morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-09
To: AHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Miles today: 0.0

Yup. That about sums up how I'm feeling right about now. Wait...let me think about it...Yup. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!I had this thought today that in 2 months time I will be standing in Amicola Falls at the Approach Trail. I was trying to imagine what was going to be running through my mind at that point. I was thinking it might be something like this: "What the *#&$ am I thinking?" This thought process was brought on by noticing a thread on whiteblaze.net titled "2006 NOBO Hikers...Where are they?" or something like that. Four people are already on the trail! WAIT FOR ME!!! WAAAIIIIITTTTT! Not that I'm jealous or anything. First of all, I do want to thank everyone that has signed my guestbook. I have the best of intentions of emailing people and thanking them personally but I am not quite sure where all of my time goes. One of these days (hopefully soon), I will sit down and reply to y'all...in the meantime I thank you for your thoughts, your encouragement and your kind words. Now...you see that picture up there in the corner of this journal entry? See that person standing next to me? Yeah...he thinks he's following me all the way to Momma K. Ordinarily, I'm the one chasing him down the trail. You see...he has one speed and that speed is "warp". I can hold my own on the trail but when my legs won't turn over fast enough walking, and I have to all but break into a jog to keep up, there's a problem. I've been planning this since last May. And along comes this chap and now he's all about "can I see your gear list?" and "may I look at your maps?" and "I think I'll start with you...you know, since your driving there already". Not to mention "that's a really nice SD Mach 1, that's what I'm getting too". Hey now!!! I should probably put in a disclaimer that I'm not upset he's coming. I don't want people to think he's a stalker that's going to be following me for 2100+ miles. My family, by the way, is de-freakin'-lited that he'll be joining me. My grandmother did ask if he was going to be growing one of those "big old shaggy beards" though. hahaSo all is well in planning land...time is going by so fast that I can't keep up. There seems like so much that needs to be done...yet I can't concentrate on it. We finalized most of the gear list this afternoon and I will be posting an update sometime soon. It's an all inclusive one so that I don't forget anything. I have very little to purchase ~ mostly just some food, as well as some odds & ends like capilene underwear & new insoles. Class of 2006 ~ our time is coming! There are so many folks leaving in March and I wish them all the best of luck and happy hiking out there! We probably won't see each other but I'm sure I will be reading your entries in the registers as I make my way up the East Coast. Keep your heads high (until you hit PA...then make sure you look down so you don't trip over a rock and bust your snout). I leave you with an "AHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
Date: 2006-02-11
To: 62 Days til Send Off
Miles today: 0.0

62 days? That can't possibly be right! But I did count twice to be sure. I got thinking about the drive to GA and how beside myself I will be. Though I've made the decision to wear thick cotton sweatpants and a big ole cotton sweatshirt for the ride down...Lord knows I won't have that luxury once we hit the trail. We got into a conversation yesterday about what foods we will be craving once we start hiking. I figure my first meal in a trail town won't be such a big deal/ I've had plenty of meals after a 5-6 day hike...but then I've gone home to "normal food". No...I think the 2nd "off-trail" meal will be the exceptionally yummy one that I've been craving. I really can't say what types of food I'll want but time will tell. While brushing my teeth this morning I realized that running water from a faucet will be something I will definitely miss! No filtering or purifying necessary, just turn on the tap and drink. Yeah, I drink tap water. I like to live life on the edge. "Luxury items" I'm leaving behind are: my iPod, razors, my contact lenses (hello glasses), fresh garlic, cotton sweatshirt, and plastic hair clippy-thingies. I will NOT leave my Q-tips home or a comfy pair of cotton socks. I'll be relying on the hiker boxes for reading when I get the chance, though I will miss my books. My uncle, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, gave me a beautiful pocket knife for Christmas. It's a simple knife that he engraved (by his own hand, with his hand tools) with a flower on the end and my initials in the middle. I was debating about taking it or leaving it and have decided to bring it along. He is an outdoorsman that would rather have me use it and potentially lose it than have it sitting untouched on a shelf somewhere. Mr. Pickles, pictured above, has been added to my gear list. Mostly to see if anyone is paying attention. But he is rather cute...albeit rather scruffy. I really have been in high gear lately ~ reading journals and forums on whiteblaze about people that are leaving in a week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks. I'm jealous they are getting out there but I look forward to reading their adventures in the shelter registers. I sit here tonight in NJ, waiting for this "Nor'easter" that we are supposed to get and daydream. The snow has started to fall and it looks like we will have a little bit of a winter afterall. Puts me in a pensive mood. The time is drawing near...
Date: 2006-03-10
To: Where has the time gone?
Miles today: 0.0

It seems like just yesterday I made the decision to do this and all of a sudden, I¢ve got barely over a month. Actually, as of today, these are my countdowns:37 Days until the A.T.36 Days until starting on the Approach Trail34 Days until we leave for GA29 Days until we go to VT to leave my car and see my mom and grandmother28 Days until my last day of work8 ¢free¢ days left in which to pack, plan, organize, get the house ready to be left for 6 months, get to CT to see my dad, and basically, be ready for the hike. I need a day to scream or something¢¦yeah, 24 hours should be enough. At least for now.What happened to the 11 months of planning I was supposed to have? What happened to all of the time? I know I¢ve been doing things, I¢ve been busy, I¢ve planned for crying out loud!!! So where has it all left me? Well, it¢s left me feeling like it doesn¢t matter how much you plan and dream¢¦nothing prepares you for crunch time. This past Monday I decided that having long hair wasn¢t something I wanted to deal with on the trail. A week or two¢¦no problem, but not for several months. So, I made an appointment and chopped it all off. High and tight, military style! Yes, I¢m kidding. Sheesh. It¢s now a perfect backpacking length; just above the shoulders and all one length so there is no maintenance. It still fits into a pony tail, even though when it¢s pulled back it looks like a little hair-nub on the back of my head. Ah, it¢ll grow! The weather has become increasingly better. As I sit here today, it¢s approaching 66* outside and I¢m wishing I was out hiking rather than inside working. I¢m envious that Antonio gets to be outside all day, though I¢m not envious of his incredibly hard work and long hours (7 days a week, 10 hours a day until we leave, basically). I¢ve been working on my website a lot and it¢s coming along quite nicely, if I do say so myself. And I do. I guess all that matters is that I¢m happy with it, right? Once I¢ve gotten it mostly done, I¢ll post a link here for anyone interested. It has a bunch of my trip reports from the last year, as well as some pictures to go with the reports. I think I¢ve been having the most fun with the A.T. GAQ section and writing some of the questions I¢ve been asked. For the record, I will be eating other, weaker thru-hikers and carrying either an uzi or a bazooka for protection (suggestions welcome!). Slowly but surely, reality is setting in and I¢m becoming increasingly aware of what is about to happen. Excitement mixed with sheer terror are probably my two biggest emotions right now. What a fun combination! Last purchase to make is new insoles and we¢re done! Holy smokes!!! Katie told me she¢s probably going to cry when she says good-bye in Neel¢s Gap and we continue on. I figure¢¦what the hell¢¦I¢ll be crying at Amicalola, Springer, Neel¢s and who knows how many points after that or between. Hell, I could cry now just thinking about it. In case you haven¢t noticed, my mind is going in 65 directions and I tend to type what I¢m thinking at the moment¢¦I¢m not scatterbrained though. I¢m merely a chaotic thinker.
Date: 2006-04-07
To: The final countdown
Miles today: 0.0

It's almost that time. We have a corner that is jammed with gear, food, and extra stuff that will be taken to my mom's in VT tomorrow. Almost all of the food we had in our kitchen is out - getting ready to close up for our trip. Today is our last full day at home before we head out.We've decided to take the bus to Philly to meet Kate and stay at her place so we can leave bright and early on Thursday for GA. It's only an 11 hour ride but we have two days, so we can take our time and enjoy the ride. Plus, we will get to Amicalola nice and early on the 14th to give us some time to putz around and relax before the big day. I'm emotional lately. I keep thinkin "follow your dreams and follow your heart" because it's the best advice I have. I've been reading other's journals almost obsessively at every opportunity...barely able to wrap my brain around the fact that soon we will be living that life. I freak out over little things, like checking the weather and realizing that our departure date is well within the 10 day forecast! So pathetic...When I was in CT, I left the movie "Trek" for my dad and step-mother to watch. He said that it was a great way to get insight on what hiking the trail is like. The trials and tribulations, the food mood, the hiker stink. I gave my mom and grandmother Appalachian Impressions, which I haven't seen, but look forward to watching it with them this weekend. I think those videos answer some really basic questions that worried family and friends may have.I have my own questions and fears, I suppose. Will I be able to do it? Will it be harder or easier than I expect? Will it be anything that I expect? How will it change my life? I guess the answers will come in due time. For now, I'll just go back to my spacey pre-hike daze. Concentrating on anything is a real task. Thank God I'm not working anymore.I will probably have one more entry before leaving. After that, it will be Allie transcribing my written journals from the trail (thank you, Witch!!!) A quote from a fellow backpacker that I intend to take with me:"It is what it is."   I like that.
Date: 2006-04-11
To: On my way...
Miles today: 0.0

The time has come for me to say goodbye. From this point forward, my journal will be transcribed by Allie (thanks Witch!). It's been a long journey to get to where we are. In 4 days, I will be ascending the Approach Trail on my way to fulfilling a childhood dream. I'm not leaving anyone behind, they are all coming with me in some way, shape or form. I am grateful that I am able to attempt this and that I have such amazing support from family and friends alike. I'm more ready for this than I've ever been for anything. It's time. I leave you with these words...lyrics of a song by Phil Collins called "On My Way". Tell everybody I'm on my wayNew friends and new places to seeWith blue skies ahead yesI'm on my wayAnd there's nowhere elsethat I'd rather beTell everybody I'm on my wayAnd I'm loving every step I takeWith the sun beating down yesI'm on my wayAnd I can't keep this smile off my face'Cause there's nothing like seeingeach other againNo matter what the distance betweenAnd the stories that we tellwill make you smileOh it really lifts my heartSo tell 'em all I'm on my wayNew friends and new places to seeAnd to sleep under the starsWho could ask for moreWith the moon keeping watch over meNot the snow, not the rainCan change my mindThe sun will come out, wait and seeAnd the feeling of the wind in your faceCan lift your heartOh there's nowhere I would rather be'Cause I'm on my way now-well and trulyI'm on my way now(I'm on my way now)Tell everybody I'm on my wayAnd I just can't wait to be thereWith blue skies ahead yesI'm on my wayAnd nothing but good times to shareSo tell everybody I'm on my wayAnd I just can't wait to be homeWith the sun beating down yesI'm on my wayAnd nothing but good times to showI'm on my wayYes, I'm on my way...
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Maine
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

Amicalola Falls State Park to Black Gap ShelterApproach Trail today. We were up around 7:45am after sharing space at the Max Epperson Shelter with a hiker named "Gurus". Quite an eccentric chap with an interesting gear selection.Since we had registered yesterday and gotten our packs weighted (33#'s!) and photo taken for the wall, we were good to go. Around 9:15am we were a-hikein'!!! It wasn't long before the traiil reminded me I'm out of shape. Although the approach is tough, it's enjoyable. We took our time all day long--pausing for a view and a long lunch on Frosty Mtn. The hot weather has left some dry water sources. We made note to conserve and camel up whenever possible. Just before climbing Black Mountain, we met Aragon (trail name Estel) and he was out of water. I shared mine and found out he is katahdin-bound as well. It's great to meet the other crazies!Passed one guy who said "Headed to Maine?" while laughing. "Yup" we say. "Seriously?" he says. "Yup" we say. "Well...good luck" he says.When people say "Where are you headed?" I get such a huge grin and say "MAINE!" I love being able to say that!At Black Gap Shelter tonight w/ Antonio and Estel. Had a fire for bug control and am ready to crash for the night.Tomorrow we hit Springer and the AT!!! Happy Birthday to me!!!One day down but the miles don't count until tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up around 7:00am and headed out to Springer @ 7:30am. The sun was shining almost up until when we summitted. Bah! Socked in on Springer. We checked out the register and were soon greeted by the Ridgerunner Roger "Many Sleeps" Dalton. He took our info and proclaimed us hiker #660 and #661 of NOBO's! Antonio gave him a Reese's Peanut Butter egg, which I think made his day. "The Easter Bunny came after all," he said.After the obligatory "First blaze and plaque" picture, we set out to follow 165,000 blazes. Grazy skies cleared and the sun came out, making for a beautiful day. Happily, the trail was much easier than the approach.We reached Hawk Mountain Shelter very early--1:30pm, not sure if we would be continuing. As we kicked back and relaxed with lunch, lonts of people filtered in. I think last count was 8 in the shelter and 9 tenting.We met an '89 thru-hikin' couple: Magnet and Capt. Ron, as well as a slew of NOBO's: Estel, Don, Melissa, Frank, Tom, Becca, Andy, and Chad.When Magnet learned it was my birthday, I was presented with a big red punching balloon. Toys! Who carries balloons while hiking?!? After an evening of chatting and story-telling, Antonio brought out my party hat, sparklers, party favors, and peanut butter eggs. Everyone got a kick out of the trail party.It was a great first night on the AT and a fabulous birthday! No whammies!!
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Lunsford Gap
Miles today: 13.5

My dang feet hurt!We left Hawk Mountain Shelter at 8:00am, with Gooch Mountain Shelter 8 miles away, and our "planned stop". We ended up just having lunch at Gooch with Freddy, Don, and Estel (Chad rolled in as we packed to leave). Loved Gooch Shelter though! Found a mouse int eh woodchips next to the composting privy.Sun is hot and brutal. Almost everyone is tinted red--yay hiker tans! Today's hiking was a little harder than yesterday--lots of climbing. AT is strange in GA--the trail climbes half the mountain at an easy grade and then just skirts them. Not of a lot of summitting going on. We had our first really great view today near Jack's Gap on a rock outcrop. Tomorrow we will be on Blood Mountain with 360* views--hopefully the ewather will hold!We continued on to Woody Gap, loaded up with water, and headed up to find a campsite. Yay for laying down...my feet are achin' tonight. Just one little blister though.I feel great! Suprising, given the lack of trail time I've had lately. I'm a little sore but it goes away once I get movin'. Haven't found a hiker appetite yet--although Antonio has. He got his trail name last night, courtesy of Magnet. She dubbed him "Fire God." Very appropriate in many ways. 2 of the 3 places we've slept, he's totally rebuilt the fire ring. I'm still waiting for mine...almost got dubbed "Birthday Girl" and then "Grace" when I all but fellout of the shelter.Life on the AT is great. Time belongs to me and I'm free to do whatever. The hiking is great and so are the people. Livin' the dream and lovin' every step I take!
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Lunsford Gap

To: Walasi-Yi @ Neel's Gap
Miles today: 10.5

Woke up at 6:00am to dense fog and drizzles. We packed up camp in a hurry and set out for Neel's Gap. Around noon we took a side trail to Wood's Hole Shelter--.5 miles off the trail! Hell no! We stopped at the spring, had a snack, filtered water, and decided to head out for Blood Mountain.The fog lifted and the sun came out--thank you for NO-WHAMMIES! We were scared we might get NO view from Blood Mountain--and that was unacceptable. Sun shining, we summitted Blood Mountain (4461'), the tallest mountain in GA. The old stone shelter on top is very rustic looking...but a wee bit scary insided. Old wooden floors with a giant hole and registered entries about night-time invasions by skunks and other critters.The descent into Neel's had more spectacular views and the 2.5 mile drop went fast.I love Walasi-Yi. The staff is great, the outfitter is gearwhore-worthy, the food selection rocks, and the hostel is perfect! Added bonus--pizza delivery if we have 6 pies. So, 7 of us banded together and went pizza crazy. I split a pie with Ann, a nice girl from Arizona. Fire God (Antonio), Headbanger (Don), Estel (Aragon), John, and Alex all had their own. Great group of people to share space with. Estel and Headbanger are "regulars" in our daily hiking time. We lost Freddy though. Where the hell is Freddy?I made like ET and phoned home...great to hear those voices and they were happy to hear we're doing well.I am no longer "Kim", I am now...drum roll please..."No-Whammies!" Story at 11. I am a thru-hiker. Holy poo.Only 2144.4 miles to go...
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Walasi-Yi @ Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up at 7am but didn't hit the trail until 11:15am. Hey--fresh coffee was waiting at 8:30am and we needed to make a couple of phone calls. Just as we were ready to go, the wind picked up, the sky darkened, and the rain came pouring down.As we headed out into the rain, a whole bunch of folks were just arriving at Neel's. I'm guessing they never left.The day's hike wasn't so bad and we didn't push too hard. My feet are achin' like mad, but we've agreed to nightly foot rubs, which helps immensely. It was 6pm before we got to Low Gap Shelter. John (a gentleman from New Cumberland, PA) and Alex (a Korean student from Berkley) were already there. First piont of order when arriving in camp--OFF WITH THE BOOTS!Headbanger and Estel showed up about an hour later. We all chatted, ate dinner, watched Headbanger make a "kayak paddle spoon-spatula" thing and basically called it a night.Many, many woodpeckers have been seen and heard. Lotsa owls tonight--and an occasional turkey.I'm beat. Hiker midnight has come and gone and I'm still awake. Not for long...
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

8pm. I'm in bed. It's raining and thundering and cracking like mad.We left Low Gap Shelter at 8am, wanted to hit Blue Mtn Shelter for lunch. The day was relatively easy til then--7.2 miles of moderate rolling trail. We paused only for water and a snack--and were soon joined by the four others that shared Low Gap with us last night.Antonio and I left after about 30 minutes--determined to find a cool campsite on Tray Mountain. The next 7.8 miles were a wee bit tougher. Basically--2 steep descents and 2 long climbs. Up and over Rocky Mountain before getting to Tray.My feet help up okay until late-afternoon. They are just really tired right now. Doing fine with blister prevention but YEOW! THE ACHING!Anyway--Tray Mtn was a nice climb and we had beautiful views from the summit. We are camped at a cool site off a side trail--private and peaceful! Though--perfect setting for bears so I'm hoping our food bags last the night. Did I mention it is now pouring out? I can barely hear myself think. I did hear antonio yell "Woo Hoo!" Yeah--he likes these storms and we're at 4300', he's never camped that high.Time for shut eye. *YAWN* Easy day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Tray Mountain

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

A killer day--ha! We didn't leave camp until around 11:30am. It was nice to relax in the morning--especially since I hadn't slept well last night. We stopped briefly at Tray Mountain Shelter for water. There we met Nina and David--a couple from Tyler, TX that are section hiking. They were kind to offer us a ride into Hiawassee tomorrow morning.We've seen lots of crazy bugs, birds, and butterflies--but little else in the way of wildlife. I think I observed 2 snails at lunch today in Sassafrass Gap for about 20 minutes. Ahhh...life on the trail.We had our first trail magic today at Addis Gap. A gentleman named "Preacher Dude" had cold sodas, juice, fruit, hot stew, coffee, bagels, bacon, eggs. Dang! Fire God had some stew while I indulged in some "cowboy coffee". I think the lounge chairs were my favorite part. Also--had a nice chat with the GA Ridgerunner, Glenn.Got into Deep Gap Shelter around 6ish and met up with Nina and David again. Tom rolled in shortly, followed by Rick and Andy. Tom's a great guy from WA state that we've seen here and there along the way. This was the first time we met Rick--who is a riot. Andy, aka "Crazy Bear Guy" or "Mouse Police"--still TBD--is a walking bear arsenal. Pepper spray, bear spray, and a custom-made stainless steel "bear spike" that fits the end of his trekking pole. Think...bear bayonet (also doubles as a javelin).Nice evening at the shelter. Lots of laughs and a yummy dinner. Looking forward to Hiawassee and our first "AYCE". Thinking of family and friends on a daily basis. Different sights or people remind me of others at home.Tonight...my feet don't hurt. Can I get a "HELL YEAH!"Tom is sawing wood!!! Dang! Rick just commented it sounds "like a couple of giant bullfrogs"...and laughter ensued...