morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Andrews, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I cannot believe that staff training begins tomorrow. I will be meeting a good number of new folks and reuniting with a good number of old friends- both in which I am excited about!! I helped clean the male staff housing (old buses) on Friday. We had to wipe down and scrub the dirt off of the ceilings and walls- my back muscles are sore from having to work with my hands above my head for a good amount of time. I still haven't fully figured out how I am going to maintain some type of adequate physical activity so I am not at a total loss when I return to the trail in two weeks. I have considered putting my pack on and hiking across town, up a few hills, and calling that good. It would seem odd, but would keep my legs going. I have also asked to join in on the mountain biking training this next week. I have never mountain biked, so this should be entertaining, tough, but fun. I am ready to sweat and get some cardio in. And, we will be playing a good number of ultimate frisbee games once everyone gets here and I look forward to that.In regards to my leg being a pain in my rear- literally... I am going to see about getting adjusted by the chiropractor in town before I leave. Perhaps that will get me on my way. I am hoping to avoid any tough times while on the trail where the nerve/muscle thing becomes debilitating...would be no good. I am going to attempt to rest my legs/knees SOME... it is a tough line to draw. I do need to stretch while I am here, though, because my knees get stiff still. Also, the bottoms of my feet hurt! I have been wearing my crocs around because I don't have my chacos with me. My feet don't do well with the harder ground and the softer support of the crocs. Oh- my body dilemmas...I am going to bake some cookies tonight. There will be four different types- all from scratch. I am excited!! I think about the trail often throughout the day. I found myself awake yesterday morning putting the time into a reference point of, "Oh, it is 8:30. I could have put in two miles already." I still get up with the sunrising, but I have been able to go back to sleep. I need to rest. I feel pretty tired. It is tough to not think about Vagus' progress and how his daily events are unfolding... I lived alongside him- doing the same thing for three months...and all of a sudden it isn't how I am conducting my day. Bizarre. In fact, I went to the movies two nights ago. A friend of mine leaned forward and asked me if it was strange to be in the movies. I looked back and said, "No, it is strange that I didn't wake up this morning and pack my bag and then walk 24 miles." I look forward to my trail return, but I am enjoying my time back "home", here in NC.I will upload my last batch of photos sometime soon. I have a good one of Strittlagus right before we departed and I would like to share it with y'all. Please keep the guestbook entries coming. I enjoy reading your comments. My body and spirits are still battered, but on their way to recovery. Please keep me in your prayers. Strittlagus warms my heart!! And fellas, "That's right..keep doin' what you do..."   Much love- Stridalicious
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Andrews, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am about to go eat dinner. I wanted to drop a few lines on what is going on here while I had a short minute. The sky is about to open wide up and it is about to POUR! Last night I hiked up the steep mountain here at camp with a rock on my back...No kidding, I think the rock weighed 60 pounds. My pack on the trail has never weighed that much. There was the keen idea from the staff to carry rocks to the top of the mountain, leave them there, and then hang out on the mountain to pray for each other and the summer. Being the competitive chick that I am, I rose to the challenge of trying to carry the biggest/heaviest rock up the mountain. HAHA.. I did not win (I don't think ), but I certainly experienced the challenge. I figured it was all good for me to break out a real sweat... It was good for me because I had taken a full week of zeros. I, then again, climbed up the same mountain but the other side. It was super steep...oh, yeah, I am in NC. It was a mountain that had me huffing and puffing- what a feeling!! I must keep this body going, but I am sore! I will also be participating in the mtn biking training this week...should be entertaining, to say the least.Last night it all clicked for me and it was confirmed that it is great for me to be here... I will write more about that soon..and pictures will be coming as well. The power is flickering some...storm time.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Andrews, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I don't know if I have been this sore since climbing in the GA and NC mountains when I first started this thru-hike. Apparently I have been using muscles I do not typically use while hiking...and boy has it made a clear statement to me. There is a strange sense of satisfaction for me when I am sore because it means I engaged my body in some type of strenous physical activity- at some point- but it worries me about my return to the trail and how I will need a 'reacclimation' time period. My back muscles and shoulder muscles, along with my left quad, are what are tender to the touch right now. It was the boulder I hauled up the mountain- bad idea, apparently...haha. This should be good.Yesterday I participated in skeet shooting and archery training. In fact, I had never done either one and I really enjoyed both. According to my guides, I did a fair job at the skeet (hitting maybe 7-10 of the 25) with a 12-gauge and a pretty impressive job with the archery when going for the animal targets in the woods. I have a nice little bruise on my left forearm from the bow, though. Today I will mountain bike!I played in a Spades tournament... a got knocked off the first round. It was pretty entertaining as my partner, Buddy, and I tried to make a comeback and then we flopped. It was a good time. I am reunited with Torchie while being here in NC. She and I danced with a couple of the fellas here on staff. We learned how to shag- east coast style- with the one step and the triple step. It is entertaining to be twirled around and whatnot because that doesn't happen for me too often. Update on my trail stuff. I bought a return ticket- so I will be returning to the trail very early June. I have thoroughly enjoyed these people I have been around this week. It will be hard to say bye to them, but I believe I will be stronger mentally and spiritually. Therefore, I will be able to hike stronger and finish strong. Also, my leg/butt has not given me any problems, as of late. Thank God. And, my stomach/intestines are recuperated from the problematic stint of cramping and issues I had during the latter part of my hike where the three of us (Strittlagus) probably drank bad water somewhere. I tell you, it was no good waking up with painful and intense cramps each morning and then having to contend with it while walking. All is much better now! I haven't received as much sleep as I am used to- so I am dragging a little right now. I did wake up at 5:30 this morning, but I did not get to bed until after 1 AM. I will have to work on that this next week, especially. I spoke with Vagus the other day and it was a good conversation. I haven't spoken with Skittles- he is phoneless and on the Long Trail. I am praying the weather for Vagus and the other hikers is not too severe as they go through the Whites now. I am hoping my weather conditions will be somewhat better due to the later tour I will have of them. I will see as it comes.I am off to begin the day's activities. Pictures- yes...coming.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Andrews, NC

To: Albany, NY
Miles today: 0.0

I am headed back to the trail- hiking again on Monday and should be in VT then! I fly out tomorrow morning and will meet up with Ameoba. I am going to be happy to see her. I think it will be good for me to spend some time with her before I hit the trail. Things are going to be different for me, but that doesn't mean I am not going to enjoy it. I am confident the Lord is with me...and I rest and trust in that. I am going to finish this strong...take it in... have some fun. My time here in Andrews was necessary for me. I don't regret any bit of it. I have gained a new perspective on many things. I would like to expound more on this, but I am in a hurry to pack my bags, eat dinner, and get some sleep. Perhaps more will come later on....maybe even tonight if the opportunity lends itself... I have NO clue what is in store for me. That is crazy...but I am going to breathe and take it one day at a time...one step at a time.Please pray for me. Pray for my protection, strength, focus...BOY, OH BOY... Here I come. NOBO once again!!
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Albany, NY

To: Harmon Hill- VT
Miles today: 16.6

(I am going to write this as though it was the actual day I hiked...doing daily updates, for once. Bear with me as I attempt this new approach to journaling.) I had a fabulous time with Ameoba the night before and morning of my return. She was more than hospitable to me on my return to the trail- which I needed. I enjoyed the time of conversation about an array of things. She showed me an atlas from the 1880's, which led to discussion about the native americans. Good stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed the time at the farm. She made me an incredible dinner- topped off with a homemade rhubarb pie! I slept soundly. She saw me off at the trailhead in North Adams. I was composed for most of the time- up until I took my pack out of the vehicle and tightened up the straps. It hit me- I was returning to the AT and going NOBO by myself. No Strittlagus or Torchie to accompany me...just me, my pack, and the prayer support of many folks. I did not easily make the decision to come back. It was only after seeking an answer from God- confirmation that my return would be beneficial- that I chose to come back. With the confidence that my return was a good decision, I hit the trail at 9:45am.Today I returned to the trail. It was strange. It was good. Within an hour of being in the trail, I saw my first moose and my first pink lady slipper flower. The moose and the flower appeared within the same minute! I was overwhelmed with amazement of timing...and all I could do was smile. I was back on trail...and it felt right. I eventually hit the MA/VT border to find trail entries from Vagus and Skittles welcoming me back to the trail. THANK YOU, FELLAS!! I ran into several folks- some thru-hikers, section hikers, Long Trail hikers. It was good to see folks, but I enjoyed the time to hike by myself. I stopped at the first shelter to eat dinner (at 5pm) and get water, but I decided to keep walking to Harmon Hill. The fellas suggested I tent out up there because it was a beautiful spot. Boy were they correct in that. I left the shelter (which was filling with people as the day continued) and set-up camp ontop of Harmon Hill. I had about an hour before the sun set, which allowed me to put the tent up, look out onto the town of Bennington, and soak in the first day of my return. It was also my very first night sleeping alone on the trail. CRAZY! I watched the sun set, sang outloud, and took it all in... finally.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Harmon Hill- VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

My journal entry on paper states, "I needed some laughter and I received it. Thank You!"I was walking by myself today and of course my mind wandered...covering several topics and points of interest. I couldn't help but think about what it was about the AT that enticed me back... People always ask, "Why did you decide to do the trail?" Fair enough. I think the better question is, "Why have you stayed on the trail this long?!" Nonetheless, I pondered that question a bit. It led me to reminscing about all of my trail memories and I began to miss my fellas, Vagus and Skittles. What I have come to realize is I know I can hike alone. I can sleep by myself out in the woods. I can carry my own stuff and take care of things. BUT- I can't laugh as hard at things as consistently as I did when I was around those guys.. I missed laughing...and so i walked and prayed...giggled some..but desperately desired to laugh...God knew this.. I am confident in that...So- this leads me to where the provision of laughter came in. I was hiking and the weather was turning. I was going to walk 20, but needed to stop at Kid Gore to put my electronics away before it poured. I ran into Bob and Kaitlin at the shelter (from Minnesote doing a section) and we began to talk about the trail. Then the rain came...and then the Tennessee Two came...and then the night slowly approached. I decided to stay at the shelter and forfeit the big mileage mindset. In doing this, I was able to converse with people. I laughed a good bit that night. I met One Flop and Hurricane- fellow Georgians...I went to bed amazed at God's provision for me in the simple thing of providing laughter.Bob and Kaitlin were great folks- dad and daughter. Thank you for the food and conversation!!Tennessee Two- like no other. Too funny and troopers section hiking the AT. Hike strong, fellas. See you in July in TN!One Flop and Hurricane- had no clue what I would be getting myself into!! HAHA
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

Today was a long hike- up and over Stratton Mountain. The weather was WET and dreary, but was cool and appreciated as I climbed the mountain. I walked solo, again... liking that more and more as I go along and the climbs get harder. I met some Long Trail hikers- John and Mike; Will, Jordan, and Matt; Jessie. I wasn't sure if I would see the GA boys again, but they sure enough hiked 23 to the shelter. It was a pleasant surprise to see them...and to hear their southern accents. The shelter was great. It had a door and adequate sleeping space for 7 of us to sleep comfortably. It was this night that the guys mentioned walking into Manchester Center for a nero. I had enough food to keep going, but I had to remind myself that I came out here for the experience...and part of embracing the experience is to abandon the super-strict "mile nazi" mentality some times... and this would be one of those times. Bedtime with Manchester Center on my mind...and no idea what the rest of the trail would hold for me.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew... 2.8 miles. Unbelievable hit in- third car. I have never received a hit so fast. Thanks, Julie! She basically stopped the huge truck in the middle of the highway and let us pile in. Too funny and slightly unnerving... Stayed at Sutton's Place. The bed slept comfortably... I spent too much money in Manchester Center, but it was well spent. We did laundry, visited the outfitters, ate breakfast and lunch and dinner. The weather was iffy, but we didn't worry because we had a dry place to sleep!I spoke with Vagus on the phone while I was at Manchester Center Pizza. He gave me an update on his Whites experience. WHEW... my hat goes off to both he and Dozer. It is moments like those that I am fully relieved I took some time off- in hopes the ice and snow will not be as daunting for me. It was really good to catch up with him. I cannot explain how pumped I am for him and his progress thus far. He is determined and a strong hiker!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

This shelter is right next to a river. It is quite pleasant. The rain was still around... but more of a fog and mist. Everything is wet though, including the rocks, roots, and wooden planks to lift us up off of the Vermont mud.. HAHA. Well, I managed to bust my butt and land on my knees 5 or 6 times today. They weren't small little trips. They were full-out falls. One flop also had a problem staying on his two feets. It offered a lot of entertainment and a few bruises on my knees.We discussed the realistic timeframe for finishing this thing... July 7th is looking promising!!
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Gov Clement Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

IT IS HOT! I am tired and over it! haha..The White Cliffs were nice. Took a snack break with Hurricane and aired out. The wind was great up there. The detour was .2 off of the trail. These GA fellas are suckers for vistas. I would not normally hike an additional .4 roundtrip off trail for a view, but they are softening me to occasionally going out.. I may never see these views ever again- but every tenth of a mile does add up. I take it on a case by case basis on whether I will go or not off trail. Could not find the 'secret shelter', so we stayed at the grody Gov clement shelter. It was gross! It did not matter because we were beat! The mosquitos and black flies are out and irritating. Nothing is quite as frustrating as walking and sweating and having to contend with these bugs biting and flying into your face...boy, oh boy...Today was hit the milestone of having less than 500 miles left. Unreal..EXCITING!!
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Gov Clement Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

Climbed over Killington Mt and Quimby Mt. I did not think Quimby mountain would ever end! It was another scorcher of a day...no lie. I walked solo, which was good. I needed to take several breather breaks going up and over Quimby. I listened to music today on my IPOD- a nice touch and distraction from the frustrations of a tough climb.Met Gary and Just Hiking & Quinn at the shelter. I took a quick creek bath to wash off of the salt. Sleeping was tough because Gary proved to be an obnoxious snorer. My earplugs couldn't even drown him out!! The bugs were biting, the air warm and thick, and my 15 degree down bag smothering me.. yuck!
Date: 2008-06-09
From: `

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

HOT AGAIN! Story of my life these days..I did an additional 1.5 miles of hiking on top of the 21.5. The pit stops were good. We got ice cream and such at "On The Edge Farm". Dana, the owner, was very pleasant. While in the store (which is .2 off of the trail), we met Bill- one of her patrons. He gave us each a Coors Light. He told us about how his grandparents came over from Poland, worked in the mills, and how his grandfather won 305 acres of farmland in a poker game! The other parts of the additional mileage: the INCREDIBLE 360 view of the VT mtns from a rooftop, lunch break at a shelter, and off to this shelter for the night. This day was long. The heat drains me like no other. I find myself constantly thanking God for the cooler weather I encountered early on..and I ask Him to send a breeze my way each day. I did not get into camp til 7:45. I was sticky, stinky, and tired. Tonight I wouldn't sleep well, again. The air was still, hot, and bug infested. The mosquitos love to feast on tired hikers! Only consolation prize- NEW HAMPSHIRE TOMORROW!!!!! What a thought...
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Ok..now to 'real time'... It is late and I just did a daily update. THAT IS TIME CONSUMING! I also don't feel like I am able to elaborate like I would enjoy doing...I may not do that again. We'll see.Walked into town...ate pizza and cooled off. I drank 4 root beers! I kept saying, "We are in New Hampshire!!" It is still soaking in..The Brain picked us up with Chelsea. We got to his house and immediately showered! SO GREAT! We were holding a funk to ourselves that would make most people dry-heeve.. haha... Too much. After showering, Bill took us to get resupplied. Then this incredible storm came in. The sky was filled with lightning and the rain poured like crazy. I am hoping the rain cools the air because we need it.I am sitting in The Brain's home. The guys are downstairs watching Game 3... My contacts are drying out and my mind is shutting down. I m exhausted from so many things. I am looking forward to sleeping- hopefully a sound night. The past two nights of broken sleep and the past few days of pounding heat and climbs have done me in. All I could think about today was Katahdin.. It was a rough day for me.It was an incredible boost to the morale, though, when I saw the CT river (the VT/NH border). Crossing into NH just lifted my spirits. It is crazy how crossing a sign on a bridge just amazes me....but a sense of accomplish rushes over me as these states are behind me. I HAVE WALKED FROM GA TO NH! Unreal.. The Whites await.. I hope they are marvelous...Good dinner tonight. So much on my mind. These past two days have been incredible- tough, but fulfilling as I walk alone. This time a year ago life was rocked...and it is really neat to see how God has grown me. It is neat to gain a new perspective on so many things... It is neat to feel the presence of the Lord in a time in which I could be so drained from stuff I have no control over. God is good and I state that emphatically... I miss Daniel a ton, but I also know that God's timing is much greater and grand than my own... Bedtime...
Date: 2008-06-27
From: South Arm Road (Andover)

To: Stratton 
Miles today: 88.6
Weather: moderate rain

Lo and behold, another entry update for you all. I will say this much- you all are great and I appreciate the comments. It is so encouraging to know there are folks who are following my journey- many of you praying for me. Thank you!These past few days have been tough! We (Hurricane and myself) pulled out 17, 20, and 22 mile days in this tough terrain. We did it, though..and I am so pleased. The climb over Saddleback was all socked in and cold...No views over that, The Horn, and Saddleback Jr...sad day. I also had a big breakdown while I was hiking yesterday- ready for this to be over. My body is so beat down! My legs hurt from all of the hits they keep taking... I was in a rough spot yesterday. Today, though, was much better. We slept at Poplar Ridge shelter last night. EVERYTHING was drenched and all I wanted was to get dry. I was hopeful no one would be at the shelter last night..and thankfully no one way (except for Hurricane). I slept so hard on that baseball bat floor- very surprised. We woke up early and left camp by 6:30 this morning to tackle the 5500 feet of climbing.. I was concerned it would be too hard, but that is all a matter of perspective. After walking in the puddles ALL day and fording a few rivers, I made my way up the Crocker Mtns later this afternoon. Once I hit the summit of North Crocker, I just cried. I was overwhelmed. We made it..I felt so relieved, accomplished, tired. I am going to miss this trail.. I was taking it all in at that moment and all I could do in response was cry. The weather has been weird. WET. Mosquitos are out like crazy. The trail is nothing but bogs. Lots of rocks. We have the Bigelows tomorrow and then the 'flats'....the foot race. I have run into a good number of SOBOS...that is great. I am going to get to bed, but I wanted to drop a few lines. I am going to sync it up so I summit with some other folks on July 10th. I should fly out of Bangor on the 11th.. BUT FOR NOW- I will just enjoy today..and take it in. (I am whipped..haha...) Goodnight. Keep praying for me. I don't know how I will continue to handle these last few days...I am already feeling the bittersweetness. AH- pray I will keep it together and stay strong. I am going to cry like a baby...