morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Two entries in two days! Exciting! I'm only able to do a second entry because we actually stayed a second, wonderful night at Tom Lomvardi's house. He offered up hospitality to us a second night in addition to slackpacking us 23 miles today! At 9am he dropped us off 23 miles north of Dalton and we spent the day hiking southbound back to his house. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we were thankful for the nice weather as we crossed Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in MA. We were also privileged enough to run into trail angel Blue Jay who's been following our progress on trail journals! He had yummy orange juice and ginger ale to offer us! Thanks, Blue Jay! It was a fantastic break during our 23 mile day! Gangsta and I also made stops at a gas station for a hotdog and gatorade and also an ice cream shop before the final 9 miles. It was a leisurely and enjoyable 23 miles. Without much weight on our backs, we felt like a million bucks at the end! Having arrived a tad too late for the delicious dinner Tom cooked everyone else, Gangsta and I headed to the local tavern for some dinner, and more importantly, martinis!!!!!!!!! It was our treat to ourselves for getting through another state (and a 23 mile day!). We'll enter Vermont 4 miles into our hike tomorrow. Yes, after 23 miles of hiking, martinis were just what we needed. And to top it off, the tavern had a jukebox with Zac Brown and Sugarland on it! We were in heaven. Luckily, Gangsta refrained from showing off her stellar dance moves. After too many drinks and too many dollars in the jukebox, we decided it was time to head back to Tom's since we had a big day and it will be an early morning. Tom has been an incredible host to us and all of the other thru-hikers who have stayed with him the past few days. We've run into many friends we hadn't seen in awhile here: Snake Eyes, Sir Richard, Not-So-Crazy, Loon, Cricket, and others. It's been fun.It's been a long day. I should go to bed. Next stop, Manchester Center, VT! Weather has been beautiful, life is good, we're all smiles.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Mt. Killington, VT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Readers,Wags and Gangsta were enjoying ice cream atop of Mt. Killington, VT after a ten-mile hike to get there today when she called home to ask me to post this brief entry letting you know her whereabouts and also to tell you I've downloaded new pictures for your enjoyment. They feel they are entering the home stretch of this wonderful journey with under 500 miles until Katahdin.
Date: 2009-07-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,We are thoroughly enjoying our zero day here in Norwich, VT. Betsy and her husband, whose house we are staying at, have been out of town since yesterday. She trusted total strangers in her house! Can you believe it!? Ha, well, not completely. Linda (Loon's boyfriend's Mom) came and spent the night, too. She is best friends with Betsy and wanted to see Loon (and maybe supervise us rowdy bunch?). She brought her massage table and gave us all long massages last night. It was INCREDIBLE!!!!!Today I've been stuffing myself silly with fruit, chocolate covered rice krispy treats, and cookies compliments of Tim ("Soup"), and the Keller family! We've done multiple loads of wash so EVERYTHING has had a chance to get clean, and I might just take a second shower here in a bit. Even my pillow is getting clean! Did you know I bought one? Way back in Virginia, after sending winter gear home, I decided that my pack was too empty and the space could best be utilized by the purchase of a Therm-a-rest pillow. For some reason, balling up a jacket or stuffing excess clothing into a stuff sack was not cutting it for head comfort any longer. The trail is turning me into a princess. It was by far,the best addition to my gear list imaginable. I can't imagine sleeping without it. Finally, I could get my beauty sleep. Obviously, princesses are not ultralight. Once you go pillow, you never go back.Currently, we're about to watch a movie. Gangsta just bought the Sex and the City movie at the grocery store for $9.99. Apparently, it was a deal she couldn't pass up and we've been talking about wanting to see it (again). I wonder if she will carry the dvd with her? Also, apparently, the laugh of the morning occurred shortly after I rolled out of bed this morning. I was the last one to wake up and made my grand appearance up from the basement in the exact same fashion as Gangsta had thirty minutes prior- crawling on all fours up the steps, followed by the "baby deer walk" -- a term coined by Mr. Right that is the most accurate description I have heard regarding how a thru-hiker walks first thing in the morning.Did I mention that Gangsta and I have created fictional alter-identities? They are roles that we will occasionally slip into when times are tough hiking. They have a very unique way of speaking - strong accent and lisp - and for some reason, "Francine" and "Margaret" always seem to make difficult times easier. They usually bring a smile if nothing else. I think Francine and Margaret hiked the last 6 miles into town yesterday in the rain. Sometimes it's hard to snap back into Wags and Gangsta mode when we pass people on the trail. And, as became evident yesterday, Francine and Margaret really enjoy making an appearance after Wags and Gangsta have drank a beer (or two). Maybe we will get some video footage sometime... I think 1736 miles have gotten to us.Enjoy the videos I just posted! It's movie time...Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-07-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Once again, our zero day passed all too quickly. Betsy and Bill's hospitality has been wonderful. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted every day all week. Our summit date is a month from today. We enter the Whites later this week. Next week we'll cross Mt. Washington, where it is thru-hiker tradition to moon the cog railway as it passes. Gangsta and I have big plans for that. There is a lot to get excited about. I'm going to try to enjoy and appreciate each day remaining because I know it will be ending all too soon. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for nice weather as we hike above treeline in the Whites (or how about for for the next month? I'm tired of hiking in the rain...)Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-07-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,We've had a great stay at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel and are ready to take on the Whites by storm (no pun intended). The sun is shining at the moment, however, humidity and rain are supposed to move in later, I believe. Let's hope we've still got views by the time we're on the summit of Moosilauke. We resupplied last night and I am carrying more food than I ever have before. We're only going 4 days until our next resupply, but with the questionable weather in the mountains, we're not sure what our mileage will be each day. You can be your bottom dollar I'm not hiking anywhere if it looks like t-storms. Lightning in the Whites (above treeline) is a fear that's been in the back of my mind since day one. Also, with all of the climbing we'll be doing, I'd like to be prepared for extreme caloric consumption. Hiker's often say they come out of the Whites feeling worn down and emaciated. I'd like to not feel that way. My pack is heavy, but when I'm able to gorge myself at the end of the day, hopefully it will be worth the weight.I also got some winter stuff back for this section of trail. I got rain paints, fleece jacket, replaced my lightweight long john bottoms with Capilene 3 ones, and had and gloves. I kept my 35* sleeping bag and liner. I couldn't fathom needing my 0* bag back in July... it takes up half of my pack, too, so that was another strike against it. Oh! And, in a hopeful act for sunshine, I asked for my sunglasses, too! We'll see...Last night was a perfect example of how things always work out on the AT. Gangsta and I were bummed to have missed the season finale of the Bachelorette Monday night. We considered trying to get to this hostel a day earlier, but with our zero in Norwich, that became impossible. Well, last night (Tuesday), we were flipping through tv channels only to see that ABC was re-airing it!!!! AND, it was followed by After the Final Rose one-hour special! We were excited, to say the least. And we completely dominated the television the rest of the night. I love the AT. Things always work out. Okay, time to climb some mountains. You'll hear from me on the other side!Happy Trails,WagsPS- Chilly Willy: Thanks for the message! I don't have your email address anywhere. Can you send it to me?PPS- Sandalwood: If you're reading this, thanks for sending Gangsta Bachelorette updates this season. PPPS- Happy Birthday, Leslie! Good luck on the bar exam!
Date: 2009-08-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Holy crap! My inbox was flooded this morning with an outpouring of support and encouragement from TJ readers. THANKS! Also a huge thanks to everybody who sent stuff to my Andover maildrop. I went to the PO yesterday and as always, felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Gangsta and I will miss the feeling of Christmas that overcomes us when we walk into the post office...Our rest stop in Andover was thoroughly enjoyed, and obviously much needed. We stayed at the Pine Ellis hostel with fellow NOBOer, Manimal, a few flipfloppers, and a couple Southbounders. I think we're seeing the last of the SOBOers these days. They all said that Maine was a mud pit and mosquitoes were awful. The 100 Mile Wilderness was apparently the 100 Mile Swamp. Hopefully it'll dry up a bit by the time we get there. In typical Wags/Gangsta fashion, we made the most of our time in civilization by watching trashy reality television, Dating in the Dark (it replaced the Bachelorette). Oh my goodness, talk about 60 minutes of pure awkwardness - but we enjoyed indulging in the guilty pleasure nonetheless.We feel rested and renewed. It's true, we had a tough week or two with more tears than usual, but don't worry, quitting never crossed our minds. It simply made me aware of why people say this is the hardest thing I will ever do, and will make the feeling of accomplishment at the end that much sweeter. I don't know when my next entry will be - possibly Monson! I think that is our next overnight stop (maybe Stratton?), and our last town stop before the 100 Mile Wilderness and summiting. Crazy, huh!? A lot of people tell me how bummed they'll be when I'm finished and the TJ entries will come to an end. Don't worry, I know I'll have lots to write about when this adventure is over and I'll have some time to think, reflect, and write. There will definitely be a few Post-Trail entries. Until then, know we're hanging in there, hopefully increasing the miles and smiles.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-08-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 68.0

Dear readers, This one's gonna be short and sweet. Weather has been beautiful. We just spent the night in Stratton, ME after pulling some big miles to get here a day earlier than planned for an extra hotel stay. Yesterday we did our first 20+ since MA! I think it was good for our self confidence to know we can still do big miles.Today we hike over the Bigelows and then the elevation profile that has looked like a healthy heart rate monitor for the past few weeks flatlines! We can't wait! Tomorrow, we're hoping to do a 23 mile day into Pierce Pond Lean-To, a highly recommended shelter.Our next stop is MONSON! I can't even believe it! Lately, our hiking schedule has been coinciding with four guys, Flex, Wimbledon, Junior, and Smile Train. They are much faster hikers than us, but take a lot of breaks so we leapfrog throughout the day and have hung out in Stratton together. With Loon, Plunger, Mr. Right a day behind us, Gangsta and I find ourselves out of the "chick bubble" we were in for quite some time. Now it seems to be Wags and Gangsta amongst a lot of testosterone. The end is challenging. Everyone seems to be exhausted in every way. A heat wave has hit and is supposed to stay all week. For the first time it feels like summer and we are dreading the final big climb up Bigelow (til Katahdin) today. However, we will be passing the 2,000 mile mark today! And, it's our 5 month anniversary of being on trail as well. There is much to be excited about. Alright, it's hard to leave the air conditioning, but the trail is calling. Til Monson!Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-08-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,Gangsta and I summited today, August 26, 2009. It was incredible, although weather was anything but nice. Windy, wet, foggy, and cold. Fog was so thick many of our photos at the sign didn't even turn out very well. Condensation kept forming on the camera lens. Visibility was less than 50 yds at times. But really, given the weather the past couple months, having a perfect day for Katahdin would have been too good to be true. Katahdin definitely challenged us up to the very last step (then another 5.2 miles down). We are getting ready to go out to a nice dinner and celebrate, but I wanted to let ya all know we are officially part of the AT Class of '09. Thank you for all of the guest book entries this week. I will write much more when I have the time recapping the 100 Mile Wilderness and our final days on trail.I can't believe I'm done. It hasn't hit and won't for a few days, I'm sure.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2009-11-12
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,So, maybe that last one wasn't my last. I've gotten a fair amount of inquiries from readers wondering what life has dished up for me since completing the trail, so I thought I'd update my journal with a brief entry informing those of you who are still purusing/re-living '09 journals.I'm living at home with my parents. It's going fine, but having recently turned 27, the urge to be independent and on my own is huge. However, being at home is allowing me to save money. I have a seasonal holiday position with the outdoor retail company Moosejaw. Many of you may know them from their website (www.moosejaw.com), our internet business is huge. Moosejaw also has seven retail locations, one being in downtown Ann Arbor. It's fun, I'm enjoying it, and I'm saving some money. There is the potential to get hired on post-holidays, but we will see. With the struggling economy, I'm not anticipating them needing the extra help after December... it would be nice to not be out of employment as of January 1st, though.In addition to working at Moosejaw, I'm studying to take the GREs in a few months. After my 6 months in the wilderness, I feel ready to go take on the world of academia again and go to grad school for School Counseling. I'm considering Appalachian State. The urge to go back to the southern Appalachian region is flowing through my veins. Please don't remind me that I went to the University of Michigan. We're gonna try to keep that fact on the DL... Whether I go next fall or the fall of 2011, I'm not sure. Life will sort itself out with time. I miss the trail daily. I have good days and bad days back here in civilization. For various reasons, this past Tuesday was one of the hardest days for me. Life felt complicated and I wanted nothing more than to be following white blazes. Gangsta and my summit photo is still my laptop background. We both go back and read journal entries or look at pictures or videos when feeling nostalgic. We continue to be in great touch as we move forth with our lives. At times, it has been a difficult transition, but I'm hanging in there. Just because you completed the entire Appalachian Trail doesn't mean things automatically fall into your lap. I know it will all work out. Doors will open. It just takes time. For now, I'm submersing myself in a plethora of new vocabulary words when not surrounded by outdoor gear and apparel. Can't complain.-Wags
Date: 2010-03-23
To: Trail Days 2010!
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers (if anybody is still checking this!!!!),Gangsta and I have officially registered for the Trail Days 2010 half marathon!!!!! We might not be in the best of shape for it, but regardless, I'm sure we'll have a good time, and likely many laughs. I'm really excited for Trail Days due to the massive AT '09 reunion that will ensue.This weekend I'm headed out for my first backpacking trip since the trail. 24 miles on the Ozark Trail in Missouri. It's nothing too exciting, but I simply can't wait to spend an extended period of time in the woods again, in a tent, in a sleeping bag, around a fire... I miss it.-Wags
Date: 2010-08-13
To: One Year Update
Miles today: 0.0

UPDATE:I'm engaged! Gangsta will be a bridesmaid at my wedding on April 30th, 2011. I am starting grad school for School Counseling in a few weeks and have a part-time job lined up at the local outdoor store to help pay the bills. Between wedding planning, school, work, and backpacking as much as possible this Fall in Missouri, life will be pretty busy but wonderful. Will is an AT enthusiast himself, having met through my thru-hike (he was a trail angel in PA), we're contemplating a month-long section hike on the AT beginning at Springer for our honeymoon. With hopes to section hike the entire thing together over our lifetime, what better way to kick off our marriage than with a nice big section from the start? While many might turn their nose up at backpacking for a honeymoon, it sounds pretty amazing to us. Will is an excellent writer and there's a strong likelihood of us co-writing a 2011 journal for that trip, if it comes to fruition...I can't believe the class of 2010 is nearing the end of their hiking season. Time flies when it's not you doing the hiking. The memories are still so vivid, I can't believe it has been almost a year since I summited.Stay tuned.Happy Trails,Wags
Date: 2010-11-06
To: New journal for 2011...
Miles today: 0.0

Will and I have officially begun our journal we'll be keeping for our honeymoon in June, 2011. You can search for it under the 2011 journals. It's under "Will and Wags." Or, here's the direct link: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=11224 And with that, this journal is FINISHED! On to the next adventure...Peace, love and happy trails,Wags
Date: 2011-09-15
To: Gangsta the Bridesmaid
Miles today: 0.0

Despite having a baby (her) and getting married (me), it is obvious that nothing can diminish our AT bond. Our hilarious moments from the trail continue to cross my mind daily and always result in an undeniable smirk. I love that in this picture we are on the verge of laughing about something. It's nice to know somethings never change even though life inevitably will.-Wags
Date: 2014-10-16
To: New Adventures Ahead
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Readers,We had an amazing time on our trip to Colorado this summer. The CT is absolutely beautiful, we met some awesome thru-hikers, and enjoyed our stay at the Leadville Hostel immensely. It was fun chatting with some of the runners and coaches already there to train and prepare for the Leadville 100 trail race that was happening three weeks later. To cap off our trip, we summitted Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado, and our first 14er. Scout did it, too! We were a bit concerned with her hiking at altitude but she was a champ and seemed to fair better than both Will and I! It was epic and the weather could not have been more perfect!And, as you can tell from our summit photo on Elbert, new adventures are on our horizon... adventures that don't include backpacks (yet). We are thrilled and couldn't have asked for a better adventure to wrap up our life as a family of 3 (including Scout!).Happy trails,Wags
Date: 2019-10-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Anyone still reading this?10 year later. She¢s a nurse. I¢m a high school counselor. She¢s got three kids, I¢ve got one. The trail memories and lessons are still always with us, as if they were yesterday.  She and I even got away for a 3 day reunion trip on the AT together in March of 2018 during our spring breaks.  And you know what, IT SNOWED! Seems appropriate, no?Our friendship, as you might imagine, hasn¢t changed one bit despite time, distance, and busy lives getting in the way. We manage to see each other at least once every few years and slip right back into our roles of Wags and G again. She swung by STL this weekend for a visit. While less than 24 hours in length and consumed by the chaos of little ones and a puppy, it was still wonderfully comforting to be together again. And now our kiddos are friends. And we can hopefully join them on a camping trip to the Smokies next summer and get our next generation on the AT together. How fun would that be!?
Date: 2023-10-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm not sure that anybody is still paying attention to this journal from 2009 but every few years, I make an effort to hop on with an update! Don't worry, adventures involving Wags and Gangsta continue. We shared a wonderful few days in the Smokies together with our children in mid-October. Getting together on the AT again is always special, but it felt a million times more special sharing the experience together with our kiddos. Our children are growing up knowing all about the AT and the shenanigans their mothers shared throughout their 2,178.3 mile journey that year.  We're planning to do a short section hike together next summer for our kids' first multi-day trip on the trail. Stay tuned...
Date: 2009-03-24
From: walkingcowboy09 sobo

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am sitting at home on a raining day thinking about gear & my hiking plans. This will be my second thru hike on the AT. I have most of the gear but I need several items so I will be off to REI shortly. Once you decide to do a long hike the anticipation is agony. Only 2 1/2 more months.
Date: 2009-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have got most of my gear althought it wasn't much to get i already had most. I did purchase a thermo rest my pad is not comfortable anymore. I have started hiking an average of 5 miles dailey so I should be in good shape by June 15th and i am starting to get excited. Long Distance hiking must be getting in my blood every spring I start getting Spring Fever now that I am retired their is nothing to hold me back.Sometimes I question by sanity for leaving a comfortable home to go back in the woods again but the thru hike I did in 07 was definetly one of the high lights of my life so back to the woods I go soon.
Date: 2009-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still have 42 days before I leave for Maine(Mt Katahdin),i AM beginning to waffle a little on this hike but I am definitely going to Maine & hike Maine & start a southbound hike. How far I go is to be determined but I am getting excited, have done several short backpacks my last one was three days on the AT from deep gap to Rock gap & back, with one day of 15.5,17.5 & 8.5 the last day with no problems so physically I am prepared the mental part is the challenge as always. Will continue my dailey walks looking forward to going back to Maine.
Date: 2009-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still have 42 days before I leave for Maine(Mt Katahdin),i AM beginning to waffle a little on this hike but I am definitely going to Maine & hike Maine & start a southbound hike. How far I go is to be determined but I am getting excited, have done several short backpacks my last one was three days on the AT from deep gap to Rock gap & back, with one day of 15.5,17.5 & 8.5 the last day with no problems so physically I am prepared the mental part is the challenge as always. Will continue my dailey walks looking forward to going back to Maine.
Date: 2009-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still have 42 days before I leave for Maine(Mt Katahdin),i AM beginning to waffle a little on this hike but I am definitely going to Maine & hike Maine & start a southbound hike. How far I go is to be determined but I am getting excited, have done several short backpacks my last one was three days on the AT from deep gap to Rock gap & back, with one day of 15.5,17.5 & 8.5 the last day with no problems so physically I am prepared the mental part is the challenge as always. Will continue my dailey walks looking forward to going back to Maine.