morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-01-21
To: Snow test
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up, in the nation's capital, to a snow, sleet mix....perfect opportunity to test out my cycling shoe covers with my Teva's. Wore two pair of smartwool socks and shoe covers and my feet stayed very warm. After a two mile hike, did inventory and discovered a bit of moisture had seeped through along the seams where I sewed up the cleat holes. Had figured I should probably use seam sealer on them but just hadn't done it yet. I'm pleased with the preliminary test run. I will seal the seams and try again. The Teva's had remarkable traction in the snow, ice and mud.
Date: 2012-01-22
To: We have a winner!
Miles today: 0.0

It was a close contest, but the winner of the Mountain House taste test was Pasta Primavera. Beef Stroganaff with Noodles was a close second. Rice & Chicken, Chili Mac with Beef and Beef Stew finished in the middle of the 'pack' (no pun intended), and bringing up the rear were the Italian pasta meals, Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Thanks to our distinguished panel of judges, Alec, Amy, Tod, Rupa and Mark for undertaking the difficult challenge of selecting a winner.
Date: 2012-01-25
To: How is a backpack like a guitar?
Miles today: 0.0

I am the sort of person who has always felt like if something wasn't broken, you shouldn't try to fix it. I've discovered, however, that with an attitude like mine, sometimes you miss out on learning opportunities. When I took guitar lessons, a few years ago, my teacher told me that I should loosen the strings, every day, before I practiced, to get in the habit of tuning the guitar. A friend, who was taking lessons at the same time, did what the instructor told him to do. Today, he can pick up a guitar and in a matter of minutes tune it perfectly. I always waited until my guitar was out of tune, grabbed a tuner and with great effort matched the string's pitch to the proper tone. I never learned to do it effortlessly. I've discovered that the same philosophy can be applied to "tuning" my backpack. When a backpack expert told me to loosen the straps every time I put the pack on, I looked at him incredulously. He had adjusted the pack perfectly. It felt like I could carry it for miles and miles. I wanted to super glue the straps in place so that I wouldn't have to worry about finding that perfect balance again. But I am older, and hopefully wiser, so I listened this time, and I have been loosening the belt, shoulder straps and load lifters every single day before my training hike. At first it was a bit demoralizing, because it didn't feel as perfect as when he did it. But I'm slowly learning to discern what right and balanced feel like....and maybe even more importantly, I'm able to instantly recognized when it's all wrong.
Date: 2012-01-29
To: January spring
Miles today: 0.0

A week ago, my training hike was in the snow. Today, the snow has been replaced with sunshine and daffodils. The warmer, muddier conditions have been perfect for trying out my new trekking poles. I've done a lot of hiking but never used poles. I'm surprised at how much I like them. The benefits I can already see: They force me to have better hiking posture. They allow me to set a more consistent cadence. They make me feel more stable....not in a four legged way, like I expected....but stability from being more aware of the trail, the best line to follow and the confidence to look up instead of steadlily watching my feet. I'm also pleased that I haphazardly ended up with poles with cork handles. With the warmer temps, I can already see that when my hands are sweaty, the cork will probably resist moisture better than soft foam grips.
Date: 2012-02-02
To: Testing, one, two, three....
Miles today: 0.0

Funny how your perspective about things can change. We've had unseasonably warm, fair, weather this winter...like most of the country. When today began with rain and gloom, I was so happy. I've been waiting for a rainy day to test the rest of my rain gear and see if the seam sealer worked on my cycling shoe covers. I am happy to report success on all counts. I feel good about my equipment and actually think everything has been purchased and tested that I'll be using on the trip. Everything, that is, except camp shoes. I know most people use Crocs or something similar. I was hoping to come up with something a little more original. Perhaps flamingo slippers...or Bugs Bunny....today, a ground hog might be appropriate. It sounds like Punxetawny Phil predicts six more weeks of winter! My training 'phil'osophy is, "the more varied the weather, the better". Happy Ground Hog Day everyone.
Date: 2012-02-10
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0

Most of my life when asked what my name is I've responded, Mickie, like the mouse....the intention being, to ward off being mistakenly identified as Vicki, Nicki, etc. I was going to wait and see what nickname I picked up on the trail but decided today my trail name will be Mouse. I wanted an animal name, and I can't think of a more indigenous creature than the wood mouse. Of course, the mouse has gotton a bit of a bad reputation for it's acrobatic and distructive behavior in almost every shelter on the AT. However, I figure by becoming more 'mouse like' I can possibly endear myself to the local population. Surely the shelter inhabitants will be more likely to bother someone named Corndog or Biscuit rather than a fellow 'mouse'. I would also like to point out that these shelter mice are not rats. We have rats here in the District of Columbia. The picture above was made in our back yard after our lab discovered this unwelcome intruder. There is a size difference between a rat and a mouse, and mice are cuter! Sorry SwampRat.....
Date: 2012-02-12
To: Book Selection
Miles today: 0.0

I want my AT journey to be a learning experience in a lot of different ways. I hope to learn more about myself physically and psychologically. I want to develop a greater appreciation for nature. I want to learn about what motivates my fellow hikers; the similarities we share but also the differences. I want to work on filling in some of the 'gaps' of basic knowledge about basic things that I lack. I know I will have lots of time to think, so I've dismantled five books and plan to mail myself a chapter of each in my resupply boxes that I'll retreave every eight days or so. I've tried to cover a number of topics. I love children's literature but know I've missed some of the classics, so I've included "A Wrinkle in Time". I want to learn the stories behind familiar names I've heard of (Gertrude Stein, Walt Whitman George Eliot) but really know very little about. Hopefully, "Proust Was a Neuroscientist" might provide some of the answers. I've included a book of philosophy, so I can not only discover what a Solipsist and a Pragmatist are but why I'm not one. It seems like solitude and hours of reflection require some sort of poetry, so I've included Coleman Bark's translation of "The Soul of Rumi". Those of you who don't know me might be rolling your eyes, saying, "What a pretentious book list". The truth is, if I were bringing along a Kindle or Nook, with thousands of reading choices, I would most likely choose to read the Game of Thrones collection. The only way to ensure that I will read 'what's good for me...what will stretch me' is to limit my choices.
Date: 2012-02-20
To: Waiting
Miles today: 0.0

It's President's Day. One of my favorite memorials, in DC, is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Its shade trees, water cascades and quiet alcoves create the feeling of a secluded garden. It isn't as easy to get to as some of the other memorials....situated between the Tidal Basin and the Potomac river....so, it offers a welcome escape from crowds and tourists. Today, I realized that we won't celebrate another government holiday until I'm well on my journey. I've been reading my fellow classmates journals and have come to the realization that a big chunk of the class of 2012 has departed or will depart by the 'leap year' date of Feb 29. I wish them well but can't help but feel that we March adverturers are in a line that's just not moving very quickly. I guess it's a good thing I have a 'sentimental' starting date, or I would be tempted to try to cut to the front of the line
Date: 2012-03-01
To: March 1st
Miles today: 0.0

I can finally say in less than three weeks my adventure begins. One of the benefits I'm already seeing, from planning this hike, is how organized I've become, knowing I'll be 'out of pocket' for months on end. It's not just things like ordering a year supply of contacts or making that last trip to the dentist. I feel a need to make numerous 'connections' before embarking into the great unknown. I've just returned from New Orleans, where my oldest daughter lives, and had such a great visit. I've decided all thru hikers should go there before they begin their hike....just to eat. It was so cool going into any number of restaurants, feeling total abandonment ordering appetizers, entrees and desserts; thumbing my nose at p-nut butter and ramen noodles. I'm beginning to think that a follow up trip, to New Orleans, might be in order when this journey ends.
Date: 2012-03-01
To: More Amundson's
Miles today: 0.0

All parents know that you can't post a picture of one child and leave out the other two, so this is a picture of daughter number two, (Annie) and only son, (Will) who just happen to be the parents of my two precious grandsons. If I can complete this journey I hope to send the message to these two little boys that they should always follow their dreams, take risks and never place limitaitons on themselves because of what others think they should or should not do. To quote Dr. Seuss from "Oh, the Places You'll Go:" "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...."
Date: 2012-03-15
To: Less than a week....
Miles today: 0.0

An artist, Aaron Foster, came up with the idea of creating maps of the United States using old license plates. One of his creations is for sale at the American Art Museum, here in DC. I love his work but couldn't afford to buy one of his pieces, so I decided to make one of my own. I recently took a piece of yarn and attached it to my map from Georgia to Maine, weaving it through the fourteen different states the Appalachian Mountains meander through. For the first time it really began to sink in how far 2100 miles is. Doubts began....I asked myself, "What am I doing? Could this be a big mistake?" Then a calm settled over me, and I realized; So what if it is! It's pretty easy not making mistakes if you never try anything new.
Date: 2012-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We got up so early, and couldn't believe our friend Mary was waiting in our alley to see me off. What an amazing friend she is!!! It's a strange feeling, today, driving to GA ( eleven plus hours)  and knowing I'll get out of the car tomorrow and start walking home. Ironically, when I make it all the way to DC (about 1,000 miles) there will still be over a 1,000  miles to finish. I've decided to "proclaim" The Proclaimer's "500 Miles"  my theme song for the first half of the trip.
Date: 2012-03-20
To: Yorkie Summits Springer
Miles today: 0.0

The adventure has begun.  Made the long drive to Amicalola Falls and was surprised, when getting supplies in Dawsonville, GA and there were police cars and people everywhere. Not the sleepy town I expected, but when I asked the cashier what the fuss was all about, she said they were filming a movie (Trouble With the Curve) and Justin Timberlake and Clint Eastwood were in it. It just seemed ironic that I was picturing the beginning of my journey immersed in nature and I almost ran into Justin Timberlake at FoodLion. The picture was made at the top of Springer Mt. Layla got to do the first mile of the AT and I wonder if she might be the first Yorkie to ever summit
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

First day: the first eight miles were easier than I thought they'd be...the last seven were harder.... But it was a good first day. The only physical issue I had was pain on the right side of my right knee when descending. I knew that might be a problem, so I brought a knee brace I'll  use it tomorrow for extra support. Gooch Mountain Shelter was completely full by the end of the day (shelter and tent sites). I decided to tent so I could practice putting it up when there wasn't a threat of rain.  It was fairly stable but i was pretty glad it wasn't tested by bad weather. I've heard a lot about trail magic and trail angels, but I didn't expect to find either my  first night in the shelters. My shelter mates we're incredible. First of all there was 'Trudger' who helped me pick out a tent site. Then there was  'Jolly 30' who helped me light my stove when we realized my new canister wasn't properly threaded. ' Just a guy' gave me an extra canister he said he didn't need when I continued to have problems.  Then I discovered I had failed to bring the head phones I needed to listen to music and books on tape, and 'Peanut Eater' tossed his to me and said 'Happy Birthday'.  What a day....what a birthday! Five Decades = Five Months of Hiking
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

No rain, no pain, no MaineI didn't expect to fully experience this  so early, but if that's the equation I've had one day of it. The rain began at Woody Gap and didn't stop until Jarrad Gap. I made some mistakes on my first rain day. Since it was warm and the rain caught me unaware I decided to just hike without  putting my raincoat or rain pants on. This proved to be a mistake for me because when I stopped to eat something I got a chill. Thus, I ended up changing, when the rain finally stopped,  but had some very heavy, wet clothes to carry.  The story has a happy ending though. Because of bear activity I couldn't stay at Blood Mountain shelter,  like I'd planned, so I hiked on to Neel's Gap. There is a hiker hostel in that area. The hiker hostel was full but some other hiker's knew about some cabins within walking distance. The cabins were full too, but a father/daughter hiking team said I could stay with them. They are just the nicest people in the world. (Bill & Angela) Not only did they share their cabin, but Bill fixed dinner (steak and potatoes) for the three of us. The other amazing thing was the cabin owner does your laundry for free.  Amazing ending to a tough day.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Mar 23The day called for more storms, so I was determined to get to a shelter for the night. I hiked hard and fast and ended up at Low Gap shelter pretty early in the afternoon. Folks were eating lunch when I got there and couldn't believe I wasn't pushing on, since it was so early, but the threat of storms and empty shelter encouraged me to call it a day.  While I was eating lunch three guys came by who had lost all their food, the night before, from a marauding bear. The bear bag was torn to shreds.  The shelter ended up full with a great cast of characters: Do It and Angela; Show-n-tell, Ragweed and Hobo Joe; Plus Two. That night the rain did come but when the sky cleared, the coyotes began to sing and it was a beautiful 'first night in a shelter.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

March 24Planned to do at least a 15 mile day but felt pressure to get to the next shelter because of potential rain again.  It's funny because I thought that as I hiked, hour after hour, my mind would be occupied with deep reflection and thoughts of the meaning of life. The truth is, I spend most of my time monitoring my body: How does my knee feel? When I put my pole down is it jarring my wrist too much? Am I carrying too much weight on my shoulders?  So far, every day, something hurts. The good thing is it's never the same something.  I made it to the shelter in plenty of time to get a spot and some of the same hikers, from the night before showed up, too: Show-n-tell, Ragweed and Hobo Joe,  Plus Two, and a new friend named Bear Boots. We did have an afternoon storm, but immediately after, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.  I hope God is promising no more rain for a while  It was our coldest night (high 30's) and my sleeping bag did great. I also got a chance to try out my ear plugs (two shelter snorers) and they worked great too.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Tray Mt. Shelter

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: few clouds

First day of clear hiking with no threat of rain.  Saw my first wildlife (other than squirrels)- some wild turkey hens. It was a fairly uneventful day. I was a little sad because everyone I've been staying in shelters with was going into Hiawasee to resupply.  I had  plenty of food so decided to push on. Ended up at one of the nicest shelters on the trail. It's a triple decker and holds 12 people. The other shelters I've experienced  hold 7.  It was a very quite night. I was the only person sleeping on the lower level. One of the luxuries, I'm enjoying on the trail, is one cup of coffe I have each morning, Some friends from DC are sending the Via packets to me at each resupply spot and Rupa and Alec are writing me a message on each sleeve. This morning I woke up, after four days of not showering, looking a fright,  and read the message "Best Hair on the AT". It certainly made me smile!
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Got off pretty early ( I'm getting better at packing up) and mid morning found myself crossing a state line....good-bye Georgia, hello North Carolina. After crossing the border I met a fellow hiker named Macon York. After talking for a bit I discovered that 27 year old Macon graduated from Sewanee The University of the South, which is the university just six miles from where my husband and I raised our family in southern middle Tennessee. It really is a small, small world. The weather was perfect for hiking, sunny and cool,  and I got to the shelter in plenty of time to relax and soak my feet in a nearby stream.  Only thing remotely note worthy....I've been eating too many prunes....
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Decided this would be a long day to try to get as close as possible to Franklin, NC where I will pick up my first resupply box and stay in a hotel for the first time.  Plus Two, Macon and I decided we would try to get to the last shelter before the road crossing.  It was a push, but we made it, and I charted my first near 20 mile day. I also experienced my first trail magic when I reached the 100 mile mark and a ranger (former thru hiker) had hoisted over the trail, in a tree,  using a rope, pulley and cooler a container full of chocolate and angel food cake. It was amazingly delicious.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: clear sky

One week on the trail and I'm loving it! I got up super early and hiked to the road to wait for a shuttle that the hotel I'm staying in promised would pick me up around 9:00.  I had plenty of company to wait with because most hikers resupply in Franklin. The shuttle picked us up and carried us the 10 miles into town and I did laundry, took a shower and walked to a local restaurant that has an all you can eat buffet. The food was amazing! I had fried chicken livers, okra, white beans, mashed potatoes and cornbread....two plates full.  It was authentic southern cooking. Next, I walked to a local outdoor store and made some gear changes.  First, I got rid of my Neo-Air Thermarest sleeping pad.  I learned to hate it after only a week. It makes a crinkly noise every time you roll over and does not endear you to your shelter mates.  My other change was to get a petzl headlamp with red light capability. Shelter etiquette dictates that you can use your headlamp, at night, if you have the red light setting, because it doesn't disturb others but still provides enough light to read by. I think I'll be happy with the changes.  I plan to order delivery pizza for dinner then go to bed super early. The hotel shuttle will deliver me back to the trail tomorrow at 9:00 am and I will begin week two. Next challenge- The Great Smokey Mountains National Park!
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and got on a van from First Baptist Franklin that took us to a free breakfast of pancakes and bacon. The local church provides this ministry three weeks out of the year to thru hikers who stay at Ron Haven's hiker hotels.  I don't even like pancakes, in real life, but these were 'heavenly'. The hotel shuttle delivered us back to the trail at 9:30, so it was a late start which made me realize my favorite hiking time is early morning.  I arrived at the shelter later than usual and discovered it was the smallest most primitive shelter yet. An older hiker, named Turtle, was there and he started a fire while I was getting my camping chores done. (filtering water,  freshening up, laying out my sleeping pad, setting up my cooking station, hanging my bear bag) It was my very first fire of the trip. It looked like we were going to be the only ones at the shelter until twilight and Christian (Muzungu) showed up. The funny thing about the trail..... I was sitting by the fire felling sorry for myself because my wrist hurt and I noticed, as  Muzungu talked, that only one of his arms worked. His entire right arm had been paralyzed in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. He ended up being quite the character and kept us entertained til bedtime. ....and you know, I didn't even notice the ache in my wrist.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I scheduled to do an 18 mile day, but the carrot was knowing at mile 8 the trail comes out at the NOC and you can get a burger and fries. It's amazing how fast those 8 miles went by. I shared a table with Smooth Sailing, Mega Pixel and a guy from S. Carolina.  There are some interesting trail names out here and characters to go with them. Mega Pixel is carrying a big camera...there's a guy named Coleman who's hiking the trail barefoot...Steps is a girl who's counting all her steps...Atlas-instead of carrying the world on his back is carrying a guitar.  There are also lots of International folks: Sebastian and Fredarika from Germany; Hurricane from New Zealand; James from Scotland; and Wrong Way from England.  Those are just a few that I've met.  The last part of the day went a bit more slowly but my timing was great weather wise. I arrived at the shelter and settled in just as a storm hit.  I went to sleep that night with 'visions of french fries dancing in my head.'
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Spring has sprung.  I saw my first snake sunning itself on the trail and noticed that the trees are greening out and the wild flowers are everywhere. It seems to have happened overnight....trillium, may apple, wild violets, spring beauties.. I know the views of the mountains will soon be obscured by the new vegetation, but I'm excited about the change,It was a fairly uneventful day. I've discovered that my mind wants to quit hiking before my body needs too, so I've been using my 'secret weapon' on the long days.  I have a battery powered mp3 player and my husband downloaded about 120 songs onto it. I have worked out that it takes me about 20 minutes to hike a mile, and if a song is about 3 minutes long, 7 songs equal out to about one mile.  On the days when three more miles seem a bit too far I can listen to my mp3 player and know that in 21 songs I'll make it to the shelter.  So far my predictions have been spot on!