morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-12-10
To: A Lesson in Impatience
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Surely you've heard the expression ¢never wish away the moment¢. Often we can get so focused on what is to come that we fail to appreciate the present. Of course, that sounds terribly clich©, but I am actually referring to times of trial. In an unpleasant or challenging moment, it is easy and even instinctive to wish for it to end and to want to move onto something more pleasurable. However, even times of adversity have their value. To embrace inescapable hardship and actively seek its lesson or value allows one to profit from the experience, and even gives the suffering a purpose. Therefore, it won¢t be for naught, but rather can become a beautiful and beneficial experience. Times of difficulty are part of the greater experience, and when approached appropriately, can provide opportunity for learning and growth. One example would be a rainy week on the Appalachian Trail- no amount of wishing, cursing, or hoping can change the weather, but a shift in attitude and outlook can turn the total experience from one of misery to one of enjoyment and a respect and appreciation of nature.         Though I do not currently face much adversity compared to what I will on the trail, I do often find myself wishing away my moments. I am so eager to begin my adventure that I often overlook what I currently have. 6 months from now, what would I give for a soft bed? A hot shower? Air conditioning? Or time spent with my family and friends? This period of preparation is exciting and fun in its own way, and though it will pale in comparison to the experiences to come, I want to appreciate it for its own value. I want to truly value the time I get to spend with my loved ones, my comforts of home, and the thrill of planning (which is an adventure of its own in some ways). I want to practice this strategy so that when I do face something difficult, I will be able to appreciate it for what it has to offer and learn and grow from it.
Date: 2012-12-17
To: Panic
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

        After admitting my problem and committing to taking action, I am occasionally struck with bouts of panic that seem to come from nowhere. It is a shocking and sickening feeling that feels like ice in my veins and robs my ability to inhale. Though I can't predict when and where this feeling will occur, it is usually caused by the thought that I cannot do this. At the end of this preparation period, I will be homeless, unemployed, have very few possessions, and be entering unknown (to me) territory. If I for some reason do not succeed, my life as I have known it no longer exists. And this prospect of failure is what terrifies me the most.         I do not fear bears, or snakes, or poison ivy, or illness, or serial killers. I fear far more my own weakness. I have something wonderful waiting for me at the end of this journey, and I¢m dying to reach it. I can't bear the thought of investing so much time, effort, energy, and resources into something that may not come to fruition.         Someone very wise once said that what you fear the most directly influences what you carry. If you fear hunger, you will carry too much food. If you fear cold, you will carry too many clothes. However, insecurity is not so easily remedied by an extra granola bar or another fleece. Therefore it has become imperative to master positive self-thought and to block negativity. This mental fortitude is what is going to determine my success. Fortunately, I am a very stubborn and somewhat proud individual, so I am also hoping that this will work towards my advantage! Also fortunately, this feeling rarely lasts very long because I am reminded that I am about to do something truly incredible, impressive, and downright freaking AWESOME, at which point the blood in my veins warms, breath returns to my lungs, and I cannot wipe the goofy smile off my face.
Date: 2013-01-29
To: Trying to Explain the Crazy
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slowly, very slowly, the people in my life are beginning to find out about my plans. Ultimately, it is always my choice to tell them, but as my actions become more and more bizarre, the questions become more and more pointed- usually phrased somewhere along the lines of ¢seriously, what the hell are you doing?¢ I pause, take a deep breath, break into a GIANT grin, and respond ¢well¢¦I¢m doing something crazy¢¦¢ The conversation that follows is usually a blur as I scramble to make myself appear at least a bit sane.         For some reason, I feel the need to be a bit defensive about my decision. Now, most of the people in my life have in fact met me and know me, and so this sort of announcement cannot come as a huge surprise. However, they are still hesitant and question the safety, possibility, and logistics of such an undertaking. They like to point out little things, such as the length of the trail and various hazards, usually involving wildlife, weather, and provisions. Somehow, they seem to think that I may have overlooked something so small as FOOD or shelter, and that perhaps they will be the ones to bring me to my senses. Similar thinking is that I have either a suicidal death wish, or belong in an institution, becuase in their minds I am marching off to my peril and will inevitably be eaten by a bear, fall in a ditch, freeze to death, contract a parasite, tumble down a mountain, or suffer at the hands of a serial killer (all of which I am courteously reminded of as well). So I always end up spouting off a whole barrage of statistics, facts, and stories that I hope justify my ability, knowledge, and level of dedication. I suppose if nothing else, it at least proves I¢ve done my research.        There¢s a pretty good chance that, despite my best efforts to convince everyone that I am indeed a sane and rational human being, some still consider me positively off my rocker. Quite frankly, I thank them. I thank them for adding even more fuel to my motivational fire, because if there is anyone who doubts me or my commitment, I will stop at nothing to prove them otherwise. Of course survival is certainly at the top of my list as well, but second only to winning over my critics.
Date: 2013-02-11
To: Negative 3
Miles today: 0.0

There was a projected blizzard approaching the area last Friday evening, but we had a greatly anticipated snowshoe backpacking trip to the Catskills scheduled. Since impending natural disasters do little to deter this troop, it instead lured us north with promises of good snow and ideal snowshoeing conditions. After several hours of driving through the storm we decided to stop off for the night and continue on in the morning when it had blown over, and conditions really were ideal come morning. A strenuous climb up Mt. Tremper led to a shelter and, after dropping off the gear, we continued on to the summit for no other reason than stopping the movement would be dangerous. By this time temperatures had dropped well below freezing, and the cessation of exertion made it feel drastically lower. In the half hour it took everyone to scarf down some lunch, every single person had lost feeling in all 20 of their digits. The only way to stay warm was to keep hiking, so upward we went and were rewarded with an exquisite sunset at the peak. After hiking back down to camp in the moonlight, we made haste to set up and eat as soon as possible as it had gotten significantly colder yet since sundown. Our only hope for the night was to cram all 14 people into a shelter built for no more than 8, as the temperature continued to plummet several degrees below zero and with merciless wind. Although every boot and water bottle was stored among the bodies through the night, we awoke to all of our liquids and shoes frozen solid. Without water and still freezing we wasted no time clearing out and hiking back out. While 36 hours have passed and I still have not regained feeling in a big toe (I may have to go get that checked out), I look back on the weekend with fondness and awe. I was shocked at how closely pleasure and misery can walk hand in hand. I have truly never been so cold in my life, and yet we had an absolute blast overall. There were tears shed by the youngsters and obscenities uttered by the older ones, but more prevalent was the abundant encouragement, laughter, and exclamations of accomplishment. With no choice but to continue on, some were pushed well past their perceived limitations. In the face of pain and some fear, incredible bonds were formed, confidence earned, and inside jokes abounded. Not one person stepped off that mountain without being changed in some way.If this type of challenge, accomplishment, community, and ¢making the best with what we¢ve got¢ is even a fraction of what is to come on the trail, and I imagine it doesn¢t even come close, I have never been so excited for something in my life.
Date: 2013-02-19
To: Welcome!
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome friends! (This entry is for my friends and family who have only recently learned of my intent to hike the Appalachian Trail). Up until this point, my plan has been kept under wraps for sake of preserving my job until it was time to leave. Mission accomplished! Now that I have resigned from my position, I am free to tell all those close to me what the heck I have been, and will be, up to. I even put it on *facebook* (gasp!)Yes, the next 3 weeks behind this desk will my longest yet, but a mere six weeks after that I will be hitting the trail and embarking on the journey that I have been dreaming and scheming for last the year and a half. Why the late start you ask? Well, a traditional thru-hike generally goes straight from Georgia to Maine, or vice versa, and many of my comrades will be starting very shortly, if they haven¢t already (all my best wishes to them!) My hike, however, will begin near the middle (northern Virginia to be exact), on the first weekend of May and take me up to Maine, after which I shall return to Virginia and head south to Georgia. This was chosen for several reasons. I have already mentioned my abysmal cold tolerance, and this route allows me to follow the more mild weather in each direction. Secondly, it allowed me to work a little longer to save up some extra money for when I'm finished. I will also get to see my family twice during the hike- once when I pass through PA and again during my transition from Maine back to my starting point. Of course, it is also in my nature to go against the grain, and if there is some convention in anything, I will likely find a way around it.Some FAQs for those unfamiliar with long distance hiking:How long will it take? Until I¢m finished. It typically takes between 4 and 7 months. I am in no hurry, so probably around 6 or so at my speed.        What will you eat? Whatever can be carried and easily prepared on the trail, primarily dried foods and snacks. Towns are crossed regularly and provide opportunities to resupply. I'm not a very good cook anyway, so I guess it doesn¢t matter. Where will you sleep? On the ground, in my sleeping bag. I have a tent, but there are also intermittent shelters (or lean-tos) along the way, so really whatever strikes my fancy.How will you shower? Well, I won¢t, except for maybe when it rains, or when in an aforementioned town. Plus there¢s always the good old wet bandana method. Are you carrying a gun? No, don¢t be ridiculous. The trail is safer than my hometown, and fortunately this isn¢t the congo, so I¢m not concerned about many vicious creatures. My plan is mainly to avoid them. A phone? After much debate, yes. But for emergencies only. It will be off, so while I love you, please don¢t call. Other: Water- from streams, springs etc, and I will purify it. I will be updating this journal periodically, so feel free to follow along if you like! Yes, we still hike in all weather, and if I get sick or hurt, well, I¢ll cross that bridge when I get there. Thank you so much to all my friends, family, colleagues, and troop for all their support thus far- you guys have been awesome!
Date: 2013-03-15
To: Goodbyes
Miles today: 0.0

Today I said goodbye to my students and co workers for the last time. I was rewarded with many priceless (and many humorous) responses from the kids, ranging from the most common, incredulity, to sadness, to an explosive ¢you¢re gonna die, miss!¢ (thank you Andrew, very tactful). I got a lot of hugs, a lot of questions, a lot of thank yous, and a lot of good lucks. And suddenly, this thing seems real!Having never had less than 2 jobs at any given time since the age of 16, it was strange and unnerving to leave a job without taking on something new. Sometimes I wonder, is it truly wise to give up everything in a time where so many can barely make ends meet? Is it smart to leave such security behind in an economy where it may be very difficult to reestablish? The answer is no, it is not wise at all, but I¢m doing it anyway! And I¢m very ok with that. I have always been a big planner and can sometimes obsess over the smallest of details. However I am looking forward to embracing a simpler and slower pace of life, where I can be completely open to whatever may come my way, and embrace any changes or opportunities that may present themselves. As the time draws near when all of the carefully laid plans will be put into action, part of the challenge will be rolling with the punches and accepting when things do not go exactly as planned. But I don't expect things to go according plan, and am in fact looking forward to the chaos.I have always been able to land on my feet thus far, and have faith that I will continue to do so. I just hope that it also applies to the countless times I will surely trip between here and Maine, thanks to my absurd lack of grace and coordination.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Cinco de mayo just became a bigger holiday to me than it ever was. Mexican Independence Day now also represents MY Independence Day as it marks the beginning of what I believe will be my greatest undertaking yet. With destination Waynsboro VA in mind, my darling mother and I set off. Upon arrival, we spent some time "exploring" our surroundings (code for "hopelessly lost") as we sought out a friend and thru hiker who had rolled into town that morning. I hurled questions at him as fast as i could while he graciously assuaged my lingering misgivings. When two more hikers arrived, we took the opportunity to run them on some errands around town. The original plan was to begin hiking that afternoon, but by the time this had all transpired, it was rather late. So we checked into the same motel (of which our door did not latch, and the next day heard that bed bugs had made an appearance in our neighbors room) and based on the weather report, decided to head out in the am. My very first trail lesson: plans are futile. Things come up, they change, they shift. You don't HAVE to do anything. If you want to delay a day, do it. If you want hike farther, do it. If you want to take a break, do it. The most important thing is to DO it.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

It was my first official day on the trail, and we stared right out of rockfish gap, near Waynsboro. It was foggy, chilly, and raining, and yet I could not stop grinning the whole way! I was just SO happy to be here. I had heard that the terrain was gentle (relatively of course) and was really glad to have picked such a place to begin!Some of the clearings that we passed over were so densely fogged that I selected my direction with a hopeful, and only slightly educated, guess. These would have, im sure, provided breathtaking vistas, but were instead a sea of white. But I was not disappointed! Rather, the dense fog and heavy wind created a unique and swirling landscape of opaque mist. I watched it swallow trees whole and spit them out moments later. It even consumed me head first from time to time and I felt as if I had landed in some other world. We had altered our itinerary to allow a stay in a shelter due to the weather, and thank goodness! It was a welcome sight among the raindrops, and 10 damp hikers were happy to duck out of the rain early. Lesson of the day: there is always room for one (or two or three) more when it's raining! Bonus lesson: don't stand up when sleeping on the lower level of a shelter, 2 by 4s always win vs your head.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday there had been some discussion on the effectiveness (or lack there of) of raingear. The verdict: laughable. My assessment is that it does nothing to stop the water from getting in, but rather merely delays it (and in some cases actually lends assistance). Also, it does not permit any moisture produced inside, i.e. perspiration (which I apparently produce plenty of) to escape, rendering one, yet again, wet. This is pertinent because today brought even heavier rains and thunderstorms. With the next shelter too far to reach in one day (for someone just starting out) and less then tent-worthy conditions, I was not sure how to proceed. Of course, being in the woods provides limited options: stay put, keep going, or head to town (when available). Since we were only about 10 miles out of town, we decided to go forward to the next road crossing and head back in to wait out the storm. We caught a shuttle in the back of a pick up truck (freezing!) and pulled back into Waynsboro in time for lunch. Here's to hoping that tomorrow brings a break in the rain and some progress can begin to be made!Lesson of the day: hair dryers make great shoe dryers!
Date: 2013-05-09
From: blackrock hut

To: Mi. 887
Miles today: 9.0

Not to be redundant, but guess what we woke up to this morning? Yep, rain.But first, let me back up a bit; I am more and more convinced that everything works out for a reason. Despite pushing it 11.5 wet miles yesterday to the shelter, it was full. But it was probably the best thing that could have happened, as someone got sick in the middle of night. Anyone who knows me at least a little bit knows that this is about the worst possible thing in the world! Ever. I was so so grateful that my tent was a solid 50+ yards away, and I quickly put in my headphones (loudly), prayed, and read my book until I forgot about it. And still managed to sleep some! All ok. Also, after that, and meeting/hearing of many other sick hikers, I will be avoiding the shelters for a little while..But about today, after a few hours, the clouds parted and we got to hike in sun for a few hours! It was the first time we could see anything more the 10 feet in any direction, and the views were stunning. I scored a sweet mountain top campsite in the afternoon and laid everything out to dry. I ran out of water, but there's a spring in about a mile and a half in the morning, so I think I'll make it Lesson of the day: a book is worth it's weight in gold out here. It got thrown in as an afterthought and has been one of the greatest things in my pack so far!
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Mi. 887

To: Mi. 896
Miles today: 9.0

I have been saying for weeks that its very likely I will end up in Maine with nothing but the clothes on my back, due to my extreme propensity for losing things. Well, I'm stickin to it. When I sat down for a break about midday I realized I only had one croc attached to my pack! I laughed so hard because it's only been 4 days and I already lost something! I was just glad that it was one of my "luxury" items and I could easily do without, so I carried on with one. But during my lunch break a bit later (yeah I take a lot of breaks lol) a lady I had stopped to chat with earlier strode up and asked "are you missing something?" She had my croc! Perhaps, with the kindness of strangers, a more significant portion of my gear may make it north with me. As I write, the rain has returned and I can hear the thunder in the distance as i brace for the next 2-3 days of stormy weather. Fortunately, I already have a bit of experience in that field Lesson of the day: I am not the only one thrilled with the brief break in the rain, the gnats are out in swarms! And they bite- both literally and figuratively.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Mountain Pass Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Some thru hikers never get to see a bear; I have already been so fortunate as to see two! My first was tuesday, when I encountered 4 day hikers going the opposite direction, who informed me of a bear about half a mile back. I figured they probably scared it off and carried on my merry way. A bit later, i came upon 2 more day hikers and they said there was a bear a bit down the way. Surely by now all these people had chased away it away. Sure enough, about a quarter mile later a little guy ambles across the path no more than a 100 feet away. He stopped dead in the center of the trail and wouldn't budge for several (very long) minutes. I backed off a bit and made some noise, and he just stared at me for a while, before finally moving on. A second, much larger member of the ursus family seemed to enjoy my company last night, according to a camp mate, and was seen sitting beside my tent sniffing about in the wee hours of the morning. I slept soundly through the whole thing, but caught a glimpse of him this morning. Unfortunately, I couldn't catch a photo of either. Lesson of the day: be camera ready at all times!
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Mi. 988.1
Miles today: 10.0

I must admit, today was a rather long and arduous day. Despite the low mileage, it was constant, steep up and down all day. The aptly named "roller coaster" section is described as "13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents"- no joke! I know it's nothing compared to New Hampshire, but it was more difficult than what I was used to so early on. Add to that rain, rocks, about 138 slips, a throbbing knee, and my very first blisters (which I attribute to these constant wet conditions), and it was rather tedious to say the least. So I did what I had to- stopped often, prayed much, and pretended it was dancing I was doing instead of trudging (this of course could only be achieved in my mind and arm movements, as my feet were busy trying desperately not to fail me now), though I'm sure to the outside observer it merely looked like a clumsy, spastic gait. Fortunately, my only audience was a multitude of squirrels and one rather exasperated chipmunk who I SWEAR rolled his eyes at me and my choreography. Though my compatriots moved on, I cashed in my "no timeline" chip and called it an early day to nurse the very very minor wounds and my ego. Nothing a hearty meal and some reading can't fix! Lesson of the day: don't count your chickens before they're hatched- I was going to comment on how I felt I was getting stronger already, but today's butt-kicking is causing me to recant that statement...we shall see!
Date: 2013-05-25
From: PA 61

To: Lancaster, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I reached my home state of Pennsylvania on Friday! Since my goal was to reach the state by Memorial Day weekend, and having reached that goal, I got to spend a lovely weekend with family and friends. It was so nice to see everyone and celebrate a marriage, a graduation, a birthday, and a new house! We crammed a lot into a very short amount of time, but it was all special. I was also thrilled to get to attend my church for the first time in a while! And yet, I found myself missing the trail, it's way of life, and it's people. I am looking forward to returning tomorrow!!