morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Vernon, N.J. (again!)
Miles today: 0.0

Thw Wawayanda State Park ranger station is only a short distance from the shelter and last night I'd chatted to a ranger there, Joe Kolicki, who said that thru-hikers were wlcome to use the rangers' shower room, soda machine and fill up on water. I'd done all that this morning when 'Two Speeds' and 'Thistle' came into the station and annaounce they were leaving the Trail. Yesterday had simply reminded them of all the reasons why they were no longer enjoying it. My reactions wasn't exactly positive. I was up for a day's walking, time was passing, and I was pretty annoyed. Why couldn't they have announced this in Vernon? I cooled down and we discussed how best to get them off the Trail. We decided to go back to Vernon, and call 'Two Speeds' sister Karen to pick them up. We hadn't gone far when we met 'Riff-Raff' coming north. Packs were dropped and we had a farewell chat with them for an hour. We were joined by an ATC volunteer, Gordon Campbell, who tru-hiked in 1998. He had parked his car back at the ranger station and offered us a ride into town. We were glad to accept even if it did mean covering this mile of the AT for a third time. So we are back in the hostel in Vernon once again. 'Chafe' is still here and is clearly not well. Karen will come for 'Two Speeds' and 'Thistle' tomorrow morning. I will carry on. Tonight the hikers had to clear some of our area to make way for a local AA meeting. As the members turned up in ones and twos beforehand, we started chatting to them, not about theb AT and certainly not about alcohol, but about bears. Bears are very topical right now. Their population has grown ten fold in, well, a fairly short period of time, and it's estimated there are about 3,000 of them in New Jersey. Contact between humans and bears is far more common here than any other region we have passed through, and every AA member seemed to have a fund of stories of bears in back gardens, etc. They are topical because the Governor of New Jersey has approved a cull of the bear population during the hunting season. The AA members were divided on the issue, but the majority seemed to agree that if people behaved sensibly and followed some basic rules (eg. don't offer or leave food out for them) them problems with bears would generally not arise. One woman said she had seen a bear and her cubs relaxing in her backyard one day. She had been absolutely thrilled by it.I went to the A&P with Dave Martens tonight to pick cases of soda and some other supplies for the hostel. He seemed a little worried about one or two of the people who are here tonight. He may be right. One or two look more like travelling vagrants than genuine hikers.
Date: 2003-11-16
To: Pentland Hills nr. Edinburgh
Miles today: 0.0

Today I drove out to Flotterstone, parked the car, and set off on my old training route up Turnhouse and Carnethy hills. Autumn is almost past. It has been a cold, but very clear and bright day. Even at midday the sun sat low in the sky, casting a very sharp light over a picture of brown, greens and yellows, as well as long shadows that emphasised every ridge and undulation in the landscape below. Sheep grazed in a number of fields, random clusters of white dots in rectangles of green. I stopped for a snack by the copse of larches and firs on Turnhouse Hill, and thought about all that had passed since I had last been here. Sitting there, with everything just as it was a year ago, my adventure on the Appalachian Trail hardly seemed real. Perhaps I had just dreamt it.   I felt so pleased to be back at this spot, it was like a second kind of homecoming, and yet at the same time I felt that I ought to be somewhere else.Interest from people in my experience has been enormous. I¢ve been bedevilled by questions like ¢What was it like?¢, ¢Did you enjoy it?¢, ¢Did you have fun?.¢ Bedevilled, because I¢ve found it impossible to answer these questions in a way that conveys my real feelings. When I think back on it, I didn¢t go out there with the expectation of having fun, I wasn¢t at all sure how much of it I would find ¢enjoyable¢. I expected it to be tough, and it was. Usually, I¢m sure I leave people feeling, ¢Well, I don¢t think I¢d ever want to do anything like that,¢, which isn¢t the way I feel about it at all. I struggle to put into words what the AT experience has meant to me. Increasingly I don¢t even try and just settle for something really meaningless like, ¢It was great¢, and leave it at that. After coming home, I started slowly to catch up on the fortunes of others in the ¢Class of 2003¢. From the evidence of on-line journals, many of those who made it through to Katahdin have found the same difficulty putting into words what it has all meant to them. I¢m glad it¢s not only me.   Six months on the AT was such a powerful experience, maybe that¢s the problem, up to now it¢s proved too big for my powers of description.   But since I came home, a realisation has grown within me, one I didn¢t really expect to reach. I walked from Georgia to Massachussetts. The realisation, which may seem obvious to anyone else but wasn¢t to me, is that my business over there is unfinished. And I must go back.
Date: 2002-11-03
To: Pentland Hills nr. Edinburgh
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s a chilly but bright, sunny morning as I sit here in a copse of trees about two thirds of the way up Turnhouse Hill. I look down on the late autumn colours of the trees lining Glencorse Burn well below me. And I think, ¢What on earth am I doing?¢In about four months, I will be starting out to walk the Appalachian Trail, a distance of 2,172 miles. It¢s getting longer, last year it was only 2,168. It¢s a big step into the unknown. Really that doesn¢t begin to cover it. For me, it¢s more like stepping off a precipice and trusting I¢ll sprout wings on the way down. The longest period of continuous hiking I have done is 6 days; I¢m planning to be on the AT for nearly six months.   For most of that time I will be camping in the hills; the last time I was camping was as a member of the Cub Scouts, when I was ten years old. I hated it.I¢ll be living with my 18 year old daughter for six months, cheek by jowl. Will our relationship survive that? I have absolutely no idea. Oh, and I have come off a recent hernia operation. Actually it was in July which is not all that recent, but my recovery has been much slower than I had hoped. Maybe it¢s a sign of age. Anyway, my fitness level is nowhere near where I hoped it would be at this stage. A recent Sunday walk up Ben Vrackie near Pitlochry with my colleagues at work showed just how much I still have to do. With a backpack weighing little over 30 lbs, I had to dispense with Bob (my boulder weighing about 19 lbs) at the lochside less than half way up with the main part of the climb still to come. I picked him up on the way back down.   I¢ve read enough about the Appalachian Trail to know that the first week or two comes as a shock to most walkers, and that the drop out rate is high in the first month. I don¢t want me to become part of that depressing statistic. So here I am in the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh trying to get myself in shape. I come here one day each weekend, park the car at the Flotterstone Inn, cross the footbridge over Glencorse Burn, walk up Turnhouse Hill (elev, 1530 feet) and then Carnethy Hill (1880 ft).   Sometimes, I tackle the next hill in the chain, Scald Law, but, more often, I stop for a lunch break before cutting downhill between Carnethy Hill and Scald Law to the road at the Howe. By mid-afternoon the green welly brigade is out in full force as I walk on the road past the Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs back to the Inn. The round trip is about 8 miles.It¢s been a useful way to ¢test drive¢ new gear as I acquire it. How effective is this rain jacket against a biting wind? Do I walk better with poles or without? Is the weight distribution in my pack right? Why do I get footsore just from one day¢s walking? Maybe my posture isn¢t right. I¢m learning bit by bit. But time has become my enemy, and March 2003 feels too close for comfort. There is so much still to do.
Date: 2003-03-01
To: New Journal for 2003
Miles today: 0.0

It's time to start a new journal for this year's hike on the AT. It has been fun getting email and guestbook notes from family, friends, and complete strangers and, of course, hikers who have read my journal from 2002. I guess this journal will seem like a continuation of last year's story, at least that is the perspective I will have as I write, since this year's hike is also a continuation. I look forward to what the 2003 adventure will bring. Last year I hiked from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Fontana Dam in North Carolina. It was about 165 miles. I was testing myself to find out if I really could hike a longer trip, and also to find out if I wanted to do that kind of hike. I can't get away for a thru hike (at least not yet!), so doing these section hikes is the next best thing. I had a great time and have been looking forward to doing the next section almost since I got off the trail last June. I plan to start at Fontana Dam, hike Smoky Mountain National Park, head for Max Patch and Hot Springs, NC, and end this year at Erwin, Tennessee. That's about 175 miles. So far, the plan is to solo again, but I expect to have lots of company in that section this year. Some of my weekend hiking buddies have expressed interest in hiking parts of it with me, but I will see how that turns out. I have been all over the place with trying to find a start date. I expect it will take about 15 days like it did last year. I originally thought about early May, but that will conflict with a big project at work. Mid to late May came up next, but that lands right on top of a wedding that I really can't miss, so that's out. I am now planning to start on June 5. Not the best, and with school years ending just before my start date, it could be crowded, especially in the Smokies. But no matter, I can't wait to get going! So, now that I have a plan, the reality of it is starting to get me day dreaming. I'm doing all I can to get ready with exercise, gear decisions, food planning, and loose itinerary. Lots to do and I'm enjoying it all. Can't wait. More to come!
Date: 2003-03-27
To: The Smokies
Miles today: 0.0

The next section has me starting out at Fontana Dam and heading right into Smoky Mountain National Park. So why am I not excited? I have heard so many bad things about trying to hike in the Smokies that it's probably coloring my impression of what to expect. I have hiked in the park only one time. Two friends from work and I hiked a long weekend trip, about 25 miles, a couple of years ago. It was definitely a beautiful hike, but even from that trip I feel that the restrictions and rules seem to put a damper on the experience. As a thru hiker (really a section hiker, but planning to hike the whole trail), I plan to register at the Fontana Hilton trail shelter and hike northbound. The rules in the guidebook state that I have to sleep in a shelter, or within sight of a shelter in my tent, but I can tent only if the shelter is full. Not sure why, but that seems like an unnecessary restriction. Why can't I use my tent regardless of available space in the shelter? The rules also say that if I start out in the shelter and a hiker comes along who is not a thru hiker, I may have to give up my shelter spot, even if the other hiker comes into camp after I am set for the night and asleep. Maybe these are minor irritations, and I don't mind following the rules, fighting the crowds, etc. But the problem I really struggle with is trying to plan a hike through the park in about 5 or 6 days, working it out to be at a shelter every night. You seem to have to hike either around 5 to 7 miles (too short) or 15 to 20 miles (maybe too long) to get to the next shelter. You can't just hike a convenient distance and set up your tent for the night. I'm sure it can be worked out, but I've tried several times to predict where I will be each night and make that place be a shelter. It usually seems that the distance and the time don't match. If anyone has an opinion, helpful information, or any ideas, please let me know via email or sign the guest book. If I have the wrong understanding of the park rules or any other problem with my approach to this, please feel free to help me with the true scoop. I know the park is a beautiful place. I have just read so many hiker stories of dissatisfaction with the restrictions, and so many have expressed relief at having that section behind them, that I am carrying a certain amount of 'dread', and the perception that I'll be glad when that part is behind me. But I do really want to enjoy that part of the trip as much as possible. Help me see the real truth if I'm misinformed. Any information, suggestions, reprimands, opinions, commiseration, whatever, will be appreciated
Date: 2003-04-24
To: Gear Changes
Miles today: 0.0

So far I have three major gear changes planned. First, I have been doing research on the Pepsi Can stove. A couple of experienced stove makers have sent me free stoves to try, and since then I have made half a dozen models myself. They seem to work great. I have also made a pot stand and tried out the whole cooking kit on a weekend hike in a local state park. I'm sold on using this setup with alcohol for fuel. This is saving me about one pound. Second, I've ordered a 2-4-2 tent from Kurt at Wanderlust. I know he is very busy and you have to be patient and wait for him to make the tent, but I am expecting this tent to be a real help saving weight. The tent, rain fly, poles, pegs, and footprint I used last year weigh over 7 pounds total. The 2-4-2 should save me about 5 pounds. A major improvement. Third, I have ordered a P-2 pack. I heard about it as I was keeping up with Soleman's journal and his plans to thru hike this year. It was a tragedy to hear of his unexpected death just before starting his 2003 hike. In reading his story I came across this pack, called the maker, and decided to give it a try. I will remember Soleman as I am hiking along, and this pack will save me over 5 pounds compared to last year's 8 pound model. If anyone has other weight-saving ideas, I am open to suggestions. I'll be happy if I can get down to about 30 pounds.
Date: 2003-06-04
To: Fontana Inn, Fontana Village NC
Miles today: 0.0

The day has finally come! I am working half a day, starting at 5:00 a.m., and then Marlene and I will load up and head for Fontana Village in North Carolina. I hope to visit the Fontana Hilton shelter, register for passage through the Smokies, and be ready for an early start on Thursday, June 5, around sunrise. It is so good to have all the preparations behind me, and just the hike to think about. I have mailed boxes to Standing Bear Farm (Hostel) and Bluff Mountain Outfitters in Hot Springs. My pack is about 15 pounds lighter than last year. That is mostly due to the change to a lighter pack and tent, and switching to a Pepsi Can stove, using alcohol for fuel. I feel pretty good physically and the lighter pack is such a relief compared to last year's 52 pounds at the start. I know I will miss Marlene while we are apart, but she has been so encouraging that I am sure she is excited about me hiking again this year. I think we grow closer while we're apart, and more appreciative of each other. And when the hike is over, we will spend many hours talking about it and reliving the experience.About three hours and I will be on my way. Last year I was able to put my hectic schedule at work behind me and really let go of alot of distractions and experience the hike. I hope to do the same on this trip. Thanks to everyone who has signed the guestbook and sent me emails with advice and encouragement. I appreciate your interest, and hope you will enjoy reading my story.
Date: 2003-09-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   I have three weeks paid vacation coming to me starting September 24th and I'll be taking it up to Katahdin to start a southbound hike through Maine. The plan is to aim for Gorham New Hampshire but if time and weather allows I'll attempt to get through the Whites. Who knows, I might even walk all the way home to Lincoln.
Date: 2003-09-22
To: Playing Trail Angel
Miles today: 0.0

   I'm 99% ready to start hiking. Tomorrow after work I'll start the 7 1/2 hour drive to Baxter State Park and Wednesday I'll climb Katahdin; the weather looks good. Tonight I went to town to do some last minute laundry and to pick up a few items at the store. On the way to North Woodstock I spotted a couple thru hikers heading into the pharmacy. They didn't seem ready for a ride so I continued to the laundro mat and after starting a wash load I cruised back towards the pharmacy. I didn't see any hikers so I stopped into the grocery store and finished my shopping list. I then drove back to the laundro mat in North Woodstock. As I made the right turn onto Main Street I spotted the hikers and at nearly the same moment they turned their heads and stuck out their thumbs. I pulled over. They were racing the setting sun to get up the road to the trail for the night so my girlfriend agreed to take over my laundry chore so I could drive them up into Franconia Notch. In the notch I pulled over onto the highway shoulder next to the trail underpass. Here I we finally got a moment to introduce ourselves. The man was a fellow trailjournalist, Flying Bear and the woman was Laughing Bird. We talked briefly by the side of the road as the skies got dark and when Flying Bear heard I'd hiked in 1999 he told me he was Yahtzee's roomate. Yahtzee also hike in 1999 (and for a while this year) and I'd met him briefly in Daleville Virginia where he let me crash in his room at the Best Western Hotel after I'd gone to a late show of Phantom Menace in Roanoke. I told Flying Bear and Laughing Bird know I was leaving for Katahdin in the morning and that we'd probably meet again somewhere in Maine. They then headed down the embankment and up the trail into the woods and I returned to my laundry in town. I felt it was a good omen to be able to give a small bit of trail magic the night before my journey starts. I am really excited.
Date: 2003-09-26
From: Hurd Brook Lean-To

To: Pollywog Stream
Miles today: 14.4

Started today¢s hike at 7:20, 57 degrees. About two miles north of Hurd Brook I suddenly wondered where I¢d packed my drivers license, ATM card and money. I couldn¢t remember putting it away this morning and was worried it had slipped between the logs of the baseball bat floor in the shelter. I had to look through every bit of my pack before I finally found it a the bottom of a stuff sack. I was extremely relieved and happy to finally find it but think got a couple more gray hairs during my frantic 20 minute search..        I stopped and ate breakfast on Rainbow Ledges. I enjoyed a great view of Katahdin as I ate. I could clearly see the routes of the Appalachian and Abol Slide Trails. They look steeper from here. Two north bounders, Flash and Sketchy stopped and sat in awe of the mountain. I think it was their first sighting of Katahdin. I enjoyed the five-mile walk along Rainbow Lake. There was lots of floatplane activity; one actually cruised low over Rainbow Ledges as I was eating. I saw the same plane land and take off on the lake twice as I hiked. Had lunch at Rainbow Spring on the lakeshore. Just 90 minutes later I was at Rainbow Stream Lean-To. I saw six more north bounders in this short section. One of them was a 2002 thru hiker who knew Wak-A-Pak, a 1999 thru hiker who finished her hike in 2002. I decided to cook and eat dinner early at the lean-to before hiking on a few more miles. I finally stopped and camped just past the crossing of Pollywog Stream. I found a nice spot along the stream. Today¢s weather was nice but now it looks a lot like rain.
Date: 2003-09-27
From: Pollywog Stream

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 12.9

It was very warm this morning, 61 degrees and cloudy. It never really rained last night. Eerie morning fog and the trail this day as I climbed to Nesuntabunt Mountain, going past pollywog gorge and Crescent Pond. I saw 13 north bounders between 7:30am and 10:00am. It seemed like everyone I met today was talking about a big rainstorm that is coming tomorrow. I had heard this too, on my small FM radio. Supposedly it will bring a few inches of rain and will start this afternoon.   I ate breakfast a Wadleigh Stream Lean-To. The hiking was beautiful along Lake Nahkamanta: sandy beaches, high rocky bluffs and beautiful, deep woods. The skies were accented with sun and wind blown clouds. The Lake was choppy. I saw a couple boats with fisherman on the lake and lots of small boats and canoes chained to trees near the lakes in remote areas. Saw many more thru hikers today, 26, not including day hikers, more at The White House Landing where I¢m staying tonight. There are seven north bounders and I at this semi-primitive sporting camp on Pemadumcook Lake. To get here a hiker must hike off the A.T., along the lake, to a dock across the lake from White House Landing. To get the Landing you blow an air horn and a boat comes and picks you up. I had to wait about 30 minutes for a ride and it started raining lightly as sat. I really like this place. It has a primitive bunkhouse with wood heat and one gaslight in a big common room. Its new and faces the lake. There are also cabins with private rooms. All meals are cooked in a lodge with a great view of the lake. I had a 34 pound burger that was so big I saw some of the north bounders sharing. How did I manage?! We all hung out in the bunkhouse after sunset, played trivial pursuit and drank some beer. Lots of great people here, they are beginning to realize the end of their hike is near. Lots of talk about the last few days to come, the many great experiences of the hike and about home and family. Here tonight are Moose Munch, Buckeye (whom I also met in North Conway, NH at the end of August), Night Owl, Double Dare, Niagara, Flatlander and Pushing Up Daisies.