morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-01
To: Final Week Prep!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided to cut my hair much short since it will be easier to manage on the trail. It hasn't been this short for many years. My head feels ultralight! Last night, I cleaned out my office at work. It was time consuming but very rewarding. I wanted the workspace clean in case other staff wanted to work in here while I'm gone. Some of my co-workers verifed that I'm actually coming back.I only have two more days of work! On Thursday, I am treating the office to a farewell luncheon from Subway. I had won a $300 Subway gift card a few months ago in a radio contest and was saving it for this purpose. A farewell party is scheduled with my family on Thursday night. My Mum is making my favourite dish - homemade lasagne. Love you Mum! I'm sure we'll also play a few rounds of Settler of Catan and Ticket to Ride.
Date: 2014-04-02
To: More Final Prep
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I got my nails done today. I wonder how long it will take for them to get wrecked on the trail? It is an experiment! I decided to get green nails with white stripes to represent the Appalachian Trail white blazes. My hands look silly, but I love them.Last night, I should have been doing my A.T. stuff. Instead, I went out to Swiss Chalet and had a huge chicken meal. That was a mistake. I felt sluggish when I came home and was unmotivated to do anything.   I sat on the couch and watched nature documentaries for the rest of the evening. The ¢Wild Canada: Nature of Things¢ four part miniseries is awesome! Go here to watch it: http://www.cbc.ca/wildcanada/. I was amazed with the scene of an eagle swooping down and carrying off a cute little Mountain Goat. I tried to find some decent 2014 thru-hiker videos on Youtube but there wasn¢t much out there other than gear videos. Just wait until I get filming on the trail. My videos are going to be ridonkulous. I¢ve made an important decision. The same answer will be given to all these questions:What are you afraid of on the trail?What are the dangers on the trail?What is the number one obstacle for completing the trail?ANSWER: WerewolvesI have a ton of stuff to do tonight (including gear videos) and I think it will be a late night. Today¢s Motto: A Dhooma¢s gotta do what a Dhooma¢s gotta do.
Date: 2014-04-03
To: Last Day of Work!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My final day of work was today. It was hard. I'm going to miss many of my co-workers.After work I went home and packed for the A.T. I made two YouTube videos and uploaded them tonight.   Click on the "video" link on the side bar to see them. Another option is to search for my name on YouTube. The first video is about clothing and the second one is about misc. gear. Watch at your own risk!!!I'm at my brother's house for a small party. I'm sad that my brother Adam and his wife Aneesa haven't returned yet from their trip around the world. We'll have to meet up after we've done our trails (they are doing the PCT). Now for wine and cheesecake!
Date: 2014-04-04
To: Sara has left her homeland!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had coffee with my Mum and then headed over the border to the USA.Sadly, I wasn't a big winner at the casino but I didn't lose any money as I played with free vouchers. Daryl and then headed to Tonawanda to my storage locker. It was pouring rain so boxes were carried one by one into the car to have final items added. It was terrible and time consuming.I love the Tonawanda post office. The staff is friendly and helpful. I finally have my winter coat back and they had a laugh at the Canadian girl who forgot it during a snowstorm. A couple more boxes were posted and I'm looking forward to some of the special treats inside. Daryl and I checked into a Buffalo airport hotel and went for dinner, I forgot to spray my clothing with Permethrin before leaving so I had to take care of it here.I have to get up at 3:00 am tomorrow for my flight to Atlanta. I made a stupid mistake and forgot to mail my tent stakes to the hotel a couple weeks back. I'll attempt to carry them on, but if I get denied I'll have to check a bag. I brought an old suitcase just in case. I have a tight transfer in Charlotte so hopefully it will all work out!
Date: 2014-04-05
To: Sara at Hiker Hostel -one night before the AT!
Miles today: 0.0

Today was an early morning! I woke up at 3:00am for my flight. I turned my tent stakes vertical so they would be as obvious on the x-Ray machine. I was also prepared to diplomatically point out to the TSA that they were tools "less than 7 inches" in length.My two flights were in eventful other than I had an exit row to myself both ways. Afterwards I took the Marta subway to the furthest stop. There I met up with other hikers heading for the hostel. Two are thru-hiker attempters like me and one is a journalist doing a short section.During the shuttle ride I still couldn't believe that I'm in Georgia. It is surreal. We stopped of at Subway to grab dinner and I also bought a big package of strawberries to share.The Hiker Hostel is amazing! I've stayed at slot of hostels and this one is really nice. The four of us from the shuttle are all staying in the loft section.I did my homework and repacked my bag with my resupply drop. Here is the moment of truth. My pack weight....Total weight minus poles, shoes, 2 socks, 1 bra, 1 underwear, t-shirt, tights and long sleeve shirt = 13 pounds!!!Boom!
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Here I am! I'm doing it!The hiker hostel dropped us off at the Springer Parking lot after a hearty French Toast breakfast. The .9 mile walk up Springer felt really weird.When I got to the top I finally saw the spot that I'd seen a million times in photos and videos. After signing the register and filling out I survey the hike finally began.I met Mountain Squid and enjoyed a juice while he checked off my name. A group of 'Merry Misfits' were waiting for their friends and I didn't see them again. The hike was easy for most of the day and I thought about the focus trail personalities like Earl Schaffer, Grandma Gatewood etc. who all walked the path in the past. I feel honoured to be following in their footsteps. I came across most excellent trail magic put on by the local Georgia hiking club. I was treated to a pop, hotdog and banana. Thanks for your hospitality guys!When I arrived at Hawk Mtn shelter it wasn't full. I claimed a bunk on the bottom level next to a friendly gal named Rodeo and her happy beagle. I ran into lots of people who recognized me from TJ and White Blaze. It was bizarre to hear random hikers say 'your Sara right?' Your the adventurer right'? Many also commented on my small pack.The evening at the shelter was fun with many people getting to know each other. A fire was started ( not by me) which took some chill out of the air. The shelter folk retired early soon as the rain started. I had an okay night but kept waking up when mice ran over my quilt.Some people are over prepared for the trip. A very nice couple from Alaska with two huge dogs brought 14 days of food and dog food. They did not realize they could resupply sooner! I hope things work out for them.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up later than I would have liked in the shelter. I didn't get the best sleep due to mice running around, including on my quilt!It poured rain all night and it was still raining when I left hiking. Many people woke up with a pool of water in their tents. Some people chose to stay in the shelter all day rather than hike in the rain.Hiking was really tough today. I was inching along the mountains going downhill because the trail was like a slippery muddy river. I saw a few hikers fall. I was moving really slow and tons of people passed me. Can I have my hiker legs now? Sassafras and Justus Mountains kicked my bum. I knew there was no point stopping at Gooch Shelter because I was told by people going South that it was full of rain phobic hikers. I had planned to camp at Gooch Gap but when I arrived no one was there. I knew many peeps were going to call for a hostel pick up at Woody Gap so I decided to push on. The next shelter was in the danger bear zone that requires a bear canister ( which most hikers don't carry).When I got to Woody, I couldn't get through to either hostel. I met up with the best family ever - Salty, his wife Sarah and Salty's dad Kent. We called for a shuttle and spilt a hotel room. The shuttle was a pickup truck that could only take two passengers. The guys graciously let Sarah and I go to the hotel first while they waited for 40 mins in the rain. Thanks again Salty and Kent! Salty hiked the AT in 2009 and had some fantastic stories. He and his wife just finished the Florida Trail in March. I think it is awesome that they are all hiking together to Maine,I tried Papa Johns for the first time. OMG all the sauces and seasonings!Staying in a warm hotel with a hot shower was a much better idea than freezing and setting up a tent in the rain. I really enjoyed my time I spent with the three of them. I received my trail name courtesy of Salty and Sarah. It is: Carmen Sandiego!!! This is due to my travelling and adventuring. Overall, yesterday was yucky and super hard but rewarding. I could never sit in a shelter all day due to rain. I'm out here to HIKE!!!
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Leisurely woke up and enjoyed the hotel's continental breakfast. Salty, Sarah, Kent and I took a taxi back to Woody Gap. I heard that a hiker got his sleeping bag and pad stolen at one of the shelters. He called for a taxi and is heading home. That is so terrible! Lots of people have gotten off the trail due to other circumstances like injury and not being mentally tough. About 25% of thruhike attempters leave the trail within the first 30 miles. Georgia is tough! I'm glad I've made it through to Neels.Hiking today was way nicer than yesterday. My cardio is still not at acceptable levels and I was huffing and puffing up Blood Mountain. The view from the top was amazing and the stone shelter was beat to check out.The climb down from Blood had lots of rocks and I would not want to go down in the rain. I was almost at Mountains Crossings hotel. Only 4 mins away and I could see it. I don't know what happened but I tripped on a root and the next thing I knew I was flying like Superman through the air. I fell on my right boob and scraped a finger. Other than a boob bruise, no serious injury. I fell on a "flat" dry trail. arrrrgggggAt Mountain Crossings, I met up again with The a Salty family. They decided to push on and camp rather than stay at the hostel. I'm glad I chose the hostel because a church group did trail magic and we had a massive feast! The food was yummy including homemade blueberry pie.I bought a new pair of tights because one pair got a big rip and a knee brace because my right knee was acting funny today. I live chatting with all the hikers in the hostel. So many personalities! I'm enjoying being called 'Carmen Santiago' and I introduce myself as that instead of Sara. Hikers at the hostel tonight include 'crazy legs', 'little guy', 'wild child', 'wave' and couple named 'smokey' and 'bandit'.Today was a lovely day.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.99
Weather: scattered clouds

I was the first one out of Neels Gap in the morning. I loved passing all the nearby campers packing up their stuff. I like to get up and go on the trail as soon as possible, The first part of the day was great and I was really enjoying myself. The second half was tougher.A Christian Youth group was doing trail magic and missed it as I was through the gap to early. Boo-urns.I also missed a water spot so I had to ration my water during a 5-6 mile section. That was tough and I was fantasizing about drinking cold slurpees.The worst mountain I climbed was "poor mountain". There was no views for a payoff at the top. Poor indeed!Almost everyone from the hostel was staying at the Low Gap shelter that night. It looked super busy so I just stopped in to rehydrate and refuel. That gave me the energy to push on 1.4 miles to a camping spot.I camped that night with Salty, Sarah (now called Optimus Prime), Kent, CAT and two section hikers from Kentucky. CAT stands for Chinese America & Taiwan. He is older gentleman with a great attitude and he hikes with a golf club as a walking stick. It is always fun to run into him on the trail throughout the day.Salty built a fire and we stayed warm until bedtime. It was the first time in my tent on the trail and I loved the privacy. I fell asleep listening to a nearby owl hooting.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I had a great sleep in my tent and was only briefly awakened by a hooting owl.It took about 90 minutes for me to get my stuff packed up and ready to hike. I hope to get that time cut down as I continue to get used to packing my bag.The morning was absolutely fantastic with the trail rolling over a ridge. I chatted with a bunch of locals section hiking along the way. I passed by the Blue Mountain Shelter which had gorgeous views. It was a pity that I had lots of hiking left to do for the day.At Unicoi Gap, I was surprised with some Trail Magic. (Thanks again!) I was gifted with a small bag of delicious, chewy chocolate chip cookies. I sat in the shade and devoured them while chatting with other hikers. CrazyLegs was having knee issues so I gave him my knee brace. The brace was too large for me and I stopped wearing it because it was ineffective. I was happy to be rid of the dead weight and I hope it works out for CrazyLegs.The climb out of the gap up to Rocky Mountain was tough. I was glad I had the extra cookie power energy! CrazyLegs, Salty & Family plus others stopped to camp at the Cheese Factory site. It was tempting to camp with them to enjoy the fire and good conversation. There was enough daylight to continue hiking so left them and pushed over Tray Mountain.The Tray Mountain shelter area was chockful of tents. I arrived late so I decided to sleep in the shelter with 3 other guys. A local kid on his first overnight camping trip had a million questions about hiking. He was particularly interested in what we cooked for dinner and how we cooked it. A future thru-hiker? The wind was howling but the side of the shelter I slept in had the opening blocked off by a tarp.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

I got an early start out of the shelter because I was excited to be heading to Hiawasee today. I phoned the 'Top of Georgia' hostel first thing to secure a reservation.I had breakfast by a creek after hiking about 1.5 miles. It was tranquil and lovely.The morning was pleasant until I hit the steep climb up Kelly Knob. It was hot and difficult. I met an awesome German gal named G-bird who was slack packing the other direction. The quick chat with her gave me more motivation to continue. When I was almost at the top, the Salty family crew caught up with me. It was encouraging to see they also were huffing and puffing!Afterwards, the trail turned mainly downhill towards Dick's Creek Gao. My knees were not happy with the descent. At a mile before the gap I phoned for my shuttle pickup.At the GAO, I was greeted by a tall smiling long-haired man with overalls named Jessiah. He shuttled all the waiting hikers the quick 0.5 miles to the hostel.'Sir-packs-a lot ' opened the hostel a month and everything is brand-spanking new. He was a great host and offered up a cold glass of ice water upon arrival. I was the first to jump in the shelter and was overjoyed to have the salt wash off my skin.I took the free town shuttle into Hiawasee for dinner with a few other hikers. I met Nova, who shares some similar interests as me and we had a great time talking nerdy ( Star Trek) etc. She has hiked the trail before and is currently doing a section. Nova is a great source of info.The dinner place was a Southern cooking all you can eat buffet named 'Daniels'. It had a interesting mix of decor- Gone with the Wind mixed with Biblical Verses. It had tons character and yummy fried chicken. The bill was only $7.95 including a pop!Back at the hostel, I ran into 'Tricks and Aquaman'. I was sad to hear that Aquaman was not feeling well and they were taking a zero. I hope he is feeling better now. Those two are really strong hikers! I participated in the 'funky footpath' which is a tub of hot water, Epsom salts and and marbles. It was heavenly to roll my feet over the marbles. 'Sir-packs-a lot ' gave a brief presentation about the challenges of the trail as we soaked. It was a great way to end the day and I slept soundly in my bunk.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at 'Top of Georgia' hostel the hikers were dropped off at Dick's Creek Gap. The climb up was brutal. It did not help that I was covered up and wearing long sleeves due to sunburn.I took a long break in the shade to eat lunch by a small stream. I enjoyed hummus and crackers with Peach Iced Tea. That seemed to help with the heat and I was anxious to get going and get to the state border.The state border has a tiny sign on a tree. For some reason I expected something grander. An amazing accomplishment and milestone for all thru-hikers!While resting with another hiker, CAT came walking by. He thought we were taking a random shade break and was really excited and surprised when he spotted the border sign.The climb after the border was really steep and draining. I found it extremely challenging and did not enjoy it. I was relieved when I finally spotted the shelter. I dumped my pack and when down to creek to bathe and cool off. The cool water felt amazing on my hot, sore feet.G-bird, rock man, snuggles and a couple other hikers had started a fire beside the shelter. I love unwinding and trading laughs after a tough hiking day. Nova and I hung our food bags together and we shared shelter spaced with three other hikers.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Awesome hiking day!I got an early start and rock'n'rolled throughout the day. I ran into G-bird mid-morning and she offered some inspirational advice. She encouraged me to meet up with her later at Betty Creek instead of my intended destination (Carter Shelter).The terrain was easier than past days and the miles flew by. North Carolina seems much more green than Georgia and I loved listening to the birds chirp.The big climb of the day was Standing Indian Mountain. It was a gradual ascent and descent on lovely well maintained trail. I ran into a Boy Scout Troop and the leaders shouted for the boys to make way for the "nice hiker lady". It was really cute.At Betty Creek campground I ran into some familiar hikers like G-bird, Ziplock and Nova. I was really glad that I decided to push through to camping.I pitched my tent on an angle intended to prop my feet up. Unfortunately, my tent is not meant to be set up that way so it collapsed a bit in the wind during the night. There was no rain so I didn't worry about it. I know not to make that mistake again!
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My first zero day! After nine days in a row of hiking it was time to give my body a rest. I hope my right knee heals up too. Sara's body.. You can rebuild it, you have the technology (Poptarts).I didn't get out of bed until after 9:00am. It felt really strange! I lounged and chatted with hikers in the hostel until my motel room was ready.After checking in, I laid out my stuff and started cleaning. Nova did a load of laundry and was kind enough to throw a couple of items for me.I tried to upload my YouTube videos over and over again but they keeps malfunctioning. Grrrrrrrrr!Nova and I went down to the local outfitter store named 'Outdoor 76'. They have a cool little pub in the back and I tried their 6 beer tasting flight. While enjoy my brews I ran into Tricks and Aquaman. It was really nice to see them again.Nova and I had to hurry back to the motel to catch Ronnie's hiker shuttle around town. We took it the Walmart stop. I bought a knee stabilizer strap thing to try out. Afterwards, we headed to an Asian buffet. Many pieces of sushi was consumed.Wind and CAT were also eating at the buffet. None of us knew when Ronnie was going to come back to pick us up. Nova and I paid, left the restaurant and saw CAT running shouting that the shuttle was in the plaza. All four if us started waving and sprinting to flag it down. I think we could have moved faster but we had full stomachs!Ronnie stopped for us in the middle of the road and cars behind him were honking. It was quite comical.Back at the motel, I'm hard at work getting up to date on these journal entries. I'm going to stay more on top of them in the future. I also have to reorganize and repack got a long day of hiking tomorrow!
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Burningtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.99

I woke up so comfortable I thought I was at home. Maggie make us a delicious waffle breakfast before Wiggy took us back to the trailhead. Aquone Cabins is an awesome place to stay on the A.T. and should not be missed!The trail for the first part of the day was lovely. I love rounding a corner and seeing a bunch of hikers I know packing up camp. Today, I saw CAT, Wind and Wildcat among others. I spent some time walking with Reboot. Reboot hiked the PCT last year and had some great stories about his past hikes.During the climb up to Wesser Bald, I ran into Hannah from Germany. I hadn't seen her since Hawk Mtn Shelter. She now goes by the name 'Pockets' because she hikes with her hands in her pockets. It was kinda like running into a long lost friend.Wesser Bald has a cool fire tower with amazing views of the surrounding valleys. Since it wasn't raining, I climbed up this one! I wanted to sit on the tower for the rest of the day chatting with hikers (also ran into Rockman) but I had to complete a dreadful descent.The hike down to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Centre) was long and painful for my sore knee. I went slowly to try and alleviate the pressure on my knee. It was around 6 miles of downhill ( with a tiny bit of up). Tricks and Aquaman caught up to me and continued to bop down the trail at their impressive hiking speed. I was relieved when I saw the Centre though the trees.I checked in at the General Store and was about to head to my bunk room with Nova when I saw... Salty!!!! The Salty family are camping near the NOC and were eating dinner in the restaurant.Nova and I joined them for dinner and we caught up on our hikes. Kent is now named 'Gladesman' since he is from Florida. It was just like old times chit-chatting... from a week ago!We discussed our hiking plans for the next few days before entering the Smokeys. The climb out of the NOC is going to be brutal (6-7 miles up) so I have no idea how many miles I'll get done tomorrow.The accommodations at the NOC are spartan but you can't beat the proximity to the trail.I uploaded my YouTube videos up to Day 11 at Aquone Cabins. Click on "video" in the sidebar or search for me on YouTube. I can't upload today's video because I don't have wifi.