morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-02
From: Cloud Pond Lean-to

To: The Hermitage Campsite
Miles today: 11.6

Well, I did eventually leave my sleeping bag in order to put on cold, wet clothes and boots. Powernap and I still didn¢t leave the shelter til 9am. Late start. Not good. It took better part of the day crossing the ridge from Barren Mtn over fourth and third peaks and finally up and over Chairback Mtn. It was freezing cold and we just kept moving to stay warm. About midday the sun finally made an appearance. Thank Gawd! The last two days have been pretty miserable and hard.The trail wasn¢t a river anymore but was still one long puddle and muddy as hell. It made for slow going. We past through a cool bog at one point and I got to see some pitcher plants. So cool! The leaf of this plant folds all the way around to form a ¢pitcher¢ to collect rainwater. The plant releases a chemical of sorts into the water to change the viscosity of the water. So when bugs that can usually walk on water land in the pitcher plant, they sink. The plant then digests the bug in order to got nitrogen. Bogs are lacking nitrogen so these plants are an evolutionary solution to an environment like this. Pretty cool!Once we got over Chairback Mnt, it was smooth sailing down to the Pleasant River. We had to ford this one, which came up over our knees. A ridge runner that we ran into said it was the highest she¢d seen it all year. We sure got a lot of rain!We are now camped just past the river at the Hermitage Campsite. I strung a line to hang up all of our wet gear and clothes. It probably won¢t be dry by morning, but at least it won¢t be dripping. Onto conquer White Cap Mountain tomorrow.
Date: 2010-10-03
From: The Hermitage Campsite

To: Mountain View Pond
Miles today: 17.9

Well, it was a cold start today again. I watched as a few rays of sunlight crept through the trees hoping it would warm me up. Fat chance. The clothes we hung out to ¢dry¢ did no such thing and I couldn¢t bring myself to put on wet, cold clothes yet again. So I risked something I don¢t usually risk and just kept on my only dry pair of clothes. Today was pretty clear, so I banked on staying dry and semi-warm today. We filled up on water on our way out of camp and then started climbing Whitecap Mountain. This mountain was like most of the ranges we have been climbing in Maine meaning it was a long gradual ascent over many miles. It took most of the day to get up and over this mountain. Powah nap and I just took our time. We would come to the ¢top¢ of each climb, just to drop down again onto the ridge and climb another peak. After a few hours we finally reached the summit of Whitecap Mountain and our first view of the day. It was beautiful and we enjoyed immense views on a beautifully clear day. It was still bitterly cold at the top, but I was so happy to be dry and bask in sunlight for a whole day for the first time since we entered the 100-mile wilderness. I also got my first look at mount Katahdin from the top of Whitecap Mountain and it filled me with emotion. For the first time this trip, I was filled with a huge feeling of accomplishment. I am almost at the end of a long journey. The descent off of Whitecap Mountain was pretty steep with some scrabbles down rock faces. Towards the bottom of the mountain I saw another moose; a huge bull moose! It took one look at me and ran so fast I barely had time to point him out to Powah Nap. It is so amazing how fast moose can run. We had one more river crossing and a small climb before we decided to call it quits by Mountain View pond. I am pretty tired, so I cooked a quick dinner and am now ready to get some sleep.
Date: 2010-10-04
From: Mountain View Pond

To: Nahmakanta Stream Camp
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: broken clouds

We really booked it today. The terrain was so flat and easy and wonderful. I just threw on my ipod and cruised through the day admiring the fall colors, beautiful lakes and various views of Mount Katahdin. It was sunny again today but still brisk. Perfect fall weather. It was a nice reprieve from the challenges that the trail has thrown at us in the last month. We called it quits at about 5:30 tonight and I¢m enjoying a very mellow evening in my tent listening to the stream and taking in the night air. I¢m thinking a lot about the end being so near. I¢m excited to see my dad in a couple days and to finally hit the summit of the Big K, but I¢m worried about the days after trail. I guess I¢ll cross that bridge when I get there. Good night all!
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Easter!!!!!!More on the trail later.Happy Easter to everyone in my family especially the kids. I looked for the big bunny this morning but must have missed him. He did find me though. I don't know how that big furry guy found me.Max , there are bear down here. Thank goodness I haven't seen any yet. There are also different kinds of snakes,wild boar,spiders etc.Samantha's class(5th) has been discussing the AT every Tuesday. They are having lot of fun with it. They even gave themselves trail names. How cool is that? I am trying not to let myself get caught up with bow many miles a day I do. In the beginning I found that I was pretty uptight about it. One of the lessons that I have learned is, what is the point in doing this if you don't stop and smell the roses? If some nice soul asks you to their house for dinner or offers you a ride etc., take it. They are asking because they want to help. I have only been at this for 3 weeks. I would have missed out meeting some great people if I had kept to a "schedule". I have also found that if I hike to fast I might miss out on new flowers just coming up or a bird I have never seen or even trail magic. So, please if you are thinking about a thru or section pay attention to what's around you. After all, one of the reasons to be out here is to appreciate nature and what it has to offer.Another thing you find out while you are out here is what you are made of. At home I wouldn't want to walk the dogs around the block because I might meet up with one of our many skunks. Sounds crazy right? My husband is always making fun of me. Out here at 2 in the morning and I have to answer nature's call I would dare any bear to come and mess with me. I am trying to get out of my tent and my knees are killing me or it's in the 20's or raining.... Some animal wants to try and stop me, bring it on. Now when I get home I'll have no excuse. I'll have to walk the dogs at night. The whole skunk thing, I have a feeling, won't fly.Lastly, I have been getting remarkable cell signal out here and in the strangest places. I was worried at first how quickly I would update my journal. Between the cell signal and going into town it hasn't been a problem. So, don't stress about not being able to journal. I have an iPhone. There is a notepad feature. You can type your entry. When you get service just copy and paste into your journal.I have to get back to laundry now. I started it at 6 this morning. There are always chores to be done. At home I have the luxury of doing things whenever I want to. Not in town when there are alot of things to do and everyone else also having to do the same things. Early bird catches the worm.I'm off now. I hope everybody enjoys their day regardless of what that may be. We are going to try and find a church service and the what else but eat. Mom and Dad, I love you and will miss you on this day. Thanks for the notes. They mean more that you can imagine. Say hi to Carl and Ginny. I am also going to miss the fried dough. I am sitting here eating a poptart. Not exactly the same thing.City Slicker
Date: 2010-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have finally decided to start my journal. I have been a little bit lazy with the writing aspect of this. I am starting in March and have been making my final preparations. Yikes!!!! Eventhough we (myself,Ham,and Brian) have been planning this for 2 years, it is still overwhelming. I think I finally have a good grasp on things. I went to REI today where they are still stealing my money (ha ha). I am off now so I can pull out the rest of my hair.Rachel
Date: 2010-01-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi,I'm sitting here after completing my leave of absence forms for work. I am realizing it's one thing to talk about it and another to actually do it. For the first time since being a young girl I will have no employment. This is of course by choice. Given the state of the economy, this seems insane. Well, now that I have said my peace, how many days left before March 15th?Rachel
Date: 2010-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

One of my fears is getting ill out on the trail. I'm am sick right now with gastroenteritis. I was in bed for 24 hours. I couldn't eat,drink,or get up. I just tried to take one of my dogs for a little walk. Quickly, I realized that was a big mistake. Is anyone else apprehensive about this? I know I have what it takes to hike under normal circumstances, but this?R-
Date: 2010-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, I can stop losing sleep over my leave of absence forms. It is a done deal. I surprised myself. Usually I am very much a creature of habit. When the hospital admin kept asking me over and over if I was sure about this, instead of staying put, I wanted to go even more. I have never been more sure about anything. If I complete a thru hike or only part of the trail, I am positive taking the time for myself will be the right decision.I have all my gear bought. For me, making sure everything I bring is just right has been painful. I decided to go with a fairly heavy pack, the Gregory Diva. I know some people may cringe. I went back and forth over several packs for a long time. This is the pack I always went back to. I am starting to organize my stuff in my pack. I'm hoping not to go over 35lbs. Everybody keeps asking me if I'm nervous. I wasn't...... I mean, what's to be nervous about? It's only a little walk in the woods. Bear,snakes, and lyme disease oh my. I have decided to surrender my self to whatever happens. I really want to enjoy this experience without the stress and fear of the unknown.So, to everyone who keeps asking "are you nervous" the answer is no. I am really excited.My thought these days are fairly scattered. When I type it is coming up on the screen as it appears in my brain. Aren't you a lucky bunch?Rachel
Date: 2010-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all,Well, I took the big jump and weighed my pack this weekend. Drum roll please.....My pack weighs 22 lbs without the water. I wasn't sure if my eyes were deceiving me. I checked two days in a row and it was in fact 22 lbs. I think all ul hikers would be happy with me. I keep feeling I must be missing something. Should I add some extra clothing? Maybe I'll be too cold unless I put one more fleece in my pack. These are the things that run through my brain now. I am aggravated. I tried REALLY hard to keep my pack weight down and now that I have I am paranoid I have left something out. At least when I'm on the trail I won't be walking from room to room in my house looking at all my "stuff". I won't have to worry about which outfit to wear and do I look presentable. I have a house full of things and stuff. When I walk by and look at my pack all ready to go, I think, I CAN survive with what will be on my back. I don't need all this extra crap. That being said I'm sure I will be happy to return to some of my things. The older I get, the more I realize how happy I am with a simpler life. With age you become more comfortable in your own skin.I will leave you with this thought:Days like today, I had a patient hug me and tell me "thanks for being there for me" as they are dying of cancer, makes me appreciate life on a very fundamental level. Worrying about stupid issues no longer concern me at this stage in my life. I want to live and experience life, because it is short and you just never know.......Rachel
Date: 2010-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been making countless lists. I don't know if anyone has found themselves doing this. I have lists for everything: food,gear,husband,dogs,taxes,and house. It will be nice to on trail. Then I'll probably to tired to write a list even if I wanted to. And don't forget Drs. appointments. I guess I have to start another list.....My husband thinks and is afraid I may have some life altering epiphany while I'm hiking. Isn't that what this is for? I would certainly hope my life will be forever changed after meeting new people and spending time alone with myself in the woods. I always thought the age of 39 was old. That is, until I turned 39 years old this year. I feel, as though, I am at a crossroads in my life. Leaving "the real world" behind for a little while is just what I need. It doesn't matter if it's for 1wk or 6 months. Steve (my husband) is trying to be supportive and keep a smile on. He is excited for me to try this, but is apprehensive about my being gone. I would like to say thank you to him and I love you for helping make this possible. The rest of my family has jumped on the band wagon to help also. My command center is at my sister and my parents house. They, along with the kids, will be helping with mail drops. Thanks in advance and I love you guys. They all have busy lives and think this is crazy. Yet, they are willing to help. Now, what to do with the dogs given Steve's crazy work schedule. While I was talking to my girlfriend Cindy, she offered to help with the dogs. Thank you to her. Thank you isn't really enough. I have a feeling I will owe all these people BIG!I just remembered a couple more things. Time to go make another list.
Date: 2010-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, Yes it's friday night and I've had a couple of beers. I happen to be sitting at the computer and listening to my music. My music constitutes vitually anything. Tonight, however, I'm channeling some doobie brothers etc. My husband went to our house up in Vermont with the dogs. Basically, I can sing my brains out and nobody can hear me. I think I will add to Brian's countdown and say one of my reasons to hike the AT is to sing my brains out without actually breaking glass. I feel bad that the reason some hiker may have to get off trail is because of a broken ear drum.Anyway, we did make it safely home after our trip to Nashua,NH last night. I really thought we were going to die. We went to listen to Hammer speak on his 2008 thruhike. Really fun stuff. Great guy. I have only 1 week left to work. Oh my God!!!! I just can't believe it.\I think I can I think I can.........
Date: 2010-03-02
To: Disaster
Miles today: 0.0

Hi,I had a real high yesterday. Ham and Brian and I met with some other hikers for lunch. What a great experience to have both hikers, new to the idea of a thru hike and hikers that have done it, get together. There sure were alot of ideas and advice being thrown around. The best part is getting to know each other and laughing up a storm.Now, to the disaster. My plan for dog sitting has fallen through. Given the amount of hours my husband works, I have know idea how I am going to swing this. I am sick over it. We have been planning this for 2 years. I can't believe after all the arranging, money saving, and house work that I have accomplished MY HIKE MAY NOT HAPPEN! I know I am supposed to hike my own hike. Isn't the hike supposed to actually start first? Did I already say I am sick over it?I don't know what I am going to do. I feel defeated. We are supposed to leave next thursday to head down to Georgia. Talk about last minute. I feel like I can't even be in my house, because I have gear all over the place. It is depressing.
Date: 2010-03-08
To: dogs
Miles today: 0.0

OK. So, I spent 24 hrs crying over the fact I may not be able to do this hike because of the lack of dog care. I know it probably sounds ridiculous. I mean they are only dogs. However, it was going to be a deal breaker. Trail magic happened all over the place within 48 hours. I never knew how many true friends I have. Between family, friends, and one lady I have never even met the dogs will be taken care of. We are back on track. I felt completely devastated. All the hard work of getting everything ready and it only takes 1 detail going awry to ruin it all. Lesson learned: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Now I can concentrate on my lists once again. It's monday and we leave thursday bright and early. Holy cow!!!!
Date: 2010-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We finally made it down to Georgia. We are staying at amicalola falls lodge. The adventure beforet the adventure began on Thursday morning. The minivan rental left Gloucester with Steve driving. Ham and Brian were picked up in Danvers at 9am. Steve and Brian shared the driving while Ham and I caused all kinds of trouble in the back seat. We were in hysterics most of the time. How the distraction didn't cause a car accident I will never know. We had many trail angels on our may south, including care packages that lasted the whole trip down. The care packages were made by some of the pink angels. Thanks guys everything wAs great and we appreciate it. Ham's cousin put us up at his house for one of the nights. Thanks John and Brenda.Brian and I found a two person samurai sword fighting game on our iPhones. At one point while Steve was driving we had a sword fight in the car. It was hysterical. I felt like a little kid again. Last night and today we have met many thru hikers. This is going to be alot of fun. It's also going to be really hard. Tomorrow we head out. It hit me today as I was tearing apart my pack. I was feeling like my pack is too heavy and apprehensive about the fact I am missing something. I finally got a grip. It is was it is. It is almost 6pm. I have about 15 hrs before I throw my pack on the the next however many miles. Let the adventure begin. Look out trail here we come.
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Amicalola fall lodge

To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.8

It's nice to be puttting in trail entries now and not preparation. We started our day Monday the 15th at 6 am. Steve had been feeling very upset over my leaving today. My excitement and apprehension are tangible. Josh from the Hiker Hostel picked us up around 9:15am. He drove seven of us to the base of Spring mountain. The ride up to Springer was one for the ages. The road, if you want to call it that, has drops offs on both sides. It is not a paved road. As a matter of fact, the condition of it, after the snow and rains, are a heart pounding mud rutted mess. At one point we asked Josh to stop and please clean off the windshield. I sucked it up and gave him the only bottle of water I had. He seemed content to drive by the feel of the road, but we thouht it would be nice to live to actually start our hike. To my angels, suffice to say that Jesus,Mary,and Joseph made several appearances. Our first day was cold and misty to start. The sun did coe out a couple of times. He trail is also very muddy. The mud is the color of orange. Maybe it's clay. I haven't figured it out yet. We hiked 7.8 miles to Hawk Mountain shelter . We were pretty tired. The terrain on the trail down here isn't bad. I am used to hiking either straight up or down mountains in the northeast. Down here there are all switchbacks.Goodnight, very tired
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Hawk mountain shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.0

Well, we got up to a new and beautiful day today. Slept realy cold last night. It got down to the high 20's. I am really happy that I prepared so long for this. I had oatmeal and coffee and vitamin I(ibuprofen) for breakfast. I know what I eat isn't very interesting, but I like to keep track. We didn't leave camp until 10:20am. Too late, as we realized. The AT is alot of the same, ups and downs. You would think going up is hard, but going down kills the knees and feet. Nohing to report yet as far as flowers go. It's too early. We are hearing reports of another foot of snow in the mountains in norh carolina. Also, there is still 4 feet of snow in the smokies. I bought a pair of microspkkes just in case. We hiked into Justus Creek camp today. We only did 6 miles today. It was 70 degrees and sunny. Breaking yourself in slowly is important so you don't get hurt. Alot if times when people do too many miles the can get shin splints, broken bones etc. I had a nice cup of hot tea before bed while listening to the sound of the creek. It may not be for everyone. I felt completely at peace.Oh, by the way I already have 6 blisters. Ouch! Tenderfoot.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Justus creek camp

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.3

BLISTERS!!!! Did I mention I have blisters? I never get blisters. This is what hPpens when you strap on 40lbs to your back and hike these elevations all day. The biggest disadvantage to hiking is trying to keep cuts and sores clean and avoid infection. Jackie where the heck is your wand? And for viewing pleasure, as promised I will be sending along photos of the feet. Very nice. Can somebody say pedicure? Ok, so we hiked 6.3 miles today. It may not sound like alot. Trust me it is. The terrain remains the same. Alot of fairly groomed switchbacks. We met up with some really nice people. We decided to stay at The Hiker Hostel tonight. It's a beautiful log home. It can sleep up to 18 and only costs 16 $ a night plus a country breakfast. They make a mean cup of coffee. Much better than my little packets of folgers instant. It felt good to have a shower and do laundry. Leigh drove us all to walmart. I had to pick up some more first aid supplies. We also got to order pizza for dinner. Yum!The hiking still isn't that bad. I keep hearing about how awful it is. I am waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. What nice people Josh and Leigh are.Goodnightp.s. Not until I take my vitamin I.
Date: 2010-03-18
From: The hiker hostel 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.4

Leigh had us up and fed by 8am and out the door by 8:30am. It's a well oiled machine. She dropped us off at Woody Gap at 9am. Before we left the hostel mad mike, George, and Troll showed up. They were just off the train from Boston. What a great surprise. These were the guys we met for lunch in Portland,ME a couple if weeks ago. See ya guys. Hope to see you up the trail.Breakfast was really good. Although, I don't have my hiker stomach yet. When I eat too much it doesn't sit well. I am finding out I hike better early with only granola.It was a great day. The weather was beautiful. I am meeting some really interesting people. One of the guys, his name is Shawn. He and I hike similar pace. So for now are just trekking along. Ham and Brian are always close. One of the coolest things out here is eating at the most amazing vistas. The views are gorgeous.I feel at home out here. Alot if my fears have been put to rest. I know it's early yet, but I am loving this. Life is good!P.s. Did I mention I have blisters? For the live of Pete where are my MBT's?
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Slaughter creek camp

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.6

This morning I woke up at Slaughter Creek camp. This is at the bottom of Blood Mountain. Doesn't it sound happy and joyful. Nothing like an american Indian duel to the death in the morning. That's where these names come from. They say so many Indians died the mountain ran with blood. This is the first hike where the trail was a little more like home. Alot of rock and roots. Blood Mountain stands at 4450 feet. Our highest elevation yet. We hiked down into Mountain Crossing by 11ish. This is my first mail drop. It's time to resupply. Mountain Crossing is known for their help to hikers and gettin their pack weight down. Very nice people. Also, Miss Janet who was in Erwin,TN is now here. She is know to all for her hospitality. It was great to finally meet her. Much to our suprise a church group was serving up burgers all day. I had two right off the bat. They were so good. It was a beautiful sunny day. Did you just hear that? Coyotes!!! It's 10:24pm. Anyway, we stayed and hung out for about 2.5 hrs. Then headed back up the trail to our camp for the night. We are camping at Wolfe Laurel. It's way past hiker midnight.Until later.....