morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-10-01
From: 4 miles past Hurd Brook lean-To

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

10/01/2004SlimerMuch better sleep, wake up to find myself covered with leaves and pine needles. The leaves are falling like mad here.I listen to my beloved red squirrels as I pack up. Move fast to Abol campground. Get to asphalt road and walk that to the camp ground.Many bird hunters are out today. Get to camp store. A group of thru-hikers are there getting ready to leave for the birches. I spy ¢Shivers¢ I last saw him back in GA, good person he is.I enjoy the atmosphere of this store. I buy food and eat without any manners what so ever. Float planes are beached on the river shore, Katahdin is looming in the distance, so close by, within a mile of the Baxter State Park Boundary.The day seems to be shaping up quite well. At the store I meet ¢Pop-Tart¢, the MATC Ridge Runner. Through his binoculars I can see Baxter Peak (Katahdin). Can just barely see hikers moving up there, they look like piss-ants. Tomorrow I¢ll soon be one of those piss-ants, A happy piss-ant that is. Rally and the crew comes in, we all sit outside the store. I notice that Rally sets away from us. She mutters that we smell terrible!! HA !!Sundown shows up. I really enjoy their company, it appears that we are all going to summit together.I soon get going, easy walk. Spectacular white water streams along the trail. At this point I begin to think about what Rally said. I decide to take a quick bath in the creek (COLD)!!Water takes my breath away. I hope Sundown and Rally don¢t walk upon me (girls) HA!!Nice long walk to the Birches Campsite in Baxter. This site is only for long distance hikers.Here I meet Shivers and his father, wonderful people they are. I check in at the Ranger Station and head for the campsite. Throw my gear down in the shelter and start sorting out what I don¢t need to take to the summit, checking our gear and checking it twice. Katahdin is one tough climb, the toughest mountain on the entire A/T. We all set around with the summit on our minds. This is what we have struggled and suffered for, for over 5 months and 2,174 miles. Oh, and one tenth of a mile.We all go to bed with Katahdin on our minds, tomorrow it will be over ¢Bittersweet¢ it will be.
Date: 2004-01-10
To: Prehike jitterbug
Miles today: 0.0

So, here I am. I've been doing the laying out the maps and scratch padding an itinerary. Dehydrating leftovers and experimenting with other food recipes.   I read other people's jurnals, in preparation and those who have completed the trail. I got lucky. "Dred" works in Austin, one hour drive from here. I made a date to talk. He's given me a few thoughts to consider. On paper, my pack with contents so far is only twelve pounds. When everything gets here, I'll pack it all in and figure out the ad promised weights are wrong I suppose. Wait for the stuff.The next door neighbor, Bill, came by while my Tofu Pesto Pasta was drying. He thought it smelled great. He thinks I'll be eating good. He knows how I like to experiment with food. I have a spice rack at home that rivals the grocery stores'.The boyfriend is doing a slow simmer panic. He wants me to carry a hand gun. I ask him how much does it weigh? He wants me to carry a GPS. I show him the maps. He wants to know what town's I'll be in so he can be there to meet me. I tell him I will only know for sure when I get there, but I have alist that I will give him when I get done (I'm working on a second version). He's afarid of me being alone. I tell hime over two thousand people start the trail and summer is popular time for people in the area to take short vacations. Philisophically this isn't a solo trip, I tell him.I worry about my fourteen year old cat, Bert. Every summer for the past three years I wonder if he'll make it through the 100 degree days out here. Now I wonder if he'll be alove when I get back.I suppose these are things everyone who is planning a thru trip goes through.So, I go on planning. I go on training. I go on dehydrating everything not eaten. Only being on the trail will tell.Namaste.
Date: 2004-01-12
To: Seafood curry
Miles today: 0.0

My paranoid Vietnam Veteran boyfriend, henceforth be be acknowledged as having a name, Paul, informed he is willing to supposrt me on the trail but, next time I make seafood curry for supper and there is leftover for drying he will camp outside. I informed it was not the seafood curry, it was the smoked salmon, teriyaki mackeral and canned sardines that was making the house smell like the beach.Went out on another trail hike training walk. The park trail is covered with pine needles. The midweight LS shirt was comfortable. 25 pounds feels okay. my rain jacket came in the mail. It's purple...er..lavender. Matches my lightweight LS shirt. I've been mixing and matching to figure out what is going with me when. From what I gather, I can expect to be sending stuff home fron north of Harpers Ferry. I'm planning to hike in sandels. When I went on my first backpacking trip, the boots I had were five pounds. The next generation were lighter, but didn't seem to last as long. But I read Ray's book. I figured if he could do long trails in running shoes that are chopped up, why not just do a trail in sandels? The paranoid Vietnam Veteran boyfriend looked at me and says "2.3 million Vietnamese beat the all mighty American Defense in Tire tread sandels, why not? I've bought Chaco's with Vibram soles. Sox and liners. They work great on the back trails in the park. Just got to remember to pull the straps tight when I start up the hills. Am I nuts?
Date: 2004-01-14
To: Ants on the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Just got back from hiking in the Park. Six miles with a thirty pound pack in two and half hours. Maybe too fast. Hints from my old shin splints from running days. Need to do stretches more often.I ordered fabric from Outdoor Wildreness Fabrics for my tarp. When it gets here, that will be last of my gear. I've been testing combinations of clothing when I've gone out on my training hikes. Getting a better idea about my abilities and sweat rate. cold front due this weekend. Maybe I can tryout some of the heavier clothes.Questioning myself about my stove. I like my Whisperlite but getting the feeling that may not be the way to go. Printed out a copy of how to make a Pepsi-can stove. Made little holes last night as I watched TV...NCIS. As I walked this morning, I was trying to be conscious of my walking speed. Trying to be conscious of being conscious.   Stopped to watch ants building their home. Followed the trail of ants as they lugged leaves to their hole. Saw a small meadow. It wasn't grass. It was covered with moss. At the stream crossing, the tree root looked like a camel head fom one direction. It started to sprinkle alittle. It was all good. Maybe I will have a good time on the AT.
Date: 2004-01-26
To: sewing like mad woman
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, the tarp is awesome. I got 1.1 urethane impregnated ripstop. As per Ray, my tarp is less then 9oz!The pepsi can stove is a bit of a trick. I'm glad I talked to someone about practicing before I hit the trail. The first test burn, Boyfreind and I stood there and watched, when he concluded it had a leak. I wanted to do a quick test so I smeared JB Weld all over the side and PRESTO! flame shooting out the burner holes. Made a pot stand and put a pot of water on. Not quite a boil. I guess I need more practice of how much fuel I need.Sat down and looked over my load of work I need to get done before I head out. I think I can get all my customers out of here before I do. I haven't taken in any new sewing because I'm concentrating on my own sewing...stuff sacks, I'm doing my own capilene tank tops for summer...pot cozy.I'm getting frustrated counting down the days. I asked to boyfriend if he wanted to stay in Dahlgren or at the lodge.   No comment as of yet.Taste tested some banana bread I made two weeks ago that I vacuum packed. There must be something about the vacuum packing that really concentrated the banana flavour. It's a go along with the Logan bread recipe.
Date: 2004-01-30
To: 46 Days of Anxiety
Miles today: 0.0

I had lunch with one of the girlfriends. Her husband joined us. He's excited for me. So, I figured out what I was doing wrong with the ROH stove. Not enough fuel. Once I got that taken care of, I decided to make another cleaner one using Scott's revised instructions. I've also made a pot stand and windscreen. The JB smeared stove and stand and screen weighs in less then 2oz. I'm impressed.I went to the nearby big city to Whole Earth Provisions. I wandered around and ended up looking at all the newer packs. A very nice youg man came up to me and he started talking to me about which packs he's tried and what he liked and disliked about each. I told him about my old pack. After awhile, he talked me into an Osprey Aether 60, loaded with 30 pounds. I walked aroung the store with it for half an hour. I walked out ordering the Ariel 60 in Eggplant. I'll be going into the big city again next week to pick it up. I'll be doing my last training walk with the old pack Sunday. My heart is confused.Once the pack is here, I'll be loading it up with my priliminary list of things going in. It should be interesting.Been reading other folks who will be on the trail. We are a varied bunch. The idea of diversity has me tweeked. I'm one of those people who wonders why we have to separate out along race lines. Diversity to me is also about ideas, thinking patterns and perceptions. I belong to a group of women that is predominately Black. When we get together, I see how even amoung Blacks, they have their prejudices. It's really sad. I live in a rural area where sometimes people start acting strangely when they find out I have a college degree. I tell them it doesn't make me smarter, just more willing to sit on my butt to have my brain stuffed.I think I'll hike the trail in a skirt.Namaste'
Date: 2004-02-07
To: Looks like Walking
Miles today: 0.0

Dropped in and realized some foks have started the walk. I told someone I'm at the point I want to tell Paul, Let's GO!! But I still have things to do. The dentist wants to see me before I go. My Doc wants to see me before I go. I have to finish sewing. I'm still waffeling over maildrops.My sister has consented to being my transcriber and editor. Yeah! There will be a lag time once on the trail. She and her usband will be in Mexico for a week my first week out.Got my pocketmail account up. I've put alot of people in the address book. Sent a test e-mail to the sis. She got it.Bert passed away Thursday morning. I'm pretty sad. So is Paul. We're both doing things to feel better without each other.   Me, sew. Paul, out at the shooting range.After reading some of the foks out on the trail already having problems with the alcohol stove, I may refurbish the MSR for the first part of the trip. Unfortunately that means an extra nearly 2 pounds...hum. Something to consider.
Date: 2004-02-20
To: Life goes on
Miles today: 0.0

There's a little side discussion going on in the journals. Does one just share the miles and scenery, or does one share the internal strife and joy of the trail?I was journaling, not here, but in my hand written journal. I write with a fountain pen that will not go on this trip with me. I noticed how sometimes it is a boring account about doing laundry and getting the bills paid. Then there are days where THE COMMITTEE insist on editoralizing. You know THE COMMITTEE.On one side of the table is Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda, Oughta, If Only and What If. The other side of the table is Easy does it, How important is it? Keep it simple, Let go and Let God, Let it begin with me, Live and let live and One at a time.I've been suddenly hit with major unexpected expenses. A trip to the Emergency room. An estimate to get my vehicle fixed that is above the NADA value. The decision to buy a new vehicle. The dogs get worms.How important is it says, Paul wants to come and check on me at half way and meet me in Maine. Easy does it says, it's only money. One day at a time says, keep making your plans. Let go and let God says, your were lucky your elbow wasn't broken, you can still do the AT. Keep it simple says, just get the dogs dewormed!!Life goes on. I now have a mail drop list. It's strange to think about exactly where I'll be on or near a certain day. But it sure beats knowing I'll be sitting at a desk, rolling my eyes when someone does something stupid or feeling my blood pressure heading for the statosphere.As to what my journal will be like on the trail. I don't want it to be a tell all but I don't want everyone bored with, I did 12 miles in the rain today. Hopefully, it will be a happy mix of agony and ecstacy of walking and walking and walking. Now if that don't sound boring;)Life is good. I believe that attitude alone will take me to the moon...er Kathdin.
Date: 2004-03-07
To: Eight days and a million nights
Miles today: 0.0

Just dropped in and read up on the folks on the trail. It's almost unbearable waiting for them to get to a town and load their journals. But then in a week, that's going to be me. Besides that my transcriber will be in Mexico until my second mail drop so everyone who is reading this will be waiting even longer.I finally have gotten used to sewing all this technical material and now I have to quit and stuff my bag. But I've learned a few things about all the different fabrics and their idiosycracies. Oh well, maybe for the next trip I'll do some other cool stuff. Meanwhile, I have a rainbow in my pack. When it's grey and rainy, I know my pack is full of colorWe have our reservations for Dahlonnega. The dogs will come along and watch mommy disappear on the approach trail in a week. If there is any reason for me to get off, I admit it would be the dogs. Paul is settling in about being supply sargent. He's in touch with folks in Quantico about his time he plans to be there. I'll get to visit with him at half way. He's going to volunteer at the base on their ONTOS project. I think that really cool. Not just the history but getting to see him at half way.Enough nervous rambling. I have one more zipper to put in and I stuff my pack.
Date: 2004-03-14
To: Jayne Jitters
Miles today: 0.0

This is Jaynes's Little Sister writing. Jayne made a small detour on her way to Georgia to visit me! I'm so glad she did. We tested the pocketmail and their server sends mail very quickly.Yesterday we compared backpacks and she showed me her trail food. It all smelled really good - a lot better than those $8 freezed dried foods hubby and I bought at the outdoor adventure places. She continues to have nerve problems - stomach jitters, etc...but we're making her eat well so she has plenty of energy (aside adrenalin energy) for tomorrow's new journey. My hubby and I having done the approach trail once before (by accident), we thought she should try eating lots of beans and that could jet fuel her up that trail to Springer Mt right quick. ;-)She's psyched and ready to go. Jayne and Pauly left this morning headed towards Georgia. Our love and hope will travel with her througout her hike.
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Amicalola Falls Approach Trail

To: Springer Mt Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Started out later then I had hoped but the approach trail wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. But then again, I sort of cheated. I wanted Paul to see the falls so I got a mile head start.I had the trail pretty much to myself for the most of the day. Got passed by two sets of two guys. Made Black Gap by 1:45pm, so I decided to push to Springer Mt. Quite a few folks up at the plaque, so I was able to get a picture of myself there. Then off to the shelter to stake out a claim. In the end, there were five of us in the shelter, chilly enough to keep the mice from playing and it rained.On my walk I did my best to stay in awareness. I saw a 2inch millipede as my only wildlife. Lots of different kinds of fungi and pretty rocks. My mind did wander about walking sticks. I'm using mom's stick from her AVA walks and it's helped. Namaste'
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Springer Mt Shelter

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.4

Woke up to fog and drizzle. Little chilly. Ate cold cereal and headed out in the fog. Hard not to let the mind wander when it's hard to see anything more then ten feet in front. Since I had started out early (745am), decided to stop at Stover for a coffee break and chit chat with night before late starters. This part of the walk was very pretty. The fog lifted and the immensity of how tall the trees here caused me to be in wonder. More greenery in the valley. I saw a grey squirrel. My knee is bothering me, so I decided to stop off at Long Creek Falls for lunch. I had the place to myself. It's beautiful. Did some quick cleanup in the REALLY cold water, but it felt good. Just felt strange putting on smelly clothes again. Just in time. Hopeful, Andrew and Welsh Nomad showed up. They're the folks at Stover with whom I had my coffee break. Then upward again.The trees sounded like the surf. The sun took the chill off.Hawk Mt s. is really full. I got here a little before three and decided to set up the tarp. Almost too noisy.Went down hill to get water. Took of my sock and rinsed them out as well as the bottom part of the 2/1 pants. Being away from the crowd will help me get some sleep tonight, I hope.Namaste'
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.1

Learned something they don't warn you about, heavy food bags. This morning I got up early, three or four others up. I went to get my food bag off the bear bag system and nearly got pulled up instead of lowering all the bags. Pete caught me before I went up. The lesson here is if there are a lot of people, the system is against you if you're a light weight. Get help!I spent most of the day walking with Joe (Dadoh) and Intent. Two other older guys. We leap frogged off and on up and down the hills. Got passed by a number of the younger folks, but the company was good.The tarp worked out well, but tonight I claimed a space in the shelter. Intent and I got here about three. There were plenty of others already here. More coming in.Went down to the spring and soaked the pack towel. Got it wrapped around the knee. Tomorrow I should put on the brace. Hot spots on the big toe, but no blisters. Last night I was able to get a little elevation on the legs, I may sleep with the pack under my feet tonight.Wild life seen today, a snail and a little red bug, probably a baby something.The next shelter is a twelve miler. People discussing if they can do it or not. Need to look at the topo.Namaste'
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A lot of discussion about this stretch. Twelve miles for lots of newbies. I decided to stop at a water source at eight miles and see how I felt. I had been wondering about the trekking poles a lot of people seem to be operating with. Thought I'd check at Walasi Yi about getting one pole but grace was with me, someone had dropped a makeshift staff. They are nice. Lopped along through the whole twelve miles and the half mile to the shelter. Got here too late for shelter space, so another night in the tarp. Set up next to Dharma from Canada. Not a lot of flat area here. I think I'll keep the staff. Doing Advil for the knee and used the brace today. Knee isn't swollen but downhill is painful. Pick up more Ibuprofen tomorrow. I think I'll get a night in at a hostel.The day started nice but after lunch there was drizzle and cool wind. Probably the reason I kept walking today.Wildlife seen: salamander type thing at the water source here. Peter actually caught one in his water bag.Lots of interesting lichen and moss. Parts of today¢s trail were like Arkansas roads, just a notch cut along the edge of the mountain. Need to keep an eye on the feet, therefore noticing moss, lichen, ferns at the springs and the strangest thing, grass like monkey grass along the sides of the trail.I'm feeling good. Tired and sore. Had company at various times on the trail. Newt, White Mountain, Dadoh. Met Cuppa Joe and Picaboo. Faces to names from Trailjournals.comDay hiker on the trail sail tommorow is forecasted for rain.Namaste'
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap - Hikers Hostel Dahlonega
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: clear sky

The climb up Blood Mountain was quicker then I thought. Then the downhill came. The top of Blood Mountain is a sight to behold. It's no wonder they have gotten uptight about people being up here. There are all kinds of foot trails going all over the mountain. Reminds me of how sad it is to be at Enchanted Rock these days versus the remembered of years gone by.The downhill was painfully slow but early start and inspired walk up, made for a short day. Ended up at Hiker's Hostel in Dahlonega with Newt, Intents, Brandon, Peter, Joe, Louis, and JoAnn. Later there was John and Don who were getting ready to start Saturday. Namaste'
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Neels Gap - Hikers Hostel Dahlonega

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: few clouds

Got up at the hostel, cranky and sore. Not the quality sleep I had hoped for. Then nausea and pain. Today's sharing will be the dreaded philosophical and psychological.Newt suggested I do a short day. We planned to shop WalsiYi for some items. Shoe inserts for her and knee braces for me. As it turned out I got ready before she was done so I headed out.   The day was beautiful and balmy. The sun dappling through the bare branches of the trees. As I stayed in awareness about the knee brace, the world became different. It wasn't important to get to Maine. It was important to see I was walking in late winter in northern Georgia. I saw the little red bug from a couple days ago. There were some little lavender flowers that are like some in Texas. I saw a violet blooming under a ledge seeping water from the ground, a buzzard soared over my head on a thermocline. It looked beautiful and graceful.I got passed by a number of folks who told me no way would they stay at Whitley since it was 1.2 miles off the trail. I thought it sure would be fun to claim to have stayed at a shelter in March all by myself. So made the hike in. The trail is like a fairyland of lace woven bushes getting ready to bring forth blossoms. A couple guys were headed out, explaining they didn't want to do this walk in the morning. I thought OH BOY, no one to share with. HAH, as I was claiming to be alone in the register, I got company. A Mandolin player from (Gainesville) Florida trampling through the woods. We've been having too much fun. Later more about that. Time for slow down. Casey shared about his visit to India and his fascination with raw food diet. As we settled into getting ourselves to bed, there was lightening. Then thunder, then the other Casey camping up on the hill came running down the hill he doesn't want to climb in the morning to get off the ridge during a lightening storm. We all laid in our bags and watched one of the best TV shows ever!!Neither guys snore! Can you believe my luck? Two guys with the same name so I don't have to remember and neither snore! Thank you Universal Force.Namaste'
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

It's suppose to freeze tonight: I got a space in the shelter. We aren't crammed in but there is enough to keep the wind from doing too much whistling. I've been waking up around one or two.   Think I'll write then. We've got a campfire rowdy going on right now. This should be interesting, typing in the sleeping bag, not working well. Maybe finish this in the am.It's 0704. Got up at tad before six and watched the sun come up. The sunrises out here are awesome.I figured out why I feel compelled to walk until I collapse, or I have a theory. Second day without cigarettes. I don't want to sit around and think about having one. Whatever, today is a seven miler. The day looks like it will be less windy then yesterday. Some of the gusts yesterday almost knocked me off my feet. I admit listening to the trees creak around me all day made me feel a tad antsy.Okay, gotta get coffee.   Namaste'