morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-10-02
From: Rainbow Spring Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: light rain

Well here I am, at the base of Katahdin, after a long day hiking. To know that Im so close feels great, however knowing that I still have 60 miles to make up in NJ kinda bugs me. I skipped ahead for good reason, the heat and the fact that NJ is my home state. I dont mind having to make it up, it should be beautiful this time of year, but Im ready to be done hiking.The day started early, 530 alarm wake up call. Indeed it rained last night, and luckily ended just before I left around 715am. It was still cool and damp, and the trail was a slippery mess, but atleast I wasnt getting rained on.I made good time in the first hour, making it 4 miles with a brisk pace. Then I thought I lost the trail when the blazes ran out and were replaced with pink ribbons.   I ran back to the last place I saw a blaze and looked around for a turn off, but didnt find one. I headed back in the direction I came from with the pink ribbons, and just kept walking till the blazes reappeared, weird.After 11.5 miles I reached the last shelter on the AT. This really made me feel close to the end. There was an older guy there who was on his first trip on the trail, and he wasnt ready for whats ahead thats for sure. He had jeans on, combat boots, and a small duffle bag for his food since it wouldnt fit in his small rucksack. I warned him of the dangers of his clothing choice, telling him the conditions could change at any moment out here and hypothermia isnt something to fool around with. Hopefully he took my advice and will turn back around. I dont think he would make it to Monson, 90 miles away.I did my resupply at Abol Campstore, and was able to find enough to get me up Katahdin. Then it was just 10 miles to the Campground, which I was able to get to just before dark. Im staying in a little mini lean-to along the stream, always a favorite of mine. Tomorrow is supposed to be dry, with partly sunny skies, just cold up top on the summit. Im anticipating temps in the 30s once ontop. Five miles up, five miles down, then its back to normal life.Im anticipating doing the 60 miles of NJ that I skipped sometime next week. Ill probably head out on Tuesday, a week from tomorrow. It will probably take me 4 days / 3 nights at a relaxed pace. Ill still post an entry per day, so my journaling isnt through after tomorrow either. It will be a good week off regardless.
Date: 2006-10-03
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the day. The last day following white blazes. Woke up to a chilly, but partly sunny day. Brighteyes and I were on the trail by 730am, with just 5 miles left of the adventure. Emotions were overwhelming, as I was in shock from the time I woke up. Lots of hikers had a jump on us starting before 8am, but what else is new.The climb up Katahdin goes through 3 distinct zones. First is a relatively flat section below treeline, following Katahdin Stream. The falls reached just after the log bridge were beautiful. Soon the trees got smaller, and the air got chillier. Before long, the trees were gone, and replaced by big boulders. This was a fun climb, different than any other part of the trail. Stopping to turn around and look off the mountain gave beautiful views of the ponds and colors that make Maine so beautiful in the fall. I found myself stopping, turning around in awe, and thinking to myself how Im going to miss this so much.Once ontop of the tablelands, the winds blew and the temperatures fell. This part of the hike was hard. Every foot step forward made me want to take one step back.   Got within sight of all the hikers already up at the summit sign celebrating, including Pepperoni and Jambalaya who I hadnt seen since PA. I was also glad to see Handlebar up there, and honored that it was he who took my summit pic.I got my picture snapped, and had a picture taken with Brighteyes also. Before long, ice/sleet started coming down and everyone wanted to get off that mountain. We started down, and were happy to get down to treeline where the weather was nicer and temps were warmer. Mrs. Brighteyes met us as we were approaching the campground, happy to see her daughter after such an accomplishment. We fumbled around with our gear back at the campground office, and I was dropped off in Millinocket.Its over. All but 65 miles in my home state of NJ. Now I have some issues to deal with that I created for myself while out here, and its going to be hard.More to come...
Date: 2006-11-02
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Stream before Rattlesnake Mountain
Miles today: 22.1

Well, I figure a month was enough rest before the woods came a calling again. I put off this leg of the hike for too long since I've been home. I was hoping Brighteyes would have made it out here with me since I haven't hiked without her since NY. There is a good chance that tonight will be my first night camping in the woods alone. That's a strange thought considering I just walked from Georgia to Maine.I drove up to East Stroudsburg, PA last night and got a room at the Super 8. I wanted to have an early start in the morning since there is less daylight to deal with now. I also wanted to see if I could get this done in 3 days/2nights. Lofty expectations, but I should still have my hiking legs under me. I ended up bringing enough food for just 2 nights, and barely. After being off my feet for almost a month, I didn't want to have 35 pounds on my back. Id rather starve.I was off and running by 10am, a lot later than I planned. Sounds like a familiar story of mine. Walking across the Delaware River, I was wondering if I would see anyone at all in these woods this time of year. The leaves were peaked with their fall colors. Not as impressive as Maine, but nice none the less. I cruised up to the Backpacker Campsite just before Sunfish Pond and took my first break. It was odd to not see one person, including Brighteyes. I am so used to taking breaks, only to be joined by her at some point. But not this time.I spent the rest of the day mostly hiking. My breaks that I did take were short, and I was able to get some decent mileage done on the flat terrain. I was going to camp out at Hemlock Pond, a great site where I have been many times. This stretch of trail in NJ was the first I ever stepped foot on some 12 years ago. Being back here, alone, after just completing the rest of the trail is surreal. I passed Hemlock Pond, and found a great tentsite just before Rattlesnake Mountain. It had looked like rain for most of the afternoon, but it held off. I wouldnt be surprised if I got some tonight. The only people I saw all day were Hawk watchers on an unnamed mountaintop. Camping alone for the first time indeed. I had cell phone reception, so I called Brighteyes just to make it feel right.Rain started before I was asleep, but not too heavy yet.
Date: 2006-11-03
From: Stream before Rattlesnake Mountain

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 6.3

Rain, rain, and more rain. It rained all night, and all morning, and all day. The winds were also raging something fierce come morning. I had a late start due to the weather, and my hiking pace was ruined. Seems like I pushed it too hard yesterday, causing major cramps in my hamstrings. I never felt this muscle sorness once during my hike, which tells me my body must have already transformed from hiker-machine to couch-legs.I left camp around 10am, and I actually passed a hiker ontop of Rattlesnake Mountain. He was a flip-flopper, who started northbound in Mass and then returned to Mass to hike south after Katahdin. Funny thing was he summited Katahdin the same day I did, only earlier than Brighteyes and I. What are the odds?!?So I got to Culvers Gap road crossing in the pouring rain. My legs were hurting, and I wasnt having fun. It was obvious that I wasnt going to finish this section in 3 days/2 nights like I had wanted to. And, it was obvious that I was going to run out of food tomorrow. So, I decided to go home. I called a local trail angel, and luckily he was able to come get me and take me back to my car. I feel kinda lame about not finishing this time, but Ive done a lot of walking this year. Ive done the section from Culvers Gap to Vernon a few times in the past, so I know what Im missing. Will I come back this year to finish? Maybe. Would I still consider myself a thruhiker if I dont? Doesnt really matter to me.Having not skipped 1ft. of trail anywhere else, I feel pretty good about my hike. If I could go back to July, I think I would have still skipped this section due to the bugs and the heat. It was oppressive. But, I think I would have come back to finish it sooner, rather than wait till November. You live and you learn...
Date: 2007-02-05
To: A quick thanks....
Miles today: 0.0

I would like to thank everyone I met along this crazy journey. If I could do it over again (and I hope to), I would take more pictures of the people I met along the way. I put together a little list today while at work, but I know I left some of you out. Forgive me.First off, my Turkey Boys: Mule, Bud and Carnivore. You guys are the bomb. You made my trip so easy to adjust to in the begining. I wish we were able to go on longer together, but we had a blast. Its hard to imagine that anyone was having as much fun as we were. Mule, I knew you would make it. And I dont think the AT has heard the last of Bud and Carnivore. You guys will be back, and youll make it. Along with the Turkey Boys, I have to mention Jukebox. I dont think you know what you got yourself into when you started travelling with us that day on Max Patch. But Im certainly glad you joined our group. Did you ever think youd be rollin dirts and swillin' turkey?? Youre awesome!Here is where I will probably leave some people out, but this was hard to think of...In no special order...FDR, AbleJack, Goldfish, Banjoman, Lone Wolf(rk), Puffy&Cheeto, Pillbox, Chewy, The Mudboggers, No Falls, Plugger, No Lines, Fiddlehead, Handlebar, Ork&Bean, Rip&Treehugger, She-Bear, 42, Kentucky, Burkinstock, Lucky Dime&Sue, Homecookin&Doublezip, Postcard, Mystic, Tipper, Samuari&Rapunsel, Keystone, Cheezewiz, Mapleleaf, Railroad&Critter, Pepperoni&Jambalaya, Old School, Johnny K......Thanks for all the memories!!Next, to the people I met who helped me out along the way...your help and inspirtation was vital to me finishing: Dennis & Bert Blewitt, Ms. Janet, Larry and Bee from Merlefest, The owners of the Dutch Haus B&B, Dan Patrick in Palmerton, Mike & Lisa Laudien, Heidi Schnorr and Mark Levy, Mr. & Mrs. Savory along with Emily, Ryan and Mingus, Tom Levardi, Nokia, and Baltimore Jack.
Date: 2006-03-04
To: All About Hank....
Miles today: 0.0

I am Henry J. Nicols. That is me in the upper left of the photo. Most people call me Hank.I have been planning this AT thru hike since 1965. It began when as a young man I was introduced to backpacking by my Scoutmaster father. On my first AT hike I discovered that the AT in Harriman State Park, N.Y. near my home on Long Island went from Georgia to Maine. I promised myself that someday I would hike the entire trail. I am still a Boy Scout, and served as a Scoutmaster to Troop 111 in Oneonta, Troop 2 in Middleburgh, NY, Advisor to Post 007 in Hancock, NY, and as Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman for troop 1254 in Cooperstown, NY. My family and I were always outdoors people and we canoe and kayak when the water is warm. We backpack in Grand, Zion and Bryce Canyons whenever we can. We have climbed all of the major peaks in the north east including Katahdin multiple times, and have played on the glaciers of Rainier above high camp. And now, my children are grown, my wife and family are supportive and I will be 29 again next summer so I think the time to hike the trail is now.Since I left college and began in the work a day world, I have been a school teacher, a soldier, an investigator, a police officer, chief of police in three communities including in my home town of Cooperstown, N.Y. I have also worked as a hospital administrator, a trainer, an international educational consultant and a college professor. In each of my jobs I have always been a teacher, and this journal will allow me to share my adventure with those who will, or those who might.In the last few years, my job as a professor / consultant has taken me to Argentina, Austria, Botswana, Bolivia, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, England, Eretria, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Honduras, Kenya, Latvia, Guatemala, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Poland, Singapore, Shanghai, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, this journey to begin soon is to a more difficult place to discover.In the recent past, I have borne and shared some significant sorrows with those I love the most. The long process and untimely death of a good friend and a long time Scouting buddy Dick Protus; then the death of my son Henry from AIDS; finally, the unexpected and tracic death of another Scouting buddy, my climbing partner and a best friend, Gerry Bers have raised a number of personal issues of understanding. At this time in my life, I find myself with more questions than answers; a very difficult position for anyone; especially difficult for a lifelong teacher!For me, far from being a trip from Springer to Katahdin this trip is a journey of self discovery. I am not sure what it is I am looking for, but I hope to be closer to my destination and understanding at the end of the trail than I am now.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Home

To: Hiking w/ Hank #1
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking with Hank?Wow, I can¢t believe it! Every time I tell people about my upcoming thru hike they tell me that they want to hike with me. Frankly, I have had more invitations than I would have ever thought possible.Thank You! I am honored and pleased that you are so excited that you would want to come with me.BUT! The AT thru hike is NOT JUST a ¢Walk in the Woods¢ (for those of you who have read Bryson¢s book)it is an adventure not to be taken lightly!!As a thru hiker I expect to be going over hill and dale, through rain, sleet and snow, and nothing (even friends) can stay my appointed rounds.So, if you are interested, I mean really, really, interested in Hiking with Hank here are a few simple questions for you to answer in the form of a self assessment. Score 10 points for every Yes answer.1. Have you ever backpacked, walking more than 15 miles in one day before?2. Can you carry all your own food, tent, sleeping bag, water and clothes for _____ # of days?3. Have you walk a minimum of 15 miles (my hoped for daily rate) in the last week?4.Can you walk for 12 hours with not more than 15 minute breaks once every two hours?5.Do you believe (I MEAN SINCERELY BELIEVE!) that room service is for wimps?6.Do you know that a bad day in the woods with rain, sleet, snow, muddy trails, slippery rocks, cold stream crossings and G.O.R.P. for breakfast, lunch and dinner is a better day then the best day at work?7.Do you know how many States the AT goes through? 8.Do you know where you want to meet Hank?9. Do you know how you will get to the trail head to meet Hank?10.Do you know how you will get back home after you hike w/ Hank?Now for the scoring¢¦..Give your self 10 points for every answer you answered YES. 0 points for any other answer.Now what is your score? If you scored 0 ¢ 50 points! Good job! But no Cigar! Backpacking the AT is lots of prep and you just ain¢t there yet. But thank you for playing. If you scored 50 to 90 points! Great Job! But no Cigar! You have to be ready for the AT and you are close. Go back and redo the test preparing, studying, and practicing until you get a 100%. Did you get 100% Good job! Maybe you can Hike with Hank. All that is left to do is to read the next journal entry and you MIGHT be on your way.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Home

To: Hiking w/ Hank #2
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking with Hank Part 2OK, so you scored 100% on the pre test and you think you are ready to Hike with Hank. Only one issue left....The AT is 2,174.6 (or .9) miles long. Hank is starting at the beginning and ending at the end. Those are the only two known points. EVERYTHING else is flexible.We know the start date March 28, 2006 at Springer. We don't know the end date. BUT we do have a schedule and it looks something like this....1 Springer 03/28 Tue2 Woody Gap 03/30 Th3 Walasi-yi Center 04/01 Sat4 Nantahala Outdoor Center 04/09 Sun5 Fontana Dam, NC 04/12 Wed6 Hot Springs, NC 04/19 Wed7 Erwin, Tn 04/22 Sat8 Damascus, VA 04/28 Fri9 Bland, VA 05/06 Sat10 Catawba, VA 05/12 Fri11 Montebello, VA 05/19 Fri12 Linden, VA 05/27 Sat13 ATC HQs Harpers Ferry, WV, 05/30 Tue14 Boiling Springs, PA 06/05 Mon15 Port Clinton, PA 06/12 Mon16 Delaware Water Gap, PA 06/17 Sat17 Bellvale, NY 06/23 Fri18 Bear Mountain 07/05 Wed19 Salisbury, CT 07/11 Tue20 Cheshire, Ma 07/15 Sat21 Wallingford, VT 07/20 Thu22 Hanover, NH 07/25 Tue23 Glen Cliff, NH 07/28 Fri24 Mt. Washington, NH 08/04 Fri25 Gorham, NH 08/08 Tue26 Caratunk, ME 08/16 Wed27 Monson, ME 08/19 Sat28 Abol Bridge Campsite 08/26 SatKatahdin End Target Date - Monday Aug 28, 2006Only two steps left for you to qualify to Hike with Hank.Step #1. Figure out when and where you want to meet with Hank.Step #2. Arrange to Contact Hank on the Trail to determine EXACTLY where he is!you can only do this by reading the next Journal Entry.See you there.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Home

To: Hiking w/ Hank #3
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking with Hank Part 3OK,You are nearly there.1. You got 100% on the Pre Test.2. You figured out where and when you want to meet Hank.You understand that the AT is a moving flexible goal and target, and you understand that no plan survives implementation. So the last thing to do, IF you are still seriously considering this "Meet Hank on the trail!" idea is to confirm where to meet him.ONLY ONE PERSON in the entire world is authorized to reveal the exact location of Hank and she will only know approximately where the exact location is. (huh?!?) Yeah, that is right. I will check in with Joan as frequently as the trail allows to let here know where I was then. That is NOT where I will be now, or when You go looking. It is a best estimate, but it is the best I can do.If you are still serious about meeting me on the trail¢¦..Call Joan at 607-547-9357Or 607-437-0840Until then....As Roy and Dale so eloquently used to sing¢¦..Happy trails to you¢¦.Until we meet again.Happy trails to you¢¦..(you get the idea!)
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Bon Voyage - Invitation

To: Bon Voyage - Invitation
Miles today: 0.0

Bon voyage invitation sent out by email¢¦.Hank and Joan Nicols would like to invite you attend a Bon voyage & hiker kickoff for Hank.Hank will be hiking 2,174.9 miles from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail from March thru September. Joan is driving Hank to Georgia on Sunday March 26 and Hank will be out of regular email and phone communication from then until he returns in September. (He will be in touch with Joan on a weekly basis for emergency contact only!)If you are available between 6 and 9 pm on Wednesday March 22, 2006 please stop by their home at14 Walnut StreetCooperstown, NY 13326FOR A CHAMPAGNE TOAST!Hope to see you there.Hank & JoanPS: There is some truth to the rumor that Joan told Hank to take a hike.PPS: No gifts or food please. This is a backpacking trip and you don¢t really need anything you can¢t carry at a dead run.PPPS: If you are interested in more details about the trip you can keep track of Hank for the next 6 months online by checking out his trail log athttp://www.trailjournals.com/CatskillEagle/
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Singapore Bound

To: Singapore Bound
Miles today: 0.0

It is Thursday morning back home in NY and it is Friday morning here. I am on an airplane bound for Singapore and they are 13 hours ahead of New York time. I will be spending the next ten days teaching at the American International School of Singapore doing the last of my college courses prior to beginning my sabbatical. Interestingly I am teaching Conflict Resolution and Peaceable Schools. I am going to need to focus on the conflict of teaching as it is rather far from where I expect my mind to be. I have begun this hike already. I am just not yet on the trail.I suppose it would be in order to thank a few people for the help and support they have already given and I anticipate still getting to make this dream a reality.First of Course comes my immediate family that would include, Joan, Jennifer, Diana, Todd, Mark, Tori, Zach, Tess and Lincoln.Then comes the Scouts and Scoutmasters of BSA Troop 1254, Cooperstown, NYJim, Ron, Craig, Gary, Claire, Jane, Marge, Jessie, Karen, David, Joe, Kathy. And a special thank you to Wally Van Houten from Troop 2 Middleburgh who taught me more about being a Scoutmaster than he will ever know. The members of the Flamingo Patrol: Uncle Bruce, Paul, Ron, Frank, and Jack, Carol, Lana, Liz, Helen and Dick.The Scouts who took me on my first Grand Canyon Adventure: Eric, Tim, Rodney, Chris, Mike, Mike, Mike,Mike, Nick, Peter, Jeff, Rich and Henry.My friends and colleagues at the Otsego County Democratic Committee and Otsego County Board of Elections: Karen, Robbie, Kim, John, Rudy, Nancy, Kevin, Kathy, Ron, Cindy, John, Betsey, Charlotte, Sheila, and Laurie who are willing to work with me by email and phone to fulfill the constitutional requirements of my office as Commissioner of Elections, and a special thanks to my friend and retired Commissioner Doug Hamilton.Finally, last but not least, my friends and colleagues at Buffalo State: Susan my teaching partner, Carolyn my boss, Pat & Donna the people who make it all happen all around the world and all of my hundreds of international students from Argentina to Zimbabwe who by following their own paths encouraged me to find mine.