morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-01-03
To: Prep #66--Doesn't Get Any More Official Than This!
Miles today: 0.0

Ok everyone...I gave my notice to my boss today (actually...I literally JUST gave her notice about 30 minutes ago...whoops...just gave away that I'm typing this at work! hee hee)As much as I don't care for office work, I really have enjoyed working for this particular person. Mainly it's because she does not micro-manage, she's got a sense of humor, and she rarely blows things out of perspective. It's been nice working for someone like that for a change, even though the actual work is not at all challenging or exciting to me.So, her reaction? "WOW!!! That is wonderful!!" I couldn't have asked for a better reaction honestly. She said she wants to hear all about it when I get back and agreed that when you get an opportunity like this, you should go for it.So it's official, my last day at work is February 28...which is exactly 8 weeks from today! Y*I*K*E*S!!!!! (I'm smiling ear to ear right now though) I called my mom and told her, and my mom said, "Well, it's really real now huh?" Yup, it is. It's starting to hit me how much little stuff there is left to do. I'll make a list of that little stuff and post it here, because I was always wondering why people seemed to get caught off guard with all of this stuff to do at the last minute. I never understood what there was to do, but I'm now starting to see a few things, and I figure it might be helpful for those of you who might be kicking around the idea of trying this in the future.In the meantime, I'm really wanting to get home and post/take pics of my new gear Santa brought me. I'm literally down to just buying some hand sanitizer and wet wipes for my pack to be all set. This is really going to happen isn't it?
Date: 2007-01-07
To: Prep #67--All of My Gear--Nope...I'm not spoiled
Miles today: 0.0

So Henry sat me down and had a talk with me. He said, "Mommy...I'll let you put that embarrasing picture of me in my Christmas shirt on your journal if you don't make me pose in anymore of your new gear pics." I figured that was a reasonable request, so here he is, and feel free to check out my newly updated gear list. I believe I have absolutely everything that is going into my pack on this list now. You'll notice a few changes in clothing and several additions of stuff I either hadn't put up yet or stuff that I got for Christmas. Here's what Santa brought me this year:1. AT Map Set (Thanks Mom!)2. Swiss Army Knife/Whistle (Thanks Sis!)3. Watch/Compass/Thermometer (Thanks Sis!)4. Pot Cozy (Thanks Rachael!)5. Glove Liners (Thanks Rachael!)6. 2 more stuff sacks (Thanks Rachael!)7. Snowpeak Titanium Cup (Thanks Rachael!)8. 2 sets of Aqua Mira (Thanks Rachael!)9. Wind/Waterproof Lighter (Thanks Rachael!)10. Stormproof Matches (Thanks Rachael!)11. 2007 ALDHA Thru-Hiker's Companion (Thanks Rachael!)12. Pack Cover/Gear Hammock (Thanks Rachael!)13. And the biggest surprise of all....an Olympus Stylus 720SW Digital Camera that absolutely kicks ass (THANKS RACHAEL!!!!!!!)I also got a wall hanging map of the entire AT from the ATC and a necklace and bumpersticker all AT related from Rachael. Seriously people, I AM the luckiest person in the world to have this type of support from my partner and family.Who me? Spoiled? Naaaaaaaaaaa......... Oh, I forgot to mention. According to my spreadsheet where I've been keeping track of the weight of everything, my pack should weight a total of 34 lbs with 4 days food (8 lbs total-2 lbs per day) and 2 full water canteens (4 lbs total for 2 liters)I don't think this is too bad for a cold-weather set-up and for a person that has had to add additional clothing for warmth. Also, for cold weather, hammocks are a bit heavier than tents, BUT in warm/hot weather, they're lighter than tents. I figure once it gets warm, I'll be able to send approximately 2 lbs of gear home and that's if nothing else changes (which it will I'm sure). So that's that....for now.
Date: 2007-01-22
To: Prep #71--Insomnia & Nightmares
Miles today: 0.0

Whoa....what a night. You know that song, "Last night, I didn't get to sleep at all...no...no...." I thought it was by someone like Crystal Gail, but upon googling it, I found it's by the 5th Dimensions...who knew? Well, that was definitely me last night. Absolutely could NOT turn my head off. I kept playing day one of my hike through my head. Would I hate it? Would I come to the realization that it would be too physically demanding? Would it be 20 degrees and I'd freeze my butt off the first night? All of those questions we all wonder about and have zero chance of knowing the answers till we are literally hiking day one.I did eventually drift to sleep, but only to have my first (of probably many) nightmares related to my hike.I was in camp, I had my hammock tarp set up and one side was tied out parallel to the ground, so it was forming a 90-degree angle. This guy I know from hiking around here in Michigan was sitting under the tarp with me and we were camping next to a huge river. It started pouring down rain...REALLY hard...the wind was blowing...rain was blowing in sideways under my tarp.Then I tell my friend, "HEY!! OH MY GOD...MY GEAR!!" I realized that my down underquilt for my hammock and my down overquilt (which in my dream was my comfy white down comforter from my bed) were both draped over this dead tree right on the river's edge and they were getting soaked!! I yelled at my friend to hurry up and run out there and get them, but I never saw him budge. It was like he was suddenly gone and I was suddenly paralyzed (love those huh?) All I could do was sit there and watch my down gear get drenched in the rain. I found the pic in this post on-line. It looks eerily similar to the location in my dream. My down items are going into silnylon stuff sacks. Those are going inside of my trash compactor bag inside my pack which will be twisted and held closed with a hairtie. Then, I have a silnylon pack cover on the outside. I suppose as long as I don't go laying my gear on dead trees next to river banks with gray storm clouds overhead, I'll be ok.
Date: 2007-01-24
To: Prep #73--The Joys of Relocation
Miles today: 0.0

I don't know about you all, but moving is one of those things that never quite made it to my top ten list of favorite things to do. However, sometimes it is necessary. This weekend is our weekend to do just that. This weekend also happens to be forecasted with the the coldest weather we've had all winter. I can't wait. We're moving to a town that is much much much closer to Rachael's job. I'm glad about that. It's kind of senseless for her to drive forever and ever on a daily basis especially since I won't be around, and since our lease is up at the end of this month, the timing is perfect. I know a lot of thru-hikers are moving their stuff soon, into storage units, or to a family member's house. I've found that moving (if done somewhat frequently) does wonders for what I like to call "Pack Rat Syndrome." Seriously...the more times you have to pick up that accordian that your father played when he was six and you realize that you're never going to refurbish it and then find the time to take lessons and become a world famous accordianist (and who gives lesson on accordian anymore?), the more you're prone to admit to yourself that it might be time to find better homes for these things. I'm talking hypothetically here of course! I also wonder how it feels for a thru-hiker to come back to all of their "stuff." How many people never reclaim the majority of it, or how many people just sell it off. I think living day in and day out w/your entire home on your back can also be effective against Pack Rat Syndrome. You have the opportunity to find out just how much stuff it does NOT take to live a content life everyday. Of course, I'll admit that my taste lends itself towards minimalism anyway. If it were up to me, I'd live in a spacious room with windows on 3 sides, hard wood floors, and one comfy chair in the middle of the room. Of course...I'd have to have 2 eye bolts in the walls to hang my hammock though. hee hee
Date: 2007-02-04
To: Prep #75--I Promise Myself
Miles today: 0.0

I promise myself that I will not expect too much out of my body, so I will rest often and start off slowI promise myself that I will stop and take the time to enjoy a beautiful view, every single time that I see oneI promise myself that I will practice what I preach, and show compassion and kindness towards othersI promise myself that if I feel like quitting, I will not beat myself up, but will take a few days off, rest, shower, and re-evaluate my feelingsI promise myself that I will not forget the sacrifices others in my life are making to allow me to do this, and I will thank them oftenI promise myself that if I am scared or stressed out, that I will keep my situation in perspective and realize that it could ALWAYS be worseI promise myself that I will make every attempt to find the humor in what appears to be a miserable situationFinally, I promise myself that I will always remember that this journey is only possible because I exercise a certain amount of privilege in my life and that without others and their kindness, it probably wouldn't happen at all....
Date: 2007-02-04
To: Prep #76--Answering Some Common Questions
Miles today: 0.0

So over the course of my planning, I've been asked a lot of questions from friends, family, and a couple of people in my guest book, so here's all the answers in one spot.1. Will you carry gun? No, my whole body is a lethal weapon (remember, as a former Marine, I can take someone down 77 different ways with a toothpick)2. Are you crazy? It has not been officially diagnosed, but I believe the answer could be yes3. Will you carry all of your food for your whole trip? No, that would amount to me carrying approximately 360 pounds of food at one time, and even though I think my gear rocks, I don't think my 11 x 17 silnylon stuff sack that I'm using to store my food in would hold that much. I'll carry 4-7 days worth of food and resupply in trail towns along the way.4. What will you do for water? I will refill at Mother Nature's conveniently spaced spiggots, called streams and springs, and I will chemically treat my water with Aqua Mira 5. Are you walking the WHOLE way? Yes and no. I suspect that at times, I may be limping, running, sliding, falling, hobbling, climbing, and scooting, but all 2,175 miles will be traveled in one of these ways6. Did you just say 2,175 MILES? Yes, from Georgia to Maine (and then I bend over and pick up their eyeballs which have just popped out of their heads, and gently push their jaws shut)7. Won't you miss your family? (first I ask them to hand me a kleenex to wipe away the tears and reply) HELL YES!!! This will be my greatest challenge to face.8. What are you going to do when you finish? (blank stare)9. Aren't you afraid of getting eatin by a bear? Nope, I can't WAIT to see one in the wild!10. (This is for Carol who signed my guestbook). Can one turn over in a hammock? Assuming you mean flipping over (and falling out), that happening is related to where the center of gravity is in the hammock. I think some designs are more "stable" then others. I know a few people that I talk to have done that, but it was usually when they were using their homemade hammocks and were testing them out. In my Hennessey Hammock, because of the way it's designed, it's extremely stable, and I've never felt like I was going to flip over (and trust me....I tested it!)***Additional info--Yes, you can sleep on your side quite comfortably in a hammock. Belly sleeping...not so much, but some say they've figured it out. I can't sleep on my stomach, so it has never been an issue for me. I too toss and turn a lot at night though, and moving from side to back to other side is no problem at all in a hammock.11. Are you scared? Who me? Never.........
Date: 2007-02-09
To: Prep #77--ROAD TRIP!!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Well, as we all know, the only thing constant in life is change. Some change is good, some change is not so good. Sadly, Nicole and I won't be riding down w/Toasty afterall. Everyone send healing and positive thoughts to Michigan, so Mark (our personal chauffeur) can get better REALLY SOON!!! I'll leave it at that, as the details are not mine to share, but Toasty will be missed, that's for sure. (I was so looking forward to showing off my "Toasty Gloves" to her!!!) So change #3 in transportation to Georgia. (I actually love looking back and recognizing the evolution of the beginning of my trip...it's a testament to how you can not control life, you can only control your reactions to it). Now, Nicole and I will be two hot mamma's road trippin it in a sleek and sporty economy rental car! I'm sure we WILL be driving the car that makes everyone jealous on the highway. We found a great deal on a car and due to Nicole's savy on-line reservation making skills , we grabbed a really great deal for a hotel on our way down too.We could have flown, but honestly, this route will either be cheaper or equal to flying and neither of us really wanted to check our packs if we had another option. Also, this is just a slower pace and I for one could use the drive time to process what I'm about to embark upon. Life is moving at a million miles per hour right now and some time will be needed to just calm down and mentally center myself again.We are leaving in 29 days. This has brought up an enormous amount of emotions in both me and my partner. I'll discuss (for those of you who will do this in the future) some of what it feels like for both the hiker and the hiker's family that will be at home, in my next post. I think it's tremendously important to recognize that they are experiencing a whole set of their own emotions and difficulties, and it's the least we can do to recognize it, let them express it, and help them as much as we can through it. I'll honestly say that last night was the first time guilt crept into my heart, but luckily I have tools to deal with it, so it will all be ok. So for now...gotta run to my bookkeeping job (only 2 more Fridays after tonight!! YIPPY!!!). There are several hikers already out there...so sign their guest books and give them some encouraging words because I think they're walking icecubes right now! Whether you(as the reader) know it or not, you and your comments are just as much a part of this experience as anything. I for one REALLY appreciate the words and thoughts that have been shared in my guestbook, and I'm not even out there yet! So thanks everyone. Here's the names of the those that I'm following that have already begun:ZeroMr. Happy--go to: http://www.2000miler.net/   Santas Helper'sTom BrownThere are probably a few more too that I'm missing
Date: 2007-03-02
To: 10
Miles today: 0.0

It's the countdown. 10 days till my feet are on Springer Mt. What am I doing today? Going in to my bookkeeping job to train the person I worked for how to do my job. Going out for dinner at Rachael's restaurant, maybe by myself, maybe w/some friends...still waiting to hear from them--sorry you don't feel well Irene! I'm loading a few more songs onto my MP3 player, going to purchase my anti-virus program for when mine expires in May, and I'm entering the emails of my other thru-hiker friends into my pocketmail, so we can keep in touch out there.I "might" go grocery shopping for my first leg to Neel's Gap, but we'll see. Don't want to do all the fun stuff in one day and then be left to sit around and get nervous! Oh, I got some really great advice from Beth in my guest book regarding programming phone #'s in your phone. I've copied her message below, and will admit, I hadn't thought about this, so I'm definitely going to heed her advice. Thanks Beth!:"Michelle, Good luck on your trip. Here's a helpful hint -- learned from exerience --- write down a few key phone numbers on a piece of paper in addition to having them in your cell phone. I got off the trail at Woody Gap a couple of years ago unexpectedly due to Hurricane Katrina, and my cell phone wouldn't work because my plan wasn't in the area. All my phone numbers were in my cell phone, and I couldn't get to them to call my sister in Atlanta for a ride back to Springer. Also, by phone card didn't work -- wrong compnay (Had a Verizon phone and AT&T ohone card). The lesson I learned was --- have a back-up plan for technology. It cost $50.00 to hire sopmeone to take us to Springer because I didn't have my sister's work number available!!! Good luck on your trip. Beth "---------------I've got that sick nervous feeling in my stomach this morning. Woke up after not enough sleep and couldn't go back to sleep. Rachael literally just walked down the hall and said, "I don't know why you're up!" My response....."me neither.." (but I think we ALL know why I'm up)
Date: 2007-03-03
To: 9
Miles today: 0.0

1 week from today I'm driving to Georgia with Nicole. So what did I do today? Man....I was a bum actually. I got up and watched television. There's this show on (I think TLC) called "Intervention". It's sometimes very difficult to watch but is so eye opening when it comes to the world of addiction, be it drugs, shopping, alcohol, eating disorders or whatever. It's a really intense show, but I'm glad it's on, because maybe it will influence the choices someone might make if they're thinking about "experimenting" with any of these deadly drugs. To me, having my life controlled by anything like that would be my worst nightmare. It would be impossible to have dreams, to even think about having an adventure like hiking the AT. It would be impossible to even respect myself, or to show love towards others and that would be tragic. I had also recently watched a movie called "Requiem For A Dream." It's on DVD, but let me tell ya folks....this movie, as well made as it is, is a hard watch. You kind of walk away feeling icky inside, but at the same time, it is by far one of the best movies I've ever seen. So besides watching television, I did my friend's, Heather, taxes, cuddled with my little man Henry and took a nap. Doesn't really sound like a person that is in the final days of preparing for a huge on-taking, but I think I needed a day to just chill out. I didn't even go outside all day, and it was nasty, snowy, and cold all day, so I probably didn't miss much.I looked up the forecast for March 12 at Amicalola Falls.   I'm not hiking the approach trail, but it's only 8 miles from Springer, so I figured that would be the closest forecase I'd find. As of today, it shows partly cloudy, high of 65, low of 41, 10% chance of precip, light winds. It would be the perfect hiking weather if it really ended up being like that. But, if it ends up being stormy, rainy, and cold...that's ok too. It's all part of the exercise of letting go of control, and that's a good thing. I'm just ready to get out there.
Date: 2007-03-04
To: 8
Miles today: 0.0

I had another nightmare last night about my down gear getting wet! LOL I guess I'm subconsciously really worried about this.....not sure why, because I'm taking several steps to ensure it stays dry!So in this dream, Rachael and I were outside. She was helping me adjust the underquilt on my hammock (which I still really need to do). We were holding my underquilt out flat, getting ready to fold it and all of a sudden out of no where, a torrential downpour began. It was like an instant soaking and my underquilt was saturated. Of course, like most dreams like that, we were both shocked into a paralyzed state and could only stand there while it happened. Pretty funny stuff. I've been finding myself waking up early in the morning and experiencing that shot of adrenelin that you do when your brain quickly reaches a conscious state and there's some big "thing" going on in your life, so it reaches the front of your mind in a micro second. I keep running day 1 through my head. I keep thinking about how I'll be sleeping in my hammock every night, I keep running things through my head like how I'm going to try a different technique of getting into my hammock inside of my sleeping bag, and I wonder how tough it's going to be on day 1. I also know that this will not hit me until I pull away in our rental car w/Nicole. I guess that's what happens when you've been planning something for a year. At the beginning of the whole idea, the actual act of planting my feet on Springer still felt like something out of a book. Just a nice story. Well now, I'm really excited, and like my good friend Tim reminded me, when embarking on a journey like this, there will be things that seem small or insignificant now, but in 20 years when I'm onto other things, these small insignificant things will seem monumental and I will have wished I wrote them down, so he reminded me to make sure I record them all...big or small. Thanks for reminding me Tim.
Date: 2007-03-05
To: 7
Miles today: 0.0

In about 45 minutes, Rachael and I are leaving to meet up with Nicole and Ann for lunch. I haven't seen either of them since our last shakedown hike WAY back in November. It is bound to be bittersweet though, since Ann won't be joining us this year. I am hoping to hear good news about her husband's progress. Crossin' my fingers!!!Yesterday ended being a busy day. We went to turn in our crappy cell phones (Motorola L2...don't bother w/it) and we thought we'd have to buy new ones since we just got these 6 months ago w/our contract renewal, but due to a 1 year warranty, the awesome lady told us she could send us another model (a "lower" model) for free!! SCORE!! That saved us some big bucks, and the new phones should be here no later than Wednesday.We also went to REI so I could get some small plastic bags and a 2 oz nalgene bottle so I can create my "spice" bag and carry some olive oil. I'll post more on this in the coming days.Finally, it was the warmest day (at 40 degrees) that we've had in months, so I decided we should try to go ahead an adjust the underquilt fit on my hammock. So, I learned a few things about trying to do this when it's getting dark, with a person who has never touched a hammock, and when the winds are blowing 250 mph. Lesson #1: Hammocks and underquilts make great sailsLesson #2: Explain the components and adjustment procedures to the friend helping you BEFORE stepping out into the -10 degree windchillLesson #3: Frozen hands and fingers = no dexterityLesson #4: Saying things like, "Now put your hand through the velcro slit on the underquilt" sounds like greek to a non-hammockerLesson #5: A lesson I thought I'd already learned, but apparently not....the wind is not a hammocker's friend. To see my rendition of what it was like trying to do this (and we failed at it by the way), please see my carefully hand drawn picture below. 2 semesters of art class in college allowed me to draw like this by the way.Today, I can hear the wind howling again. I think we'll just go enjoy our lunch w/friends and wait for another day.