morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Gorham, NH

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I am headed home for some time to recover from my fall before coming back out. Indiana and I checked out of the Royalty Inn and moved down the street to The Barn Hostel. There we saw 42, Sleepy the Arab, Repunsal, Rael. Indiana was able to get work for stay and I needed to wait for my ride home. My Father-in-Law and his friend, Marilyn would be driving from Maine to Gorham to pick me up. They arrived around 3pm. I said my goodbyes to the hikers and headed to Maine. They even let me drive. I don't think that was smart to let a hiker who fell on the rocks, drive 3 hours back to Maine. But I did just fine except it is hard to stop at a tree for a rest stop. Instead I went to a McDonalds and of course I had something to eat. Mrs Banjoman was so glad to see me and help take care of my recovery. She was very careful not to hug me or squeeze me too tightly. She is so sweet.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Well, It is Friday and Happy Hour Day at the Wharf. I decided to go and sit and enjoy the music. Of course that wouldn't happen. I did play my banjo for the first set and sat out most of the second set. I did get up at the end of the night for the final few songs, including "Friday Night".It is funny I didn't feel any of the pains of my fall while playing music but I did in the morning when I got up. My bruises are turning all kinds of different colors and I am a technocolor pallet of blues, reds, purples, yellows and who knows what else.I am starting to feel a little better.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today is another zero day. Mrs Banjoman is just the best and she is taking great care of me. Today we plan to go to our friends, Don and Ellen's camp and go for a ride out on Maranacook Lake on their new party boat. It sounds like a great time. I am still very sore but there are signs of recovery. Thank you for those who have signed my guest book and sent me emails of concern. I am planning on going back out as soon as I can.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today will be a fun zero day. The Kids and the Grandkids will be coming over for some supper and visiting. I always like playing with the Grandkids, as you know I have yet to grow up. Matthew, Abbie, and Connor are so much fun. We will play hide and seek, some Go Fish, and maybe some coloring. I try as hard as I can but I still can't keep it between the lines. I have made a big pan of lasagna and Mrs Banjoman has made some brownies. Matthew and Abbie like to help serve up the desert and pass it out. They are such great Grandchildren. It has been a great day.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is Labor Day. And I am not doing any labor. The bruising is starting to go away and I am able to take deep breaths now as my chest heals. A movie is in store for Mrs Banjoman and me this afternoon, The Wedding Crashers. It is supposed to be real funny. I hope I don't hurt as I laugh.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today I repacked some of my food for the next leg of my journey. I plan on getting on in Caratunk, ME and hiking to Monson taking 3 days to see how my legs feel and my other injuries. This will make it easier for me to leave the trail if I just can't do it. Tomorrow I am going to pack my pack and hike around the house, up and down our hills on our property and go out in the woods behind our house. I will try this for an hour or so and see what happens. I will let you know.
Date: 2006-09-06
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today I did my radio segment on 104.3 WABK live in the studio. Everyone knew I was home recouping so it wasn't a surprise when I walked in. I talked about my fall and the beauty and the treachery of the White Mountains and how they have claimed a lot of injuries for the North Bounders.
Date: 2006-09-07
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today is my last day home before I hit the trail again. My injuries have been healing but I am not sure if they have to the degree of hiking again. I will see. I am starting at Caratunk, ME and that will give me three days of hiking before I reach the 100 mile wilderness. If I am having trouble I will come home from Monson, ME and call it done. Cricket from the Class of 2003 will be joining me for that leg of the trail. Mrs. Banjoman is glad that someone will be hiking with me. My 3 year old Grand Daughter, Abbie, just called and wanted to wish me well on my hike. She is so sweet. Mrs Banjoman is happy that I am continuing to reach my goal of Mt Katahdin. She has been so supportive and I love her so.
Date: 2006-09-08
From: Home

To: Pleasant Pond Mt
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: broken clouds

I am back on the trail for a trial run to see if I can hike with my half healed injuries. My Brother-in-Law, Bob Pekins picked me up at 8:30 this morning. I was getting back on in Caratunk, ME. Cricket from the Class of 2003 was coming for a section hike to Monson, ME. I wanted to give my leg and chest a mild work out before heading off into the 100 mile wilderness, where it is a little more difficult to be retrieved.The hike today was delightful. There were mild ups and downs. Nothing too strenuous. I hit the trail at about 11am and was at the shelter by 2pm.My leg and chest responded well. No real pains just a little discomfort. Sitting around the shelter has been fun. Here tonight are Cricket, Karuna Miel, Wiggy and Mike. Ther sun was out today with a nice dirt trail. It felt good. Mrs Banjoman did a great job helpining me get better. IT was hard leaving her this morning. I will be home soon sweetheart
Date: 2006-09-09
From: Pleasant Pond Mt

To: Moxie Bald Mt Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

It was warm last night. I started the night in my silk liner and sleeping bag. By the middle of the night the liner was gone and the socks were gone as well. No one was snoring in the shelter either so it was nice and quiet. This morning was overcast and it looked like rain. I left the shelter at 7:30 to climb the 1.3 miles up to the summit of Pleasant Pond Mt. The climb was very steep near the summit but the views were fabulous. Maine is great. Next it was a 4 mile descent to Moxie Lake. I stopped for lunch at Moxie Bald Mt shelter just as it started to rain. Good timing. I was considering staying for the night until the sun came out. There was only 4.1 more miles to the next shelter but it was up and over Moxie Bald Mt. The weather held and after summiting Moxie Bald Mt, I descended to the Lean-to. I set up camp and started cooking supper just as it started to rain again. I cooked some dehydratted spagetti that my sister sent me with sausage. Boy that was good. I was in heaven or I would have been if Mrs. Banjoman was with me to enjoy the beauty that is Maine. She would love the pine needle covered paths and all the different mosses and ferns. Here at the shelter tonight are Cricket, Honu, Heinz the Walker from Germany and Me. The rain is still falling with a bit of thunder. Just a short while ago there was a rainbow over the pond. I took a picture and it looked like the end of it was at Katahdin. The prize we are all looking for.
Date: 2006-09-10
From: Moxie Bald Mt Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

The music last night was welcomed by all at the shelter. It went on well past dark. Heinz the Walker said "how many songs do you know Banjoman?" I told him he could hike north with me and not hear the same songs that night and he could hike north again the next day and not hear the same songs that night and so on. I told him that the songs would get very obscure as well. HE was hiking south so I wasn't tested to see if I could do that. This morning was about 45* and breezy. I was anzious to get my hot breakfast cooked and eaten. I started hiking by 7:30. a long day was in store. I had to ford the West Branch of the Piscataquis River. There is a story about this river. There are at least two versions of it. One by my son, Bill and one by Me. We each think our own version is the correct one. I had a quiet moment and then moved on. I was at horseshoe Canyon Lean-to by noon for lunch. It is always nice to fuel up again. The hike from Horseshoe Canyon to Monson was a breeze. After I crossed the East branch of the Piscataquis River there was trail magic left by Strider '03, soda and fruit. Thank you. I then crossed the Shirley Balnchard Road and headed towards Hebron Lake and Monson. I arrived at about 3 pm and checked into Shaw's Hostel. I called Mrs Banjoman. I haven't been able to talk to her for 2 days. We had a great talk. I miss her so much. Here at Shaw's tonight are Comfortably Numb, Swanson, Homeward, Curly, Pumpkin, Mrs Parkay, Rock Chalk, and Mr Parkay.
Date: 2006-09-11
From: Monson, ME

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The Appalachian Trail is 2174.6 miles long. Everyone's expectations are similar but different as well.Everyone starts out the same with the first step on Springer Mt in Georgia. They also think they have the same goal, the last step on MT Katahdin in Maine. What happens in between is so different for each of us.For me it started as a great adventure for the later years of my life. Something I wanted to do for a long time. And it was an adventure. There were hills to climb, rock scrambles to maneuver, towns to visit, wildlife to see, campfires to build, people to meet and songs to be sung.As I hiked north my body changed. My weight dropped dramatically. A new confidence came over me as I learned that any obstacle can be overcome by approaching it with small goals and with just one step at a time. I was inspired by many hikers, some older than myself doing exactly what I was doing, one step at a time. I found that after a while the miles flew by. The adventure was still there but the journey had changed. It wasn't about just getting to the end. It was more about how I got there. I didn't want it just for myself. I wanted to share the joy with my fellow hikers. We have all come so far and been through so many challenges.My journey came to an end in Monson, ME. After my fall in the White Mountains and after 8 days recuperation, I tried a three day hike from Caratunk to Monson. Not a real difficult section but difficult enough to challenge my injuries. I made it to Monson in three days, not bad time for someone who had difficulty walking. Because it still is very painful, I am officially off the trail. I cannot do the last 114 miles. I want to thank Clear Channel and all the listeners for following along with each weekly installment. I want to thank New Balance for having such great hiking shoes that took me so far. Next week I am going to Baxter State Park and share in my fellow hikers joy of conquering the great 2174.6 mile Appalachian Trail. If I am able I will summit with my friends. Lastly, I would like to thank my dear sweet Wife. She gave me a gift more loving than can be imagined. She gave me the opportunity to embark on this dream of mine. Through her loving support and sacrificing I was able to make it this far. Thank you Mrs. Banjoman, I love you ever so deeply.
Date: 2006-09-19
From: Home

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 0.0

Today Mrs Banjoman and I headed to Baxter State Park in northern Maine. Even from where I live it is still a 3 1/2 hour drive to the park. We stopped by Abol Bridge Campground before going to the Baxter. I was curious to see who was there camping and going into Baxter the next day. I saw Cosmic Punch Line who I hadn't seen since early Georgia. I also saw Burkenstock, Pi and K'ache, Moe ande Ponch all who I had hiked with many times in the past. They were surprised to see Banjoman and were happy to meet Mrs. Banjoman. We told them that we would be camping at Katahdin Stream Campground and had Chili, Rolls, Hot Dogs etc for them the next night. We then drove to the park. As we arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground, we saw a few hikers gathered just chatting. I was thrilled to see one of them was Indiana. He made it to Mt Katahdin. He said he had to do a 20 mile and a 30 mile day to get there in time. He was headed to Millinocket to meet up with his parents. I had a chance to visit for a short time before the taxi came to take the hikers to town. I told him I would be here the next day to wish him well on his climb. Next we set up camp.We had a great site with a perfect view of Mt Katahdin. Next we hiked to the Thru Hiker campsite, The Birches to invite who ever was there for trail magic chili and other eats. We saw Pumpkin, Stumbles who I hadn't seen since Virginia and another older couple thru hikers that I can't recall their names. It was a nice gathering with lots of stories and excitement. It started to sprinkle rain about dusk and we all disbursed to our campsites. During the night the rain came down real hard. It was so noisy on the tent that it kept us awake for a long time. In the middle of the night we noticed that the sleeping bags were getting wet. Upon investigation we found that the water was leaking in the tent and soaking things. We went to sleep in the van. Mrs. Banjomans seat reclined but mine was broken and I had to try to sleep sitting up. After two or so hours I went back to the tent regardless of wet bags or not. It was a long sleepless night. But it was nice to connect with a few hikers and help them. I am excited that Mrs. Banjoman is here to experience this with me.
Date: 2006-09-20
From: Baxter State Park

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Mrs Banjoman and I were up early enough to wish Indiana well on his summit hike. I hiked with him and his parents to the trail head where they had to sign in for the ascent. The rest of the day was drying out all our sleeping bags, mats and tent from last nights deluge of rain. Everything was soaked. The nice thing about staying at Katahdin Stream campground is that the trail passed right past our site and we were able to see all the hikers as they came through. We invited them all over for some chili and hot dogs at supper time. There were Burkenstock, Pi and K'ache, Moe and Ponch, Kentucky and his friend Gene, F-bomb, Cosmic Punch Line, and a few others. We had a fire going and everyone was able to get warm and eat their fill of food. It was fun listening to the stories and I did play some music as well. Everyone stayed well past dark and soon every one went off to their own sleeping areas for the night. Some of the hikers were planning to do the Knifes Edge. Listening to all of the summit plans made me wish that I was able to be amongst the Class of 2006 summitters. It has been a hard decision to get off of the trail. I knew though that if I pushed it my injuries may have gotten worse and I wouldn't be able to hike ever again. This trip to Baxter with Mrs Banjoman has been a nice closure for this years hike. At the end of the day and just before dark Indiana and his parents came down. We wished them congratulations and took pictures. They were headed to town for a big pizza and some celebrating. It was a wonderful night of trail magic and Mrs Banjoman and I talked for quite a while in our sleeping bags of the nights events and all the hikers we met.
Date: 2006-09-21
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning was a blustery cold morning. We had oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast. The wind was howling and the summiters today will have to contend with high winds on top of Mt Katahdin. The weather seemed odd. First the sun was out and then it would rain. Mrs Banjoman and I took a hike up to Katahdin Stream Falls. As I signed in on the log at the trail head I wondered if I should climb the mountain. I then thought back to the last time I climbed Mt Katahdin and remembered that I climbed with a hurt knee and I really paid the price for not listening to my body. Today my knee still hurts from my fall in the White Mountains and I know I shouldn't push it. It was a nice hike through varied terrain. It gave her a small taste of what I had hiked through along the way. When we got to the falls we sat and enjoyed the beauty and the sound of the falls cascading down. There were many day hikers that came down the mountain as we were sitting there. They said that above treeline it was snowing and blowing real hard. Those poor Thru Hikers. I know they just kept right on going to reach the top and finish their journey. Mrs Banjoman and I hiked back to the campground just in time to see Bama, Brainfreeze, The Professor and Jesse James walking up the path. They had arrived at the campground and were looking up at the mountain. Bama was surprised to see me there and happy to meet Mrs Banjoman. It is only right that I be there to wish her well. Bama and I started on top of Springer Mountain the same day and within the same hour. Later some of the Thru hikers came down and were telling the stories of cold, snow and biting wind on the top. Burkenstock and Pi did venture out and climb Knifes Edge and descend down into Roaring Brook Campsite. It must have been a dangerous adventure but that is part of the AT experience. Mrs Banjoman and I packed up and moved our camp to Abol Bridge Campsites. Abol Bridge Campground is just after you exit the 100 Mile Wilderness. We wanted to see who we could see for the next day and a half. Just after setting up camp in walked Rusch Hour, Fiddlehead, and another hiker. It was great to see another member of The Secret Seven. They were staying at the campground as well and we had them over to our site for Chili, hot dogs, and other good eats. It was funny to hear Rusch Hour recant the "slack pack night hike" story. It was unbelieveable. We sat around the fire for a long time and then they decided to get the rest they needed for the rest of their hike. It was a great day of excitement for all of my hiker friends.
Date: 2006-03-11
To: Trail Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

WOW, after over 500 miles of the Florida Trail I am ready to see some better views and more people. The FT was so lonely at times that the physical hardships never were the deciding factor in my continuing or getting "off the Trail" dreaded words for hikers because you never know if you will go back to finish or not. The wet winter in Florida gave me double the normal rainfall in places making for even longer roadwalks than usual. I am set up to start the Appalachian Trail at the end of March 2006. After a couple days in North Carolina I am going to Neel's Gap first then getting a shuttle back to Springer for the start of the AT. Since I did this in 1985 at age 33 I will be interested to see how I do at 53! Only this time I am able to devote enough time to do it all as a thru hike.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Springer Mountain, Ga. 

To: Hightower Gap, Ga
Miles today: 8.1

Day ONE Last night I spent the night at Blood Mountain Cabins. (Neel's Gap) Shuttle Driver, Fred picked three eager hikers up promptly at 7 a.m. to take us to the parking lot .9 miles from the start at the nearest Forest Service Road 42 to the AT Start at the top of Springer Mountain. Along the forest road we ran into wild turkey and deer. From the parking lot you must hike .9 miles up (South) the mountain to the start of the Appalachian Trail and then re-hike it back North before continuing onward. The alternative (which is a bad memory from long ago) is to make the Approach Trail up from the park entrance. Strangly it is not considered part of the Appalachian Trail.Along the trail I ran into a lanky gentleman with a long white beard who it turned out was the Ridge Runner for that area by the name of Roger Dunton. Roger tents along this route at the top of Springer Mountain, five days a week and keeps track of all the northbound (NOBO) thru hikers. He formerly did the same thing, and did trail maintenance for years in the Smoky Mountains. Naturally, we signed the start register and took pictures at the first white blaze, then anxious to continue, hit the trail once again. AT blazes are white, about the size of a dollar bill. In Florida the Florida Trail blazes are ornage, other trails have different colors. Starting Elevation 2,854 feet above sea leval. We immediately started running into other thru hikers along the trail headed up to the top of Springer to begin their adventure. We stopped for a delightful picnic lunch at Three Forks where we ate ham sandwiches, fresh tomatoes and hard boiled eggs we had packed the night before. Last night the temps were in the 20's, but came up to about 66 degrees today. The hike continued upward along beautiful Stover Creek much of the day. The trail is clearly marked and well maintained. One of the high points was at Long Creek Falls where we got to enjoy our first waterfall. The last place for water before 7 upcoming 'dry miles' was at Hawk Mt. Shelter where many of the other hikers had already set up camp. I proceeded up the trail about another mile before putting up my tent on a slope in the middle of a bramble patch north of Hightower Gap - NOT a smart place to camp, but much quieter. After a dinner of tuna, crackers and hot apple cider the bugs forced the hikers into our tents at 6:10 p.m. From there I still had great views of a brightly painted orange and gold blazing sunset over the mountains.....and to think it took me 33 years to finish this hike. I had completed over 500 miles twice before on long sections including the White Mountains and The 100 Mile Wilderness. All my other sections were a week or less. I am pretty sure I had done all of the AT at one time or another except for stopping at Abol Bridge several times. I wanted to 'save' Katahdin for the thru hike I knew I would make some day. Pretty close to heaven at the top of the mountains tonight.... and off to sleep at "hiker midnight" (dark)!
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Hightower Gap, Ga

To: Gooch Mountain, Ga
Miles today: 6.8

Hiked from 7:45a - 4p ending at an elevation of 3,000ft. Taking my time and lots of pictures but it means fewer miles as I am trying to enjoy this trip. I am pleased with my decision to take these mountains while fresh in the morning. Today the herd of hikers conquered Horse Gap, Sassafrass Mountain which was the most difficult so far; Cooper Gap, Justus Mountain (difficult but not as bad as Sassafrass), ending at Justus Creek with a beautiful supply of water. May I say again, this is NOT The Florida Trail. Water along this trail is plentiful, with a little advance planning. I met an interesting lady hiking solo named "Faith Walker" who is from Indiana. She had taken a month to get where she was! Suddenly I felt very fast for a change. I am starting to run into many of the same hikers as yesterday, passing me, then meeting further up the trail. There has been much evidence of Bear's scat today although no actual bear sightings yet. Spring is trying to make its way through with smalll flowers emerging from the snowy ground and butterflys along the trail. In another two weeks it will be a field of color. The mountains today were a challenge for this Floridian with many gigantic rocks towering over everything at the top of the mountains. It makes you realize just how small you are. I found an abandoned campsite on flat land this time with a firepit. It only required a little cleaning up with a handy, quicky made broom of twigs and it became home for the night. There was plenty of wood to burn but it is also necessary to do so very carefully. These woods have not had a much needed prescribed burn in quite a while and it is easy to see how a huge fire can develop in a moment. Falling asleep in my tent while watching the campfires dwindle to ash and being so thankful for this beautiful day. Due to the late snows it is chilly but wonderful sitting in my bag inside the tent. The branches and leaves are just beginning to bud out so the views are great most places. Muscles are pleasantly sore but it is a good feeling, all things considered.