morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Rice Meadow Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Dutch, Chewy and I left Rice Field today with my having troubled expectations. Though the terrain was generally flat, my knee pain continued. Generally speaking, though we hike in groups, conversations on the trail can be limited. This allows for continuous scenarios to race through the head and for deep introspective thoughts to fill the mind. My brain now focused on the crashing reality that my knee condition was about to evoke a monumental decision for my hike.I have had a life full of athletic endeavors and, as I have stated previously in this journal, the toll on the joints has been significant. Having run several full marathons (26.2 miles), I¢ve learned to listen closely to my body and to assess changes carefully. This new knee pain is alarming in that context and I know in my heart of hearts that it will not go away if I continue to hike.I can choose to stop and rest the knee with hopes of it mending. Or, I can return home and make a tough decision on the fate of my AT hike.I would be dishonest with myself if I did not recognize that the monotony of the trail that impacts Chewy (and many others) is not a factor with me. I know any drop in momentum on this hike may very well place me at bay with the urge to quit. I have the resolve to continue but the body (knee) speaks otherwise.The downhill into the shelter, which normally stressed my knees, was a welcomed relief from the piercing pain now associated with uphills. The shelter had lost its roof to a downed tree so tent camping was in order, no different than any other day for me. Under threatening skies, Dutch, Chewy, John & Kelly, a section hiker and I had dinner despite a rain of gypsy moth caterpillars (and their poop) from the trees overhead.After dinner and with the edges of a storm spitting rain, Chewy, Dutch, and I sat close together under the remnants of the old shelter and discussed the future. Chewy had now made a firm decision to leave the trail and Dutch is now expressing similar sentiments. I, in the company of my dear hiking friends, acknowledged that the end has come for me as well. We each expressed our feelings of loss but a sense of relief came to the surface as well.Dutch promised to make a firm decision tomorrow so that she could possibly join us in visiting New Song and making home connections from there. Chewy and I decided to seek cell service connections wherever possible tomorrow to alter pick up plans with New Song. We retired to our tents as the rain continued.A sense of sadness and, at the same time, gratefulness for this experience enveloped me tonight.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

Dutch experienced a sleepless night and left camp very early for the hike to War Spur. Chewy and I left later, maintaining a deliberate but slower than normal pace. Early on, the knee problem continued. The direct pain was not so intense, due in large part, to an even grade. Later, the trail moved into a continuous section of rock fields, a nightmare for troubled knees. The pain in the left knee came back and I suffered through the rocks.We stopped several times, seeking cell service on each occasion. At Wind Rock, a spectacular overhang that looks over the valley, we hoped for a signal, which was not to be. By chance, just up the trail, Chewy was able to garner a signal using his antennae contraption. We made firm plans with New Song for a pick up at 10:00 tomorrow morning. This was fortuitous as we were unable to get cell signals for the remainder of the day.Mid-day, we had lunch at a shelter where we said our goodbyes to Waters and Lactose (formally Frumpey) who have brought a fun-filled youthful addition to my hiking experience for the past few weeks. I¢ll miss those guys. We also saw for the last time, Pegasus and Unicorn, a sweet couple from Idaho who have brought a heart-warming story to my trail experience. Back at Chestnut Ridge Shelter, a small and lost little dog (a Jack Russell mix) wandered from hiker to hiker seeking some connection. That young couple vowed that day to adopt this little dog. Many days later, Ginny (short for Virginia), has a collar and clearly loves being a part of a new family. I used my camera to film a short video of this sweet little dog.I limped into the night¢s shelter feeling the effects of overcompensation of the knee. Other parts of the body were feeling the pain. Had there been any doubt about our earlier decision, there was none now.The evening was spent enjoying the company of old friends, John & Kelly, along with new acquaintances Buck & Flurr, Bar Fight, and a couple of nice section hikers. It was a beautiful setting with good folks but with a very melancholy atmosphere. Dutch confirmed that she was indeed leaving the trail with us. Chewy and Dutch talked about this being our last night as thru hikers. I heard what they were saying but didn¢t want to accept it. I focused instead on the moment and to looking forward to the short .7 mile hike out in the morning. I made a special effort to take in the night sounds from my tent that I have become so accustomed to hearing. I also enjoyed my last night sleeping in my tent, something that I have done for all but two nights for almost three months and 600+ miles.Transition is always tough for me. This one is no exception.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Route 635, New Song's home
Miles today: 0.7

I spent a rather restless night with so much running through my head. It was so hard to focus on any one thing.I got up to the sounds of songbirds singing in the treetops, a joy that has always been the start of my day and one that I will truly miss. I bounced out of my tent anxious to not miss the departure of friends from camp. Buck and Flurr were very sweet in wishing us all well. John and Kelly were typically late in getting out and we promised to see them at the road head.Dutch, Chewy and I left camp around 9:00 in order to reach our rendezvous point with New Song early. The hike went way too fast. We took some photos before being joined by John and Kelly. More photos were taken followed by some tearful goodbyes. I must admit that I felt as though I was saying farewell to the entire trail community. John and Kelly are wonderful people.Quite sometime after our scheduled rendezvous, New Song showed up with a big smile on her face. We discovered on the way to her home in central Virginia just how remote we had been and how much effort she made to get to us. Words can¢t describe my gratitude to New Song.We reached New Song¢s wonderful farm in about two hours. We enjoyed a nice afternoon filled with reminiscing and thoughts of transition back to the real world. The evening was spent eating an incredible meal prepared by New song and her loving children, Jessica and Erica. Son-in-law and really nice guy, Bradley, was also there. For thru hikers making this emotional exit from the trail, we could not have been in a better place with more caring people.Dutch had worked out an early flight out Roanoke and would depart early in the morning with New Song¢s incredible help. I politely refused a goodbye from her in the evening, preferring instead to see her off in the morning. Her departure came early as she gave me a hug and was gone. It was a nice way to have it happen as many tears might have fallen otherwise. She has been a dear hiking partner and a friend that I have come to know very well. I will miss our talks of home and post trail expectations. The irony of she, Chewy, and I leaving the trail simultaneously has not been lost on me.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Route 635, New Song's home

To: New Song's home
Miles today: 0.0

***WRITER'S NOTE***THIS ENTRY IS BEST READ PRECEEDED BY UPDATES BEGINNING ON 5/29 (PEARISBURG)After Dutch¢s departure back to her home in Colorado, Chewy and I enjoyed an absolutely wonderful day with New Song. She made us feel so special and thought of everything to make our stay truly unforgettable. We shared more time in the evening with her family. I will never forget these two days.Chewy and I reminisced about the trail and made plans to go our separate ways in the morning. Once again, with New Song¢s loving help, we would be assisted to make our transitions back home.The morning came with new expectations in our heads and hopes for a gentle transition back home. Fortunately, our two days together had conditioned us for the dreaded parting of good friends. We said our goodbyes with tearless smiles accompanied by promises to each other to keep in touch and for future section hiking opportunities together.Thanks does not seem an appropriate word for all that my good friend New Song did for us. She is a kind, wonderful lady who I will miss dearly. Thank you so much, Penne.Chewy and I have experienced so much together from our first week on the trail until now. It seems like yesterday that we connected up on Tray Mountain in Georgia with a 19-degree night and howling winds. I remember him standing by a roaring fire in the morning after a cold and sleepless night for him. Our ¢C Croo¢ days with Colby also carry special memories. My departure from the trail could not have been more appropriate without my old friend sharing this last AT experience with me. As I was fond of saying to him over and over in my southern tongue, ¢it ain¢t right¢. In this case it ain¢t right to go through an experience like this without a special trusted friend.A final closing entry will follow soon. Thanks so much for reading.
Date: 2008-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   Today I woke up with a smile on my face and I knew nothing was gonna tear me down. As I walked into work the sun was shining, there was a light breeze rather than the gusting wind we have been having for the past week or so, it was warm enough to skip the jacket and, best of all, the birds were chirping happily in the trees. For the first time since I started planning this trip in May I strangely wished that instead of walking across a parking lot I was on a dirt path, and that I would rather spend 15 days in crappy weather so long as I didn't have to walk into a crowded building. This morning I experienced something that I can't quite identify as a raging desire to hit the trail but it felt like a sign that I belonged there or at the very least that this was the right thing to be doing at this point in my life.    Not even the threat of six inches of snow ruined my good mood, instead it enhanced it because it gave me the opportunity to appreciate the fact that as a Minnesotan I can say, "Six inches? Bring it on." I can't wait for it to snow on the trail. It'll feel great to spread my enthusiasm by carving a snow angel on the first peak.    I love you.Like damn, I'm from Minnesota, land of the cold airToo many mosquitoes and our fair share of egosBut like my man Sabe says, that's where my mommy staysSo if the people laugh and giggle when you tell em where you liveAnd if you know this is where you wanna raise your kidsIf you're from the Midwest and it doesn't matter whereIf you can drink tap water and breathe the airSay shhh, say shhh
Date: 2008-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   So, fortunately I found a hiking buddy who seems like the real deal. In an earlier entry I talked about how I thought everything would turn out well in the end and, I am happy to announce, that so far it has. I found a woman who teaches in Korea and I think we will make a good team. She's pretty flexible and willing to work together so rubbing along shouldn't be too big of a problem. Seriously, I can't wait to get going so I can see what this woman's all about.       Well, that's all I have to say today so we'll talk have to talk again soon!      Like damn, I'm from Minnesota, land of the cold airToo many mosquitoes and our fair share of egosBut like my man Sabe says, that's where my mommy staysSo if the people laugh and giggle when you tell em where you liveAnd if you know this is where you wanna raise your kidsIf you're from the Midwest and it doesn't matter whereIf you can drink tap water and breathe the airSay shhh, say shhh
Date: 2008-02-26
To: Four Days and Counting
Miles today: 0.0

   Oh man, ten months of planning and only four days of anticipation left. Even though it is only 96 hours away, I still feel antsy and crazy scared. I have to day that it is nice to have a hiking buddy because on days I am feeling anxious about this whole thing she is just a soul of serenity and vice versa. It really helps to know that I have a support system and despite the fact that I don't know her beyond e-mails, I think we'll make a good pair. The more I talk to her, the more enthusiastic I get. It's nice to have someone who can relate to you beyond, "YOU'RE DOING WHAT?! How will you get food?? What happens if you get attacked by a BEAR?!" Man, those are legit concerns I guess but I have answered those questions so many time you'd think that's the only issue on the trail. I just tell people I am more worried about giardia and dehydration than bears and starvation because those problems are much more frequently reported by hikers than animal attacks and abductions. Can't wait to spring this joint and get out there though, I look around my house and feel a bit claustrophobic being surrounded by cities and cars and streets and precisely placed trees. This hasn't ever happened to me before. The thought that I will be away from it all is corrupting me to city life and that blows because I have to come back down here after this is all over.   Speaking of what happens after this trip is finished, I am pleased to announce that my college applications are in to their respective schools and being reviewed. I applied to Gustavus, NDSU and St. Kate's and it feels good because in the end I will be far away from my work, which means I will have to quit my job, if not if April then in August. This is a big deal because it greatly affects my trip plans and it takes a huge burden from my shoulders. My job would have been the deciding factor in staying on the trial or no and I probably would have come home whether I loved the walk or not. If I have to quit for school, what's the big deal if I do it in April or August? Now I can decide to stay or go based solely upon how much satisfaction I get out of this adventure, and not upon prior responsibilities holding me back. That's what I have been thinking about lately. That, and weather.    According to sophiaknows.com my first day on the trail will be rainy with a high of 58 degrees. FUN!   :-]
Date: 2008-03-01
To: Two Hours To Gone
Miles today: 0.0

   So, it is 8:02 on Saturday morning and I am ready as I will ever be to get going. Last night I found it a little hard to sleep, which is wierd since the people who know me well know that I can typically sleep soundly for 12-23 hours at a stretch. I can't really describe what I am feeling right now, kind of excited, anxious, scared, crazy, ready, guiilty and I just have butterflies in my stomach. It feels wierd and I just hope that I can still sleep the next three nights as we get closer and closer to GA. Well, wish me well. Here I go, hours to gone.   Like damn, I'm from Minnesota, land of the cold airToo many mosquitoes and our fair share of egosBut like my man Sabe says, that's where my mommy staysSo if the people laugh and giggle when you tell em where you liveAnd if you know this is where you wanna raise your kidsIf you're from the Midwest and it doesn't matter whereIf you can drink tap water and breathe the airSay shhh, say shhh
Date: 2008-03-08
To: Thank you
Miles today: 12.8

   Today we are trekking to blood mountain shelter from Gooch Gap. It'll be our longest hike yet but Leslie said she'd stay close so I feel ok about it. Talking to my mom really helped me a lot and on Sunday I should be to Neel's Gap. Today I only have a minute before the hostel picks us up so I thought I would tell everyone how much I appreciate the support you are giving me. The guest book really helps motivate me to write and be heard and I love that people are enjoying my hike so far. It's been hard but I will trust everyone else's wisdom that it can only get better. It's my first hike, it's bound to be hard. Thank you for following along. I am gonna do more yoga to balance myself if I freak out again. Hopefully that will help. I will write on sunday if I can find a computer terminal. SHOUT OUT TO CATHY B< MARY JONES< ROBIN ANDERSON< BRUCE ANDERSON AND KYLE ANDERSON. I love you guys and I will just keep chugging along!!
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Fontana Dam

To: Smokies
Miles today: 120.0

   Well, once again the status of my hiking partner has changed but I am alright with that. Guess it's hard to find other people out there who are as focused on working as a team as I am. Maybe I'll find someone but until then I figure it's ok to just bounce around and enjoy many different hiking partners. Right now, I am concentrating on cultivating a positive mental attitude and in the end I am sure I will succeed because so far I have been able to do what I set my mind to and that in itself lends strength to my positive attitude. We're setting off to the Smokies, I will see you on the other end!   --Poppins-- Lesson 12: Removing one ounce of weight from your pack might as well be equivalent to 8 pounds because mentally it relieves a larger burden.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: The Bittersweet End

To: Hot Springs, BABY!
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: light rain

   Well, I can't say that I feel great physically, but in general I am none the worse for wear. I rolled my ankle about a week and a half ago and while it wasn't too bad of an injury it just keeps hurting more and more as the miles creep on. Today, tomorrow and possibly the next day will be spent in a hostel recuperating and caring for my body which I feel is even more important than packing on the miles.   Speaking of packing on the miles, I can honestly say that my first 18 mile day happened by accident and that although it hurt like hell, I can honestly say that I have never experienced a more satisfying moment in my life than when I walked my exhausted body into the hostel. I was too tired and hurt to realize that the sick feeling in my stomach was not anxiety but elation and while I couldn't appreciate it then, looking back on it brings a smile to my face. The fact that I was still happy after a sick hike is a testament to August and I's cohesiveness as a group and our ability to if not motivate each other, at least kick each other's asses. Believe me, I was definitely the one needing the kick in the butt yesterday. Camping on the side of a highway, like I was sorely tempted to do, is not the smartest idea and I am glad someone was there to remind me of some common sense by saying, "Poppins, the hostel's two miles away, we are not going to camp on the side of a busy road to be murdered in our sleep!" So maybe those weren't his words exactly, but once my imagination kicked in there was no way I wasn't going to stop when I was so close to my destination and put myself at risk to 'rapists in the woods.'   : ) haha   This journal isn't as exciting as I had hoped but it is 4 in the morning and when you are as tired as I am after yesterdays hike and unable to sleep, frustration can really get in the way of your inspiration so I will cut myself some slack. Maybe after some breakfast and some yoga the mood will strike and I will write about what I really wanted to talk about!         --Mary Poppins--Like damn, I'm from Minnesota, land of the cold airToo many mosquitoes and our fair share of egosBut like my man Sabe says, 'that's where my mommy stays'So if the people laugh and giggle when you tell em where you liveAnd if you know this is where you wanna raise your kidsIf you're from the Midwest and it doesn't matter whereIf you can drink tap water and breathe the airSay shhh, say shhh
Date: 2008-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 200.0

   Well, we've made it to VA and although I see the state with my own eyes I am hard-pressed to believe it. In all my plans concerning this trip I never allowed VA to cross my mind. As far as I was concerned, getting to VA was an unachievable goal and so I would refuse to consider the possibility that I would make it. When I began hiking I was just hoping that I would be able to survive one month and that maybe I would be able to say, once I went home, that I enjoyed hiking. That was the extent of my thought process.    Making it to this state has forced me to question my motives for continuing. If someone asked me, "Is hiking fun?" I wouldn't be able to say yes. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and most days there is something going wrong with my state of being. I hurt, I am tired, maybe it's too hot or too cold, maybe my pack is heavy or I have gas but there is always something that could get me down. So, if hiking isn't fun and it hurts why am I in VA? Shouldn't I have quit 200 miles ago?    This has been rolling around in my mind for the past few days and I finally reached the answer. Even if the weather sucks I enjoy the challenge that comes with finding the lighter side of life. If you asked my hiking partners what is the best and worst thing about me they would say I am a drill sergeant when it comes to being positive. I force myself and those around me to take turns coming up with 10 things we appreciate when the weather is bad or when I feel that everything coming out of everyone's mouth resembles a whine. So, instead of, "It's rainy and wet and my pack is heavy and my clothing is drenched," I hear instead, "I appreciate the fact that the rain is cooling me off so I don't sweat," or "I appreciate the fact that our gear is good enough to keep us going in the rain."   Out here, it's not about enjoying the activity, it's about being able to be content despite the obstacles. This trip has forced me to focus less on the small things and more on the big picture. I don't let a little rain or snow trip me up because I realize that beyond the snow there is beauty and satisfaction, it just takes a little work to find it. My mind is being cleansed of defeatist and cynical views and being transformed to a more positive and optimistic outlook on life. That's why I am staying. I am here because being happy isn't about being comfortable all the time, it's about changing your perspective. It's easy to be grumpy, the fun is in finding a reason to be happy and enthusiastic in the face of discomfort. I wouldn't have been able to learn this at home because nothing is uncomfortable long enough in the real world to force you to change or quit. Out here, a hang nail could be the end of your trip and so you have to be acknowledge the negative things and concentrate your efforts on finding three good things that can come out of that. It stretches your mind and tests your fortitude, that's what I enjoy most.      Lesson # 17: When you're down, slap a smile on your face. Even if it is insincere in the beginning it can turn into an earnestly positive frame of mind.