morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-01
To: Just starting...
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I know March of 2009 seems like a long way off, but since I've already started lots of prep work here at home I figured it might be a good time to start my journal, too! A few months ago I decided that I am finally ready to start making the AT a reality for me and I'm becoming obsessed. I've spent the spring pouring over books about the AT, journals from past and present thru-hikers, and starting to figure out as much as I can about gear. It's so much fun.After I got out of college I began preparations for a thru-hike. But, to be honest, I just wasn't really ready. I let (what seemed at the time to be) an exciting job offer side track my plans. But here I am, 5 years later, and feeling really ready to actually do this. I go to bed thinking about the trail and I wake up thinking about the trail. I don't think I've ever been so excited about anything before.The past few years have been very busy and the AT has only crept into my mind during a few brief quiet moments. I finished college, worked as a computer programmer for awhile (at a hideous corporation, I might add) and then decided to make a career change. I moved to Brooklyn and began training to be a gardener, which is what I've been doing these past few years. I work now at an arboretum outside of Philadelphia helping to develop continuing educational programs in horticulture for adults. It's fun and I get to be creative, learn new things everyday, and be around people who love plants. But I think the time has come that I will leave this job in the hopes that the trail will be even more fulfilling and rewarding. And also that someone will hire me when I get back to reality!There are so many things I need to do to get ready for this hike. I plan on selling most of the stuff I have so I don't have to worry about paying for a place to store it or anything. But, right now, my biggest concern is making sure my two (adorable!) cats are properly cared for.I hope if anyone is reading this that they might be able to offer any advice on some gear questions that I will have in upcoming entries. My biggest issue now is boots. I'm really unsure how lightweight I need/want them to be. I'm planning on a pack weight of 30 pounds or under. I really feel like I don't want super heavy hiking boots, but I also really would like the support for my ankles that high-top boots offer. Does anyone have any good suggestions for a compromise?
Date: 2008-06-07
To: Gear Ideas
Miles today: 0.0

So I've got lots of testing and trial runs to do before next spring, but here are my big gear items that I've researched the most. If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, I'm all ears!Sleeping bag: Western Mountaineering Ultralite: Kind of breaks my budget, but I have only read amazing reviews about it. I'll use it with a z-rest sleeping pad and a fleece or silk sleeping bag liner. There's a great interview with Western Mountaineering's co-founder Gary Schaezlein on the completely excellent podcast on hiking, trailcast.org. Gary explains the complicated science of creating and testing sleeping bags. And lots of good information on the pros of down bags and how to clean them.Pack: ULA Catalyst. I listened to another awesome interview on trailcast with Brian Frankle who started ULA. He explains the history of the company, and how he designed and sews the packs himself. His philosophy on hiking and equipment is excellent. And I've read some really great reviews on the Catalyst for thru hiking. Shelter: I'm trying to keep things as light as possible, but I'm just not really feeling the whole hammock thing. So, my light weight tent idea is the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1. But, I'm also considering the MSR Hubba and Sierra Designs lightyear. Once I finalize my gear, I'll post everything up in the gear gallery.We're in the middle of our first horrible heat wave here in Philly. We are still a few weeks away from the beginning of summer, but the next few days will be in the upper 90s with extreme humidity. It's gross. The ballgame is on (go Phils!) but I'm still wishing I was sleeping in the woods where it is surely cooler today.Still dreaming of the AT...
Date: 2008-06-11
To: Why?
Miles today: 0.0

Hmmmm. There are so many reasons why I want to hike for six months! Strangely, no one I've told so far has said "why would you want to do something like that?" I did get a "where is that?" and a "what about school? what about your job?" and of course a "you're insane" response from a few people. But, here are some reasons I've worked out:- Sometimes I just want to walk and walk and walk until my head explodes. But my current life prohibits me from just walking to nowhere. So, if I have a stated goal, then there is actually a reason to just keep walking.- It's time to shake things up a bit in my life. - I want to live in the woods.- There is so much of this country that I have not seen! So many interesting people that I haven't met yet!- To (maybe) find a community that I feel closer to than the one I'm living in right now.- To go confidently in the direction of my dreams. To live the life I have imagined. (Thoreau said that one, not me!)
Date: 2008-07-11
To: My new home
Miles today: 0.0

My new tent arrived! The Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 came in the mail and I immediately set it up. I live in an apartment in the city, so I had to do this in my living room. A little awkward, yes, but I still managed it do it in under 5 minutes. I had it sent to my Mom's house and we actually set it up together in her living room first! So, it has yet to actually be outside.Ridiculously, I sort of fractured my foot the other week so I'm laying low until this gets back on track. As soon as it feels better, I'm headed out to try the new tent. It's amazingly lightweight and easy to set up. I'm really excited. It feels great to have this gear decision made and in my hands. I've got lots more research and buying to do for a lot more gear. But I seriously think that part is half the fun! And it was like being a little kid at Christmas time waiting for my tent to arrive in the mail. And thanks to Patrice for letting me know of the sale at campsaver.com!
Date: 2008-09-02
To: 6 months and counting
Miles today: 0.0

Things I learned on my weekend backpacking trip with Patrice:1. Two thru-hiker hopefuls can discuss gear for hours. Actually, we never really stopped talking gear, we just had to go to sleep eventually.2. There is no greater source of information than thru-hikers who are in the middle of their hikes (thank you Timber, Spoonful, and Skeeter!)3. Not everyone you meet on the internet is a scary stalker (trailjournals doesn't really count as the internet though, does it?)4. The Granite Gear Ozone might be my future pack! A really enjoyable weekend trip on the PA side of the Delaware Water Gap with Patrice left my head spinning with new gear ideas and brainstorms. Can my poncho really act as my tent's groundcover? Do I really need ankle support in my hiking shoes? How light can I make my pack? Will hanging my bear bag ever get easier?? So many questions. I leave for my hike in 6 months to the day and I couldn't be more excited. It was great to meet Patrice and hike until we couldn't hear the traffic anymore and instead saw some beautiful views of Pennsylvania farms and countryside. We also spotted a warbler (I think it was a Blackburnian) and a Virginia rail. I'm firming up some major gear choices and after meeting Patrice this hike feels so close!
Date: 2008-10-28
To: Reading List
Miles today: 0.0

As a reader of Trailjournals, you might love reading people¢s personal accounts of hiking the trail as much as I do. For as long as I¢ve been thinking about hiking the trail, I¢ve also been reading the many wonderful books that thru-hikers have written upon their arrival home. Aside from the many books about gear, physical preparations, planning, and mileage, it is these personal accounts that have helped me stay focused on why I want to do this in the first place. I¢d love to hear some of your favorite books about the AT. Here are some of mine: As Far As the Eye Can See by David BrillThere are Mountains to Climb by Jean DeedsThe Appalachian Trail Reader Edited by David EmblidgeJourney North by Adrienne HallOn the Beaten Path by Robert Alden RubinWalking Home by Kelly WintersMountains of the Heart by Scott Weidensaul (this one's not about thru-hiking, but it's totally awesome and a must-read!
Date: 2009-01-21
To: Catching up
Miles today: 0.0

A lot has happened since my last journal entry! - I've finalized my gear situation. I ended up with some different choices than I originally wrote in a previous entry. My gear gallery is pretty much complete, with a few things I still need to add. Oh, as an aside I ended up HATING my Keen Targees. I basically went ice skating down the side of Cadillac Mountain before I realized that there is no traction on these puppies. So I'm starting with a Salomon trail runner and we'll see how it goes.- I moved out of my apartment!- I quit my job! (well, technically I'll be doing this like this afternoon or tomorrow, but that's just a formality)- I bought my plane ticket to Atlanta and made reservations at the Hiker Hostel.- I went on an incredibly fun shakedown hike with Cori and Patrice (now known as Storm) in northern Virginia on and around the "rollercoaster". It was actually not much of a shakedown because it was like 5 degrees at night so we stayed inside at night. But, it was one of the most fun hikes I've ever done! So, I think this is a sign of a really excellent time in 38 days when I start my thru-hike. I really don't think I can wait any longer. Wow.- I got a trail name! Just call me Rocket.
Date: 2009-02-22
To: Almost ready!
Miles today: 0.0

So, the gear prep and testing is complete! At least until I hit the trail and make adjustments out there. I've packed up (almost) all of this stuff and put it in my pack which I will mail down to the Hiker Hostel this week. That way I'll know it's there before I arrive and I won't have to worry about it getting lost on the plane. It makes me so nervous to not have my pack with me! But I think mailing is the best thing to do. Everything, including all the clothing I will be wearing is 22 pounds. Starting from the top left hand corner and working my way down in the four rows, here's the complete list of gear I'm bringing:TOP:Thermarest ridge sleeping pad, cut to fit meNimbus Ozone pack with granite gear hip belt and bottle holsterLeki Luau trekking polesROW 1:13L Sea to Summit dry sack for food and kitchen stuffSquishy bowlwindscreen for stoveLighter and backup matchesPot with lidCat food can alcohol stoveTitanium foldable sporkPot/bowl scraperSteripen with steripen caseIodine tablets for backup water purificationBottle for fuel (holds 10 ounces)1 liter water bottle3 liter Nalgene water bladder1 liter Nalgene canteneWinter hat and neck warmerHeadband/ear warmerGlove linersROW 2:13 L Sea to Summit dry sack for clothingREI midweight longsleeve long underwear top for sleepingFleece pants for sleeping3 pairs smartwool socks (1 for sleeping)3 pairs underwear1 sports braUnder Armour tech teeREI mideweight zip neck long sleeve shirtUnder Armour shortsUnder Armour pantsREI gaitersSierra Designs rain pantsMarmot Precip rain jacketREI Woodland fleece jacketULA waterproof mittsMontbell ultralight down jacketOutdoor Research mittensROW 3:8L Sea to Summit dry sack for other itemsSunglassesGlassesPlastic wallet (empty in this picture)Timex watchFirst aid ziplock: vitamins, medicine, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, brush/mirror, duct tape, pocket knife, ear plugs, camp soap, diva cup, moleskin, flossBackup AA lithium batteriesBackup lithium batteries for headlampPetzl ultralight headlampZiplock for bathroom: wipes, anti-bacterial hand gel, toilet paperCaribiner with thermometer attachedCord to hang foodPack towelHand and toe warmers (2 packs each to start)Poop trowelMp3 player (thanks, Cori!!)Peek email deviceCamera in ziplock (not shown because I used it to take this picture!)Thru-hikers handbookMaps to startPack liner (trash compactor bag)Pack cover LAST ROW:Big Anges Seedhouse SL1 tentTyvek ground clothSalomon trail runnersSilk sleeping bag linerREI sub kilo sleeping bag with both compression bag and 13L sea to summit dry sackCrocs
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Amicalola Falls State Park, Approach Trail

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, yesterday got off to a rough start with my original flight to Atlanta getting canceled due to the snow storm. After a stressful day of travelling, however, me, Karen (now known as Loon), Cori (Grommet) and Storm all made it to the lovely Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. The place is awesome, I highly recommend it. We were driven to Amicalola State Park and after several photo ops, began our hike. Several hundred stairs led us next to the falls. Incredible. It made me glad to do the approach trail although it was quite a stairmaster workout! Up frosty mountain (which was covered in snow and totally frosty!) then Blck Mountain and then finally to Springer where Many Sleeps registered us officially. There are a couple of inches of snow on the ground snd it will be in the teens tonight. At Springer shelter with us is Jess, Maineiac and Hiking Buddy, Colonel Mustard, and Amanda. Our group is tenting though. 40 people started yesterday! Even though it was like a blizzard! It is beautiful here and I feel so thankful. Many Sleeps has a sign outside his tent that says 'If you are lucky enough to be on the trail, you're lucky enough.' All in all a great first day. Hope I stay warm tonight!!
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

It was 7 degrees last night!! But we all survived. My feet couldn't get warm so I got up and put toe warmers on and a 2nd pair of socks. When we got up Many Sleeps told us how cold it got. Wow. He told us this is probably the coldest night we'll have! Except maybe the Smokies. So my cold weather gear got tested on the first night. Everything seems to have fared well except I left water in my water bottle and it was frozen solid. Whoops! We walked 7.6 miles from springer to hawk mtn shelter. We are in our tents at 6:30 and its about 25 degrees. It will definitely be in the teens tonight at best.Tomorrow we are heading up Sassafras mountain and then staying at gooch mtn shelter. The shelter is crowded tonight: minnesota smith, tagless and tagalong, just jim, maineiac and hiker buddy, justin and rachel, chopper, and one or 2 others. We are in another mini tent city. Amanda is joining us tonight. We named her Egghead today. Another great day on the trail, looking forward to tomorrow and getting to neels gap friday morning. I miss my family and my cats!!!
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

A great day! Grommet, Storm and I headed out first and eventualy made our way to Sassafras Mountain. Tagless and Tagalong joined us for the climb which really wasn't too bad. Eventually Loon caught up to us and we continued on to Justus Mountain where we ran into 2 dayhikers who told us there were more thru-hikers starting early this year than any year they could remember! We keep hearing stories of the big crowds ahead of us but it hasn't felt overcrowded to us at all. Tonight we're at Gooch Mtn Shelter with a couple other thru hikers and a bunch of guys out for a few days. We're all looking forward to Neel's Gap on Friday for some rest and fun.
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

The longest day yet at over 11 miles. We made it to Woods Hole Shelter after a tiring day of lots of ups and downs. The views beyond the leafless trees were amazing and in between gazing at the mountains I was cursing them!! I have had thoghts to myself like 'wow, can i do this for 6 months???' I'm feeling strong and having fun so what more can I ask for? No rain yet, although maybe this weekend. These mountains are beautiful and I can feel myself becoming more and more at ease with living outside. We heard 2 owls last night and tonight there is a strong breeze blowing through the pines. I miss my family and my cats, but I'm so thankful to be out here. Tomorrow morning we'll climb Blood mountain and then relax and clean up at Neel's Gap. I've never anticipated a shower as much as this one!!!
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was a short hiking day at under 4 miles. We summited and descended Blood Mountain. Unfortunately, there were no views because we were totally fogged in. It was actually totally creepy because of the fog and creepy vibes. We had a quick snack and headed down. Then we headed to Walasi-yi for an afternoon of laundry, showers and food. We also watched Borat. Love it. I resupplied in the store and then Pirate made us a delicious Cdinner! Time for the hiker box raffle where my number was called first and I got an AT patch to sew onto my pack! So exciting. A couple of us got interviewed for a documentary about thru-hikers which was fun. I talked about how psyched I am to see so many lady hikers out here! There are so many more than I thought. It was so much fun here at the hostel tonight. We are all in our bunks tucked away and cozy. I'm tired and can't wait to sleep! Another great day out here.
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

It was 80 degrees today! Quite a difference from earlier in the week. We hiked about 11 miles and have a sweet tenting spot by a brook at Low Gap Shelter. There are 12 or so of us here tonight, many who were at the hostel last night. Oh, major 't totally agree with him but nonetheless I mailed it back and got qua Mira instead. My pack was 35 pounds at Neel's with food to get to Hiawassee and 2 liters of water. Not too bad, I guess. Oh, also our group of hikers is now known as the Packadivas. Still having a great time out here! Although my right knee started hurting today and I totally got sunburnt.Tomorrow will be less miles. I'm off to make dinner, read and then hit the sack.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

My knee started hurting yesterday and definitely felt worse today. We made it to Blue Mountain shelter where I-trod was staying. He's a doctor and gave my knee a good look at. He said it didn't seem like a big deal at all, maybe just a bruise. I'll be doing leg lifts to strengthen my quads, taking ibuprofen, not doing crazy miles, and crossing my fingers. He thinks in a week as my legs strengthen the pain should lessen. I hope so. I'll be getting naproxin in Hiawassee in a couple of days. Thanks for checking my knee out I-trod!!It was a nice relatively flat walk today for a change. The sun is still intense and I've used up almost all the sunblock I got at Neel's Gap. Don't believe what you read on whiteblaze! You need sunblock out here! It was in the 70s again today, quite a change from a week ago when we started in the snow. I feel like I'm getting in the groove and my routine is becoming more second nature. A guy who is tenting with us has the newer version of the Seedhouse. I love it!!! The Packadivas made it to the shelter early enough to play a game or two of Uno. And now it's way past my bedtime at 8:30!!
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I've been out here for a week! Today was over 80 degees. Craziness. I am still sunburnt and my knee is killing me. I hope Itrod is right and the pain eventually goes away. It's my biggest fear rigt now. Otherwise I'm feeling great and loving this life. Today we climbed Tray mountain which was tough but beautiful. Lots of moutain laurel and galax. Tomorrow a long day but maybe we'll get beer in Hiawassee!
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap/Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Another beautiful day out here. I think last night was our best campsite yet. We tented at Tray Mountain Shelter and had an incredible view of the valley below. We played Uno and hit the sack early. We were up at 6am and walking by 7:30 with the sun coming up. We made it 11 miles to Dicks Creek gap.It was another warm, beautiful, sunny day, although the sun has been getting a little too intense for me. My skin just isn't used to it. Kelly Knob was a bear but it went by pretty quickly. Gary picked us up from the parking lot at Dicks Creek and brought us to this heavenly place called the Blueberry Patch. It's an amazing place with goats, donkeys, and cats. I got the best shower of my life and Gary let us take his car into town for resupply and Mexican food. Amazingly generous. Storm and I talked to Persistent on the phone too! It was too beautiful of a night to sleep in the hostel, so Storm, Grommet, Egghead and I cowboy camped outside with the donkeys. I will always remember this place. Tomorrow we plan on a short day. I picked up a knee brace at the food store and am hoping the pain will subside in the coming week.
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Dicks Creek Gap/Hiawassee

To: Plumborchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a short hiking day. We had an incredible breakfast at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. THANK YOU to Gary and Lennie for you incredible generosity and hospitality. The breakfast was amazing, complete with homemade blueberry syrup for our pancakes! So after breakfast we had some chores to do in Hiawassee and made it back to the trailhead after lunch. I don't know if it was the heat, humidity, or too much time in town, but I was seriously struggling up some hills that would have been no big deal yesterday. Grommet reminded me to drink more water and I think I might have just been dehydrated. We got to Plumorchard Shelter and I downed a liter and a half of water and feel much better. The knee brace and Aleve that I got in town seem to really be helping. Everyone is telling us rain in the forecast for the next week or so, so we'll see! Two peple are sharing the spot with us tonight, one a former thru-hiker! Just out for spring break. It's quiet and peaceful here. Off to bed!
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Plumborchard Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

An exciting day out here! It started off at Plumborchard shelter with Jebus making us pancakes!! So awesome. Thanks, Jebus! Later on in the morning we passed the GA/NC border and had a few kodak moments. A few seconds later we stopped for lunch at Bly Gap under the gnarled and beautiful oak. This tree has such character. I bet it's seen a lot. The climb after it, however, was ridiculous! Storm and I kind of laughed our way to the top because it was so steep and my pack felt so heavy. On a few more miles and we made it to Muskrat Creek shelter. We didn't see anyone hiking all day and thought it might just be the Packadivas at the shelter tonight, but like a dozen or so other came not too long afterwards. Our evening entertainment was watching Grommet tend to poor Hatchet's blistered feet. She was amazing. We all learned quite a lot about foot care tonight. I tried to eat as much as I could out of my food bag to lighten my load. I'm pretty sure I brought way too much food. Sharing the spot with us tonight are Simba, Smiley Mike, Nightlight and Mike, Mr. Magoo, Hatchet, and a bunch of others whose names escape me! 8:20 and I'm off to sleep. Everyone says rain tonight, we'll see! We managed to go through Georgia without a drop.