morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-01-14
To: PREP #3
Miles today: 0.0

ok. the "to-do" list is coming along slowly... i have to adopt out my cats before i leave! it is probably one of the worst parts of having to leave. Dave is allergic to them and cannot take care of them. My parents' own two dogs that think cats are toys -- not good. And, my roommate can't handle the litter box for 3 days, let alone 6 months. They deserve a home with an owner that is home more often anyways. so, today i spent updating their shots and getting whitey "groomed", i.e. shaved. i really just hope i am able to keep them together in a good home!! anyone want two cats??
Date: 2008-01-15
To: PREP #4
Miles today: 0.0

Pips: a childhood nickname.the most complicated part of the trip right now is the fact that i do not have one person i am hiking the entirety of the trip with. my two partners in crime bailed and that has left me gathering information/prepping/learning as much as i can... solo style. i do have several people that will be hiking parts of the trail with me but there are still concerns about how much of it i will actually be hiking on my own. i really hope to meet more people that will be hiking during the same time period! oh, and any information/help is much appreciated. i am far from clueless -- but i figured out a long time ago that 1. you can never know too much and 2. it is far better to learn from the mistakes of others :0) i just think that the more prepared i am the less chance i have of coming off the trail before i reach Katahdin!
Date: 2008-01-16
To: PREP #5
Miles today: 0.0

Rosemary has been one of my biggest supporters in this trip. I have even convinced her to come out and join me on parts of this adventure -- although I couldn't get her to commit to 6 months! We drive all over Georgia searching for challenging trails and taking tons of pictures along the way. Prepping surely isn't supposed to be this much fun and I owe a lot of that to her! We are both Army brats so I dragged her out to the Army v. GT game this year (my two alma maters!!). There really are too many adventures to be had and too little time! GO ARMY BEAT NAVY
Date: 2008-01-18
To: PREP #6
Miles today: 0.0

Well, today I got another chance to put things into perspective. One of my closest and dearest friends is currently deployed in Iraq. Actually, many of my friends are deployed overseas, but Meg has an extra special part of my heart. I miss her more than anything and today when I FINALLY got a phone call it made me rethink where I am and what I am doing. She is only home for R&R and will not redeploy back to the States until November or December of 2008 -- and, if everything goes as planned, I will be sitting down with her and telling her of all my crazy adventures by Christmas. I am so thankful to have this opportunity -- this isn't where I thought I would be 5 years ago... three years ago... or even a year ago it felt like a distant dream. But, here I am. And, it really is crazy to think how much of a wrong turn i thought my life had taken three years ago... almost today... but how much of a right turn it turned out to be. More than anything, no matter what the outcome of this trip, I am so grateful to be able to pursue this dream and to make more dreams in the process. I am definitely the lucky one... I will be busy hiking or preparing for hiking during almost the entirety of her deployment!! To everyone deployed, stay safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Date: 2008-02-12
To: PREP #7
Miles today: 0.0

Goodness... So much to do and so little time! But, I love it. After talking to a few people I feel like I am one step behind the bell curve, but I think it has it's advantages. I spend every day finalizing "something" -- the cats are now with a pet adoption group who will find them a great home, I miss them TERRIBLY. my boots are broken in... the teachers and students at my school are aware of my departure... my gear is coming together... WHICH, i had a lot of second hand gear when I began to plan this trip -- however, that gear has changed drastically as I have talked with people and done my own research. I kind of felt a little pressed on time making these changes so close to when I was leaving, but in the end I think I made the right decision -- the purchases I made early (like the pack I used last year in Europe) ended up changing, anyways. I am extremely focused on weight because of my small frame -- I have hiked many days with heavy packs and it has little do with will as it does with trying to sustain my body for the trip. It is easy to go out with a 40 pound pack for 6 days, knowing that you can rest your body on day 7 -- 6 months is a whole different story. I have put some money into getting my weight down and when I head out to the Smokey Mountains on Sunday for our three day test run I will be able to figure out my final weight!! However, gear is far from the last thing on my list -- I have to move, I have to settle my car insurance/park my car, i have to spend as MUCH time as possible with my little sister, Alex, with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I have a short trip to Tunica with my father... scrapbooking with mom... coordinating my bounce box/mail drops... and spending time with other family and friends that i will miss GREATLY on the trail. i am behind on emails/messages but i read them all and the support i have received so far is humbling and inspiring -- from those that have told me about their own hikes, to those that simply follow along, to my close friends and family... this is a great adventure!! ** the picture is from the Wicklow Way in Ireland -- all but one day of RAIN and when it wasn't raining we were being attacked by huge horse flys by the hundreds... SO much fun! haha.
Date: 2008-02-20
To: PREP #8
Miles today: 0.0

It is coming down to the wire. About two weeks until I depart for Springer... my official departure date, March 7. An odd day, I know -- requiring those close to me to take time off work to send me on my way. BUT, it enables me to take my time getting to Helen, Georgia -- no rushing on the mileage, allowing my body to become adjusted to the wear and tear, and getting down a good routine. Helen will be my first stop and zero day (a day i put in zero mileage in order to resupply food and give my body a little R&R). My run through in the Smokey's went well -- We didn't put in a lot of mileage, but the terrible weather gave me a chance to test out almost all of my gear! It was raining (pouring), there were high winds, and camp was very "chilly" (cold!). I do not like to talk much about gear because I really think that it depends on the person and what they feel comfortable with... BUT, if I had to recommend one very worthwhile piece of cold weather gear it would have to be my Montbell Inner Down Jacket -- it weighs all of 7 ounces and looks like nothing -- but with 800 fill, it kept me toasty warm (and that is saying a lot coming from me!). The price versus benefits (warmth, weight, space) is definitely in the buyers favor. So there you go... I sound like an official hiker spewing all this gear talk... I still think my pack is too heavy -- not for me to carry, but heavier than I want it to be for the trip. Now that I recieved my last piece of gear in the mail yesterday I will be able to find out a final weight. Fingers crossed! Shout out to Zach and Rosemary for making the trip up to the Smokey Mountains and enduring the great weather and good company :0)
Date: 2008-03-01
To: PREP #9
Miles today: 0.0

well... where to begin. i am FIVE days from leaving... i can't believe it is finally this week. unfortunately, i am fighting off a cold. i haven't been sick since i had my surgery in october and if this were pre surgery i would already be well in the midst of bed rest and i would have to be delaying my start date by weeks... BUT, this is the new post surgery sickness which is beatable with a lot of fluids, some medication, and bed rest! so, even though i have a THOUSAND things to be doing, i am staying in bed today -- doing my taxes, catching up on emails, and paying bills. hopefully, when i wake up tomorrow i will be ready to go 100 miles an hour :0) speaking of bills... dad, aunt pat, mrs. almeyda and i took a trip to tunica, mississippi to play a little poker. and after a couple days of getting used to playing with real money (distinctly different than the tournaments i used to play for gift certificates), i hit a royal flush and won a bit of money to go towards my trip!! considering finances were the most stressful part of this trip, it is a blessing and i am very greatful! my brother has also taken off work and will be hiking the first three days with me through gooch gap. not many miles, but i will enjoy the company and help getting adjusted to trail life :0) i know these last few days are going to be insanely busy... but i will try to post one last prep journal entry to let everyone know that mission AT is a go :0) as always, thank you so much for all of your support!
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: moderate rain

The beginning. Finally, I made my way to the trail. We left last night for Dahlonega and got up early for the trip to the parking lot just beyond Springer Mountian. My brother, Marc (trailname: Smeagol), is hiking the first three days with me. Along for the climb to Springer were my parents and Dave. My last meal was a little Affle Waffle (Waffle House), but unfortunately my nerves were getting the best of me. I didn't sleep well the night before and didn't eat much at breakfast. I was beyond anxious to get on the trail and start this new part of my life. I was very grateful that my parents and Dave made the trip up to Springer -- their support is irreplaceable. After the .9 mile climb to the mountain and the requisite photo opportunities (did I mention it was raining??) we headed back down the mountain and I had to say my very sad goodbye's. I know that I will see them all again in the next few weeks, but I have been quite spoiled having so many people that love and care about me so close for the past few years. I am sure withdrawal symptoms will start occuring in short order. Afterwards, we parted ways.   Rain and all, Smeagol and I headed off for our first full day on the AT. We stopped at Stover Creek Shelter for lunch out of the rain and met a few guys that were out on the AT for spring break -- they were cold and definitely not prepared for the snow the weather was calling for tonight. I hope they make it! I have been very happy to have company on the trail. Smeagol and I have traveled together a lot in the past few years and the times we have had together have been priceless. Being 6 years apart, it has really been a blessing to get to spend so much time with him doing so many awesome things! I am gaining confidence and anxious to see what tomorrow brings. We are staying at Hawk Mountain Shelter tonight. There are 7 other guys, all through hikers, that are staying the night as well. I am going to have to get better and getting names so that the appropriate introductions can be made!! Until tomorrow...
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I have made it to Gooch Mountain Shelter and what a day it has been! We woke up to... SNOW!!   and it continued to snow all day. We were the first ones to make it out of our sleeping bags and on the trail this morning -- but that was merely out of self preservation. The only way to get warm is to MOVE. When we arrived at this shelter Butters, Kota, and Berf were already here. The three of them had camped at various locations last night during the rain/sleet/hail/snow storm and were all trying to dry out and somehow manage to get warm! Unfortunately, the hike was a little rough today because we did not want to stop and take as many breaks as we needed... every time we stopped our hands and feet would start to go numb and the only thing we wanted to do was keep walking... the problem was that after mile 5 I was drained of energy. Around every corner I was hoping that I was miscalculating the miles and the shelter would be there -- like a ray of sunshine. Supposedly, we are walking in the mountains, but I have yet to see one! the fog and clouds have prevented us from seeing much more than the path in front of us and that has not been very welcoming at times. We came across a group of four scouts with their Scout Masters, Bald Eagle and Ridge Runner. They were a great group of kids and it was a lot of fun talking with them! All the guys from the shelter last night made it in to the shelter tonight. There were a lot of people out for a weekend trip (it is Saturday) so the camp grounds filled up quickly. Everyone congregated around the picnic table and the fire (yes! we had fire!) and it was great to get to know some of the great people out of on the trail. But, no other girls, yet!! I am used to being in male dominated environments so I don't pay too much attention, but -- it didn't go unnoticed as a prepare to leave my brother tomorrow!   It was 23 degrees outside and the wind was biting. Water and damp clothing froze during the night. Last night, Smeagol and I were sleeping by 5 (after not sleeping the night before it was much needed) -- tonight, we managed to stay awake until after sunset -- I didn't settle down into my cozy sleeping bag until 8, haha. The stars were out, finally some clear skies! Tomorrow should be a good day of hiking.
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap (The Hiker Hostel)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

You would think that 5.0 miles would be easy... but, Smeagol was in a rush to get home so we didn't take as many breaks as I would have liked -- and, I was TIRED. I was tired from the cold and two rough nights of sleep. I was tired from not drinking enough (who wants to go to the bathroom when it is below freezing in the middle of the night!?). I was tired from not eating enough because it was tough to stop yesterday with the wind, snow, and cold. But, even so, it wasn't too bad of a day. Day 3 is always one of your worst days because of the aches and pains and your body getting adjusted to the amount of physical activity. My arm is pretty bruised up from a nasty fall I took yesterday and my legs are getting used to the miles. I need to remember to take my vitamins and stretch before I get into bed. I think both of these things will help with my soreness. Right now I am cozy warm and dry at the Hiker Hostel. Smeagol drove me back into Dahlonega to pick up fresh fruit and the best Subway sandwich of all time... haha. Then I got to take a long, hot shower. After two rough weather days I am glad to be able to get a good nights sleep before taking on Blood Mountain tomorrow. Spirits are up!I posted photos on Facebook -- they are great! -- just send a friend invite and you can see them. Depending on what I can figure out tonight, it may not be until Helen before I can download all the photos onto Trail Journals. Staying in the hostel tonight: Butters and Kota, Berf, Punchline and his wife, Huck -- and many more, but I haven't learned all of their names! working on it. I miss everyone a ton. I am off to make phone calls and eat lots and lots of food for dinner. I will post again when I make it to Helen!
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Woody Gap (The Hiker Hostel)

To: Blood Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

What a great day!! The Hiker Hostel is a wonderful place and the soft bed, shower, and great breakfast really set the mood of the day. Seven of us were dropped off at Woody Gap to begin our ascent of the infamous Blood Mountain. The group consisted of: Strides, Circumstance (Circ), Butters, Kota, Berf, and Ruby Tuesday (for those of ya'll who haven't caught on yet, we use trail names as opposed to real names). The entire 8+ miles was uphill but my body finally felt like it was adjusting. Still plenty of aches and pains but that comes with the territory. And, getting to the top was worth every single step. We had a clear, beautiful day and the views were priceless. I was able to cook dinner up on a rock above the shelter looking out over the Georgia Mountains. I was then able to stay up there with great company to watch the sunset!! Berf continued on with his cousin, but we were joined by Kyanite, Sun Kissed, and their two dogs. I took a ton of pictures but, as always, they won't do any justice. Without Marc (Smeagol), as much as I love him, it was nice to be able to go at my own pace. I like to take a lot of breaks and to sit down and enjoy the views, or the people passing by. It keeps me eating and drinking, as well. Sometimes I will get a rythm going and get lost in my thoughts and forget to do both, so purposefully looking out for good areas to take a rest has been key. With so many of us starting the hike out at the same time today there was a lot of company on the trail. I was able to spend time talking with Ruby Tuesday and Kota while we hiked. For those of ya'll that are worried about me hiking alone -- for now, I am never really alone at all. If I stop for a few minutes there are people behind me and after a while hiking I usually pass other hikers taking breaks or going the other direction. However, the few precious moments that I am completely alone and all I can hear are the leaves in the wind are certainly the best. And, before I wrap this up -- I must pay my respects to Meredith. The tragedy was not far from my mind today and it was not without a hurt heart that I enjoyed such a beautiful place and connected, personally, with such a beautiful woman.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

To: Baggs Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.6

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise on Blood Mountain. What a way to start the day! To make it even better I had Dave waiting for me at Neel's Gap -- only a short two mile downhill climb off the mountain. Having Dave waiting really brought my spirits up. It felt wierd though, like I was walking out of a different world. There was SO much I wanted to share with him and it felt overwhelming -- I just don't think my words will ever do this experience justice. I was able to make a few purchases at the outfitter and stock up on some food! Before I left for Springer I figured my base weight (without food and water) to be about 17 pounds. We weighed my pack today at Neel's Gap with food and water and it was about 28 pounds!! Great news for me. A lot of hikers are starting with 40 to 50 pound bags so I am very happy to hear that all my hours of research and focus on weight has helped me to start out with a comfortable pack weight. Even still, I spent some time today trying to figure out if anything in my pack was unnecessary. I guess I am never completely satisfied. It was tough to leave Dave behind, again, but I was eager to get back on the trail. We are camping for the first time tonight so I get to try out my Nemo GoGo tent! We have a camp fire going and although we lost Strides this morning (he is putting in more miles), our camp still consisted of Circ, Butters, Kota, Ruby Tuesday, Kyanite, Sun Kissed, and the two pups. It was cloudy today and we had some light rain, but otherwise we made quick work of the miles and sat around enjoying our camp fire and the good company. I am getting a little flack from the group for my compulsive planning tendencies. I think as long as I can stay flexible and aware that things change that I sleep better at night with a game plan and goals for the morning (and the morning after.. ).To the teachers and kids from Madras -- no bears, yet! And, tell Marshall he needs to hurry up at his locker and stop socializing -- he'll be happy to hear that I am watching him even from all the way up here.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Baggs Creek Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

I think this statement is getting kind of repetitive, but what a great day! It was very chilly when we woke up and broke camp this morning. My hands were numb from the wind blowing through and I didn't feel like cooking up a hot breakfast so I packed up and headed out in search of a warmth. I found an area on the trail out of the wind and took a minute to snack on a small breakfast and tend to a few other morning chores that I had bypassed before leaving camp. But, it was still chilly and I wanted to keep moving so I kept on -- only to climb dont to Tesnatee Gap to be greeted by my first Trail Angels!! Trail Angels are people who do something positive for hikers along the way. White Bear and Kujo were serving up hot stew and drinks from the back of their truck. And, it was certainly a turning point to the hectic morning. Before long there were about 10 thru hikers standing around the truck enjoying the hot food! But, that wasn't the end of our good fortune. We made the climb out of Tesnatee Gap and came down the other side into Hog Pen Gap only to find two more Trail Angels, Bruce and Myrtle, waiting with cookies and fruit!! It really was another beautiful day on the trail. The hike into Low Gap was a breeze after that. I caught up to Slow Barbara on the trail and walked with her for a while, it was nice to slow down a little and talk with another hiker -- especially a female! When we did make it to Low Gap Shelter the place was already filling up with hikers -- either claiming space in the shelter or making camp around. Aside from the group from last night (Circ, Butters, Kota, Ruby, Kyanite, and Sun Kissed) we were joined by Leatherfoot, Slow Barbara, Stake and Shake, Hatchet (a section hiker), Traildust and Dovetail, Jared and Collin (so far, without trailnames), Daddy-O and Peacock, and Ishmael. I am sure I have forgotten a few people but I am writing down the names as I remember them and as I have positive interactions with them. So, as you can see... I am surely not alone. No Mom, I did not collect fingerprints or social security numbers, yet -- but I will post photos for identification purposes :0) I am really loving the trail. I hike into Unicoi Gap tomorrow where Dave will be there to pick me up for my Zero Day in Helen. Most of the other hikers are pushing on to Hiawassee, but I am going to stick with my plan. My body isn't demanding a break -- but, I would rather rest up before I become broken down then to spend several days recovering because I pushed myself too far, too fast. Still loving life.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap (Helen, GA)
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was my longest day of hiking yet. I am still not above 10, but that is on purpose. I had a slow start, but once I got in a groove I made good time up to the Blue Mountain Shelter where most of the group is staying tonight. My knee was a bit swollen so the climb down the mountain to Unicoi Gap was a bit more tedious than I had hoped, but a lot of hikers are having various aches and pains so I am not overly worried. I have decided that my two little toes are quite unnecessary and would like them to be amputated. I am, of course, kidding (for the most part). If I neglect to mention the little toes, my feet are holding up quite well. So, a summary of my health -- my spirits are high and my newly acquired knee brace and upcoming amputation of my little toes will eliminate all potential problems. Dave picked me up at Unicoi Gap (he is the best!!) and we immediately stopped for some food and a long shower (he was riding with the windows open because it was nice outside, right??). It feels great to have a week down with so many great memories already -- I think I got this.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Unicoi Gap (Helen, GA)

To: Unicoi Gap (Helen, GA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero days rock. Things to look forward to this week: crossing the Georgia/North Carolina border and seeing my parents when they come up to Franklin, NC to visit on my next zero day (Friday). Post more news then!!   Photos posted on Facebook! I will try to find a better medium to post them...