morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2002-04-18
From: Hot Springs

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

Danielle and Ray are in Erwin - actually been there since Monday - staying with Ms Janet - doing some slack packing and really racking up some miles. They've done 24 and 26 mile days. Venus is back with them - doing good. She is getting another sore on her side from her pack. She is wearing a Mountain Smith pack and having some problems with it. I ordered her a new pack from Ruff-Wear. It's a harness type and the packs are velcroed on so it sounds good and is really designed for longer hikes. Saturday they are headed back to Hot Springs to do to Trail Fest - sounds like fun so if you're going to be in that area look 'em up! Then they will Damascus in time for Trail Days. Mama D says the weather has been beautiful. They saw their first trilium and have seen 3 snakes in the past few days - nothing poisonous yet!!! They are around the 330 mile mark and looking forward to that 500 mark.
Date: 2002-05-29
From: Sugar Grove

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Been a long time! Mama D and Loco spent 2 weeks in Damascus - working in a local restaurant and relaxing; making some new friends and some money!!! Mama D called from the Sugar Grove shelter - phone, hot water shower and pizza delivery - not the Trail I remember. All is well. The new backpack for Venus is working out really well. Highly recommend checking out the dog gear offer by Ruffwear if you have a pet who is active - they have cool stuff.
Date: 2011-01-20
To: Making the Decision
Miles today: 0.0

I'm finally here... decision point.This entry will probably be a bit rambling mainly because I'm 'typing out loud' and thinking it through as I'm typing.Walking the AT is on my 'list of things to do before I'm too old to do anything'.Many years ago I walked a good portion of the Trail with my then boyfriend who became my husband, father of my wonderful daughter and then was killed in a plane crash. I am remarried, for almost 29 years now - see, I told this was many years ago - and now is the time to hike.My daughter attempted to do the AT 8 years ago. Even though she didn't finish she had a good experience. I've been dreaming that she and I would do this hike together. Unfortunatley, I don't think that is going to happen for financial reasons.I, however, am ready to announce to those who need to know that this is my plan.I would like to start in April.I've got lots of things to wrap up before then and my equipment needs to be evaluated, updated and tested.Positive thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
Date: 2011-01-23
To: Game On
Miles today: 0.0

Dreary overcast Sunday in Ball Ground.I am, however, estatic! and emotionalThe decision has been made. I will be giving my notice at work in mid-February for a date in mid-March to be my last day with plans to start hiking in mid-April. I haven't picked the exact date.I'm calling this a sabbatical. It is definitely a transition time for me. We have our house and the market and this a BIG leap into the 'what's next' life.I am so looking forward to getting on the trail and meeting everyone.
Date: 2011-01-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am a meeting planner so preparation and planning are 'just what I do' but even I am beginning to think I am over researching.It's been over 20 years since I've purchased any new equipment, except boots, and all the lite and ultralite options are amazing.I did order Leki poles, can't wait for them to arrive!Bought new boots which I'm not sure I'm thrilled with - need to wear them around the house some more tomorrow before I decide.The Jams GoLite pack is probably what I'll use with a Sierra Design Flare Bag and Therm-A-Rest Prolite pad - total weight 5 lbs..yippee!I want to stay right at 25 lbs and so far so good.Tarptents with the bathtub bottoms, using trekking poles are great lite options and appear easy to set up...thinking that may be the way to go.I'm rambling cause I'm so pumped!Would love to hear from folks who may be starting on 14 April; especially women!
Date: 2011-01-30
To: Sunday Enjoying the Outdoors
Miles today: 0.0

First, thanks to everyone who has signed my Guest Book. I love your enthusiasm and encouragement. I look forward to meeting everyone I can so plase, if you are near me, shout out.Absolutely beautiful weather yesterday and today. I've been working in the yard: raking and moving leaves, trimming back trees and bushes. Feels good to be out and actively working on something.I'm really looking forward to this coming week as I will notify my employeer of my plans and give my 6 weeks notice then I can tell the whole world of my plans...very exciting!
Date: 2011-02-01
To: On Track
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update to say the deed is done! Today I informed my employer that I am taking a sabbatical and mid-March will be my last day. He was fantastic and actually asked me if I would do contract work for him when I returned.I got emotional which was totally unexpected.This whole decision, planning and moving forward experience has been emotional for me. Guess it's the realization that this is really going to happen.Praise God!
Date: 2011-02-04
To: Friday in NC
Miles today: 0.0

We are in North Carolina, spending the weekend in our cabin. Our daughter lives near Asheville and her boyfriend is from Pittsburgh and a huge Steelers fan so we are planning to watch the game....I have my Terrible Towel!I brought my AT Guide and Data Book ...it's the planner in me, I've just got to at least have some idea of where I'll be restocking. And, if nothing else, it's just plan fun to read all the info and think about what an amazing journey it will all be.Also, this weekend, I will be telling my daughter about my plans and asking her if she can join me. I know she would like to but I don't know if she is willing and able to do. At the very least I would love for her to able to commit to spending a week with me somewhere along the way.On Wednesday it was raining buckets. I was thinking of the folks on the Trail and that it was probably snow in the higher elevations. Honestly, I was very happy to be going home to my warm, dry home and bed.Freezing rain and what, in Germany, we used to call 'frozen fog' up here in NC. The trees are coated in ice. Suppose to warm up some.Hope everyone has a great weekend...Go Steelers!Forgot to mention my Leki poles came this week. Very exciting!
Date: 2011-02-09
To: Public Knowledge
Miles today: 0.0

My thru-hike is now officially public knowledge. The announcement was made at my office yesterday and I posted it on my Facebook page. Guess that makes it official.Again, I'm so blessed by all the positive input and encouragement.And, so excited!This coming Saturday I will be with the women at the Lee Arrendale State Prison. I will be able to meet with them only one more time before my hike. Since last October I've been involved with the Kairos Prison Ministry - what an amazing blessing to me that has been. I will miss those women and will take their beautiful faces and their struggles with me on the AT.After LASP I plan to drive up to Blairsville and visit with Winton Porter at Moutain Crossings. I thought it might be more advantageous to get his opinion before I hike-thru Neels Gap instead of wasting time and money purchasing equipment that is wrong for me.On Sunday I'm attending a Women's Hiking Seminar. I thought it might be interesting to hear what 'experts' are telling women about hiking these days. Also interested in their opinion of what is the proper equipment for women these days.Starting on my 'flexible' plan for drop boxes so my support team, aka my sweet husband, Garry, will have some idea of when he should be sending the boxes. I've decided to do most of my resupplying in town but I will have a few drop boxes.Hike on!
Date: 2011-02-14
To: 2 Months from Today
Miles today: 0.0

I had a busy weekend after being laid low by strep throat last week. Yuck, that was some lousy infection and I still have a cough that sounds like my lungs are going to come out...ugh!On Sunday, after church and an amazing breakfast at Flying Biscuit Cafe in Alpharetta, I went to REI for an AT Thru-Hikers Seminar hosted by Bree "Turtle" Goolsby. She was honest, realistic and gave us some good advice. I was waiting for the seminar before I did any major purchases just to hear if she had any specifics to buy or not buy. So, after the seminar I purchased my pack. I went with a Granite Gear AC 60 Ki. I'm very happy with the fit of the hipbelt and the way the pack compresses...yippee. REI has a pretty good sale going on right now - I also purchased a fleece which I admit to wearing today just cause it feels good.The unfortunate part of the sale is many of the things I wanted were out of stock in the store. Not a problem! I came home and purchased a whole pack load of stuff. Once it is delivered and I've decided for sure I'm keeping it I'll post what I have.I also did not get to do the Kairos prison ministry this past weekend. I didn't think spreading strep throat around to those folks would be appreciated. I really, really missed them. Definitely need to make next month cause that will be it until I return.Oh, my solar charger for my iPhone came today. I went with a NeoTek made by Coolshop. The folks there have been very helpful. Let's hope I have service when I get to towns so I can make calls and update my journal. Turtle suggested going with Verizon for the best coverage....humI get a little faster heartbeat and kind of a butterfly feeling in my stomach typing 2 months from today I'll be starting my hike.
Date: 2011-02-16
To: Lot's of Equipment
Miles today: 0.0

I'm almost done with procurring my equipment. I scored 2 great deals at REI yesterday - my Patagonia down jacket and my Mountain Hardwear Sleeping bag.Very exciting.I also had a delivery of freeze dried food from Harmony House - fruit, veggies and beans. Those will be repacked into single servings - some will leave with me but the bulk will be for the approximately dozen drop boxes for yummy additions to meals down the Trail.Today I received a delivery from Altrec - featherweight and lightweight smartwool tops and one pair of bottoms.I'll be posting my full gear list if anyone is interested.Only 19 work days left...
Date: 2011-02-22
To: 15 Work Days, But Who's Counting??
Miles today: 0.0

ME!The work days are rapidly winding down. I'm grateful for the distraction of work actually because if not for work I would be obssessing over things I think I should be doing. Not really sure what those things would be since I've got most everything together. Just obsssessing cause that is what meeting planners do... plan; and, when we don't have something to plan we are redoing what we've already done just to make certain it is perfect.Funny, I'm really not that way about my personal life. Usually I can make the most obscure plans and be content. I live a pretty spontaneous life outside of work. That's not to say I don't make reservations and check out vacation locations, etc. just that, in most cases, I don't want to be in charge outside of work and am happy to leave it up to someone else.This Adventure, as my husband calls it, is a bit different. I guess there are people who head out without much planning. That will not be me. Although I have gotten over the need to have a day by day hiking plan with a detailed food plan I still am very aware I need to be prepared while remaining flexible. The flexible part will come in enjoying the Adventure. I will start out slowly and increase my mileage as my body becomes adjusted to hiking all day, eating foods that are different from what I've been putting in my body for the past many years, and sleeping in a tent.Speaking of sleeping in a tent. I didn't! But, I did blow up my new NeoAir, placed my sleeping bag on top, climbed in and took a nap. It was actually very comfortable and I'm pleasantly surprised. The NeoAir has lots of good reviews. I think the extra $$ it costs will be well spent over the months ahead.Again, I'm rambling...that may become my trail name. 'Thought I'd something more to say'....thank you Pink Floyd!Hike On!
Date: 2011-02-26
To: Happy with Weight
Miles today: 0.0

Beautiful Saturday morning! The weather has been really nice this week. We got some rain over Thursday night which we really needed and could use more of.This week I purchased my headlamp; waterproof, lined shell gloves to go over fleece gloves I already own; and, a titanium cookset.To date all my equipment weighs under 11 lbs. That does not include a tent, fuel, water, food and all my misc. 'stuff' like a journal, book, guide, iPhone, reading glasses and whatever else I come up with.12 more work daysI can hardly believe it's almost March and I'm about 6 weeks from departure.Happy Weekend Everyone!
Date: 2011-03-11
To: Last Friday of Work
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! It's hard to believe today was my last Friday to work before my departure. The time has passed quickly.After attending the AT Celebration at Amicalola Falls Lodge last weekend and meeting Judy Gross who owns and manufactures Light Heart Gear I decided to cancel my order for a Contrail tarptent and go with the Light Heart Wedge. It arrived today and I am so excited. I will be out playing with it tomorrow morning! anyone interested in checking out what Light Heart has to offer here is the website   www.lightheartgear.comLet's see, I think since my last entry I've purchased my pack cover and a sleeping bag liner.Other than food - I am ready to hike!Next weekend I will be doing a shake-down hike near Asheville. Just one night. It will give me a chance to 'play' with everything.I'm sort of at a loss for words right now. The reality is really setting in that I'm going to do this. Over the past month I've been gathering all this stuff and it's all laid out on the bed in the spare room across from my office. I go in there and add another item but have purposely not allowed myself to get caught up in playing with it. I'm saving that for next week...My last day of work is Tuesday. Today I had a meeting to basically turn over my work to the folks who will assume those responsibilities. It's bittersweet. Working for a family-owned business is different and we do feel like family. I'll miss them while I'm gone.So while I've been finishing up my last full week of work my husband, Garry, has been taking bartending classes. I joked with him that he is going to escape to some island and open a tiki bar while I'm hiking. That's fine as long as he sends me my boxes!I am thankful and blessed!
Date: 2011-03-17
To: 21 Days and Counting!
Miles today: 0.0

Happy St. Patricks Day!Day 2 of my official sabbatical/retirement...not sure what it is at this point and I don't plan to think of it until I return from Katahdin.On Tuesday afternoon I picked up the last few items I needed: thin liner socks, a small thermometer, a bear line and a couple of caribiners. When I got home I finished cutting all the labels out of items and discarding the storage bags, etc. Anything that didn't serve a purpose is gone. Everything is in it's waterproof stuff sack or freezer bags ready to go in the pack except food.Yesterday was to be packing day. We had one of the plastic trash compactor bags which I intended to use as my pack liner. When I opened the bag it was split on the side. Couldn't find any at the grocery store so I'll need to make a trip to Walmart. I did get oatmeal and hot chocolate mix. Could not find powered milk that was not fatfree so the compactor bags and powerded milk along with a zippo lighter need to be purchased before heading out on Saturday.This weekend, on Saturday, I will be going to Lee Arrendale for the last time before I head out to the Trail. I will miss the Ladies, pray for them while I'm hiking and look forward to seeing them in the Fall. After LASP I'm headed to Black Moutain for a birthday pig-pickin' celebration, Chris, my daughter's friend, turns 36 on Friday. Sunday/Monday is my shake-down hike and I'll return home on Monday afternoon.So, what does sabbatical/retirement feel like? Wierd. It was very strange to get up yesterday and truly have nothing that I "had" to do. I didn't even work out. I did my devotional and we went to lunch which was fun. For several years when Garry and I worked close to each other we always went to have Mexican for lunch on Wednesdays...it was fun to do that yesterday. When we got home I sat down to read a book and ended up taking a nap. Then I watched a movie and afterward took Jake for a walk.All in all, a very 'bummy' day. LOLI've never not had something to do. School or work. Definitely looking forward to Hiking.Hike On!
Date: 2011-03-21
To: Shakedown Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Monday! Back home in GA after a very busy weekend.I made it Lee Arrendale (LASP) for my last reunion group with the women till I return from the AT. It was awesome to spend time with those women who are able to find God's blessings and hope will incarcerated. It's tough. And, yes, they are in prison and it isn't suppose to be easy. I do think it should be humaine however and I don't like that on weekends they are not served lunch and, because of the closing of Metro, the prison in Atlanta, LASP is becoming more crowded and some of the women are sharing beds. Please lift them up in prayer.After LASP I drove up to Black Mountain for the pig-pickin' birthday celebration of my daughter (Danielle's) guy, Chris. It was great! A friend of theirs makes the sauce, everyone brings sides - good food, great company and just a fun time. I could have stayed for a long time eating and drinking but I was in my own car which meant I had to drive about an hour to get to our cabin. It was fine and I didn't have to get up early on Sunday for anything. We were lazy all morning, had a good lunch and about 3pm Garry took me over to the Green River where I hiked up the mountain to our property and set up camp. Beautiful night with that full moon.All the equipment was fine. I did move my tent 3 times to get a semi-level spot. Amazing sometimes how it appears level until you lay down on the sleeping pad and bag and slide down the hill. I slept ok till the pack of coyotes moved through. I will admit to a few minutes of sweat drenched panic thinking, 'this tent and sleeping bag is not much between me and those coyotes!'. Luckily they moved off over the mountain and I went back to sleep.I forgot to bring a bag for trash so I made a note to be certain I have an empty ziploc and I discovered I need to safety pin my 'pockets' to my hip belt. I did that as soon as I got home. The only other change I will make is the order of how I pack my pack...and I'll probably change that again after I've been on the Trail.Driving thru Franklin on Saturday afternoon I was thinking about everyone currently on the Trail. Sending all the best and waiting my turn....16 days and counting.Hike On!
Date: 2011-03-22
To: Shakedown Hike Photos and Drop Boxes Finished
Miles today: 0.0

Good day, I got lots accomplished today and was able to mark things off my list which always makes me feel good!Thought I would share photos from my shakedown hike over the weekend along with pictures of all my 'stuff' before I packed it all up.Thanks for the recommendation on NIDO powdered milk - I found it at Walmart in the 'ethnic' food area...who would have guessed??? Just glad to have found it and be done with my drop boxes. 5 to be mailed and 1 to be delivered when Garry meets my in Harper's Ferry.Hike On!
Date: 2011-03-25
To: Friday, Friday, FRIDAY!
Miles today: 0.0

Whew, where did this week go? Feels like I've had something to do everyday...only had one opportunity for nap. I know, too bad. Busy but good.Ok, I'm really, really finished my drop boxes and guide book mailings. I ordered maps of Vermont/New Hampshire and they arrived today so I was able to sort those into the correct drops/mailings and everything is labeled and I put post-it notes on the boxes/envelope so Garry knows when to mail them.Public Congratulations! to my fabulous friends Juanita and John on the official adoption of their absolutely precious daughter Harper Lee!! Love y'all!!Oh, I purchased a Thermarest stuff sack/pillow. Earlier this week I watched a utube video and the guy was 'thrilled' with his so I decided I could divide clothes items that are currently in a stuff sack and a 2 ziplocs between the 2 stuff sacks one of which will double as a pillow - for 2 oz I think it will be worthwhile.I had breakfast with my Reunion Sisters this morning. Only once more before I start hiking. Tonight we are having dinner with friends. I think I have something planned for everyday next week except Monday; dinner, lunch, drinks, dentist, Reunion Group then headed to NC on Friday for the weekend. I'll have to come home and detox so I can hike out with a clear head. Ok, maybe not.It's going to be an emotional departure. I know it will be. I'll be the one hiking off sobbing while Garry is tearing up in the parking lot...I'm just sayin'.EXCITED!!!!!Hike on!
Date: 2011-03-28
To: 10 Days!
Miles today: 0.0

Doing the Happy Dance! 10 days and counting down till I'm the Trail.I know I keep saying this but, it's hard to believe it is really happening.Thank YOU to all the folks who have signed my Guest Book. If I haven't replied to you individually I apologize. I so appreciate all the comments, suggestions, offers of help along the way and good wishes. I cherish every one and they will give me encouragement all along the journey.It's been a quiet few days. All my prep work is done. I have a dentist visit on Wednesday morning for a cleaning, Reunion Group on Friday morning and then we are headed to NC to spend the weekend at our cabin.I did 4 miles this morning with my pack. It was fine. My plan is to do my daily miles with the pack until I leave. If nothing else I'll get use to having it on my back again.At this point I'm just enjoying my down time. I'm getting lots of reading in, just finishing up Stieg Larsson's, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest". This has been a great series, I highly recommend them. Would not want to carry them along the Trail however cause each book is thick...of course, there is always Kindle. I did download the Kindle app to my iPhone but haven't downloaded any books.Speaking of downloads, I also downloaded an app called Followme which Garry will use to monitor where I am along the Trail. I told him if he sees a very rapid decent that could be a misstep off the Trail and down the mountain...LOL! It happens!I'm just rambling, rambling, rambling....Hike On!