morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-11-13
To: Less than 4 months!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Meeting of the minds last Monday provided more insite to our 2010 hike. We decided to prepare food for our mail drops and give the boxes to my daughter who will send them to us when we request her to. Fontana is the first drop on the trail because of the early start and long haul through the smokies. Made reservations at the "Hiker Hostel" with Josh and Leigh. Oh my gosh I am getting so excited, I remember staying at the hostel in 2006 eating pizza watching Florida Gators basketball team whoop up on Ohio State in the National Championship. We all crowded around the TV upstairs cheering away! We all felt at home, what a wonderful place they have. They will also shuttle us to the trailhead. My son will give us a ride to Dahlonega and take the Tundra home. Talked to Big Agnes about the sleeping bag saga. They said they will ship it to me directly around the 25th but it will be too late to try it out during our Cumberland hike over Thanksgiving weekend. At least we will get the dang bag. I ordered a few things from a website called campsaver.com. What nice people they are! Great prices also.We are still selling the house but my son mentioned that he may be interested in renting it with a few friends. Option yes! Still would have to come up with mullah to pay for the other expenses that will remain (truck ins and payments, hiking costs, etc). Definitely will consider renting if we had too. Also my son is very tidy and so are the friends he is wanting to rent with. Time is passing quickly, sometimes not quick enough, but if I wish for it to go too fast, the thru hike will pass fast also, so patience again. Was wondering if anyone knows of trail towns we should definitely plan a mail drop (besides Fontana). The girls decided we should just request my daughter to pack what we need and then send it a week before we want it which suits me, just wanting a little input from seasoned hikers. See you on the trail...
Date: 2009-11-24
To: Cumberland Island 2009 & Mail drops
Miles today: 0.0

We are off to hike Cumberland Island during this beautiful 4 day weekend. All Right, Half Left, Wild Poodle and Girl Hobo. First is the ferry ride from St. Marys Georgia to the island. It takes about 45 minutes to get there. It's certainly a wonderful ride, the sites of Fernandina Beach, St. Marys and the island can be seen.We are packed and excited about spending some much needed time away from the hustle bustle of selling the house, working, traffic and just plain missing nature. Last time we went, we froze steaks and brought them to eat the first night. This time we are trying some of the Mountain House meals and a little extra added flavoring, such as gravy mix, dried onions and mushrooms to add to the hamburger mashed potato meal. Food definitely seems to be one of the major obstacles to overcome, with the boredom of ramien noodles, oatmeal, etc. I remember being out on the trail and not looking forward to what was in my pack to eat even though I was hungry. I posted some photos from our last adventure on Cumberland. Looking so forward to being out there again!!We have also been working on our mail drops for the AT. So far, we have limited to 11 drops, Fontana, Mtn Harbour B&B, Dutch Haus, Happy Hiker, Harpers Ferry at ATC, Ye Olde Backpacker in Pt CLinton PA, Delaware Water Gap, Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff NH, Pine Ellis in Andover ME, Northern Outdoor Center Caratunk ME, and Shaw's Monson, ME.People have suggested not to use a bounce box because it is hard to send back out if you don't go to a post office. So of course the debate is on. Some things would really be convenient in one but we could also have our daughter add those things to the mail drop.Just a little over 3 months to go... Getting so antsy, wanting it to be here. And stressing over the house for sale. A friend gave us the statue of St. Joseph to bury in our yard, need to read up on it so we do it right. Have been enjoying the other 2010 journals, seems like a great bunch of hikers to be with! See you on the trail...
Date: 2009-11-30
To: "At home" with a pack on my back
Miles today: 0.0

Thanksgiving weekend we choose to be "at Home" in the woods of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Yes it's where John F. Kennedy Jr got married. What a wonderful, cool, beautiful trip. We were joined by friends Wild Poodle and Girl Hobo. The trip started off on the wrong foot when we got to the ferry and they preceded to tell us we don't have the reservations I made 3 months earlier, No $102 fee paid. We (at the request of my husband) agreed to pay again and settle up later. Definitely wanted to come over the counter and strangled Ms. Melanie. She was NO help. So we paid AGAIN and went on our merry way.Besides that obstacle, the trip was wonderful. No bugs, cool weather, no rain, just trails, beauty, nature, what I crave daily. Poodle and Girl Hobo got to the island a day earlier, so we met up with them at Hickory Hill campsite. Half Left carried in wine for them to drink, and what a smile it brought to their faces! We were at camp by about 3:00, plenty of time to set up and enjoy some daylight, talking mostly of our thru hike, gear and plans. Girl Hobo has agreed to be our transcriber for the journal. It helps she is already a journalist. She gonna add a few incites of her own. I will send her emails from my blackberry every night along with a "photo of the day". She will post them and wait for the snail mail of our complete post. So realistically our journal will be updated daily, then edited to add the full post about a week later.The island is so different than the AT. Flat of course is no. 1, running water spigots (sulfur), some restrooms (with cold showers) at .5 mile and 3.5 miles. The beach within steps of Stafford campsite, wild mustangs, armadillos, huge oaks, hickory trees, just such an unreal hiking experience. It makes us so anxious about starting the trail. Photos of the hike posted under photos.The food we were experimenting with turned out to be worth it. The tuna salad ready made packs were great tasting and no need to bring mayo, relish, etc. They are ready to go, put on crackers, pitas or whatever you want. It made 2 sandwiches for us, we added a pot of ramien noodles and wallah a great lunch. For dinner we brought the new beef patties from Mtn House added an extra pack of mashed potatoes, some gravy mix, dried onions and a salt/pepper mixer concocted by Girl Hobo. Wow it was almost like homemade. The patties puffed up to taste and feel like just cooked and the gravy/onions added an extra pow!!! Other highlights, fritos, cheddar cheese grits with bacon bits (yummy), lipton cup a soup cream of chicken flavor, and of course Half Left's favorite Ramien Noodles.We were happy with the trial for the food and now know we will bring the comfort additives that really enhance the ho-hum meals, gravy mix, dried onions, hot sauce, block cheddar cheese, bacon bits and sea salt/pepper mix from Old South Yankee Gourmet grocery in Fernandina. It helps that we can split gear between us and get to carry some extra stuff because we are hiking as a couple.Now bring on the trail!!!! 3 months til start.See you on the trail
Date: 2009-12-11
To: Big Agnes arrives!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Finally, Big Agnes sent our double down bag! Shipped directly from them and not C&C Outdoors where we originally ordered it "on sale" for $263, regular price $325. What a bargin!!! We didn't get to use it on our Cumberland hike, but now we have it, yay.Plans for some Great Smokey Mountains hiking over Christmas/New Years holiday are coming to fruit. My best friend lives in Maryville, TN which is a few miles from the entrance to the park, by Cades Cove. She has offered to let us use her condo while she is visiting our home town of Jacksonville. We plan to day hike trails in Cades Cove (Rich Mountain Loop, Abrams Falls) and others such as a trail near Greenbrier and Cucumber Gap Loop in Elkmont. We love hiking and it such a blessing from our friend to let us stay for free. Our budget is zero because we are saving for our thru hike, yet we still crave the mountains and trail.I ordered Half Left a couple of things he needs to complete his equipment list. Of course I can't say what they are because they are for Christmas and he reads this. I will let him tell you when he opens them. Great sales from the suppliers certainly help!!! Thanks Campmor.We haven't resolved the issue with the "Cumberland Queen" yet because I still need to find my receipt. I remembered I sent a money order and they are hard to track if you don't have the receipt. It's somewhere around here.I have been reading some of our fellow class of 2010ers. Such interesting reading. Hopefully we can all help each other with our "how to do's" and "how not to do's" I did get my confirmations back from the Hiker Hostel for our last night before we leave stay and also made reservations for the 3rd night out (they will pick us up at Woody Gap on the 3rd day) We love Josh and Leigh! They usually have such wonderful people working there also. A few years ago "Old Man" was there and helped me go through my pack and shave 22 pounds out of it. What a difference that made!Off to work I go, another day another dollar to send to the United States Treasury, they need money for the billions in bonuses for those poor Goldman Sacs employees and lets not forget the poor executives at Bank of America. Get me out of this rat race and onto the trail, please!!!!See you on the trail...
Date: 2009-12-21
To: Family, Merry Christmas to all!
Miles today: 0.0

Our daughter Josie finally made it through the New York snow storm "of the century" to make it home for Christmas. We had an oyster roast for her but she came late because of her flight being cancelled so we are doing it again on Christmas Eve. Jesse our son, living in Gainesville, FL going to college made it home for the party. It's so wonderful to have all our kids under one roof. When they grow up and become adults, having a get together feels so comforting, warm and "fuzzy". Cold weather, bonfire and oysters roasting on the grill have a way of making us feel the spirit of the holidays coming on. Most of our gifts this year are homemade, because of fund issues, yet make it seem more giving of oneself. Our kids are just happy we are all healthy, happy and together.We are moving forward with the thru hike planning and gathering of gear. The Flatlanders will be meeting tomorrow night for our dinner/group discussion of the trip at our house. It is creeping up on us, just a little over 2 months, oh that's scary. Lots to do in just 60 something days. Most important is either selling the house or finalizing someone to rent it. I am thinking a few of our kids are going to rent it for at least a year. It would be nice to keep it in the family, with all the work we have done, at least they can enjoy living in an updated wonderfully energized home. Gear collecting is complete except purchasing another thermarest to match up to mine. Our Big Agnes King Solomon double bag needs level mats to feel comfortable to both of us. Other than that, we have been picking up buy one get one free food and food on sale at the grocery store, lipton noodles, mashed potatoes, instant breakfast, non perishable stuff that we can stockpile. The new tuna fish salad ready made in the pouch, complete with mayo, onions and relish make a great quick lunch or dinner with some type of bread or crackers. If we can find them cheap, we will buy lots of them, they are so convenient! We are so excited about our Tennessee hiking over Christmas break. We will be in the Smokies this weekend. We have decided not to overnight hike, just 5-8 mile day hikes, then come back to the condo and cook dinner, relax and discuss the daily jaunt.We may stop in at Mountain Crossings for a quick looksey at gear, just in case something new has arrived. You know we are all down for upgrading to save weight if it fits in the budget.Merry Christmas and Happy healthy, prosperous New Year to all!!!See you on the trail... We hope.
Date: 2010-01-18
To: Keeping the boots warm
Miles today: 0.0

About 50 days til the beginning of our quest. We have been hiking on the weekend to keep things "real". We went to a trail near our house Sunday and did about 3.5 miles of some pretty steep trails. Good for the calves because mine sure were burning. It's nice to be out there, feels like home.Made a trip to the local outfitter "Black Creek Outfitter" on Friday with Paula and my daughter Josie. Paula picked up her boots and misc gear to add to the gear we are loaning her. She is very excited to give the AT a try. While we were there, I found a Thermarest display unit from last years supply. I asked them if they would discount it, 20% off of original price which is also $15 less than this years price. So I picked it up for $60. Half left can now rest at the same level as me, since we both have Thermarests. Gear check over the weekend, shows we are just about complete, only need a few minor things. I also picked up Aqua Mira. We will be leaving our filter at home until Harper's Ferry and using just treatment and a bandanna.In a note about the Cumberland incident from Thanksgiving weekend, I tracked the money order I sent them, never been cashed. So I canceled it and got a full refund check in the mail. Not sure why the people there told us we had complete reservations on the phone and then when we got there couldn't find them. We came out way ahead by them loosing the check. Thanks Cumberland Queen!!!Both of us had birthdays this last week Tom on the 13th and me the 17th, now next our 1st wedding anniversary on February 7th, then here we come Springer!!!See you on the trail...
Date: 2010-01-20
To: Butterflies
Miles today: 0.0

I am sitting here this morning, reading journals of other hikers. Mostly the ones updated recently. One said, "It's 45 days til I start on March 9th". So I decided to count the days, last entry I estimated 50 days. Well it's 41 days!!! Now that is unreal, seems like just yesterday it was a year, then 6 months, oh my goodness, 41 days! Butterflies are swarming in my stomach, my hands shake, my mind goes 90 miles an hour, going over everything. There is so much to do, to coordinate. Can't really say, "I will do it tomorrow". I better get off my rump and get busy!We've been kinda robotic, going over gear, buying food, preparing the house, talking to people that will help, just like it's just another week long hike.It's not just a week long hike, it's an adventure, a 6 month trek. Okay, I get it, we better RISE AND SHINE, move it, move it. Garage sale this Saturday, put a few things on Craigslist, train Samantha more, start packing "normal" clothing away, get our @$$8$ in gear!!! This nervous energy will be put to good use, I can feel the trail a calling.Thanks for following us, stay tuned, a real adventure is sure to unfold.See you on the trail...All Right!Don't be afraid to fly, Spread your wings, Open up a door, So much more insideDon't, Be afraid to fly, Come spread your wings and just fly with me and you'll see why, It's alright toFlyFlyJust flyJust flyDon't be afraidDon't let your spirit die
Date: 2010-01-27
To: 33 days, OMG, March 2
Miles today: 0.0

We have been steadily getting everything in order for our 6 month hiatus, making sure our ducks are in a row. Found a site to order veggies, which we both love and feel the need for - www.harmonyhousefoods.com definitely worth the look. We haven't actually packed our packs to get our weight because most of the stuff is gear that we use all the time, so we aren't feeling as anxious about the weight. Of course we have traded in some stuff for lighter gear, but the budget doesn't allow us the comfort of just replacing stuff when we feel like it. We are purchasing most of our food pre-hike to save money "on the trail". We will email Samantha and give her a list of what we feel like eating. As everyone figures, food on the trail gets boring and you just don't really want to eat "that" again.So she has a box of food, variety, veggies, pastas, snacks, powder drink mixes, ready for packing. We are also leaving her the boxes from the post office so she can pack it and go across the street and mail it, simple, except she is also running the company. Don't stress Sammie! Breathe, breathe.I joined the group on facebook called Appalachian Trail 2010, Attroll started it. There are over 100 friends on there. My facebook doesn't say we are leaving yet for purposes of confidentiality. I will post it in a couple of weeks. My mother-in -law Pearl keeps thinking we are going for 6 weeks, no 6 months we say. They are both very supportive as is my parents, they just can't figure why we would want to "walk" 2176 miles. To explain: When it's silent around me, I hear the trail calling "Hike, hike, hike, hike me", "Come feel the freedom, the exhilaration, the spirit, the camaraderie, the friendships, the angels, feel the power you've always had in you" I have always been a competitor, always striving to do what they say can't be done. When I was 12, I was the first girl to play in the "boys baseball league", the paper even wrote a story that went national. They said "If you can make the team, you can play". I made the team, pitching and playing second base. When I became a parent, the girls were not treated fairly in the girls softball league run by the boys league, so I started a "league of their own" called Northeast Florida Girls Softball run by parents in and for the girls. The city gave us a field, and some money to start. Still running and flourishing today! So when I started backpacking, I decided it was a calling, to do something that seems impossible. The friends I've met while backpacking are very sincere, helpful, wonderful down to earth people. I am hoping to meet many new folks and develop friendships my husband and I will treasure forever. People have already emailed us to offer a ride, place to stay, help when needed, thanks to all. I hope our journal helps new people to the trail discover the draw the trail has and that it can be done and help other thru hikers get ready for their quest. Good Luck to all the "tenners".We will make it, we will persevere, we will conquer!!!See you on the trail...
Date: 2010-02-01
To: Tenners
Miles today: 0.0

Of course on a daily basis, my mind wanders on thoughts of our hike. I know my husband thinks I have nothing else in my head except for the thoughts of the "Trail dancing in my head". Well he's right, I mean he's "Half Left". It is hard for me to concentrate on the work at hand, because I want so bad to start. Then I read Second Stages' journal about the weather, or call a friend who lives in the area and find out they had 8 inches of snow. Okay, I will continue on and get things ready, and be thankful we are letting one more month of winter pass us by.I got out all of the food we have been collecting and placed in the kitchen, all over the place, it looked like I could feed an army. I was dividing it for our drop boxes. Once finished, I realized that was only one months worth of meals for 2 people. OMG I think we will have another room to store most of the food. Our grocery store has Lipton sides this week buy one get one free, so I will stock up on more of them. That's only 65 cents for the meal along with a package of chicken for 1.89. Not bad feeding 2 people. I can see now my husband is gonna be HUNGRY. He better eat up at the ALL YOU CAN EAT!!! We can only carry so much. One thing I LOVE to do is bring left over pizza or subs to the trail for the first night's dinner after a town visit.It's so exciting seeing all the new people adding their journals. I noticed lot of hikers are starting the beginning of March with us. It will be so surreal being on the trail, all of the planning and wondering will be over and the reality will set in. I just pray for the strength, both mentally and physically to carry us the distance, (and the money). All the way to Katahdin...Bring it ON!!!See you on the trail...
Date: 2010-02-08
To: Wheels on the bus
Miles today: 0.0

As I ponder our trek into the wild, I keep running into stumbling blocks. I feel like the wheels are falling off the bus, yet the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, hopefully taking us to Springer on March 2. We haven't sold our house we don't have enough money to get us by without doing so. My son is still anxious to rent it however, it still wont be enough to cover everything we need to pay while we are gone. We are staging an Open house this weekend in hopes of bringing in that "one buyer" that loves it and just can't live without it. Tom and I celebrated our 1st anniversary yesterday. Our relationship is amazing, we follow in each others footsteps, finish sentences, can't stand to be without each other. We so want to hike the trail, to be partners, supporting each other along the trail both mentally and physically. He is always on time, he keeps me in check when it comes to being there. I am the navigator. It works!Meeting with the Flatlanders Wednesday night in Fernandina where Wild Poodle lives. This will probably be the last scheduled meeting, then off to the trail.We hope!!!!!!!!!!!!See you on the trail...
Date: 2010-02-10
To: Slight delay :(
Miles today: 0.0

Our group has decided to delay our start for March 26. With that in mind, we will surely meet lots of hikers we have been following. It is so hard for me to concentrate on the "ongoing" being in the real world. I want so much to get out there. Even looking at Second Stages' amazing SNOW covered trail photos don't send me in the other direction. Our only speed bump is mullah. If the money was there, there we would be. It is a shame money doesn't grow on trees on the AT. How wonderful that would be, of course there would be a billion hikers hiking it then, and there would be an economic downturn "on the trail".Food, clothing, gear, shelter are all taking care of. I don't have to shop online for sales or go to our local Black Creek outfitter to get more gear. Just sit and wait not my favorite thing to do, I am a little bit hyper, the don't like to sit still kinda person. During my last Walmart trip, I found Whole milk powder in the ethnic section. Inertia sells it for $4.75 for a few ounces, Wally World has it for $13.88 for a huge can. Also, instead of beef jerky they have buffalo flavored chicken chunks, packed just like beef jerky. Stocking up as much as we can so our 11 drops are taken care of. The weather in Florida has definitely been much easier going than the mess going on up in the Northeast. My daughter is in Manhattan. She has never lived out of Florida and had to stock up on winter gear to keep her from freezing. More tomorrow, dang I have to actually get back to work...See you on the trail...