morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-25
To: Trail Magic
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

"Let Me bless you with My grace and peace. Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you. Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My peace..."(Jesus Calling)I have been so blessed of late! Yesterday I received my first "trail magic." Well, that's not entirely true. I've been receiving trail magic in different forms since that day I decided I was going to hike the AT, and possibly before. But this was the first time it felt really... well... magical?I received a package in the mail from a "Mama and Papa Bear" noting my upcoming hike from Georgia to Maine, and at first I was very confused because I thought I hadn't given out my address... but then I remembered that my new friend "Breitside" (AT through hiker in 2013) had promised me one of the extra alcohol stoves her parents had in their garage. I was just expecting an extra, you know? Like a prototype that had been discarded when that last version was made, but what I received was a stove and personalized wind screen for "AT 2014." Alcohol stoves aren't much, they're pretty simple really, but it is such a relief to receive one that I didn't have to make myself and the personalized touch had me teary eyed. Shout out to Mama and Papa "Breitside!" I am blown away by the kindness and generosity in the AT community and look forward to experiencing and sharing in it!In other news, I am almost done piecing together my gear for the trail. The tricky part is that some of the pieces I still very much use for work and I can't quite put it all together for the trail yet. I still have a lot of "off trail" responsibilities to shore up too before I can just disappear into the wild for a few months. I anticipate lots of stress and pressure to build up as crunch time approaches.Please pray for my peace of mind and body and spirit as I get everything sorted. And pray that I don't forget in the craziness to block out some quality time with the people here who love me and care about me. I would also like to request that if you are one of those people, please reach out to me if you would like to see me in the next month and a little. I am GAME and would welcome it! But I might not think of everyone I ought to if left to my own devices....Jennps - Shout out to "Wooden Spoon" and "Stride" for mega advice in these past few days!
Date: 2014-02-05
To: Touched
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

(Copied from my very first written journal entry for my upcoming hike.)My proposed start date of March 5th is a month away! Wow. With so much left to do and so much already accomplished I am beginning to feel like this is really happening and I could not list all of the conflicting emotions that come with that feeling... I am beginning to get really sentimental at work and as I go about my last days (for now) in the town where I live... Planning, preparing and hoping that I will have time for everything I would like to accomplish before I take my leave of the life I have grown accustomed to in the last three years. No more half lives in and out of the woods - I work for a wilderness therapy program (for that I am excited and grateful) and no more troubled teens - at least none that I have to be the caretaker of (this I have mixed emotions about, which I can't describe). I will miss the staff and the relationships, I hope that I can carry that with me... I hope that I continue to be open to being touched by others and that I also may touch others as I have been touched in these past few years (This sounds a lot like I'm saying goodbye for good, but it's really just goodbye for now. Who knows where I will end up in 5 months! Well... Let's hope I end up in Maine). I received this challenge from the therapist of the group I worked in last week, Lu... I should back up and include my journal entry from yesterday (which I scribbled on the inside of a book I am reading because I had no paper and it felt appropriate - the book was a gift from my roommate J$, The Tales of a Female Nomad Living at Large in the World, by Rita Golden Gelman).Journal from 2/4/14 - It is my second to last week at work before hitting the Appalachian Trail... and as I read about different cultures in this book, I consider the culture here in these woods and the one(s) that I will encounter along the hike... This morning I came upon an image that I would like to keep with me. I've done up a very poor drawing of it. It is a firemound with handprints packed in the Georgia red clay... There is something so sweet about it on this surprisingly sunny day...(When I checked in about it I received the challenge/hope from Lu, so I included the gist of the interaction) I feel/felt reminiscent, sentimental, touched... I feel/felt this way when I came upon the handprints in the Georgia red clay firemound... I feel/felt this way because I believe I feel a connection to the experience and culture of working here and this image feels symbolic or iconic of my time here... My hope for myself is that I can keep that image with me and the feelings that go with it... And my hope that is outside of my control is that images like that continue popping up for me.Lu's hope for me: That I leave my handprints all along the trail so that those following behind me may also be touched as I have been...Jenn
Date: 2014-02-21
To: Crunch Time
Miles today: 0.0

Hey Folks!I've got less than 2 weeks before I hit the trail. I am in crunch time FOR REALZ...Before March 5th I've got to:-Pack up my life-Clean/paint in the house I've been living in-Get my WFR recerted-Go see Lake Street Dive (whoot! whoot!)-Finish some last few Etsy/birthday/art projects (including a large triptych painting for my Aunt and Uncle, should be fun)-Move all my stuff to my parents house-Sell my car?-Prepare my drop boxes-Move to my Grandmother's house-Finalize all my gear (probably a few more trips to REI)-Pack and weigh my AT stuff-And try to get some R & R in there somewhere...With all this on my plate I know I am stuffing and avoiding processing the fact that I just worked my last week of my job of three years... Not to mention the friends and family that I've got to say goodbye to for a while... Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers in the next two weeks!Also, I am going to take a majority of the items off my Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrailBound) by the end of the day today, so if you would like to make a purchase to support my trip be sure to check out the site! Needless to say I won't have a lot of time to be crafting while on the trail... I will leave up the opportunity to donate for a postcard from the trail and of course everyone who has supported me in any way will receive a postcard! I have much to be thankful for!Can't wait to be finally out there!Jenn
Date: 2014-02-26
To: One Week
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I was going to write something a bit more elaborate for today... But now I'd just rather keep it short and sweet. I'm tired and overwhelmed from the constant packing and preparing etc. Not packing and preparing for the hike, but packing and preparing to leave everything else. Hoping that this isn't indicative of how my journaling will be on the AT. Short and sweet isn't so bad I guess... Expecting that once I step out on to the trail I will gain some relief and peace.One WeekJenn
Date: 2014-03-03
To: OMG!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Last full day to prepare for the trail, for tomorrow I will be traveling! Yikes!!!! I hope I don't forget anything important....I will be sending out an email with 5 mailing addresses I will be checking along the way. If you are interested in sending me a little note of encouragement it would be best to hit one (or more!) of these spots. Shoot me a message with your email address if you would like to be sent this information....Jenn
Date: 2014-03-04
To: Almost There
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I can't believe tomorrow is my start date...I mean WOW. A few days ago I wondered how I would make it to this point. Would I still be sane? The number of things on my TO DO list were exhaustive (including moving, prepping my pack, painting, carving, shopping, socializing and sometimes sleeping). But they are all done now. Oh praise the Lord! 1st for what was just mentioned. 2nd, because we've been sitting in stand still traffic for an hour and we just started moving again. At this point it will be March 5th before we get to the hotel tonight!Stayed with my Grandmother the past couple of days. I'm excited about living with her for a while when I get off the trail. Said goodbye to my sister (Bex) today. She isn't coming with us to the trail head, has to work, but it was nice to have her company in my last moments of preparation. It was a comfort to talk. I don't get to see her much lately, we're both so busy, and that makes it harder to imagine five months without seein' her.Joshua (bro) has driven us most of the way to GA! Yikes! He's so grown up. It's crazy.My family is awesome. I'm so glad they could be here for this. And all my extended family and friends who have contacted me and offered me support. I feel so LOVED.It's amazing the waves of emotion surrounding this event. Last night I was crying, today I am calm and Lord knows what tomorrow will bring!I'm excited that my friend Anne "Stride" will be hiking the first few days with me! She's going to triple crown this year, doin' the CDT! So awesome, she is an inspiration. Looking forward to spending some time with her on the trail. Her excitement and energy for everything thru-hike is contagious.Though this plan may change, we hope to meet her at Neel Gap in the morning and shuttle to Amicalola to hang out in the park for a bit, then drive to the trail head on Springer Mountain. And I really don't know what the trail looks like up there, but hoping my family can walk with me to the where the start is...Jenn
Date: 2014-03-07
To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 15.9

Today was AWESOME!!!! Experienced my first on trail magic at Fresh Ground's Leap Frog Cafe. I cried. These people were so generous and encouraging. I'd like to be a part of that one day...The energy boost from the trail magic (coffee, hot chocolate, pancakes, eggs and more!) got us where we were going no problem! Hiked over 16 miles today, a long day, but it felt good. Great views and great people.Last shelter someone asked me what my trail name was and I said "I don't have a trail name yet, but I'll get it, one day." Someone else said, "Hey, One Day!" And today Stride, Tarzan and I were talkin' about it and the comment was made that it sounded really hopeful, that it would be a good name for a number of reasons. For example:I'll make it to Katahdin,One Day.
Date: 2014-03-10
To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Said goodbye to Stride at Neel Gap. I feel so blessed to have had such an enthusiastic lover of the trail with me to start! I wish her all the best when she starts her journey on the CDT to finish her triple crown!For the past few days I've been hiking on the section of the AT that goes through the Second Nature Blue Ridge field area. It's fun to note particular places in my memory, like "Hey! That's where I lay curled up in the fetal position all night during hurricane Sandy." Ha, good times... I particularly liked spending the night up on Tray Mountain. Got to watch the sun set and rise from that spot. Beautiful!Ended the day at Dicks Creek and got picked up to spend the night at the SNBR base (shout out to Bryan D. and June Bug). Now, after the meal I'd been dreaming of from the UJ (shout out to Dave) and all the internet access I could ever hope for (shout out to WIFI) I can honestly say I've had enough and I'm off to bed. I will update again,One Day
Date: 2014-03-13
To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I am in my Home State! And while others are not too impressed by the strangely instant change in the weather and lots of climbing, I remain in high spirits. I had my North Carolina playlist to help with that on the first chilly night (gotta get pumped!).Yesterday was eerily foggy and I probably missed some fantastic views, but oh well, I guess that's how it goes...Today I hit the 100 mile mark! So awesome to be able to say I've come this far, and I feel pretty good. My knee's acting up a bit, but I'm trying to *shhhsh* it.Met Mountain Mama today. She was a good hiking buddy! I was invited to stay with her at a friend's place for yet another free night out of the woods with a shower and some real food.These people (referring to all that I have met along the trail so far) are so generous! I now know and understand the urge to do trail magic. I mean it seemed pretty obvious before, but now all I want to do is give away even the smallest of things (like a snickers bar) to make a hiker happy. Because I have been given so much! I'm sure I will come back and do trail magic,One Day
Date: 2014-03-16
From: NOC

To: Southern Terminus of Smokies
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

"ATdveNture!"I'm posting a week behind what is actually happening for safety reasons, but I apologize to all who have had wait to hear from me!All is well! I enjoyed my first zero day in Andrews, NC once I got to the NOC. A lovely friend, Amy, picked me up and drove me into the town - even took me to a family that I didn't know who fed me! Wow, the generosity... Generosity has been a HUGE theme on this trip. People talk about the "trail magic" but whoa. You just can't imagine it until you've experienced it. There is such a community of generosity out here.So I spent the next day with Dani at Stride's house (she was at work) and went out and about Andrews. We hung out at the coffee shop - Corner Coffee Awesomeness! - even though it wasn't open. There's just something about the aesthetics in a coffee shop that make it so enjoyable! And if course Dani fed me coffee. Yes, fed me. Went to the church at Snowbird Camp and heard the best version of "Hallelujah! What a Savior!" So good... Delighted to have been there on a Sunday.We went up to Wayah Bald for the sunrise in the morning - but mostly cause I thought I left my long johns at the shelter there. Awesome sunrise. Dani has pictures and she'll tell you all about it... (Sarcasm. It was terrible, rainy with no view) We didn't find the long johns.The hike up and out of the NOC was tough, but I met some really great folks. The next morning I found my long johns... (Dani and I had a laugh, she is such a good sport!)And the next day I woke up really early and started hiking before the sun was up to see Fresh Ground @ Fontana Dam!Fontana Dam was beautiful, but I just had to get up in the Smokies so I pressed on...Some more current realizations, that don't have much to do with time or place are:The other day, as I was once again hiking alone and praying for a hiking buddy, it hit me. I had spent the past two mornings with God, something I get so little time for in my crazy life pre-trail. And as cheesy as it may sound, I feel that He is to be my hiking buddy for now.I meet people on the trail, I have friends every night at the shelters, and I sometimes do match stride with a particular individual or two for a while. But as they come and go I am forced to realize that He is always with me. It becomes that much more obvious that I am never alone. And while I'm still looking forward to meeting someone with compatible pace, I'm learning to trust that this time is important too, and ought to be taken advantage of.I will update again,One Day!"This is an ATdveNture!"
Date: 2014-03-24
To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.7

Well the first couple of days into the Smokies were kind of "eh." Not that they weren't good, I just wasn't overly impressed. But THEN they got awesome!At some point I crossed over into TN. Not sure where (I didn't see a sign), but we've been walking the boarder with our right foot in NC and left in TN for a while.When I got to Rocky Top I sang the song, it had to be done. I have a really embarrassing video of me singing it, but I can't upload it now cause it's on my camera not my phone. The Smokies after Rocky Top has been my favorite part of the trail so far. FANTASTIC VIEWS! The trail was just so cool through that section and different from what it had been so far... I you can believe it, more green.Got to mile 185.3. Just 2,000 miles to go!A couple of deer passed less than 20 feet in front of me on the trail and they were not in a hurry. I've never seen one that close before. Way cool! I also saw a mouse scurry across in front of me, of course they are at all the shelters too, which is not so cute. I wonder if I'll actually see a bear ever, seems still very unlikely after over three years of chances...Hit Clingman's Dome, the highest point of elevation on the AT. Heard enough times that "it's all down hill from here!" I feel so blessed by trail magic! It is never ending. I realized a couple of days into the Smokies that I was one day short of food, but had not planned to resupply in Gatlinburg. I thought to my self, "it would be really nice if I could get some trail magic at Newfound Gap... but there's no way!" And there was! So much! Godspeed and Mountain Mama (not the same one mentioned before) were there with lunch and more than enough to supply me for that last day! In fact, I felt a bit like a Rock Star, cause I was practically bombarded with trail magic from these folks who were doing a scavenger hunt and needed to feed a thru hiker. Ha!Enjoyed chatting with day hikers all the way up from the gap. Magical things happen when you "stop and smell the roses."Charlie's Bunion was PHENOMENAL!The weather so so great all the way through the smokies, but we got rain on the last day, which I was grateful for because it made the mountains smokey!On my way out of the Smokies I was met yet again with trail magic. A milkyway bar from Pretzel "class of 20-12" and directions to "look for the arrow," which once I got to I-40 lead me to some Mountain Dew and OJ in the creek. Nice and cold. So encouraging!I've seen some of the brightest blues and deepest greens!It smelt like pine in the Smokies. Mmmm... I will definitely be revisiting those mountains,One Day
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel in Rutland, VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello from The Green Mountains of Vermont!I'm not all the way through VT yet, but as promised I will attempt to update a state at a time, so seeing as I have time, here it goes...Once again, photos will have to come later.There is so much mud in Vermont, at least in the first couple of days (and even occasionally still). The trail is pretty beat up from late snow and lots of traffic. For the first 100 or so miles in Vermont the AT is also the Long Trail, which later splits off and continues up through Northern Vermont and into Canada. I'm not going that way tho. I'm going to head toward NH and The Whites!At the tower to the first view in Vermont there was no view... Too misty. I was not too comfortable with all the wind at that height, Fun Size was only concerned with the lack of view. There has been LOTS of moose poop! But as of yet, no moose sightings... :/On our third day in VT we climbed Mt. Stratton, which was apparently the mountain on which Benton MacKaye was inspired to, er, "do" the AT. And thankfully it was a beautiful day, so we got a great view there! Yet another fire tower climb to see it tho. I'm getting better. It doesn't take me 30mins to climb up and down anymore... After that lovely view we came across Stratton "Pond," which is really a gorgeous lake! So we took our first real swim along the trail (other attempts had failed because of how chilly the water has been). It was quite a nice day. We were joined by friends, Whiffle and Tuesday, who we hadn't seen since VA!The morning visit to Manchester Center, VT was very nice. Super hiker friendly town. We were able to hitch in and out fairly quickly and get everything we needed (and some things we didn't quite need, but very much wanted) AND there was trail magic leaving town! Always look back for a view... The mountains have really started to pick up! We've had Bromley Mountain (first ski mountain), and then a surprise (at least it was not expected by us) view at Baker Peak, which we both agreed is a favorite spot!The next day I had backcountry pancakes and Vermont Maple Syrup for breakfast! we noticed a lot of trees that had been tapped for maple syrup. There were a lot of strange yet interesting rock cairns... On the way to the view at White Rocks Cliff I got a view I was NOT looking for. Hiked past 7 senior citizens going south in the buff. My eyes will never heal. It was Summer Solstice! I had completely forgotten. Thank God it's only one day. The day following we saw a sign marked 500 miles to Katahdin! "And I would walk 500 miles!... Da da da dat dah!" Super stoked, especially after Mt. Killington, where "on a clear day" you can see the Adirondacks in NY and the Whites in New Hampshire!!!!At the last shelter there was a dedication that read:"When I look down from lofty mountain grandeurAnd hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;Then sings my soul."Here here!"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens."Psalm 8:1One Day
Date: 2014-07-23
From: White Mountain Hostel &Lodge

To: 100 Mile Wilderness
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just a quick update since I have very little service here in Monson, ME. Currently sitting on the porch of the library to use wifi, because the building doesn't open until after noon! Small town 'merica. Too bad it's the last one before I really dive into the wilderness, I had wanted to give a fuller update on Maine, but I shall have to make due. I half expect I may even have a better signal on the next mountain I climb... Oh well.So MAINE! It's been lovely, tho Southern Maine really kicked my butt! The terrain was just rough, with mud, rocks, roots (some times all three!) and always bugs! I would say, as a whole, Maine has been the most beautiful state. I can't really compare the state to New Hampshire's Whites (which remain my favorite section so far), but on the whole Maine is pretty fantastic. Maybe it's just because I'm getting so close to my goal and the excitement is just amplifying every view!I you are interested, do a google search on the Mahoosuc Mile. It's claimed to be the hardest and most fun on the trail. I think I would agree. Very challenging walk (?) through boulders and then a climb straight up slick rock. I kept my pack on through some pretty tight squeezes. Even Fun Size had some trouble. But we both completed the challenge. I feel pretty proud that me and my 70L made it through. We're quite the team. Lots of beautiful ponds/lakes in Maine to stop and go for a swim! Especially wonderful as the weather gets hotter and hotter (it's supposed to be 90s today!).Spent my birthday in the Bigelows. It was pretty great. I've spent the past four birthdays in the woods, and I couldn't think of a better place to be (other than with family, obviously). Hit the 2,000 mile mark! Got the best views in Maine and camped on a mountain top to watch the sun set and rise. It was a good day.Well that's all I've got time to share for now....Today I head into the 100 Mile Wilderness for the very last leg of the journey. I ant believe it is coming to an end. I have mixed feelings, obviously, which I can't even begin to delve into now... I'll try to update again.One Day
Date: 2014-07-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just a quick update to say, I have indeed finished my thru-hike of the AT!!!! I am pleased to have heard from many who care and inquire about the completion of my journey. I hope it will suffice to say that I am working on an update blog, but really wishing to remain disconnected for a few days. Please be patient with me as I decompress from an incredible experience. Here is my summit photo, I will update soon!One Day on the AT (or quite a few days)March 5th - July 30th 2014