off a terrific day, the folks staying here at the shelter tonight are all kind and gracious people. Even Pete, the trail maintainer for this section, joined us for a friendly chat giving us the opportunity to thank him in person for his hard work and dedication. A beautiful dusky sky reigned in the darkness to reveal the lights from the town of Cherokee below. Such a wonderful ending to a long day has taught me that if I just wait long enough, the clouds will clear, hope and positivity will return, the path will lead to friends, and the beauty of the day will shine through.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Silers Bald Shelter to Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.4

Today was simply glorious! For all of the fog and missed views from days prior, today more than made up for it. I'm glad I only had to go the twelve miles today because I couldn't help but to stop just about every twenty minutes through the section from Icewater to Bradley's View to take pictures and enjoy the phenomenal scenery. What a gift of a day! And now I'm settled next to a warm fire that I didn't even have to build myself surrounded by plenty of other hikers, including a Ridgerunner named Billy (and he's got plenty of fantastic stories to share). With good company and a warm place to sleep, I am thankful for another wonderful day in the Great Smoky Mountains.