morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-10-11
From: wadleigh stream lean-to

To: potaywadjo spring lean-to
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

"a farewell to shane"yesterday afternoon when i called my day early, i treated myself to some no bake cheesecake that i¢d bought at blue ridge mountain sports. it was so very delicious. i wish that i bought more than one package of it. but, i just can¢t seem to justify spending four dollars on one dessert. i cut a deal with myself yesterday. in return for the cheesecake i said that i was going to start hiking early today. earlier than the past two days.so, i got an early start, and then i dragged ass for the rest of the day. blisters = bad. blisters are not my friend. hey, are these new boots i¢m wearing? no? interesting. i made decent time to my ¢second new and improved revised goal¢ from yesterday. shane ended up camping there last night- at a picnic area on the shore of nahmakanta lake. he was still in his tent when i arrived this morning. i stopped for a break at one of the picnic tables, but quickly retreated to the cover of the trees because of the cold wind that was coming off the lake. the frigid wind. the gale force wind. it was intense. i can see why shane was still in his tent. i¢m sure it was much warmer in there than it was outside.once in the cover of trees, it wasn¢t nearly as bad. it actually turned out to be a rather nice day. there was a flat stroll by a creek for quite a few miles. i came to a woods road and sat down to take a break. shane showed up after a while and said that he was going down the woods road to the lake so that he could go over to white house landing for a resupply. he said that he thought he might rest there for a day or two because his knee was still giving him a fit. i told shane that i¢d be in monson on friday and maybe i¢d see him down the trail. he said that depending on how things were going with the knee, he might end up hitching a ride down to monson. shane and i said our goodbyes. i¢m not sure that i¢ll see him again.there is no one at this shelter tonight. i have once again called my day short on account of the blisters. i did reward myself for making it here today with a campfire. i never build campfires, but tonight i decided that i would. i used a trick that i learned last night from yukon jack. the bark of a birch tree makes an incredible fire starter. it burns hot and fast and in no time i had a roaring fire going. it was nice to cook dinner beside the warmth of a fire.now it has started raining and the few remaining coals from the fire sizzle with each drop. i have come to the conclusion that the past few days have caught up to me and that¢s why i¢ve been struggling so much. the few days before i started hiking were long. i didn¢t get much sleep leading up to this adventure. my days traveling to maine were crazy. i think it all just finally caught up. hopefully, tomorrow i will feel better and more rested than i have been.
Date: 2004-10-13
From: cooper falls lean-to

To: logan brook lean-to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

"great day for a photo shoot"after it rained almost all night, i awoke to a beautiful blue sky. i knew right away that it was going to be a good day. the first couple of hours were spent at the shelter photographing cooper brook falls and the surrounding area. i finally hit the trail and just strolled along, enjoying the weather. i couldn't ask for better weather.i took a long break at a logging road. during my break a group of northbounders came by. we exchanged pleasantries, but i didn't catch their names. i ate some of the peanut butter and tortillas that mona gave me yesterday. for some reason during my layover in washington, i decided that my foodbag was entirely too heavy. so, i took the food and rerationed it and apparhently i figured wrong. i am going to run out of food before i reach monson. so, i am very thankful for mona's generosity.a short hike from the logging road took me to the summit of little boardman mountain where i took another break.i nice rock hop across the east branch of the pleasant river found me at the shelter of the same name. another break ensued before beginning the long climb towards white cap mountain. i had ambitious goals of reaching the summit today and spending the night up there. i wanted to do some nightime photography- some prolonged exposures, capturing the star trails.but, alas, by the time i reached this shelter i was running on fumes. the summit of white cap is only a little over a mile away and i just don't have the energy to make the climb right now. the night is clear and the sky is filled with more stars than i can count. this is the fourth night in a row that i am alone.my alarm is set for 3:30. i will wake up then and hike to the summit to photograph the stars and then watch the sun rise.today was a good day.
Date: 2004-01-22
To: Maine and Beyond
Miles today: 0.0

With only 19 more days left in my life as I now know it, I'm starting to realize I am REALLY doing this.   This being my second Thru hike I have a little bit more of an idea of what to expect.   And as with the first Thru hike I am not starting at the beginning.   I never was good at starting at the beginning.   Instead I will continue to "Stalk" Stumpknocker until the end of his Southbound Thru hike.   I actually thought this time I was starting at the approach trail, but Stumpknocker's email has changed all of my plans.   Now it looks like I'll meet up with him in Fontana Dam and hike south to Springer.   We actually met in this section at the end of my Thru hike in 2001. It should bring back memories of the days we had spent together barely knowing one another. And now we are such good friends.   I think that's why I love this trail so much. It's all about the people that you meet along the way. I have been very busy running around trying to put my life in order before my departure.   I was surprised at how easy it was to do this.   Almost done with my list to do before my hike. With 2 1/2 weeks left I got time to just relax before the real work starts.   I actually scheduled a little holiday to Puerto Rico at the end of February. Doesn't everyone?   Looks like 2 weeks to start my hike then I take holiday for 2 weeks. I like celebrating my birthday either on the trail or in the islands.   So now I'll be leaving the trail to fly to the islands for my birthday - Very Nice.   Well I think that is enough for now.   I look forward to the journey that lies ahead.   I just can't wait!
Date: 2004-01-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

 I thought I would put this photo in my journal. It is only fare since this is one of the many reasons why I am thru hiking this year. I spent a good part of this past Autumn "stalking" Stumpknocker. It was late August on top of Webster Cliffs that we once again ran into one another, going oppsite ways- once again! We hadn't seen each other since the year before when Stumpknocker passed through NJ on his north bound thru hike. Up to then we had been chasing one another along the trail in NY and Ct during the winter and early spring of 2003. We always seemed to be a day apart from one another. When we finally met up at Webster Cliffs that was it. I figured out his daily mileage so I had a good idea where he was at on the trail. Then 2 weeks later I found him near Straton Pond, in Vermount. It was a nice change from my normal section hikes. I had a purpose. Find Stumpknocker every other week. I always did, right down to central Virgnia. I wanted so much just to quit my job and continue south with Stumpknocker and John Galt, but always went back to my job. I knew it wouldn't take long to save the money to thru hike. And I was right. Now I can go out there and not have to worry about getting back home by Thursday night work. I will miss having someone to catch up to but this year it's his turn to find me. SO you hear that STUMPKNOCKER it's your turn! And I can't wait to see what trail magic you do! he he
Date: 2004-01-24
To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Getting down to the last 2 weeks before my hike. As I go about my day I have flashes of trail towns, shelters and even some favorite parts of the trail.   I find myself seeing Pearisburg, Virginia as I shampooed my hair. The other day I was on top of Mtn. Madison as I drove past the mall.   And just this morning I was picturing myself sitting on the privy at the Chestnut knob shelter in Virginia. (Which by the way is my favorite privy on the entire trail). It's amazing how I remember almost every mile of this trail.   Maybe I spend too much time hiking it.   NOT!!!!!!!!I'm trying to work out the final details with Stumpknocker for the first 170 miles of my hike.   I am so excited I get to start my thru hike with him finishing his.   I was worried that not hiking the last 2 months I won't be in shape enough to complete the first 200 miles before my Puerto Rico trip.   Now that I am hiking with Stumpknocker I know I will at least get those 200 miles complete before my holiday.   I think that might help my chances of getting back into my bikini. I guess that's a good thought to end this entry with.   Enjoy your day, I know I will!
Date: 2004-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last year I was known on the trail for doing a lot of trail magic. Mostlyfor hiking high miles quickly to get in and out of town at the end of a day and still make it to a shelter before night fall.   I would show up carrying a 12 pack of beer for any of the tired thru hikers.   This year I'm the thru hiker! So now what am I going to do? And how do you manage to get beer to bring into camp in those dry counties down south?   Answer- you mail yourself a 12 pack! he he!   Yeah this is how I'm preparing for my thru hike which starts in 12 days!   I've mailed myself my food drops and added some extra goodies for Stumpknocker and me.   But doesn't everyone do this?My list of "Things To Do Before I Hike" is quickly disappearing.   Everything is moving so smoothly it's hard to believe. Hell even a trip to the New Jersey Dept. of Motor Vehicles was a pleasant experience for once. I think it was actually a miracle! I was in and out of there in under 5 minutes. Normally it takes hours to do the simplest things.   I guess the angels are making sure my hike is prefect. Thanks to my Angels!On to the Post Office!
Date: 2004-02-08
To: Last Night of Work
Miles today: 0.0

With less then 24 hours in New Jersey I'm feeling rather calm.   Most of my "list of things to do" is done. Just a few remaining items left.   I'm just trying to get my pack weight down to under 30lbs. I think I might just be at 31lbs.   Maybe I should just buy a lighter weight backpack!I still can't believe in just 2 days I will be starting my thru hike! I have been thinking about doing this ever since I finished my 2001 Thru hike. I don't know why I love being out there on the trail so much.   It's like I'm obsessed with hiking. Maybe this hike will help me get over it.   Yeah right! I don't think I will ever be able to stop doing this. Actually I should be saying I don't want to stop doing this!I spoke with Stumpknocker last night. He's already started to bust on me I guess not seeing him in 3 months I'm due.   It will be good to start my hike with such a strong hiker. I just hope that we don't slack off to badly to start. I still need to at least get through half of the Smokey's before I get picked up for Puerto Rico.   I'm thinking we might actually keep up our miles so at least we can go into town every 2 days.   We are always good at pulling higher mileage knowing there is a town with food and beer and heat just up ahead.   22 miles turns into 25 for a hotel room!   Hey we're hikers we're not stupid! Even we need heat on cold winter nights.   Tent living is nice, heat is nicer!I want to Thank everyone... All my co-workers for making me feel like I'm gonna be missed. YOu girls are the best! Do a shot for me!   I want to also thank Daniel for that great cake you made for my going away party. Honey I don't think I have ever seen anything like it.   Shitty Bartender you are the BEST! Thanks for doing my Mail Drops and taking care of my money.   Can you send me a six pack of Yuengling?   Thank you tripod for driving me and picking me up and then driving me back for our Puerto Rico Trip!   And last but not least I want to thank all the drinkers in Bound Brook for helping me pay for my thru hike. Even the cheap ones that leave a quater on the bar for there entire night of drinking! Time to go start saying good bye to everyone!
Date: 2004-02-10
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 0.3
Weather: light rain

Yee Ha I actually started my 2004 thru hike on the 10th! I am here at the Fontana Hilton shelter in Fontana Dam with Stumpknocker.   Tripod had dropped us off about an hour and 45 mintues ago. It was a long interesting day of driving. And following an entire day of driving.The day started out with Tripod and me over sleeping almost 2 hours. Then I backed his truck up into a pole. Ouch! Yeah smashed the bumper on his truck. Not the best way to start my thru hike. We finally met up with Stumpknocker at Amicalola Falls state park about 2 1/2 hours late. It seemed to take a long time to get up to Fontana Dam. I was amazed I didn't get car sick once. I was pleasantly surprised!   We arrived around 5:00PM. The weather to break and we were able to see the Smokey Mtns across Fontana Lake. I pointed out Shuckstack Mtn. firetower to tripod. I still can't believe I slept up there.I still can't believe I'm starting my 2004 thru hike. This is so exciting. And I get to start my hike with finishing my south bound stalking of Stumpknocker. he he!   I' a good stalker!Now only 171 miles until the stalking ens. Then it's his turn to be it!Today's Quote- The reason I started my thru hike so early is that the longer it takes me to finish my beer the colder it gets.   Confessions of a true beer drinker!
Date: 2004-02-11
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

13 miles isn't a bad start. I was surprised on how good I felt hiking today. The lungs need a little more time but the rest is A ok!\So much went rushing through my thoughts as I hiked. I'm still a little worried about the weather and snow. We're expecting snow late tonight into tomorrow evening. I'm glad we're bunking at the N.O.C. tomorrow night. I've mailed myself 8 beers along with my food drop. I'll be looking forward to that while walking in the snow tomorrow. Quote of the day " It feels good to hurt again." Stumpknocker on today's hike!
Date: 2004-02-12
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 16.0

It snowed today! Woke up to a few inches on the ground. We got an early start, we wanted to get into the NOC early. I was looking forward to the Yuengling in my food drop.It seemed to rain on us all day. I was soaked by the time we crossed Cheoah Bald. Then I started to fell pain in my right knee on that long down hill into the NOC. I hope this isn't the start of something bad with my knees. I hate to have to hike these next 2 weeks being hurt. But I have done it before. Always seem to hike better when I felt pain.We finally ran into North Bounders at the NOC. Four of them. Officer Taco, Stanimal, and the soulmates. Finally some thru hikers. Seems like everyone else got off the trail by Fontana. We look forward to seeing more.
Date: 2004-02-13
From: N.O.C.

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I have discovered that my mind is still believing I am in top shape but my body believes I should have hiked at least a little in the past 3 months. I'm feeling the pain today. I look like Frankenstein walking down the trail today. My knees are shot. I haven't felt this kind of pain in my knees for years. We stopped at Wesser Tower for lunch. I tried so hard not to cry in front of Stumpknocker but the pain was so bad I couldn't stop the tears. I hate crying in front of people. I don't know how we still we managed to do 11.5 miles today. Tomorrow we're doing 16 into Franklin, North Carolina. Maybe taking my first zero day in town. Depends on my knees. Spending the night at Ice Water Spring Shelter. Was glad to be here. Although the shelter needs a lot of work. The floor seems to not be even. This should be fun.
Date: 2004-02-15
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, North Carolina
Miles today: 15.8

ZERO DAY!!! I was very happy to lay in bed all day. The knees were not feeling good at all. I hope the day of rest will help. We're staying at the Franklin Motel. I stayed here in 2001 during the south bound part of my thru hike. The owners treat hikers well. Besides they are also from Central New Jersey, East Brunswick. They ask me about home being that I live 2 towns over from where they are from. They are surprised with all the changes to the area that I mentioned. Stumpknocker found the Western Sizzler earlier today. We went down for a dinner buffet. I only wish I could have eatten more. It was GOOD!!!! The south always seemed to have great cooks!!! Exactly what my body needed to feel better. A lot of food, some advil and a little fresh air - yup I'm feeling better now!I think the knees will still hurt some during this next week, but I think I've seen the worst of it. 9 more days until I get picked up for Puerto Rico. That will be a nice rest. It will be nice to be away from all the snow and cold weather. It seems to be a good start to my hike. I'm looking forward to all the memories that will be made along the way.
Date: 2004-02-16
From: Franklin, North Carolina

To: Cater Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What a nice zero day yesterday made. The knees felt pretty good. I still bought an ace bandage. Kathy, a local trail angel, gave us a ride up to the trail. She stopped by K-mart for my ace bandage first. We got back out on the trail 10:39.The weather was rather foggy and chilly up on the mountain. We started to see snow cover on the trees and plants. The chill just made me haul ass. The higher we got the more snow we saw. We had decided to take the bad weather tral around Albert Mtn. Neither one of us wanted to go down that section if it was icey. First time I saw Stumpknocker blue blaze. After the by pass trail we ran into 4 north bounders and just missed 2 others. It was nice to see more nobo's. We managed 16 miles with our late start. We got into Cater Gap Shelter at 5:39. It was COLD! Didn't take long to climb into my sleeping bag. I hope the water doesn't freeze tonight and all my wet clothes dry before morning. Looks like we're trying for a 19.8 mile day tomorrow to get us in Plum Orchard Gap shelter. Then a short morning into Hiawassee for the night. I think Stumpknocker and me just hike from town to town instead of shelter to shelter. Have to have our town food.I'm wishing for a nice day tomorrow. The radio says 30% chance of rain and or snow. That should be fun.
Date: 2004-02-17
From: Cater Gap Shelter

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another wonderful day on the trail. It was like walking through a winter wonderland. All the trees and bushes covered in ice and snow. I couldn't help but take a few pictures. It wa beautiful but COLD!   I wore almost ALL of my clothes. I had to wear my silk pants under my rain pants to keep warm. That's 2 days I wore pants. I'm starting to miss my skirt.The weather seems to be warming up starting tomorrow. Funny since it;s snowing on my tent right now. Not much just enough to hear it. And it's more like snow/freezing rain mixture. It shouldn't last long it's supposed to clear up nicely tonight. It will be nice to see the sun again. It has only been out twice this last week. I think I've become the whitest I've ever beem. Although that will change in another 10 days. Can not wait for Puerto Rico. That's what I keep saying to myself as I freeze my butt off out here.We're camped out here at Bly Gap. First night in a tent. I have mixed feeling about using a tent. I believe this will be the first time since October of 2000 I slept in a tent. I still like my bivy! I'm on a slight slant. I never sleep good on slants. I need completely even ground or I'm a bitch in the morning. Not to worry I'll be fine tomorrow no matter how bad the slant is, we're going into Hiawassee in the morning!!!! Just 8.8 miles to town, a hotel, all you can eat buffet at the steak house and a post office to mail some stuff home.I've been day dreaming about food all day, mostly my grandma's strawberry short cake. She would make it for me on my birthday every year. Just a yellow sheet cake with heavy cream she would beat with sugar and strawberries all over it. Wish grandma was still around to make one for me! I could eat the entire thing by myself right now. I've got to stop thinking about food.We actaully passed 10 northbounders today. well 9 thru hikers and one guy out for a couple of months. That makes 19 thru hikers that we know of so far. There was the 6 yesterday and the 4 we saw at the noc. I think we're going to see a lot more this next week down to Springer Mtn. I think we;re going to camp out along the trail more then stay at the shelters for this next week.We're figuring on tuesday early afternoon we'll be at the visitor's center at Amicalola falls state park. We're scheming to head up to Gatlinberg for tuesday night.   Stumpknocker wants to go out in town and check things out. I love that town so I'm up for anything. So we're planning on getting rooms at the Grand Prix motel for the night. That makes it easier for Tripod to find me for my pickup on wednesday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he gets in early enough to go out with us in town. I'm looking forward to spending some time together before we leave for New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Not like we'll have plenty of time with each other in Puerto Rico. Oh warm weather I can't wait. Georgia tomorrow! 87.9 down and only 2,083.4 to go!!!!!
Date: 2004-02-18
From: Bly Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

I really hate climbing out of my bag when it's cold out! Another chilly start to our day. I put on all my clothes again and started out. I limped with one knee in a ace bandage and the other one wishing it was into Georgia. I stood in Georgia with Stumpknocker in North Carolina. I drew a line and dared him to cross it. We joke around way too much with one another. But we made it to Georgia!I managed to hurt my left knee as bad as the right knee these last couple of days. I don't know how I will managed the last 75.6 miles I just know I will make it. Every day gives me another reason to look forward to my holiday in the islands. I love spending my birthday somewhere warm and sunny. It will be a very nice change from all this snow, ice and chilly temps.   Although the weather is looking much better today. It's supposed to be around 50 something today. All the way to Saturday it's supposed to stay warm. Now that's what I'm talking about.Well we made it to town. Got a room at the Mull's Motel for the night. Going to eat the buffet at Daniel's Steak house. I might even do laundry today. I think it's time I smell pretty bad! Then we're out of here tomorrow mid-moring maybe. planning on hitching out of town instead of the $15.00 shuttle that the Mull's offers. Hitching is free!Looks like we'll be taking our time this next week. With my knees feeling this bad I can't hardly walk 2mph. We're planning on arriving at Goose Creek Cabins on Saturday. I think we're only planning on maybe one 16 mile day and the rest being maybe 12 mile days. That will be a nice pace for us. On to food and shower!! Oh yeah and the bottle of wine Stumpknocker had hidden up at the road crossing. That was a sweet surprise.