morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Jo Mary Rd. campsite

To: Pemadumcook Lake - White House Landing
Miles today: 10.0

We broke camp and Navi brought me to the trailhead where I would do the 10 miles and meet her at Maher Tote Rd. At that point she would park the Tracker and then hike in 5 miles to meet me at a crossing , and then we would hike together to the boat dock White House Landing. During the hike this morning, I had to visit mother nature and I new there was a campsite called the Antlers that was close by. Just on the outskirts of the camping area I noticed the outhouse, so I stopped. This was the most unique outhouse that I¢ ve seen on the trail. It was very clean, and had a window with a curtain, made you feel right at home. I heard from other hikers that it was a neat campsite to stay at. I moved on and in less than three miles I reached the sign that said Sandy Beach at Jo Mary Lake, so I figured I would see if there really was a sandy beach. I walked down the trail and climbed over some rocks, and through the trees I saw someone sitting on the beach with their back towards me. Then when I got close, the person stood up and turned around and I said, ¢ HOLLY SH-- !!!!¢ ¢ It¢s Doc Narly!¢ whom I met in 04¢. He also said the same thing when he realized it was me. We hugged and talked about our journeys in life, and he also asked about Navi and our younger daughter nad how they were doing. He was heading south till he gets tired of hiking. He said he may come visit at the Hiker Hostel in 07¢ when Navi and I are there for the hiker season. I told him I had to meet Navi so I had to move on. It sute was a pleasant surprize to see him again. I reached the crossing and Navi was there waiting since 11am. I told her I ran into a hiker about a mile from the crossing and he told me that she was waiting and said I better get my A-- in gear because she wants a burger for lunch. We got to the boat dock and I gave a blast of the horn and our ride was there in about ten minutes. When the owner Bill pick us up and brought us across, we saw that Rocky & Swamp Fox were laying on the beach, and then we saw the Professor come walking out of a cabin. Needless to say we didn¢t make it on time for lunch, so we ate some hiker food. Bill showed us to our cabin which the Professor was staying in also. This is a neat place with gas lighting, we had a private room with a double bed, but no heat,and we had to use headlamps in our rooms.We didn¢t eat dinner till 5pm, so we ate a couple of donuts that were left from yesterday. There were two other hikers there that I met when I did a southbound one day. The burgers for dinner were huge, a full one pound of meat and all the trimmings, or we could have had pizza. That is the menu.Oh yes, we also got a fresh salad. Before we left after dinner, I just had to buy a homemade Whoopie Pie and two huge chocolate brownies, just for hiking of course. We decided we would only spend one night because staying here could put you in the poorhouse. After dinner we all sat around and talked for awhile, and then Navi and I plyed cards till it was time for bed. Breakfast isn¢t till 8, so we get to sleep in.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Pemadumcook Lake - White House Landing

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 7.7

After a good night of sleep, it looks like a nice sunny day on the rise. We got our showers in before heading to breakfast. Bill and his wife Linda were both in the kitchen, but Bill was doing the cooking and it smelt really good. Bill and Linda are very nice and really enjoy what they do. They also have a young son that Linda home schools. You can tell he loves driving across the pond with his dad to get the hikers. I guess times are getting tough because, less snow in the winter months, means less business so this year they have decided to close for the winter and head to Florida for a job that is waiting for them when they get there. Today, Navi and I will hike back to the car, repack our packs, and then hike to Wadleigh Stream Lean-to for the night. It was an easy hike and of course the roots were unbelievable. We stopped at a beach on Lake Nahmakanta and Navi almost went in the water but we both only went up to our knees. It cooled us down. Then we sat on the beach and made ourselves some coffee. Just as we were finishing up, Rocky and Swamp Fox came to the beach. Rocky then excused herself and proceeded to strip down and jumped in the lake for a dip. Well, Navi and Swamp Fox got jealous and they stripped and joined her in the lake. I would have joined them but I already had a chill going on, so I didn¢t go in with them.Swamp Fox walked in the water and walked right back out, but the girls went out about 100ft for about ten minutes, then came back and got dressed really quick. I do have a picture of them with the moon shining bright. ¢ Scary Moon!!!¢. After that momentous break, we all moved on to the shelter. When we got there, the Professor was in for the night also. I started a fire because I still had a chill, and then I started to pull out our gear and realized I didn¢t pack two sleeping bags, we only have one. Lucky for me I brought my Frog Toggs, they will help me keep warm for the night. We also brought some beer & wine, so that will help a little. It doesn¢t get much better than this. My wife, three friends, and a warm fire, all highlighting the coming an end to a wonderful experience in my life. We all had a great time talking about experiences in our lives before we all turned in for the night. What a beautiful day.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Rainbow Spring Campsite
Miles today: 11.9

Brrrr!!! It turned out to be much cooler than I thought it would last night at around 3am. My Frog Toggs were fine up until that time and Navi was trying to give me some of her sleeping bag all night because she thought I was cold. Well, I¢m no fool, this time I took it. I was okay once we snuggled up. The Professor and I were awake at daybreak, and the Professor was in a hurry because we only have another 38.2miles to finish the journey. I can understand the excitement he is feeling. Before he left on his hike I said it would be great if he could summit with us on the same day. He thought that was a great idea. The plan for today is for me to meet Navi at the Pollywog Stream where there is a road crossing. Then I will drop off the extra gear and repack for two days to get to Abol Bridge Campground where Navi and I will meet again. These last few days have been both amazing & awesome. Seeing Katahdin from White Cap Mtn., and hiking beside all the beautiful lakes and ponds with the wonderful smell of all the huge cedar trees. I should have taken the time to stop at the Antlers Campsite, but I had a date at the White House Landing junction that day. I did meet Naviat the road crossing and took a break with Navi before I continued on to the campsite, and she would make her way to Abol Bridge campground. I really enjoyed the views of the stream and all the small falls, and the areas where the fast moving rapids would be great for some kayakers, if they could get here. I still can¢t get over the how many cedar trees line the banks of the rivers, streams, and ponds. The bark on the roots have been worn down to the natural beauty of the wood, but I can also see that the trail needs to be relocated so this beauty can be preserved for future hikers to enjoy. I¢m so glad that the loggers can¢t get to this area to devastate this awesome and beautiful wilderness. Once I passed the Rainbow Lake Dam I only had about 1.5 miles to the campsite. I was pleasantly surprised to see the Professor there setting up his tent. I took the site just below him. I also made sure that Rocky & Swamp Fox would have a site when they get here. Hopefully they will make it in before the rain starts that we are expecting. I was getting myself set up in my tent when I heard Rocky & Swamp Fox come into camp, so I stuck my head out of my tent and told them where they could set up for the night. They made it just in time before the rain finally started to come down. About five minutes after it started to rain, another hiker came into camp and got set up in the woods somewhere. As I was doing some journaling, I began to hear music that was very relaxing and pleasant to the senses. It had to be the hiker who came into camp last that was making this last night in my tent so wonderful. The rain was really coming down hard as I kept journaling and then I had to deal with a couple of small leaks, but managed to keep everything dry. Not a bad day, and an easy 12 miles. I can¢t believe this journey is coming to a close.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Katahdin Stream Campground- lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 0.0

At about 2am. I awoke to the sound of rain hitting on the roof of the lean-to and it kept up till 5am. I know this because I didn¢t get much sleep last night because the beast was calling to me. The beast being the sign at the top of Katahdin. As day broke, the gang met at our lean-to to see who would summit today. I had already told Navi that I was not comfortable about the weather even though it was no longer raining. We decided not to summit because the ranger report was giving us a class 2 which isn¢t bad for a summit but, I told Navi I would not summit unless we have a Class 1 day. A class 2 day can still be dangerous because the weather can change in minutes. Professor and Slow Walker chose not to summit also. Rocky and Swamp Fox were packed and could hardly contain their excitement and I couldn¢t see them not going for the summit today. I¢m really excited for them and hope they reach the summit without incident. Slow Walker already reserved a lean - to for an early start in the morning. The Professor hitched a ride with us to the lodge where he left his truck and would spend the night. I¢m sure Don will give him a grand tour. We went to the Appalachain Trail Caf© for lunch and met Debra, one of the waitresses that got very excited when we dropped a hint that we may be her new employers if we could make the deal with Don & Joan. Navi got to meet Harold the manager, and Sue the cook who has been with the caf© for twenty seven years. We will be very fortunate to come into this business with a full staff, especially since we know ¢Diddlysquat!¢ about the restaurant business. We also plan to ask our son Timmy and his wife Stacy to join us in Maine to help run the restaurant.This will certainly be a lifestyle change for all of us, if the deal goes threw. After lunch we took a walk around town where we went into a store and bought myself a new pair of Crocks.                     Then we went into an art galary which has many artist renditions of Mt.Katahdin, and later went down to the Chamber of Commerce to gather info about Millinocket since we may be residence in the near future. After gathering everything we needed, we drove to where we parked the RV on the outside of Baxter State Park and spent the night in our home so we could be at the gate before 7am when the gate opens. We had a very nice day today and I¢m happy with the decision not to summit. I refuse to settle for less than a class 1 day. Navi¢s safety is the most important thing to me. My emotions are in a frazzle right now with my thoughts of the summit tomorrow with Navi, and possibly a new journey starting when this hike ends. I hope I can sleep tonight. What an exciting day of events.
Date: 2006-02-21
To: Fatten up!
Miles today: 0.0

The beginning of this journal is going to be a bit scatter-brained as I'm playing catch up...apologies in advance! I'm preparing to leave Philly, PA for awhile & delve into this adventure called thru-hiking the AT! All of my stuff is in storage, plans have been made, and now it's time to fatten up! The time I have left here is being well-spent. Enjoying the company of good friends, eating good food, and soaking in some sights I won't see for awhile. I'm feeling a bit emotional - a mix of anticipation of what's in store on the AT with sadness for the friends I wont see for months! But everyone is SO excited for me & some will join me along the trail..so I don't stay bummed for long!The plan is to pack up my truck on Monday 2/27/06 & head up to Mom's in Cazenovia, NY. She lives just outside of Syracuse, NY - snow awaits! On 3/6/06, I'll be in Palm Beach, FL to visit my Grandparents. 3/8/06 sees me in Atlanta with my Aunt Lynne and Uncle John. 3/9/06 - AT, HERE I COME!!!
Date: 2006-02-24
To: The last hurrah!
Miles today: 0.0

My friends in Philly threw me a going away party at the Broadway II on Passyunk Ave. THANKS! As a going away gift, they took a collection for a trail worthy digital camera. Since I'm back-filling this journal, I can tell you I bought an Olympus Stylus 600...NICE! Well, many drinks were consumed, the "spanking broom" made an appearance, and the next day was a "lost Saturday." All in all, the party was a success! Anticipation is running on high as I'm leaving on Monday 2/27/06. I still have to finish packing, clean out the fridge...and other prep chores. Once I'm in my truck rolling north, that's it! I've got to cross my eyes and dot my tea! The mixed metaphor is alive & well in South Philly!.
Date: 2006-03-04
To: Happy Birthday to Me
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it's my birthday...(insert song here)! There's more than a foot of snow at Mom's house, and I'm getting the final preparations together for my flight to Florida on 3/6. I'll spend a couple of days with Nan and Pop (my grands) in Palm Beach before heading up to Lynn & John's (aunt & uncle) in Atlanta. I'm on the Trail 3/9...SO CLOSE! I'm prepared for it, but I certainly hope I don't bring this Syracuse weather with me.I took a couple of gear chances & I hope they pay off. I've hiked for years with a Camp Trails backpack bought at Eureka in Binghamton & it has served me well. But after weighing everything, I couldn't justify the 5 1/2 pounds. On my way up to Syracuse, After researching & testing (on previous visits) I stopped in Paramus, NJ at the Campmor outlet and picked up the Osprey "Aether 60" & an attachable "Solo" pack. That gives me an internal 4500 cubic inches & weighs a total of 4 lbs. To my surprise it was on sale, and the 1 1/2 pound difference is huge, so I'm going for it! The other chance is I'm taking the down bag instead of the synthetic - It's a pound less and luxurious! I just have to make sure it stays dry or I'm c-c-c-cold!I've also loaded up with technology - a cell phone (which I'll keep turned off) and digital camera. I'm also taking a replacement battery for each & I'll send the spent one home for recharging. I'll get the freshly charged battery returned in future mail drops. I also bought a teeny USB reader to easily access and upload the pictures from any computer. I figure I'll start out with a little too much rather than wish I'd brought something...just about every thru-hiker does this. A week into the hike...we'll see what gets dropped!
Date: 2006-03-06
To: Goin' down to Florida!
Miles today: 0.0

I woke this morning at 4:15 am, and Mom was up shortly thereafter. I made a pot of coffee, and we sat for a few minutes and talked. It was a nice, albeit a slightly rushed last morning at Mom's in Cazenovia, NY. I did my final packing & it was off to the airport in North Syracuse. I arrived at the airport and took my 1st aid kit out of my backpack because it contained 2 small glass bottles. I discovered the huge duffel bag my pack was in had a broken zipper! Luckily, I have duct tape on my hiking poles, so I rethreaded the zipper & taped up the end. I only hope the inspectors can get everything back in the bag & nothing is lost....if they choose to tear my bag apart. It's out of my hands 'til I reach Palm Beach, FL!At present, I'm flying over the frozen central New York landscape en route to my one layover...Philadelphia! It's only for 1 hour, so I didn't contact anyone. It's interesting to look at this landscape riddled with gashes & drumlins left by a glacier 20,000 years ago. The wonderful mountains, the Finger Lakes, the Great Lakes...It reminds me of seeing the "big picture" while hiking. The lands as I see them are in constant, violent transition...but compared to my pace of life & view of time, the change is imperceptible. I look for it in the phases - broken craggy shale may have once been a riverbed...mud in a lake is future shale...a fish I see is a future fossil! Best to hold tight to my philosophies now as the reality of this hike is close at hand - and with it the mental & physical obstacle course the AT is sure to provide!
Date: 2006-03-08
To: Hotlanta...
Miles today: 0.0

I am currently on the tarmac awaiting takeoff. Destination: Atlanta! I'll be beginning my AT journey tomorrow! I can't believe the Trail is so close at hand!For the last couple of days, I've been at my Grandparent's place in West Palm Beach, Fla. They are in their mid-90's, and living in a retirement community called "Traditions." My Grandma Eve is strong & doing well, altought being around so many "old people" seems to weigh on her. My Grandfather Abe is beginning to struggle physically, but his brain is still very sharp. It was good to be in their world for a couple of days - to sit with them, hold them, and talk at length...this was an important stop before the AT.While in Florida, I also got a chance to see my uncle Gerry, aunt Susan, and cousins Todd & Lisa with their two boys. It was a brief visit, but it was great to see them as it had been awhile since our last meeting. I also got a chance to speak at length with many residents & staff members at Traditions. They made me feel welcome & expressed genuine interest in my journey. Thanks for a great visit!**(journal continued in the evening)**I said good bye to Nan and Pop before noon & was driven to the airport destined for Atlanta. The flight departed & arrived on time, and Lynne was there to meet me at the luggage claim...too kind! I quickly found by duffel with pack enclosed & it was taped with inspector tape. They had gone through it, but like my previous flight, everything was accounted for. I'm so thankful for no gear mishaps! (insert sound of knuckles on wood)Lynne drove me to get a few last minute items as well as some fuel for my stove. Then it was off to her home in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta. I spent some time sorting gear, we talked for a bit, and soon my uncle John was home. I was treated to some carb loading at an Italian restaurant downtown...thanks! It was just what I needed!So now it's down to my last night before the start of my hike...I'm ready to start this adventure! I spoke with my Grandmother this evening & she said to take my ffirst step on the Trail with my right foot as this will bring a dark haired man good luck. You bet I will! I'm grateful to my friends and family for all of the love and support you've given me...that means EVERYTHING!
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Amicolola State Park

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.2

Yep - my 1st journal entry (for the AT that is)! I woke this morning and got my pack ready. I also gathered my things to be shipped back to mom (jacket, duffel, misc, clothes). Then Aunt Lynne and I went to the post office & then to her friend Bob's house. Bob offered to drive as he has a camp near Amicolola SP & he knows the roads. It was a charged ride up for me, but I was clamed by good conversation...and bad jokes. We made it to the SP by noon. I signed the registry & had my picture taken. Bob, Lynne and I then had lunch at the lodge. The waitress asked "are y'all yankees?" Bob said it was because I asked for unsweetened tea. Hmmmm.We said our good-by's & just like that I was on the approach trail to the AT! The approach is 8.5 miles uphill & my pack was at maximum weight. It was a struggle - it'll take a few weeks to get a pace. It was a beautiful afternoon - sunny & high 60's. I saw hawks flying & it reminded me of Dad. My mind was going a mile a minute, but not my feet. I reached the summit of Springer mountain late in the afternoon & met 2 thru hikers Solace and Kenneth at the top. We talked, took photos & signed the registry. I decided to stay in my tent by the Springer shelter - had a BIG dinner, took some vitamins & ibuprofen & braced for the approaching storm.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Springer Mountain

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 13.0

The rainstorm last night was pretty fierce, but I stayed dry. There was a puddle of water under my tent & I was worried about my sleeping bag getting wet. That and muscle fatigue didn't let me sleep very well, but I somehow woke refreshed. I said good-bye to Spriger Mountain & headed north. The weather was perfect - sunny & low 70's with a breeze - YEAH! By midday I reached Hawk Mountain & had lunch. I was feeling pretty beat, but I decided to push on. The next water was 7 miles away, so I headed out. It was tough, but I made it before sunset & found a spot near the creek. I made a quick dinner, did my evening chores (medicine, etc.) & I'm calling it a night! I saw a few people today - Crazyhorse is an older man who just finished a southbound thru-hike & turned right back around to start a northbound...technically a YO-YO! I also saw Paul, Mike, and Shaun - 3 hikers I met at Springer...keep on keepin' on!
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Justus Creek

To: Slaughter Creek
Miles today: 14.0

Woke to the hooting of owls this morning - pre crack o' dawn! It was a bit drizzly & there was some condensation in my tent (grrr!) but mostly dry. The whole morning was drizzle and a bit chilly, but nice hiking & I made almost 10 miles before lunch. After lunch, the clouds broke & I beat a path to Slaughter Creek on Blood Mountain! How could I NOT stay!!?? I saw a rather large and disorganized boyscout troop on the way to Blood Mountain. They were interested, friendly, and encouraging as has everyone I've met in Georgia. My body feels good & I don't feel that I'm pushing too hard. No blisters & my foot care regimen of peppermint oil at night & Gold Bond in the morning is paying off. The legs are good & I tried a different pair of pants today & the hip pain went away. The good pair doesn't have belt loops, so it looks like I'll be customizing some trousers!I do feel like I talk about "boring" day to day stuff mostly & I'll try to liven things up. When I hike, my head is full of chatter & I'm always trying to think of anything but the "pains of the moment." I'm usually daydreaming about people in my life, or singing songs in my head, or taking the pain and fatigue & laughing at it - smiling as I climb a 1500 foot rise & saying (out loud) "Bring it on - YEAH!"Beautiful sunset today...thanks AT!!
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Slaughter Creek

To: Low Gap (GA)
Miles today: 14.0

Woke to a beautiful sunrise & took my time with breakfast & packing up. Was on the Trail by 8am - topped Blood Mountain (highest point in GA), and descended to Neels Gap for fuel and a few provisions. I was considering a shower and laundry, but the water was off - oh well. Saw some people I knew - Peter & Crazyhorse, & met AbleJack. I left there and was headed to Low Gap. Along the way I met Possum, U-Haul, and Caboose. Finally at the shelter I ran into AbleJack & a hiker named Cloudwalker who I had met a few nights back. This is my first night at a shelter - so far so good.It was a tough go at times today - I put on slightly damp socks this morning & I don't think my feet liked it. Plus it's my 3rd 14 mile day in a row - so I may step the pace back a bit. My feet are still in good shape...I thought my ass was going to fall off today, tho! Where am I headed tomorrow? North!