morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Tri-Corner Knob

To: Mt Cammerer Tower
Miles today: 10.5

Day 22.The night was not as cold as I thought it would be. Today is a planned short day as T-man, Easy, Riley and I enjoy the warmth of our bags late then take our time getting ready. As I gear up and decide to go with shorts and short sleeve shirt again the sun is out and warm. I walk out and up warming up nicely and walk through beautiful fir trees, very small and closely grouped. It forms a tunnel with the trees joining overhead and the forest covered in snow. At lunch time I come across a flat grassy ridge used as a helicopter pad. The sun is out and I take my shirt off and work on my tan while I update my journal. The hike continues through more fantastic forest with excellent views. The day is perfect and I know this is a special hike through the Smokies. I wonder what it would be like to watch the sun set with cirrus clouds lighting up and glowing gold and orange and purple then to see the full moon rise over the Smokey Mountains to the east. To watch the cities across the horizon light up and twinkle. To get blasted by the wind that circles the eight-sided firetower known as Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower with windows all around for an uninterrupted 360 degree view. I see this and more including a beautiful sunrise. This must be a dream, it's incredible. This is the coolest spot I have ever camped at.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Mt Cammerer Tower

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Day 23. Today started out early before sunrise. The sun rose over the Smokies and lit up our little home in the fire tower. When I left I had almost all my clothes on. Within .6 miles I had shed all but my base layer. Perfectly comfortable now I walk down the mostly downward trail. I noticed a lot of horse damage to the trail and wonder why horses are allowed to beat up this section of the trail. The trail is badly rutted and littered with horse poop. I break at the Cosby Gap Shelter for a few moments and then continue down to a nice creek where I camped last year with Taken, Pegasus and Caboose on Taken's last night on the trail before being picked up to go home. Then I pass a nice waterfall and pass under I-40, climbing up to Green Corner Road, turn left and arrive at Standing Bear Farm. I'm with Riley, T-Man and Easy. Usedacould and Catfish and Loafy are here. I don't feel like hiking more today and especially another big section to Max Patch so I decide to take a shower, wash my stinky pants and shirt and stay. It's a beautiful day, spring has arrived. Today I saw my first wildflower, a small purple tulip-type flower growing close to the ground. I am updating this site then taking a rest for the rest of the day.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 24. (Many zero's)Standing Bear is special. I loved my stay here. The place is very peaceful.I cooked some eggs and cheese for breakfast in the kitchen and drank a cup of coffee while talking to Curtis and the Thru's. I finally left at about 11AM and began the long winding climb up through the mountains. The trail goes around what looks like the highest knob and surprise! There on the other side is another next higher mountain. This went on all day, finishing with a climb up the back side of Max Patch. Before I got to the road the weather changed and the temperature was dropping rapidly. I stopped and geared up with my foul weather gear and when I reached the summit of the Patch it felt like snow. I went over the windy bald and down the other side back into the forest and eventually reached the Roaring Fork Shelter. It was friggin cold there and the shelter was very drafty. I have never been so cold in my bag. I woke in the night and had to put my vest on to keep warm. I mean I was shivering. I don't care if that sounds like whining or wimpy or not. I got through it and it wasn't that big of a deal, but it was cold.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs , NC Elmers Victorian
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Day 25. I do not want to get out of my bag. This morning it is still cold and it started snowing. I emerge from my cocoon, strip out of my wool long johns and put on my hiking shorts, foul weather gear with two layers on top with motton, hat and hood up. I do push ups and jumping jacks to warm up. I can now feel my toes and fingers. The hike is warming and the scenery is awsome. Two years ago I walked this section with Little Brother and No Worries under similar conditions. It was then and is now (today) a wonderful winter hike. The snow begins as small pellets then medium snow flakes accumulating quickly. During the day it's only about 3 inches deep but it is so fresh and pure white. Sometimes the flakes are large and hit me in the face. My hose is frozen and I lick snow from leaves as I hike to quench my dry mouth. The day is just perfect. I find a cave next to the trail and have lunch in the snow.The hike down into Hot Springs is exciting. It's the first real trail town that I walk into and through. As I get close I can see the whole town spread out below. The excitement builds as I come down the steps and walk across the street and into town on the A/T. I check out the diner's hours and see I have plenty of time, so I go to Elmer's and luckily get the last room and it is a beauty. It even has a writing table with a nice lamp. I know I said Standing Bear was special, well Elmer's is also very special. They are very different but both are favorites. I am happy to be here with a home full of happy Thru-hikers, each living his or her own dream. Next stop is Erwin, TN where I really hope to see Miss Janet.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Hot Springs , NC Elmers Victorian

To: Same
Miles today: 0.0

Day 26, another zero!I showered, had a delicious breakfast, took my dirty clothes to be washed and am now at Bluff Mountain updating my journal.Elmer's is just so nice I cannot rush out yet. Bluff Mountain is great also.I will get re-supplied here and leave tommorrow.Thank you all for your messages. Come on out and hike!Peace, BW
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Day 28.I am last out again. I know there is much sun light and my hiking range is more then enough to get me where I want to be. I hike alone again and know there is a good chance for magic up ahead. I reach the magic (which is secret at the request of two special people) and chow down enjoying the generous hospitality of (Hercules and Fal). I have to say thank you for so much love and generosity to the hiker community. But I won't ruin the surprise. I am homesick again today and my knee is aching. I think I aggravated it last night breaking fire wood with my right foot. It's the same knee that was giving me trouble after my fall.The day is full of big sweeping ups with long ridge runs and a climb to Black stack cliffs, a rocky jagged exposed ridge different then all so far. As I summit the cliff a helicopter buzzes me and goes on. My knee is on my mind, I struggle all day with the pain. Every up and down reminds me that I have a serious injury. Finally I reach Jerry Cabin for the night. A nice group dines, talks and settles in for the night.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Devils Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.6

Day 29.I start hiking with heavy heart and sore knee. The trail takes me up and over "Big Butt" which is the 300 mile point. I pass the Shelton Graves which I think used to be the 300 mile point. At least this is where I remember celebrating 300 miles last year with my trail family. There are many long logs to sit on here and it is a nice grassy open flat area. I hike on and reach the Flint Mountain Shelter. As I walk I am thinking of exit plans and call home for options. When I reach the shelter I hear the section hikers talking about going home and ask if I can get a ride with them. I decide to go to Asheville and rent a car at the air port. I pick it up at 5PM and drive straight home non-stop arriving at 3:30AM. I am knocking on my door and in bed again at home. I feel like I have gone through a hole in the universe and was transported too quickly into the life I have in the real world without proper time to acclimate. I am confused and know not what I have done.I know I need to let my knee heal and I need to get my head straight. I will re-group and plan my return as I am able.For now I will rest and enjoy my home and wife.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I am feeling better and we are looking at ways for me to go back to "Trail World".I have gone to my gym and probably over worked myself.I have ridden my cruiser bike and walked my loop.I miss the trail and face many ghosts which haunt me and call to me. Every where I go I think about the great adventure, the beautiful forest, the surprises around each bend and sorely miss it all. I will return soon but need to work it out. I want to be green but know much fuel will be needed to get me back. I will make it up once I return to my green world. I hope I don't miss much of the seasonal changes.If anyone know of a ride back to Erwin or Damascus from south Florida please let me know. I am getting very comfortable here and will miss home but I need to return. I want to get into trail shape. I was so close when I left.Peace to all...BW
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is not a real photo of Bonesaw. No real animals were harmed by Bonesaw during the time I knew him. And no one has told me about any animals harmed by Bonesaw. This is just a random photo of a guy that looks like Bonesaw with a dead bear. I am still enjoying the pleasures of being home. I am glad I came home. But... I am trying to plan my re-entry back to the other side.More soon...Peace,B'Whacker
Date: 2008-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My father passed away Monday night.We are going to tend to family matters and have a memorial service on Friday at 11 AM.I knew he was ill but did not expect him to go so soon.I was planning on returning to the trail on Friday but obviously need to post pone for a while.I am glad I was home when I got the call.Please keep us (my family and his friends)in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve and say our good byes.Peace...BW
Date: 2008-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Days is coming up soon. I can't wait.I found this photo from Trail Days 2007 on this years web site. The photo was taken the morning after a special night around our campfire. It was a wonderful time with music and many friends. I hope for more of the same this year.A group of "Class of 2006 Thru-hikers" are getting together to meet and hike the week before in the Grayson Highlands, I will drive up on Monday (May 12th) and hike with them. They are planning on setting up camp somewhere along the Creeper Trail for Trail Days. I might have two tents so I can have the option of crashing at tent city. After Trail Days I will hike the next week maybe from Damascus south to Erwin. I want to keep things flexible in case other options come up.I hope to also hear from "Class of 2007 Thru-hikers" that are planning to attend this years festivities. Please e-mail or call me so we don't miss each other and maybe we can re-visit "Camp Quiet" or hike together again.This year's hike is not over. I hope to get back out there and be in Trail World when the time feels right.I also send best wishes to "Class of 2008 Thru-hikers" and hope all your dreams come true and our paths cross again.Call me! If you need my cell phone send me an e-mail.Happy trails.Peace,BW
Date: 2008-11-19
To: New beginnings
Miles today: 0.0

The start: This is the moment I have planned for. I select what to wear and shoulder my pack. I know that soon after warming up I will make an adjustment to my clothes. I have food to get to the next re-supply. I¢m on the trail and walking towards a goal so many miles and so far away that I can¢t imagine what I was thinking to take on a project so huge. The forest surrounds me and offers endless things to look at. The excitement is intoxicating. The winter forest is beautiful beyond words. I have all day to take it in and attempt to process what I¢m doing. I feel blessed beyond words. I listen to the wind in the trees, the distant creek, and the sound of my steps. The quietude is peaceful and calming. After getting my footing and balance I start to feel comfortable in my new home.
Date: 2007-12-30
To: Beginning
Miles today: 0.0

I have finally created a trail journal and I have nothing to say. Jon says that's a first. I'm starting this journal so family and friends can keep updated on our progress. For everyone else out there, I'll give you a little background...I live with my boyfriend of seven years, Jon, and our 2 golden retrievers in Tennessee. I have always enjoyed the outdoors but have never truly hiked or overnighted until I met Jon. Apparently that first experience didn't leave a lasting impression because it was another 5 years before I attempted it again. In 2006 we did a few overnighters and then I got my first experience on the AT. We did 40 miles south from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam. I cussed the whole way, especially that 16 mile day, but once it was over I was hooked. Since then I have read a lot of books, journals, and anything else I can get my hands on. I knew Jon had always wished to thru hike, but I was the one that brought it up. You should have seen the look on his face! I think that was the moment he knew I was a keeper.I hope this was enough to keep you interested and keep reading. I love reading other journals so I'm very excited to finally be able to contribute.
Date: 2007-12-30
To: Prepy McPreperson
Miles today: 0.0

It is hard to believe that it will be 2008 in two days. Everything about this hike is really sinking in with us. We have slowly been acquiring and replacing gear and are almost there. I still need to get shoes and clothes, but that's about it. We've also been gathering food for our mail drops. Thanks to coupons I have gotten about 20 tuna/salmon steaks for free. (Thanks Renae!) I have also been working hard to get debt free to be able to make this trip happen. It has been an awesome motivator. In about a month I will be debt free and then I will start saving every dime I make from there.
Date: 2007-12-30
To: You're still reading?? Thanks!
Miles today: 0.0

Just so you know up front, Jon is the logistics man. So if that's what your into then head over to his journal.We opted to do seperate journals so that readers can get our individual outlooks on the trail. Plus, I've read a few "couple" journals and it doesn't really seem to work out well. "Ok, now Jon has something to say..." Not that there is anything wrong with that. We will be using pocket mail to transcribe our journals so hopefully they should be updated frequently. We will also try to take lots of pictures as well. Also, thanks to all our family and friends for the support! (Mom, don't even think about breaking my leg, I'm doing this hike)
Date: 2008-01-05
To: Mail Drops
Miles today: 0.0

Today Jon and I began getting our maildrops together. Actually he started yesterday, and we still didn't finish today so I guess that means our dining room/kitchen is going to be taken over for awhile. We had already made several bulk purchases at Sam's Club but after filling 7 boxes we realized after today that we still needed more. We went by walmart and spent $100 on ramen, potatoes, rice, etc to supplement what we had left. Not bad for over 80 items. We will have 15 mail drops total and resupply in towns in between. We are doing what we can to save money on what we are sending to ourselves and I feel pretty confident that we have done the best with our money. I know we will probably get tired of much of what we send ourselves and that is why we are resupplying along the way. We have done our best to mix it up, but here is a general list of what you may find in any given box:ramen, instant potatoes, salmon/tuna/chicken steak pouches, oatmeal, grits, breakfast/protein bars, m&ms, SNICKERS!!!, toothpaste, TP, motrin (vitamin I), trailmix, jerky, and flosser picks. Now, as a woman, I have a few special requests that I am throwing in. These are things I feel I will want on the trail or at least while in town. My skin is so finicky whenever I hike or do anything that may cause me to sweat for more than 2 hours so I have found some dry facial cloths (just add water) and cut them in half for each day. I have found that after sudsing them up and washing my face then I can wash other important areas (like armpits!). They are also very lightweight so I think this is a doable luxury. I'm also packing along some loratidine(allergy meds)because I would much rather carry an ounce of tiny pills than suffer a sinus infection. Plus, you can get 300 pills at Sam's Club for $11! Also, in each box I have thrown in a baggie of shampoo/conditioner sample packets. I will probably not wash my hair through the week so I would at least like to have decent shampoo when I get to town. On most occasions, when we receive a mail drop in town we will also be staying somewhere overnight to freshen up, rest, and do laundry. I will not be packing shampoo and conditioner on the trail. Today we also decided to buy a box of laundry powder to split into single use baggies for our mail drops. I triple bagged them so that it shouldn't contaminate our food.There is one final thing that I am bringing along with me, but I will save it for its own post...
Date: 2008-01-05
To: Skip this entry if you're a DUDE
Miles today: 0.0

Just so you know up front... This entry is about birth control...Ok, if you're still reading it's your fault not mine.In the past few years I have always sought out at least one female thru hiker and followed her journal. I love reading all journals of course, but I really, really need a woman's perspective on... you know... "stuff". I went to my ob/gyn earlier this fall and brought up the hike. At the time, my main concern was just staying on birth control and losing my insurance when I quit my job. She was very excited for me(and very knowledgable of the trail) when I told her my plans and immediately brought up the fact of the dreaded period. I have thought about this often and was still trying to seek out new options to deal with it. I had done a lot of research on the Diva Cup but was definitely not sold. Anway, she told me I wouldn't want to have to deal with a period at all on the trail, so she recommended a new birth control, Lybrel. If you have heard of Seasonal, it is like that but with NO off days at all. I was a little hesitant about this but the pros out weighed the cons for me. I started taking it in October so my body could regulate my cyle. The first month was normal, the second month was like having a 3 week long very light period, and the 3rd month... nothing. Fourth month, still nothing. So it seems to work. She also gave me a few sample packs for the hike (thanks, Dr. Sawyer!) and promised to follow our progress. After the hike I will go back to my regular birth control pill. I hoped this information helped at least one woman out there. However, if you need advice on peeing in the woods, sorry, I'm still perfecting that one.
Date: 2008-02-29
To: 2 weeks...
Miles today: 0.0

Two weeks to go and I can't sleep at night. My mind keeps racing with all the things I need to do before we leave. I know I can't plan for everything, but I'm doing my best. What I'm doing now: getting car ready to sell for extra cash, buying last minute gear (still need a warm hat), making plans for the final week. The last week I think we will drive to Murfreesboro to stay the night with my mom and deliver the mail drop boxes... and just get some last minute "mom" time in. Then I think on that Friday the 14th we will take Jon's vehicle down to Flat Rock, AL with the animals to my dad and stepmom's house. They are so gracious to take in our two dogs and even the latest edition to the family Kitty-Kitty Meow-Meow(don't ask, Jon named the cat). Hopefully they will also store Jon's Jeep while we're gone as well. They also live close to Springer so we can get them to drop us off. Next Sunday, the 9th, we are throwing ourselves(I know, how lame) a going away shin-dig at a local mexican restaurant. I'm thinking more than 25 people are going to show. Big fun will be had by all.I really haven't done anything to physically get in shape. Most people ask me what I'm doing to get ready for the trail and when I say "nothing" they kind of give me this look, like they don't believe I can really do this. I know I'm not at my personal best, but I feel that I can do this. So many say that you can not truly prepare for the hike. Jon and I are planning on starting with small miles and working our way up from there. Basically getting in shape on the trail. We are going to start out pretty slow... we do not want to risk any injuries, and we are in no hurry.Oh yeah, I got asked the other day if Jon and I have had "the talk". No, not the birds and the bees, but the "what if one of us can't finish". Well, honestly I haven't thought about it. I'm not living in some dream world, I know the success rate is low. But in my mind I can vision myself climbing Katahdin. I know deep down that I can finish this hike. I am a pretty realistic person, however. If anything happened and I could not complete the thru hike I would have to let Jon go on without me. Mostly because I would never hear the end of it. Finally, the greatest thing of all... I got to meet JR "Model T" Tate. I'm fortunate that he only lives a few miles from where we do and we plan on getting together with him before we leave and pick his brain. When I met him last Saturday I told him how much I loved his book, which means I only know his alter ego. After talking about hiking the AT for a few minutes he started to get this glimmer in his eye. He then told his wife, Judith, that he was really sorry but that he was going to have to hike with Jon and me. He has hiked 4 times since 1990 and is now 70 years old. He wants to be the oldest hiker but he said that some guy that was 82 hiked last year so he has to put it off. Anyway, great guy and everyone should read "Hiking on the Happy Side of Misery". I read it in 2006 and it really inspired this hike.Thanks to everyone for the support and thanks for all the comments!
Date: 2008-03-07
To: Goodbyes
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday night, JR Tate (Model T) came over to our house to give us some last minute words of wisdom. To us he is a celebrity (even if he still has to cut his own grass) and even around town when I tell someone about our plans everyone brings up his name. He has hiked the entire trail four times, the first in 1990 and the most recent in 2006. He has written a book, "Walking on the Happy Side of Misery", about his first thru hike that really inspired me. I can't believe he lives just a few minutes from our house. He gave us a lot of great pointers and shared some hilarious stories. Just watching him talk about the trail was the best, you could really see his eyes light up as he remembered more details about his hikes. I recommend that everyone read his book.Yesterday at work, we had a big meeting with other offices from surrounding counties attending. As refreshment, my boss's mom made a huge cake that said "Happy Trails Stephanie, We Will Miss You!" And they sang Happy Trails... does anyone know the rest of the song? If you don't, you can easily make it up as you go, just like Teresa did. That almost made me cry. The cake, not the singing! I have had so many well wishes as well as "please, don't go" from my friends and coworkers. Today was my last day at work and we had pizza and more dessert. Thanks to Vickie, Teresa, and Lainny for the last three years. It has really been great working with all of you and I will truly miss you. Brandi, Bethany, and Amanda I will miss you guys so much! So I think today as we left the office everyone just pretended that I would be back on Monday, it just made things easier not to say goodbye. Thank you for that.