morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-28
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning started out with a very pleasant surprise! Soon after we left the shelter, I caught sight of a south bounder coming down the Trail towards us. Who should it be but my favorite hiking partner ¢ Hal!Since we¢d missed each other this weekend while I was at my parents¢, I¢d told him where Steve and Jerry and I were hiking and that I¢d likely be back to my parents¢ again this weekend. Instead of waiting till then to get together he came out to hike part of the day, a section he hadn¢t done yet. What a treat! He stayed with us until we stopped for lunch at Rocky Run shelter. I love surprises like that ¢ had no idea it was coming.Today¢s hike was very easy terrain, but we made just enough short stops to wear me out.It¢s an odd feeling hiking through here knowing I¢ve left a large section behind me uncompleted. Hiking in Harper¢s Ferry yesterday I felt a little like I was cheating ¢ I didn¢t desire to be in the famous Harper¢s Ferry ¢ I hadn¢t walked in!I¢ve been brainstorming on my options now, now that I¢ve already skipped a section. Do I want to goon from here and pick up the rest of Virginia later? Stick with the original plan and go back to Virginia now, then come back up and pick up here again? One pro in that is that I¢ve got a ride down there already, since Steve will head back town there this weekend. On the other hand, I¢d probably be more likely to go back someday to finish the Shenandoahs than if I were to skip Pennsylvania or something ¢ since I hear a lot of people talk about not liking it. However, I figured out about how many miles I could cover going nine more weeks and even if I skipped both the Virginia section I¢ve already skipped and Pennsylvania I¢d still be pushing it to make Katahdin. Another thing is if I go back to Virginia I¢ll likely come back through here and stay with my parents again ¢ I imagine they¢d enjoy that .I don¢t know. I¢m pretty bummed I didn¢t get to do the whole thing all at once. I guess that¢s when I have to remind myself of the other goals I had in coming out here, in addition to thru-hiking the entire Trail. Have I grown enough to satisfy me spiritually? Physically? Socially? Not just yet.I still have time to ruminate over this and figure out what I want to do . . .Help me know, God.¢Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6¢Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ¢This is the way, walk in it.¢¢ Isaiah 30:21.
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Man I felt lazy this morning, snoozing until eight o¢clock! Didn¢t get out of bed till 8:15, finished breakfast at 9, now it¢s nearly 9:30 and I¢m still not all packed up! But we¢re not going far today, only about ten miles, so I guess there¢s really no reason to rush.It¢s another beautiful day. I love waking up to see the sun shining on the trees at an angle. It¢s almost as if every other leaf is lit up and glistening.Later . . .So I¢m in Pennsylvania now. That¢s pretty cool ¢ this trip added two states to my list that I¢d never been in before.The trail to High Rock this morning afforded a worthwhile view, and only a minimal detour.Next highlight was arriving at Pen Mar Park, where we ate some lunch and chatted with some other hikers. Two tenths more and we were in Pennsylvania! PA¢s first climb was a pleasant one, between Buena Vista Road and Old PA 16. I¢ve stopped here at PA 16 to wait for Steve and Jerry, where we met a cross-country biker. Awesome.I¢ve been thinking of all kind of other ¢expeditions¢ I want to do someday . . .Backpack the Grand Canyon, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro; the John Muir Trail; section hike the Pacific Crest Trail, go to Antarctica (have to find some reason or another); maybe section-hike the Continental Divide Trail; maybe bike across the US ¢ no, I¢ve always wanted to drive across in a VW van; maybe run a marathon, and even do a triathlon ¢ although I¢d have to take swimming lessons for that ¢ like my cousin did. Life is full of adventures if we just look for them! Oh ¢ backpack, or at least travel, around Europe, and backpack in New Zealand . . .Later . . .Today has been an absolutely beautiful day. The terrain has been pleasant ¢ so pleasant I¢m afraid I may lose some conditioning for those hills I have to go back to in Virginia! I loved the woods between the Deer Lick Shelters and Antietam Shelter; something about the skinny trees, angle of the light; it was a big wood, but had an open and airy feel. Bright and green.Speaking of returning to Virginia, I¢ve pretty much decided that is what I¢m going to do. If Steve goes back home Sunday, for sure I¢m going back down there; if he has to leave Friday, I¢m still not sure . . . I don¢t think I like this whole skipping around idea! Anyway you look at it, I¢m not going to finish the Trail, and my intention was always to just go as far as I could. I feel the need to stick with my original plan.So tomorrow is the end of my week of company. It¢s been fun. Jerry¢s entertained us with story after story about his past visits to these shelters, hikes on the AT as well as historical anecdotes. I¢ve dubbed him Tour Guide, but I¢m not sure he took too well to that Trail name. Steve, of course, is the Machine. I think we¢ve all had a good time. I¢ll miss their fires!
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Here it is, I'm baring my soul to the world. The truth is my friends, I need a pep talk. Please don't judge me; I'm more afraid than I can tell of "I told you so" in whatever way, shape, or form it may come - a knowing glance, smug smile, shake of the head...I'm tapping into my very best resource; help me find my way to conquer this thing - and enjoy it!
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Thomsen's, Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up feeling so much better this morning after being kind of just burned out last night. Then lunch plans with Anne & Hal came into the picture, and brought with them a delightful surprise ¢ Toby! He¢s in town with Anne for the weekend, having made it to Harper¢s Ferry and spent a few nights with John-AmericanNomad. It was tremendously therapeutic for met o sit there and trade stories with ¢the gang¢- just to be with people who have shared the experience. Thanks you guys! And thanks for lunch, Anne.So now I¢ve gone to Plan C ¢ flexibility was the first Trail lesson I learned, right? I think after all I¢m going to just start out Monday from Caledonia where I left off with Steve & Jerry yesterday. That way Toby will likely catch me within a week or so.Still some mixed feelings and indecisiveness, but that¢s par for the course ¢ another Scott family trait.I¢ll tell you what ¢ if you plan to thru-hike, get Bushwhack & Bramble (¢01) on your side!! I e-mailed them I needed some encouragement, and over the last three days have gotten about ten e-mails from them chock full of brainstorming and kicks in the rear! I just think they¢re great.
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Thomsens', Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Today I had the privilege of hearing my dad preach. It¢s been a few years! I almost went to a different church than my parents were going to, but decided I wanted to go and show support for him. Glad I did.He spoke on Hebrews 12:1-3, ¢¢¦let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us¢¦¢ (v. 1) He uses the example of my sister¢s growing interest in running and one of her first marathons, but I drew parallels to the ¢race¢ I¢ve set out to accomplish this summer, too.We spent part of the afternoon at the beach, another therapeutic thing for me! If I could live in a rural semi-mountainous area by the beach I¢d be a happy girl. Hmm, sounds like Northern Cali, doesn¢t it Annie?I¢m getting more into the Plan C idea. Tomorrow will be a busy day of getting ready, and then I¢ll leave first thing Monday morning.
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Happy Birthday, Jenn! You¢re out on the houseboat today ¢ lucky bum. I bet you are having fun!Some idiots thought it would be funny to write in the register here: ¢Deer are very friendly. Serial killer not so friendly.¢ Perhaps it was funny to two guys in the middle of the day, but unfortunately I read it as I was eating my dinner after dark last night and their ¢joke¢ nearly cost me a night¢s sleep for silly fear. I hadn¢t felt that afraid in over a month. Thought maybe I was past that. Then I re-read Psalm 91, recited Psalm 34:7, and re-read Psalm 4:8 and thanks to those texts and my 24.3 mile day yesterday I was asleep fast.Woke up at 5:45am to pouring down rain. POURING. Happy Sabbath, huh? I snoozed again until 8:30.I woke up¢¦homesick. Decidedly. First time, I think. I thought of waking up Sabbath mornings the last two weeks at my parents¢. In Chattanooga with my cat ¢ I miss her ridiculously! ¢ and going to church at Collegedale Community to hear one of Jerry Arnold¢s great sermons.I didn¢t include it on the list the other day because it didn¢t strike me then; but if the truth were told, I suppose I¢m tired of being alone after all. I hope Toby catches me today. We¢ll see. Guess I better not count on that too much or I¢m setting myself up for a big letdown!7pm and no sign of Toby. But, three others have arrived. A man and a woman ¢ Pete and Jean, I believe ¢ who thru-hiked last year and are sectioning this year; and Buttercup, a girl also out here by herself. I¢ve seen her entries in the registers for awhile, but she took some time off and ended up behind me. I think this may be my favorite part of zeroing on Sabbaths ¢ the people that catch up. Although none of these (so far) have been the near-instant bond that came with Anne and Hal or even Quinn and KC. That¢s okay ¢ it¢s just nice to have people around.
Date: 2003-08-13
To: Williams', Walnutport, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, thank you so much. The flood of guestbook entries and e-mails I have received mean more than I can tell you. I wouldn't be doing this without you. Forgive me for imagining I'd get any "I told you so's" - a little projection going on, I think. This week's been both tough and good; I'm pleased with what I've accomplished. Beginning to be at peace with what I've accomplished, regardless of whether it is what I set out to do or not - as well as to feel impressed with myself. =) Thank you again. Each one of you is a stone in my bridge of support. I love each of you for it.Watch for updates on this week's hike.PS Annie - Thanks for your "talking to"! Exactly what I love about you - your ability to reflect me back to myself so I can see myself more objectively! Love you.
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Hurd's, Hackettstown, NJ

To: Hurd's, Hackettstown, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Alan made cinnamon rolls for breakfast. ¢I¢m giving you two,¢ he said. ¢Okay,¢ I replied. ¢I love how you¢re not like other girls ¢ you actually eat. Most girls would pretend they¢re not hungry and hardly eat anything.¢Ha. He doesn¢t know the appetite I¢ve developed since high school¢¦I called the post offices and got things straightened out with my packages. I sure hope they¢re there by Monday.Then we went into New York City, arrived around noon. We parked at Port Authority and walked through Times Square, past NBC studios, Radio City, Broadway, Central Park, and etc. We met Aprille, her husband Todd, and their two friends and took the subway to see the Statue of Liberty and some other sights. I was in a great mood to sightsee ¢ no agenda of my own. The main sights I wanted to see in New York were Aprille and Alan! It was a great afternoon ¢ perfect amount of time in the city. It didn¢t even overwhelm me like I wondered if it would, not like DC did last month.Alan and I drove home, and he took me to his favorite little town in Pennsylvania where we walked around and looked at all the shops, people watched, and had a good heart-to-heart. I¢m so glad I got to have this time with him. It¢s been so long, but we¢ve re-established a friendship that will always pick up where it left off, regardless of the time or correspondence (or lack of!) between. Thanks, Alan!
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Hurd's, Hackettstown, NJ

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel, DelawareWaterGap,PA
Miles today: 0.0

We took our time getting up this morning, then drove over to Delaware Water Gap and perused the outfitters around. Didn¢t find what I needed (new shoes and/or insoles), so I¢ll have to wait until Kent, CT, where I understand there¢s a pretty good store. We ate a delicious brunch at the Trail¢s End Caf© right across the street from the hostel, and then Alan left me to wait for Toby. What a perfect side trip that was. It made my summer ¢vacation¢ complete!I read most of the afternoon, talked on the phone for quite awhile (miss you, Jenn!), and got to bed at a decent hour. The pastor came and we talked for a little while in the evening. She is very nice. I thought I¢d be alone here otherwise, but after I¢d already turned out the light Buttercup came in to join me.
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel, DelawareWaterGap,PA

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel, DelawareWaterGap,PA
Miles today: 0.0

Not too much different today than yesterday afternoon. Been working on the book I picked up here amongst the hostel¢s collection, The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney ¢ SO cute. I love it to death. A must read, Erin, Jenn, Mom, Grandma, Erney, Lisa, and etc! Too cute.Buttercup decided to zero today so she¢s around too. My package didn¢t come today either, so I have an extra excuse to wait for Toby.Late afternoon, Rodent showed up, so he and Buttercup and I went to pizza. I have been behind Rodent most of the summer, but I passed him in Boiling Springs. He caught up to me at the Doyle in Duncannon, which is where we first met. He is a character. Every shelter register entry he makes he draws a rat face with a joint hanging out its¢ mouth. We¢d been back long enough to play a game of Scrabble, and I was back to reading my book, sitting alone under the awning in front of the hostel when I heard the familiar click-clack of trekking poles approaching up the driveway. I peeked around the corner and Toby peeked back at me. I was so glad to see him! Gave each other a hug, looked at each other, then hugged again! I think he was glad to see me, too. He¢s been mostly alone for a lot longer than I have!He bribed me with a milkshake to go with him to dinner, and we caught up on Trail and life gossip. Two thru-hikers who had just finished the Trail came into the diner and talked to us and Buttercup and her friend, who were also there eating in another booth.I¢m so glad I get to go into New Jersey with Toby. I hope we stay together for awhile. Brings back memories of the Erwin 6!
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel, DelawareWaterGap,PA

To: Stealth Campsite North of Blue Mountain Lakes Road
Miles today: 15.0

Yeah ¢ my package arrived! What a relief. I didn't want to have to spend money on food when I've already bought all this stuff in my maildrop! Not to mention other stuff besides food.By the time we finished breakfast at the Diner again with Buttercup, sorted through mail drops, made last minute phone calls, got everything together, and I finished the last chapter of my book, it was about noon before Toby and I left town together. We slapped a high five when we crossed the border into Jersey. Only six more states to go!Crossing the Delaware River (is that the name of it?) was another one of those ¢Fellowship with the wilderness?¢ moments ¢ 18-wheelers flying by us on the interstate bridge.New Jersey, though, is pretty terrain. The Northbound climb out of the Gap is much more pleasant than the descent was, a different kind of pretty, and quiet!!! We stopped and snacked at Sunfish Pond ¢ how beautiful! I wish we¢d had time to swim! I was leading when we got going again, and for the first time (believe it or not, Toby!) I seriously lost the Trail. We probably lost about a half hour, but did see an enormous black rattlesnake on the way back. So maybe it was worth it¢¦Both of us were surprised by the pleasant views we found atop the ridges ¢ lots of lakes, as well as views of the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area. We hiked together all afternoon and passed several SOBOs. I wouldn¢t have minded seeing the Mohican Outdoor Center ¢ another place with a hostel of sorts. But the mileage wasn¢t convenient for us, and not really time-wise, either. We¢ve got quite a week ahead of us to make it to Bear Mountain next Sunday to meet Bushwhack and Bramble!It was getting close to dark and we realized we weren¢t going to make the shelter, so we kept our eyes open for a suitable stealth-camping spot. Only time I could have used my tent, but Toby didn¢t mind squeezing into his. I actually didn¢t feel squeezed ¢ there was plenty of room for both of us, just without our packs.We cooked a quick supper in the middle of the Trail and collapsed into our bags.
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Thomsens', Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Today I felt listless and kind of sick. My eyes are super red and burning. I went to church in the morning with my parents, then talked to them in the afternoon. We had a good talk. They are being very understanding. After sundown we went to Target; I was in bed by 10pm.
Date: 2003-08-31
From: Thomsens', Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

I got up and got going at a decent time, then felt totally without energy so I slept for a couple of hours. I woke up again ready to do something. My dad left for New Hampshire today, so my mom and I went out to lunch at the Macaroni Grill¢yummy. We went to the mall and rented a couple of girl movies. To bed by 10:30pm.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Thomsens', Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Mom didn¢t work today, so this was a nice time for me to be home! We just mostly lounged around. I called a Dr. friend in Tennessee to ask her what she thought about thyroid dysfunction being a possibility for making me so lethargic now and slow on the Trail. Mom and I watched another of the movies we rented yesterday; after lunch I felt totally drained and again slept for a couple of hours. This can¢t be normal¢I should feel in the best shape of my life! Instead I have absolutely no energy.
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Thomsens', Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Gosh, someone said on the forum last winter that staying out of town is the best way to keep expenses down. I guess so. A hundred there, a couple hundred here, another hundred over there¢¦ Between new shoes, some medical issues, and getting my car insured and running again, I¢m not sure I¢ll be able to get back out there anytime soon! Depressing ¢ I hate spending money on things I don¢t want to have to pay for. Ha ¢ welcome back to the ¢real world.¢At least I felt better today ¢ not quite so drained. Still a little listless, but I got more accomplished from my to-do list. Two things instead of just one¢¦ Feet still stiff and sore in the morning and when I sit for very long.
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Thomsens', Laurel, MD

To: Thomsens', Laurel, MD
Miles today: 0.0

So I went to the doctor yesterday to get my blood drawn for a TSH test ¢ thyroid-stimulating hormone. Hypothyroidism runs in my family, and it could be what¢s been causing my extreme fatigue, as well as other symptoms. I¢m really not a go-to-the-doctor type person ¢ can¢t even remember the last time I did. I just think the whole healthcare system is so screwed up ¢ thanks mostly to the insurance companies. My visit yesterday was quite stereotypical ¢ wait for an hour in the lobby, wait for half an hour in the room, five minutes with a doctor who didn¢t even bother to ask why I was there, beyond the notes the nurse had written down. The nurse drew my blood, then I waited another half an hour to be able to pay. Every person in the office asked me if I had insurance¢¦ I¢d rather take after my grandma who once told the doctor, ¢Just give me the diagnosis and I¢ll take it from there¢¦¢I guess I¢m kind of hoping the TSH is high; maybe so I have that as an excuse for not finishing what I started. Though at the same time I hate the thought of having to take medication for ¢ well, indefinitely, I guess.Being off the Trail, I¢ve noticed a few things. I don¢t exactly miss it yet, surprisingly. I feel nostalgic when I think of Toby, Rodent, and other hikers and where they must be by now. I groan inwardly when I think of what they¢d say if they knew I wasn¢t behind them. But when I think of climbing another mountain I¢m so glad I¢m sitting here instead. However, I haven¢t done anything very active all week ¢ a few strolls, a walk through the mall ¢ and I feel it. I need to exercise. My legs and knees are stiff and sore, tight. Various other joints and muscles complain of the tension that comes from inactivity, as well. The Trail didn¢t cure me of a desire for ¢stuff¢ quite as much as I would have hoped. I do sense a need to simplify, though, to get rid of a lot of stuff I already have. Every time I see a pay phone I find myself wanting to pounce on it, thinking, ¢Oh, I should call so-and-so¢¦¢ as if I won¢t have another chance any time soon! That¢s funny.Everybody keeps asking me what my plans are ¢ I don¢t know. I am taking it a day at a time. Will I go back out yet this season? I hope so. I will find out the lab results tomorrow and take it from there. I¢ve also been trying to find new hiking shoes¢¦no small task. What a pain. It seems impossible to know how they¢ll work until you actually get out there in them ¢ and then it¢s too late to return them.As the day wears on and I make plans to go to Tennessee tomorrow (provided nothing else happens to my car¢¦), I suppose there is a part of me that feels like I¢m giving up too soon, leaving something unfinished; like I need to get back out there. Deep down, though, I think I actually feel afraid. Afraid of that miserable fatigue I was feeling. Afraid of the mountains.I know, what about Roan, Albert, Clingman¢s, etc., etc. etc. I¢ve already conquered them, so why feel afraid of those yet to come?
Date: 2003-09-06
From: Collegedale, TN

To: Collegedale, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday, September 6, 2003Starting Location: Clouzets¢, Collegedale, TN                Destination: Clouzets¢, Collegedale, TNToday's Miles: 0.00                                        Trip Miles: 1163.70 Ironic that I had to come home to begin to get realigned with my Friend and Savior.Went to church this morning and soaked up Jerry Arnold¢s great Bible-based preaching.This afternoon (after a gourmet meal prepared by Matt and Steve!) I spent chatting with my good friend who first took me backpacking last summer. She is a gem¢I treasure her friendship and wisdom. I told her how I¢d felt so unmotivated last week at my parents¢ and she suggested it was because I¢d lost my focus¢lost sight of my purpose for being out there. What is the true purpose of my life? To grow in my relationship with Jesus and share that¢somehow¢with those I come in contact with.Certainly I have lost sight of that.The truth be told, it¢s been weeks since I opened my Bible, and my ¢ritual morning reading¢ has dissipated to nothing.I guess it was the 20-mile days, day after day, and hiking all day that last Sabbath on the Trail, and the ¢gotta get there¢ mentality I succumbed to. I never realized how much of a goal-oriented person I am. I guess I will fight that all my life.