morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-21
To: Loving My Hammock!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is going to be a great day, I can feel it. The sun is shining for a change, and I slept well and peacefully. It¢s not even 7:00 am, and except for this quick update, I¢m already ready to go! Hammocks rock! And so comfy, too. The only thing is learning some new knots, which I¢ll do when I get off the trail in a few days for Jeremy¢s and Austin¢s graduations. A new trail friend, Scratch, showed me how to use two rings on each end of the hammock to serve as quick-release/adjustment rings so I could forgo the knots, and although I really tried to watch him carefully, I can¢t remember how to do it. So, makeshift knots for now, and then when I go home I¢ll be reading up on the many ways to hang hammocks. (Update: I figured out the rings the next day after playing around with them for a couple of minutes. Very cool! Thanks bunches, Scratch!I was awakened twice last night. First to nature¢s call, whereupon I opened my eyes to see a sky sprinkled with glittering stars through the canopy of trees. You don¢t get that in a tent. Later I was awakened to the sound of two owls calling to one another. The first owl was so close and so loud that I nearly fell out of my hammock I was so startled! (Somewhat of an exaggeration¢¦I can¢t fall out of my hammock. But it was startling to be wakened like that!) It was very cool, though. Even better: as it flew away I saw its silhouette against the night sky, which was very bright even though the moon wasn¢t full.I watched a white-tailed doe for a while last evening. Amazingly enough I was able to convince Tessa to remain quiet, and the doe and I just stood perfectly still and stared at one another for about two minutes. Then she turned and walked calmly away, swishing her white tail as she went.I am feeling so much better today. It¢s the sunshine. I need it! I am hopeful of some happy days to come, and although I really am broken hearted about the loss of some precious photographs, it¢s not a calamity and my perspective is rational again. I think one of the things that got to me is just how vulnerable I might be out here. I never felt afraid before, ever, but now I¢m a little apprehensive, and damn those bastards for diminishing this experience. I continue to have absolute faith in my fellow hikers, but I will be wary of town folks. There are a lot of folks in some of these sleepy little southern towns who are more than willing to take advantage of a person, and perhaps I look like an easy victim. Maybe I should wear my black belt with my hiking attire. Maybe next time they¢ll think twice, heh heh. (Just kidding, Master Um!)
Date: 2011-05-22
To: Gee, It's Raining Again!
Miles today: 0.0

The rain is back. I had a beautiful day yesterday, and goodness knows that I needed that sunshine. I had a beautiful day today, too. I got a late start (spending too much time futzing around), but did some good miles until the weather turned on me. I managed to get my hammock and borrowed tarp up just in the nick of time, and Tessa and I are safe and sound and snug in our hammock. I have my dog and my trail mix, and there¢s chocolate in there. What more could a girl want on a rainy night?You know, this is the strangest spot that I have ever camped in. I¢m right on the edge of a steep drop-off. I couldn¢t have done this in a tent. I¢d have been forced to keep walking until I found a flat spot to erect my tent. Not so now! The weather changed on me rather abruptly, but I was able to make my shelter in minutes. Last time Tessa and I walked 3 miles in the rain to reach a shelter because I didn¢t want to stop to put up my tent in the driving rain, only to find that the shelter was full and I was forced to do so anyway. I spent two days in wet gear. No more! Mr. Hennessy, I¢m going to help you sell hammocks. I¢m reformed! No more tents for me. You can use my posts on your website if you want. And I¢ve already been singing your praises on the trail. Several people have told me they¢re sold. I love this! And I love the fact that I can lay here in a downpour, my favorite canine at my side, and write on my blog. The rain sounds so nice, although I sure would have preferred for the sunshine to continue. Still, I am safe and sound and on the trail, enjoying life and having the adventure of a lifetime. Life is, indeed, good. All I need is a glass of wine and a digital fire and I¢m in heaven!
Date: 2011-05-22
To: A Beautiful Morning with the Sweet Sound of Gunfir
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm moments away from leaving Greasy Creek Friendly, but I leave with a sense of satisfaction. The neighbor is outside firing off his gun! I have experienced the highlights of Greasy Creek Friendly (except for urine in the water, but I can live without having experienced that). I shouted a friendly, "Good Morning, Sir! I hope you have a great day!" I don't know if he appreciated it or not.I leave here having lost yet another trail friend: Tortoise. Bless him, he tries so hard, and I so wanted to be a motivation to him, but I need to move faster. Tortoise currently weighs about 330, down from 360, and to have been out here this long is impressive. I know he works far harder than I do, and I wish I could be there for him, but I have to put in some miles. In fact, it's nearly 11:00 and I'm still here. I plan to hike 15 miles today, and unless I get off my rear and get moving it's not going to happen. I think I'll go say hello to the neighbor and be on my way.Tortoise, if you get online and read my blog, take this message away with you: I'm pulling for you, man. I'm so proud of what you are doing, and I have every faith in you! Get on the trail and make some miles while I'm in Austin, and I'll catch you. Maybe when I return you'll be able to keep up with me. I'll be your biggest cheerleader! You're a great guy! I've loved hanging out with you and I hope to be able to do so again.Now I'm going to try to go catch Sherlock and Cyclone, Tyvek and Catfich, and Meatloaf, the primary members of my initial trail family. I hope I can reach them, they're a blast. If not, there are more friends to be made. Today I'll be hiking with a young man named Blue Jeans.
Date: 2011-05-24
To: Time for a Home Visit
Miles today: 0.0

I'm sitting here in this Motel 6 on my way home, thinking how even this el cheapo place's tax would cover the costs of some of the hostels I've stayed in. And the shelters are free. When I get home I'll take the time to fill you in on which is which, when and why I use them, etc. In the meantime, yes...I am headed home for about a week. Including my round-trip travel time from and back to the trail, I expect to be taking about a 12-13 day break from the trail. After that I seriously need to kick things into the next gear. I try, I really do, but there's always something...mostly weather. Anyway, now I'll attach some posts that I haven't been able to out on the trail:
Date: 2011-05-26
To: The Incredible Shrinking Mom 
Miles today: 0.0

Just moments ago, I saw my youngest son, Toby, for the first time. He didn't say hello or anything like that; he looked me up and down twice and said, "Jesus, Mom! You're tiny! Geez..." A better greeting I cannot imagine.Pat hasn't actually seen me yet, but um...well, let's just say he knows by touch that I've lost weight and he's happy too. Unfortunately, so has Tessa. Gonna work on fattening her up this week while we're home. Her, yes...me? No way! I like this new figure, and I'm not done yet!
Date: 2011-05-26
To: Lost and Found 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It's pretty amazing how vanity disappears on the trail, for the most part. Until today, just now, I honestly hadn't looked at myself in a full-length mirror since I left. I've caught parts of me in mirrors, but never knew quite what the whole story was since I lacked the whole picture. I knew my pants no longer fit and I sent them home. I'll never forget those pants because on the approach trail I found a pink piece of string and I grabbed it, because it didn't belong on the trail, and I felt that it might come in handy anyway. And indeed it did: it ended up being the only thing that held my pants up, as I lost a fast bit of weight early on. Started with size twelve. Sent 'em home. Bought tens. Sent 'em home. Now in an 8 and shooting for 6. No miraculous changes here: it's just 16 pounds, but I think that in the process of losing I have also gained muscle. Things sure look different around this terrain! Sixteen pounds' loss doesn't sound like much, but I definitely see and feel it. And I still have lots more to do! The best part: I lost 16 pounds and found a waist!
Date: 2011-05-26
To: Pretty Cool, This... 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Check it out. And if you haven't done so already, be sure to check out all of our media relating to Safe Sleep (look in the right-hand column). And remember that Tessa and I, we have big plans. There's much work to be done. For Aiden, and for every little boy and girl like him.http://www.kidsindanger.org/2011/04/26/tami-and-crib-bumper-pads/
Date: 2011-05-26
To: Home Sweet Home 
Miles today: 0.0

I made it home tonight, and I'm so jazzed that, even after 2 days of intensive driving, I can't sleep. It's 4:00 am and I'll be off to bed soon, but now that I'm home and have had a chance to really check into stats and stuff, I'm both excited and chagrined. The hits I get when I'm actively posting are exciting to me, but if I drop off for a couple of days, you guys do too. I post as often as I can, but honestly, the Appalachian Trail is a wilderness trail and it goes through some really remote spots. It's amazing to even be able to post to a website at all. So please hang with me, and let me ask each of you for one favor: if you are having fun with me, tell at least 10 people about me. No, it's not a chain thing. Your life won't self-destruct if you don't. BUT here's what might happen: 10 people you've selected might find my blog even mildly amusing. Maybe even only one, but that's a start. Maybe one of them will think about Safe Sleep and pass it on. In the meantime, if they like what they read and get hooked, maybe they'll make a donation toward my endeavours off the trail. Seems like a win-win to me. Tell somebody about my website. Tell them it's sort of fun to watch this inexperienced middle-aged chick figure out life on the trail. And hopefully, tell them that you think I might actually have a decent chance of succeeding!
Date: 2011-05-27
To: FYI
Miles today: 0.0

FYI When I get the chance, I love to peek in and see what folks are saying. It revs me up. I'd love to hear more from folks, especially friends from home or from the trail. I love to hear from anybody! But Hobbs, you are a particular favorite. Where've you been? And Xtofersdad, thanks for your kind words when I was at Uncle Johnny's. It's nice to know that I have folks cheering for me.
Date: 2011-05-27
To: Flycatcher 
Miles today: 0.0

You know, Tessa's company has absolutely made my trip the enjoyable adventure that it has been. I talk to her throughout the day, and sometimes almost feel as if she knows what I'm telling her. I laugh when she spies something off-trail and makes a run for it, lunging on my waist tether (unless, of course, this happens too repeatedly, at which time I have to scold her to stay focused). We're a team, and I really can't imagine doing this without her. How lonely it would be! And she loves it, she really does. She's also so devoted to me that to have me 24/7 like this has been wonderful for her. For both of us. I love my dog. Maybe too much. But anyway, it's because I love her that I must consider leaving her behind. Despite my best attempts, my little gal is losing too much weight. And I can't seem to keep the weight on her on the trail. During town stops I try to fatten her with every indulgence that I can (I buy her eggs, burgers, whatever I think will help her maintain her weight), but the little gal is way too skinny. She's too small to lose this weight and I'm concerned for her. God, we're a pair and I love her to pieces...but is the trail too much? I can feel her little vertebrae as I stroke her back. I know she's having fun but I have to keep her weight on her or she'll have to go. I don't know what to do. But if I'm to break up our partnership, now is the time. But I don't want to, dammit! And neither does she! We're having fun. I just don't know how to keep her from becoming too skinny! She won't take food infused with olive oil, as has been suggested. Any other ideas? I don't want to break up a great team!
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Gay Tours and Ham Hocks

To: Congratulations, Jeremy! 
Miles today: 0.0

My beautiful middle son, Jeremy, is about to graduate from high school tomorrow. I am immensely proud of him. He's been an exceptional student. More importantly, however, is the fact that he's been an exceptional boy, and now young man, in general, and I'm so proud of and happy for him. Way to go, Jeremy!!!!Jeremy plans to attend Texas A & M University (poor boy). Alas, his daddy went there, too. I went to UT (University of Texas), as did my eldest son, Ethan. Consequently, there's a little family rivalry in this household. All kidding aside, Texas A & M is one of the most highly respected schools in the country, and Jeremy deserves this. I guess we can Gig 'em Aggies and Hook 'em Horns in the same household in relative harmony.My how time does fly...I love you so very much, Jeremy! Way to go, son!
Date: 2011-05-29
To: There's No Place Like Home, part 1 
Miles today: 0.0

What a great visit I¢ve been having so far! And how peculiar to say ¢visit¢ when referring to my own home. Yet that¢s exactly what it is¢¦a quick visit home then back to the trail very soon.My first joy was in seeing my family after two months, naturally. Next came Jeremy¢s graduation. Then, of course, was welcoming some of our Vanderwilt relatives and my mother for a couple of days. Today we had a backyard barbecue / swim party for a small group of friends, which was immensely enjoyable. They asked lots of questions, which prompts me to tell you this: I¢m home for two more days, then I head to Houston for my beautiful niece, Austin¢s, graduation. After that, back to that amazing trail. Until then, if you have questions for me, ask away in the Comments after this post. For these two days I¢ll peek in and answer. Otherwise, ask anyway and if I get a chance to answer from the trail I will¢¦but now is the ideal time.Tomorrow is devoted exclusively to family and to reassessing and finalizing my gear for the next leg of my trip. I¢m thinking that I can safely ditch a lot of my cold weather gear once and for all, but I¢m a little apprehensive
Date: 2011-05-30
To: Miscellany
Miles today: 0.0

I've been playing with my gear today. I believe I've perfected my hammock-hanging techniques. My trail friend, Scratch, taught me a technique using a carabiner and two rings. I had mixed success with it on my own, so I looked it up on Youtube and found this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iJTjful66M&feature=relatedAnd if you are interested in my new sleeping system, check this out:http://hennessyhammock.com/ Mine is the Deep Jungle, and I'm extremely happy with it. I really believe that this will help me stay drier than in my tent. The only drawback is that Tessa winds up on my chest or belly to sleep. I'm going to have to teach her to sleep outside underneath my hammock, and she probably won't like that one bit. Somehow this little dog has become incredibly spoiled. I can't imagine how that has happened. Tennis tomorrow, then a ladies' luncheon in my honor. I look forward to seeing my tennis friends. I wish I could have squeezed in all of my friends, but my home visit is just too brief. So bridge friends, tae kwon do friends, Clayways friends, and most especially my close personal friends: so sorry to have missed some of you. I'll see you in October! In the meantime, keep checking in on me. Cheer me on! I'm headed to Maine. I originally told some of you that I planned to do 500 miles, but I'm having way too much fun. So Maine, here I come! I am, indeed, a thru-hiker, and I am determined to see this through! And I'll continue to share as much of my adventure with you as I can. In the meantime, please remember the motivating factor in my hike: Aiden. I checked my donations for the first time since I left, and I am quite dismayed. The figures are woefully short of what I'd hoped. Please consider making a donation to For Aiden with Love. Know that, even on the trail, I try to educate people about the importance of Safe Sleep, and what Safe Sleep entails. I continue to try to share my knowledge with as many people as I can in the hope that I might spare even one family our agony. You can help me in my efforts, and I ask you to please do so.I have enjoyed my home visit immensely, but my heart and head are still on the trail. My family means the world to me, but I have a job to do right now, and that is to see this adventure through. I want to kiss that sign on the top of Mt. Katahdin, and I intend to share a bottle of champagne with whatever thru-hikers might be there with me. I don't think any glass of champagne will taste as sweet as that on top of Katahdin!
Date: 2011-05-30
To: Happy Dance
Miles today: 0.0

So, you'll have to forgive and indulge me in a little celebrating. As of today, my weight loss has reached 20 pounds. I intend to lose 20 more. In the meantime, check out how I looked and the frumpwear I was wearing when I began the trail, and what I'm wearing now that I feel a bit more confident...I'd told Pat that I would leave him as a frumpy middle-aged woman, but I vowed to return to him "hot." I think I'm headed in the desired direction. I yam what I yam, but I'm determined to be my personal best!
Date: 2011-05-30
To: No Place Like Home, Part 2 
Miles today: 0.0

No Place Like Home, Part 2 I have been enjoying a beautiful floral arrangement consisting of two dozen red roses plus some gorgeous lilies. Pat bought them for me in honor of 24 years of marriage. They are just lovely, and so fragrant! He's such a sweetheart. I know my absence has been a challenge to him, but he's handling it heroically, and in doing so he is giving me one of the greatest gifts he has ever given me: a chance to explore a portion of the world under my own terms and in my own time, and a chance to challenge myself in ways I have never challenged myself before. I am grateful beyond words. This time has allowed me to become stronger, healthier, and happier. Both my body and my mind are changing for the better. I am more at peace within. I will always grieve my beautiful grandbaby, and love him until my own dying day, but some of the anger at his passing is dissipating, and in its place is an understanding and acceptance that although life can be cruel, it can also be exquisitely beautiful. I have learned, also, that I am far more capable than I ever realized. I¢m stronger than I realized, too. Some of the trail challenges have driven a significant number of hikers off the trail, especially the storms, but I¢m still here (well not at this precise moment, but you know what I mean), and I know that several folks didn¢t think I¢d hold out even half this long. (My friends and family who know me well, however, have never doubted me, as I have learned. They know that I'm tenacious, stubborn, and ready
Date: 2011-06-02
To: On the Road with Flycatcher...AT here we come (bac
Miles today: 0.0

Tami/Sunshine wanted me to let everyone know that she and Tessa/Flycatcher are on the road back to N.C. She has gotten the word from the Vet that Tessa is okay - no bacteria or parasites - just a case of stress colitis, which can happen when a dog is subjected to too much too quick. We suspect the dramatic change from trail to 2-day car trip to home was just a little more than the poor dog could take. But, no worries, with a little TLC and time she should be back to normal. She's already perked up and even put on a little weight (just a little but she need's a lot more).Sunshine, we're all rooting for you here at home. But we'll miss you too. Six days home after sixty days gone was just not enough. Be safe, have fun, but be safe. Love you bunches! -Pat
Date: 2011-06-06
To: 400 and Counting
Miles today: 0.0

Being back on the trail yesterday felt so good, so right! I had to repeat (retroblaze) about six miles that I¢d already hiked in order to get back to where I needed to be, but I didn¢t mind it a bit, as the scenery was some of the prettiest I¢ve seen yet. Bonus: unlike two weeks ago, when I¢d left the trail, the rhododendrons are beginning to bloom! They are just beautiful. They haven¢t reached their full finery; that won¢t happen for another several weeks. But I could see the promise of the spectacle to come, and it made me happy to think of those balds covered in an explosion of pinks. Wish I could see it, but alas¢¦On the bright side, when the rhododendrons finally explode with color, these parts will explode with people. The locals tell me that thousands upon thousands of people will flock to these parts to see the display. I will definitely NOT miss thousands upon thousands of people. The rhododendrons and I shared a more private, if somewhat less spectacular, moment, and I wouldn¢t have it any other way. Now I¢m off to turn in the rental car and get back on the trail. I¢m already a day behind schedule, pertly due to my ditz move, partly due to the fact that I didn¢t make it here on time to turn in the rental car on Saturday as I¢d planned. But that¢s how things seem to go for this old gal¢¦but I keep rolling along and having a fabulous time doing so. I met a fellow named Backwoods Streaker yesterday. It seems he likes to hike in the nude, and does so on a regular basis. He was dressed when I met him (darn), but his hiking companions assured me that he lives up to his trail name on a regular basis. He said he doesn¢t reserve nude hiking for June 21st, Hike Naked Day. Speaking of which, the answer is a resounding NO! Don¢t even ask! Although I do have a little prank in mind for all of you¢¦.heh, heh¢¦I may have to limit my blogging for the next couple of days. My lengthy posts have resulted in low computer batteries, so I¢ll have to keep future posts brief.I am pleased to report that, by day¢s end, I will have hiked 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Only 1791.1 more miles for me to go! Piece of cake¢¦Sunshine and Flycatcher are off to conquer the woods! Happy trails!