morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-09-20
To: www.whiteblaze.net
Miles today: 0.0

This short journal entry is specifically for Becky (a girl from WI that signed the guestbook) and whoever else is interested in more information about creating a budget during your thru-hike. If you are planning to thru-hike, PLEASE CHECK OUT WHITEBLAZE.NET. Create an account, ask questions in the Forums section. There is loads of information about every aspect of hiking, plus many, many experienced hikers very happy to help you with any questions. In the General Forum section of whiteblaze.net, I did a quick search of the word "budget". Lots of info! There is a fabulous write-up that a thru-hiker made. It can be found using this link.:http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?87712-A-Cheap-Hike-Breakdown-of-money-spent-on-my-hike&highlight=budgetIt details all of the places he stayed, a break-down of money he spent on gear, food, fuel, etc. He claims he spent less than $2,600 total. This is a cheap hike and it can be done. The average hiker seems to spend between $3000-$5,000 not including gear. I did not keep close track of how much money I spent on what, but total it was just over $4,000. Hope this helps!
Date: 2013-03-14
To: One Year Anniversary
Miles today: 0.0

Hello to all those readers still out there -Exactly one year ago today Eric and I were leaving from Springer Mountain! Time really does fly. I thought I'd check in to share some thoughts and let everyone know how we've adjusted back into life.Those first few weeks of getting used to trail life are fond memories. My friend's brother-in-law has decided to thru-hike this year, so I've been thinking about him and all other hikers that are in for an adventure. How exciting! Eric says he wishes he was hiking again. It's been an interesting year for sure. We didn't think too much about what we'd do AFTER the trail. I thought we'd just start working again, but Eric and I have both been unemployed until recently. After spending a month at Eric's parents' house in Ohio, we moved to my mom's house in Santa Cruz, CA. Not a bad place for us to spend the winter, but I couldn't help but feel that I was imposing. My aunt, who had a sudden cancer diagnosis, passed away in September. It was truly a blessing that (with no job or commitments) I had so much time to spend with my family and her daughters (my cousins) who I feel like I grew up with.Christmas came and went, and I was trying hard to find work or a graduate program to continue my education. Somewhere in there I was offered a graduate assistantship in British Columbia (studying Lewis's Woodpeckers - I'm into Avian Ecology). After some deliberation, I decided to take it, and then last month Eric landed a permanent forestry position in western Washington, which is where we are now. When I start school next month, Eric and I will be a few hours away from each other, but we're making it work.I've been racking my brain to think of some things that I think have stuck with me since the trail. It's a little sad to think I've lost some of the appreciation I had - of clean water and showers for example. Things come and go. I love the memories that we have. Right now I'm wearing my same nanopuff jacket that I wore almost every night at camp (and used as a pillow) and I think about the trail every time I put it on. It's worn and the threads are coming loose, but I just love it so much. I'm trying to enjoy every stage of life I'm at. Because those months on the trail flew by so fast, it made me realize that you can't get another moment twice. Bye for now. Wish us luck in rainy Washington, and good luck to those on the trail right now or planning one for the future!!Lauren
Date: 2012-04-20
To: The Reason
Miles today: 0.0

When asked the question: "Why are you hiking?", "Why the AT?", "Why so LONG?"This is the answer I am tempted to give. "One last final paragraph of advice: Do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast, a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it while you still can. While it's still there. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder, and explore the forests, encounter the grizz, climb mountains, bag peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for awhile and contemplate the precious stillness, that lovely mysterious and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head attached to your body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this one sweet victory over our enemies, over those desk bound people with their hearts in a safe-deposit box and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this: YOU WILL OUTLIVE THE BASTARDS."Edward Abbey
Date: 2012-05-07
To: Careful. Carefuler. Carefulest.
Miles today: 0.0

In 2007 I made it as far as the 100 mile wilderness. Not very inspiring. Mount Katahdin reared it's beautifully ugly head and marked my left knee for the rest of time. Mount Katahdin 1 - Ottertrack 0. I have since then suffered from IT-Band Syndrome. Bikram Yoga brings relief but that, unfortunately is a luxury in today's world that I cannot on a regular basis afford. But if you ever get the chance to check it out, I strongly suggest you go. In three simple words: It is amazing. And you can burn 1000 calories in a single class! A challenging but serene experience. Serenity is far too infrequent in today's world.Tangent ended, moving on. IT-Band Syndrome. I just happened upon "Walt Reynold's ITB Special" and it freaking rocks my face off. Don't believe me? Grab a stack of magazines you have laying on the back of your toilet or that useless conversation piece hardbound book on bonsai trees in your living room, step on it and follow these instructions. Happy healing, knees Walt Reynolds' ITB Special is an exercise that mimics the running gait and strengthens the iliotibial band.First, find a four to six inch elevation.Place the involved leg, i.e. the leg you are working out, on the step. Use a wall or railing on your non-involved side for support.With both knees locked, lower your non-involved leg towards the floor. As you do this, your involved hip would be higher than the non-involved hip. Try to shift most of your body weight to the inside part of the foot of the involved leg. Make sure that a fair amount of your body weight is directed through your heel, not just your toes.Bend your weight-supporting, involved knee slightly (about 10 to 20 degrees), but keep the non-involved foot off the ground or floor.Now, move the involved hip forward about four to six inches, while keeping the involved heel in contact with the step and your weight on the inside of your involved foot. As your involved hip moves forward, your upper body should move backward.After you've moved your hip forward, move it straight backward. As your hip moves backward, your upper body will tend to bend forward.As you do the exercise, you should feel the burn up toward the side of your hip. If you don't feel anything happening, go back to the basic position and try again. Make sure that1. Your involved hip is higher than the other hip2. Your weight is shifted to the inside of the involved foot.Start with 10 reps per day on each leg, and gradually build up to a set of 20 to 30 reps - carried out at two different times during the day.
Date: 2012-05-19
To: Final Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the final countdown is upon us...and we cannot WAIT. REI is tired of us, and our gear is yearning to be out-of-doors. All we need is a cheap, plastic orange trowel and I think that just about wraps it up, gear-wise. Eric and I get to move out of our apartment here in Austin, Texas over the next few days and then drive up to Collegeville, PA. From there we head up to New Hampshire for a shendig at a lakehouse with Eric's Dad and Fiancee. And after that...MAINE. Today, I unfortunately tripped over the edge of my wrought iron bed and broke the middle toe on my left foot. Eek. Hope it heals extra special quick for me! Also, got some Vitamin C powder for the trail at Whole Foods. Think it'll be a good addition to my gear.Shoes have been my and Eric's main dilemma/frustration. In his case, he can't decide which ones he likes best...Sportivas...Brooks...et cetera, et cetera. My problem is I am completely twitterpated with an amazing shoe that GoLite no longer makes The trail fly. Best. Shoe. Ever. I have another pair of GoLites but they just aren't the same. I like the way the Baffin Approach Soft Shell fit, but their sizes are way screwy. I'm a 9, so I ordered a 9. They didn't fit, so I ordered a 10. Those didn't fit. grrrrr. I've ordered an 11, and if they don't work, I think I'll just have to chalk it up to the fact that the big man upstairs really doesn't want me to wear Baffins. Peace n' love y'all. 2 weeks and counting!!!
Date: 2012-05-29
To: Inspiration
Miles today: 0.0

"I love beauty so much that I not only want to possess it myself, but to gain the power of seeing it in all things, and the art of reproducing it with truth. I have tried very hard to do it, but something is wanting; and in spite of my intense desire I never get on.""I slept and dreamed that life was beauty; I woke, and found that life was duty. Was thy dream then a shadowy lie? Toil on, sad heart, courageously, And thou shall find thy dream to be A noonday light and truth to thee.""Excellent; for if one is good, one is happy, and if happy, once can work well. Moulding character is the highest sort of sculpture, and all of us should learn that art before we touch clay or marble."All are excerpts from Louisa May Alcott's "Kitty's Class Day and Other Stories". This particular story is titled: "Psyche's Art".
Date: 2012-05-31
To: 12 dinners not 10
Miles today: 0.0

I'm staring at a jar of peanut butter.Trying to decide if I should take it.Wondering if: 8 bagel thins, a sleeve of water crackers, 5 large packets of flavored tuna, a log of pepperoni, 12 breakfast bars, 3 poptart sleeves, 12 candybars/granola bars, couscous, rice, instant mashed potatoes, stove top, ramen, slim jims, clif fruit snacks, a huge bag of GORP, swiss cheese, habanero-cheddar cheese, oatmeal cream pies, 8 instant oatmeal packets, dried hummus, vitamin C powder, a 3 oz. container of cholula (duh, y'all knew that was coming), instant espresso powder, a small amount of red chili flakes and a small squeeze bottle of sweet tea flavoring (hey if the shoe fits...)...will be enough.Let's consider this logically.Because as Eric and I went through our food for the fourteenth time we realized *face palm* we need TWELVE dinners. Not ten.Here's what I have plan-wise so far for Katahdin to Monson, ME - where we will literally be out of the woods, the 100-mile wilderness to be exact.The following list contains the potential campsites and the mileage we will have hiked in relation to them (from Katahdin heading to GA...)1.<0.0> Hike Katahdin (uh, yeah...) Bring it on 2.<5.1> Katahdin Stream Campground3.<15.1> Abol Pines4.<26.3> Rainbow Lake Campsite OR <30.1> Rainbow Stream Lean To5.<38.2> Wadleigh Sream Lean To6.<48.3> Potaywadjo* ( "gesundheit") Spring Lean To7.<59.7> Cooper Brook Falls Lean To8.<67.8> East Branch Lean To9.<78.6> Carl A. Newhall Lean To10.<88.5> Chairback Gap Lean To11.<99.4> Long Pond Stream Lean To12.<111.5> Leeman Brook Lean ToArrive: Monson, ME.This does not factor in whether or not Eric and I will be hiking more than 10 miles a day. Which we very well could be...or not. So as the list stands, we need 12 dinners, not 10 like we originally surmised. We live, we learn and now we're passing it on. Oh, and for those of you who still use pen, ink, and pencils in the real world and don't survive solely on technology, don't ever EVER under any circumstance should you be in the market for a new pencil buy Sharpie liquid pencils. They seem pretty rock-your-face-off awesome in theory. They even include extra erasers in the package. AND the erasers actually work for the seemingly magical liquid pencil. However. The pencil also rubs off if you brush your finger over it. Not so fantastical of a function for those of us trying to chronicle journal entries that need to last a lifetime. Or more.So happy to have made this discovery pre-hiking.Love to you all!*An example of the '-wadjo' would be the Potaywadjo Ridge on the Appalachian Trail near Pemadumcook Lake, and that means Whale Mountain . It literally interprets to Blower Mountain, and it's in reference to the whale because he would swim under water, come up hundreds of feet later and blow water out of his spout. And so it became a family name in the tribe. So Potaywadjo Ridge literally means 'mountain of the whale.'
Date: 2012-06-01
To: Wait weight wait, what weight?
Miles today: 0.0

Water...2.2 lbs per liter. Check (x3 = well, you do the math)Food for 12 days...13 lbs. Check (a fie upon the 100 mile wilderness for having to carry so much food at the start! garaaaaaahhhh!)Gear + pack weight... probably in the neighborhood of 15 lbs. I'm crossing my fingers that when all is said and done, pack is 35 lbs. total.We're packing up and heading to New Hampshire tomorrow. One day at the lake will be glorious before this huge adventure. Eric and I are trying to decide whether to drive early from NH to ME on Monday, the 4th and start hiking Katahdin that day by noon or to make camp and hike it early the following day. the question here is do we want to pay to camp in the Birches for 2 nights in a row. The answer here would be a big fat no. We're trying to hike the trail as frugally as possible so at $20 bucks a pop for the two of us at Katahdin campgrounds...I'm thinking we'll start hiking Monday when we arrive. Wish us luck, here goes nothin'...
Date: 2012-06-01
To: A Blessing
Miles today: 0.0

"May the road rise to meet you.May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine upon your face.And rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.May you live as long as you wantAnd never want as long as you live.Always remember to forgetThe things that made you sad.But never to forget to rememberThe things that made you glad.Always remember to forgetThe friends that proved untrue.But never forget to rememberThose that have stuck by you.Always remember to forgetThe troubles that passed away.But never forget to rememberThe blessings that come each day.May the saddest day of your future be no worseThan the happiest day of your past.May the roof above us never fall inAnd may the friends gathered below it never fall out.May you have warm words on a cold evening,A full moon on a dark night,And the road downhill all the way to your door.May there be a generation of childrenOn the children of your children.May you live to be a hundred years,With one extra year to repent.May the Lord keep you in His handAn never close His fist too tight.May your neighbors respect you,Trouble neglect you,The angels protect you,And heaven accept you.May the Irish hills caress youMay her lakes and rivers bless youMay the luck of the Irish enfold youMay the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,May good luck pursue you each morning and night.Walls for the wind,And a roof for the rain,And drinks beside the fire - Laughter to cheer youAnd those you love near you,And all that your heart may desire.May God be with you and bless you,May you see your children's children,May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.May you know nothing but happinessFrom this day forward.May God grant you many years to live,For sure He must be knowingThe earth has angels all too fewAnd heaven is overflowing.May peace and plenty be the firstTo lift the latch to your door,And happiness be guided to your homeBy the candle of Christmas.May you always have work for your hands to do,May your pockets hold always a coin or two.May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.May the hand of a friend always be near you.And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you."This is my wish for everyone
Date: 2011-07-25
To: Beginnings
Miles today: 0.0

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." - Lao TzuEven though my journey doesn't begin until March of next year, I think it is an excellent time to start this journal. I'm already way too excited not to! Every day I come home and tell myself I will do all of the necessary chores that are piling up. Yet each day ends with me on my computer, researching more gear and reading more journals. It has become an obsession, one of the best kind. It all started a week before Easter, 2009. I went with a school group for my first backpacking trip. It was a weekend of firsts. I had never camped, never hiked for more than a mile, and never carried a pack. And we were hiking....dun dun dun....Blood Mountain, GA. It gets better. As we slowly made our way to the top (slowly because I was stopping every few minutes to rest my painful legs) we ran into hail, sleet, and snow. Yes, friends, I was in a situation where I could have decided to hate backpacking forever and never return to the outdoors. But through all of that I found myself to be amazingly optimistic. I was thrilled to be outdoors. I may have been cold, but I was pumped. There was a guy with us (Kyle, Trailname of Chef) who had finished his through hike of the AT a year before, and was regaling us with stories. And like that I was hooked. Two years and a second degree later, I am getting prepared to make my own through hike with a passion that I've been known to exhibit when I find something that fits into my life. So now preparation has begun and the next few posts will be about my physical, mental, and logical prep for the hike.
Date: 2011-07-25
To: Prep Hikes
Miles today: 0.0

This last weekend I did my first prep hike. I'm preparing not only for the AT, but also for the UltimateHike, a 28 mile hike for Children's Cancer Research. I raise money, and hike around 28 miles in one day on the Foothills Trail. It's great to be doing something for someone else and myself at the same time. Obviously, they aren't going to just set us out there to hike 28 miles without any preparation. So our group is now going on hikes around the Atlanta, GA area with increasing difficulty as time progresses. This weekend was my first hike at Panther Creek. It was 7.2 miles of relatively easy trail. I say easy because last March I did a section of the Foothills Trail from Table Rock for 45 miles. It was brutal for me straight off the couch. I don't like stairs, and there was a lot of those on that trail. Panther Creek was a beautiful and brilliant start. I will say it was tougher for me than I thought it would be. But looking back, I realized that I was pushing myself to do a faster pace to keep at the head of the pack. I was leading for most of the way in, and didn't want to slow anyone down. Next time I'll keep my own speed thank you! But the physical pain is nice, realizing that pain is simply weakness leaving the body. I've also started climbing the stairs up to my apartment, which is 7 floors up. I'm so ready to hike! But the area around my apartment is NOT conducive to a hiking lifestyle. Currently, I live in Macon, GA. Welcome to the middle of nowhere! More like, welcome to Ghetto Town, complete with a side Hoodville. My car has already been broken into, and I've only been here a month! All my landlord said was, "Welcome to Macon." But we endure what we must for a job and economic comfort. This will help me buy the rest of my gear and save for the trail. Can I get a whoop for money? WooHoo!~If you'd like to donate to Children's Cancer Research, please go here:http://www.ultimatehike.org/atlantafall/katherineswaim
Date: 2011-07-25
To: A look at gear
Miles today: 0.0

And here comes the obsession: GEAR!!! I figured I'd show here my current idea of a gear list. Note that not all these pieces have been bought, and they will probably be reviewed by me eventually. But for now here is a wish list/gear list for my thru hike.Pack - ULA CDTTent - Zpacks Hexamid Solo tentGroudsheet - Zpacks groundsheet/poncho/pack coverTents stakes - titanium shepherd hook with cuben stuff sackSleeping bag - REI Sub Kilo 20 degreeLiner - Sea to Summit one that adds 20 degrees (I get really cold)Sleeping Pad - Outdoor Pacific Peak EliteStove - HLN bongo by Tinny from MinibulldesignPot - Heineken beer can potPot stand, lighter, bandanaLeggings (I think they're wool, don't remember the fabric)Some mid-weight long sleeve shirtTank topOne sports braOne pair underwearTennis skort ? (debating)REI Revelcloud insulated jacketWind shirtSierra Designs Rain PantsBuffDown beanie?Three pairs of socks - liner, mid-weight, heavy dutyAsics trail runnersFirst aid kitToothbrush/pasteheadlampCroc sandalsSteripen (debating)Pack towelTwo water bottles with smartubeKnife (for protection/intimidation more than use)Camera with chargerPhone? (debating again)This is basic. Once I get all my stuff I'll post a more comprehensive list with my first impressions, and then comment as the trail progresses.
Date: 2011-07-27
To: Mental considerations
Miles today: 0.0

The last day or so has been interesting. I was offered to continue at my job as a full time employee and start making salary. I had to mention I was getting on the trail in March and take a 5-6 month vacation. The reply was actually quite optimistic. They made a comment about putting me on leave and getting an intern for the time I spend away. They must really like me. It was mentioned that I was being considered for future promotion to take one of my bosses jobs. It's still a lot to think about because I don't relish the idea of staying in Macon for the rest of my life.However, I am determined to do this hike. Whether I have to pass up this opportunity or not. Because if I put it off, when will I actually get the chance to do this? I'd also like to do the PCT and CDT eventually. That's a lot more hiking time to think about.I am constantly focused on the idea that to do anything you want in life you need money. It's quite a frustrating concept. In order to live life to the fullest (in my opinion that's doing the things that I so desperately want to do) I have to shell out a bunch of cash. This is just one stress I will face on the trail. Aside from money, I will miss home, my cats, and food. I tend to have a focus problem in the middle of a hike that I need to overcome. Plus there are definite fears that will hinder my ability to focus as well. Fear of not finishing obviously. But also fear of bugs (I get eaten alive by mosquitoes - 37 bites in one night on the trail). The other day I saw a guy on the Panther Creek Trail with a spider bite. His whole hand had swollen to the size of a grapefruit! Not cool. Then there's the fear of other wildlife. My ex keeps telling me I'll get mauled by a bear. Way to show your support babe. That's certainly going to make me take you back. My biggest fear is being too alone. I want to find people to hike with. I mean I'm not saying I can't ever hike alone. There are times that I relish it. But I also don't want to go more than 3 for 4 days without seeing anyone I know. I'm ready to make friends on this thing to keep that fear at bay. And because I know all you fellow hikers are the best people to know!! Only 8 more months!