morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-05
To: What makes the world go around? Oh yeah, money.
Miles today: 0.0

Money and funds seem to be the thoughts I center on the most while thinking about doing my thru-hike next year. Most of the time the first thing people ask when they hear I'm doing this is if I'm going to quit my job. The simple answer is, yes. I totally get it makes no sense to the world to quit a good job right in the middle of my best-earning, career years. But my current bank doesn't allow leave-of-absences. Since I can't put this adventure off any longer, I'm going to quit. But the strangest part of this conversation is that I'm not worried. I'm damn good at what I do with a great track record and twelve years in the financial world, so I feel a calm about leaving my job because I'm sure I can get another one when I get back. The only hitch is that I often wonder if I'll even want to go back to that suit & tie type of job. We'll see.The second biggest money issue is my house. My neighbor has expressed big interest in buying it this summer. If he does I think I've decided to move into my friends' basement around September. That will help me save an immense amount of money I normally would have been spending on mortgage payments. If he decides to not buy it, I can always put it on the market but we all know what that roller coaster is doing these days. I make enough money to bank the funds needed to pay the mortgage while I'm gone, but that would also drain most of the savings I've been working so hard to put away and it would force me to go back to work within just a few months. To put it frankly, that would suck. All I can say on this matter is, time will tell.To wrap up the loose ends caused by both of those issues, I'm starting to set aside things that I'll be selling. Artwork, my truck, and other stuff. My ex-wife took a lot of valuable stuff when she left, so unfortunately my list of stuff to sell is kinda small. We'll see. In addition, the bank I work at changed their incentive strategy for 2011 which means if I can keep my head in the game I should make a good amount each month there. My hope is to set aside about $1000 a month for the next ten months by combining those incentives and the payroll deduction I'm already doing. Again, we'll see how that goes.Not sure who wanted to see that, but it's part of this journey as much as anything else is. I'm off to balance the checkbook.
Date: 2011-05-01
To: First trail meal
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I headed to Appalachian Outfitter's in Peninsula, Ohio for their big Spring clearance sale. I got my new Soto MicroRegulator stove last week but haven't been able to fire it up because no one around here sell's canister fuel. So while I was there buying other stuff (trekking poles, eating utensils, socks, a coffee filter) I grabbed a can of Snow Peak fuel and a bagged meal.When I got home, I took everything out to the front porch and fired it up. A few minutes later I was enjoying spicy macaroni with beef right out of the bag with my new jetboil collapsing spoon. The stove was just as easy to use as billed, and I couldn't be happier with it as well as all of my cooking gear. I know just one cooking experience isn't a good measuring tape of lasting quality, but this stove is amazing and I have zero negative to say about it.I didn't think it was possible to be more excited than I already am, but every day I get more pumped to thru-hike the AT. This thing is getting REAL!
Date: 2011-07-02
To: Ten mile Beaver Creek hike
Miles today: 0.0

I've been talking about hiking the Sprucevale to Beaver Creek State Park trail for some time now. I hit a bit of a roadblock when I found out I couldn't camp or park overnight at either end without paying a permit fee. So instead of dropping the idea, I decided to do the whole hike in one day, eliminating the need to camp. Today I did it.The trail isn't a loop, so I started the day by parking in the actual State Park parking lot. I don't own a day/weekend backpack, so I packed a one-strap parachute bag with water, some food, and my pipe bag. It wasn't the best idea as my left shoulder got sore by the end of the day, but it served its purpose. I hiked the five miles to Sprucevale, ate carrots and hummus, and hiked back to the car. Along the way I stopped at Lock 40, which has an outer wall right on the creek (see my pictures) and smoked my pipe for a nice half hour break. The whole thing took about four and a half hours, which felt like a good pace.Some highlights:-I shared the trail with a lot of animals including one deer, a snake, chipmunks, butterflies, mosquitoes, and more birds than I can name - including one giant buzzard that looked big enough to carry me away.-Almost half of the trail was nothing but rocks. If I use this trail to get conditioned for the AT, the rocks in Pennsylvania will seem like kindergarten compared.-Only the beginning and end of the trail was well maintained, probably because that's all the further families usually go, which is what the Park is known to cater to. The middle miles weren't blazed at all and twice I got sidetracked on a side trail.-At one point, the trail jumped up a twenty foot cliff, accessible by only the ladder in the picture and then a rope to pull yourself up another ten feet. Going up was easy, coming down was more than scary. I had to scoot down loose shale just to get to the rope and then spin around to slide on my stomach before I reached the ladder. -This was my first trip using my new trekking poles. I am super happy with them and definitely see why so many people swear by them.All-in-all, it was a great hike. I learned a lot about how I walk, and am looking forward to doing it again. 8 more months and I'll be on the AT. Hikes like today give me a lot of confidence that my efforts to condition myself have paid off.
Date: 2011-08-03
To: Getting the ducks in a row
Miles today: 0.0

In about seven months I'll be leaving my home state for an adventure of a lifetime. The emotions are running high in anticipation of what is ahead. The sale of my house seems to be happening, my weight loss is somewhat on pace, and my gear is falling into place; all-in-all things are looking good. But that doesn't take away the anxiety.Anxiety aside, I get more excited every day. So much so that some days it's hard to focus at work and even harder to figure out what to do first to get ready. But as I always tend to do, I'm sure I'll figure it out. I love the phrase, "the power of the last minute" and it has always served me well. Of course, I'm more prepared for this than anything else in my life, but I'm sure that last minute stuff will be exciting.
Date: 2011-08-28
To: The trail goes where?
Miles today: 0.0

I had an interesting mental exercise today. I had decided to hike one of my favorite trails, from Lusk Lock to Lock 29, and was in the woods by 9:30 this morning. After spending my usual few minutes in awe of the still-standing, 175 year old marvel of human engineering that is Lusk Lock, I followed the trail off the high stone walls and down into the valley that was once the canal prism. Unfortunately, less that twenty yards from the end of the lock, the trail disappeared. And when I say the trail was gone, I mean really gone. I expected there to be some high weeds due to it being the end of summer, but this was so much more than that.As soon as the dirt path left the shadow of the stone walls, an eight foot tall blockade of stinging nettle, wild roses, morning glories, and poison ivy literally choked off the trail. It was so thick, if you didn't know which way it headed you wouldn't have a clue where to go. I know that area very well, so I decided to try and find a way through or around this tangled barrier. At first I tried to chop through it with my poles, but all that did was make the vines of the plants hold tighter to one another. Next I tried to go around by walking through a swampy area to the left of the trail, but it too ended up being filled with the same kind of plants. Finally I climbed up one of the cliff walls where there was less vegetation. Even though I was making progress, it was pretty dangerous. More than once I tripped, jammed my ankle between boulders, fell, and more. I started questioning whether doing this was the best idea. The reason I was out there was to condition for the AT, but if I broke a leg or jammed up a knee, then continuing down this trail was counter-productive. Besides, I would never have to, "find" the trail on the AT. So I seriously considered turning back to go hike somewhere else.And then it hit me. I was ready to turn back because the trail was not what I expected it to be. Wow. That's exactly what people do that prematurely end their attempts to thru-hike the AT. Whenever it gets too tough, or the stress of being alone is too much, or whatever other reason those people give themselves, they are still just excuses. Sure, what I was doing today was dangerous, but it isn't like the AT doesn't have its dangerous parts, or anything else I was now facing. I needed to decide what the goal was and reinforce its importance. And that's what I did. It took me a long time to get to Lock 29 and then back to my car, but I did it. I really only have two fears about not being able to complete an AT thru-hike, the first is that I'll get injured and the second is that I'll be one of those 80% that quit with a poor excuse. Up until today's little back-and-forth in my brain, I hadn't been able to put a face on what quitting would look like. Now I know I can handle it. In six and a half months I'll be on the trail, and I'm more excited than ever to be doing this.
Date: 2011-11-10
To: One step closer
Miles today: 0.0

One of the biggest blockades to me doing the AT was the sale of my house. Thankfully that sale was closed on Thursday. And even more thankfully, the new owner has granted me free stay for twelve months. So if I decide to take him up on that, it means I won't have to worry about spending money on rent or finding a place to keep my stuff while I'm hiking. Some amazing blessings, to be sure.Tomorrow is 11/11/11, and I plan on spending some of that awesome day in the woods with my Lady. I'll post some pics from the hike when I get back.
Date: 2011-12-27
To: Three months to go
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this thing is really starting to get real. My house is sold, most of my gear (minus my clothes) is bought, and my workplace now knows of my intention to quit. I still have some physical training to do and few more pounds to lose, but otherwise I'm feeling ready to go. For Christmas, my Lady bought me the exact digital camera I wanted to get, which enforced one more time how supportive she is of my hike. At the same time I was opening the camera, she was opening two of the elongated AT maps we all know and love. I bought her two so she could have one at her workplace and one at her home so she will always know where I'm at. The whole scene was very emotional and both of us were crying as the reality of what this whole thing means set in. It will be so hard to leave her, but I've come to a new frame of mind about it, and that is it will be exciting to come home to her after accomplishing something so huge. Sometime in the next couple weeks, I'm going to lay out a spreadsheet of what I need to be ready, including gear, maildrops, and funding. It will be good for me to see exactly what I still need to accomplish. In a strange twist of what this trail does to people, someone I had hoped to meet and maybe hike with, Marshbirder, has decided to postpone her hike. And in return, a new fellow, Gale, has announced his plans to hike in 2012. Good luck to both of them.
Date: 2012-01-12
To: The list of, "Still need to do..."
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a day off work today, and I've decided to make a list of stuff that still needs to be ironed out before I leave. - Find someone to type and post my Trail Journals- Figure out how many or when to set up Mail Drops- Find a ride to Asheville, NC the last week of March- Decide who will keep my car for me- Get my pipes and tobacco to my friend's house- Figure out the first couple pipe combo's for said friend- Decide on what clothes to buy, and then buy them- Specialize my workout regimen- Get moved out of my house and all my stuff given away- Figuring out my mailing address and bills- Finalize my gear- Pay off my house loan- Try to stay focused at work I'm sure there's more, but that's what came to mind in a hot minute.
Date: 2012-02-08
To: Realizations 
Miles today: 0.0

This past week I had some realizations about my upcoming thru-hike. First, it's crazy how quickly this thing is coming up. In only 44 days, I'll be serving my last day at work and the next day my Lady and I will load my gear into her car and heading to NC. Almost all of my posessions have been given away, almost all of my gear has been bought and tested, and almost all my emotions are pinging on high. This thing is so real and I couldn't be more excited, if not a bit anxious about my preparedness.And then there's the view of what others see about this hike. In a discussion about trail food, one person thought I was bringing a crossbow to hunt for my meals and the only prepared food I was bringing was baked beans. Another person asked how heavy six pounds of food weighed. And yet another concerned but naive friend asked how expensive staying in a hotel every night was going to be. Wow! Of course, no one can really know what the AT is about if they've never done any research, so I try not to roll my eyes too much. On the flip side, I couldn't be more happy how supportive people are being. Whether naive or not, I have a huge network of people surrounding me. I'm blessed beyond belief in that aspect.Another realization I had is how hard it's going to be to leave my Lady. I couldn't be more lucky to have a person as supportive as her, but I'm sure it seems insane to the outside world to be leaving her for six months so early in an obviously intense relationship. All I can say is that we are a strong unit, and I have no doubt she'll be waiting for me when I get back. She's my rock and for that I remain happy in my decision to go forward with my hike. The last realization was adopting some mantre's. One in particular I read is, "No pain, no rain, no Maine." I love that. I'm ready for whatever the trail throws at me, and accepting a mantre like this has really helped.
Date: 2012-02-11
To: Winter trip to Lusk Lock
Miles today: 0.0

Wednesday I enjoyed a day off work and headed to my favorite local hike at Lusk Lock. A soft snow was falling as I hit the towpath, making it one of those perfect days in the woods. The trip was a test run for my shell, some of my possible trail food, as well as my merino wool base layer. As the snow lay heavy on the hemlocks along the towpath, my shell got a full-on trial run. Everything was awesome, and it was another wonderful day along picturesque Beaver Creek.
Date: 2012-02-22
To: Turned in my Resignation Letter today
Miles today: 0.0

Dear lady in the next office,With mixed emotions ranging from ecstatic jubilation to horrendous tear-filled agony, I submit to you my resignation from XXXXXXXX National Bank, effective my last day working alongside your glorious presence being March 31, 2012. At many times during my tenure in the oak-trimmed office, I felt I was finally in the place I could call my forever home. Admittedly, the hours and stress had their effects on my pursuit of a professional Pictionary career, but in hindsight it was worth it. Taking care of the clients and customers I saw on a daily basis became as second nature to me as the stick figures I found so easy to draw on paper. I do have to admit I have serious concerns about your mental health after my exit. In anticipation of the impending medical bills surely to be charged against your medical plan for Psychoanal (separation anxiety) and Takotsubo (broken heart disease), I¢ve taken up a collection to help pay for the nerve pills. Why? Because I care. One more note of importance: there are many things that I, and only I, have been performing around the office during my tenure. Things like unscrewing every light bulb before I leave every night and screwing them all back in before anyone shows up, all while wearing a skin-tight ninja suit so as not to trip the motion alarms; that job will now fall to you. Add to that the printing of new dollar bills, fluffing up the lumbar support in each office chair, and taste-testing all the expired food in the refrigerator to see if it really is expired¢¦ those will now be your tasks. To help you with these and any other tasks, I¢ve left random notes around the office to assist in the transition; some with hand painted cartoon illustrations. No need to thank me; I did it out of love.With all that said, I thank you for the time and attention you gave to my personal development. I can now do a triple somersault, tear apart and rebuild a big-block engine, and say I know the intricate differences between the sub-species of African Hibiscus Engleri flower. Those are invaluable tools I¢ll carry with me for the rest of my life. So for everything, I thank you and bid you goodnight. Sam XXXXXXXXP.S. I was going to include some money with this letter to buy lunch for the branch, but I¢d already sealed the envelope.
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Living room of the Log House

To: Springer Mountain Visitor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This is mostly a post to fix an error from a previous test I performed. But I thought I'd also announce that I've finally figured out my maildrops. I won't be using them so much to resupply (which I'll be doing in towns) but to allow my friends and family to be active participants in my adventure. I'll update the addresses in the maildrop section of this page after I contact the post offices to make sure they will still be open. But just to get them on the record they are as follows:April 15 Nantahala, NC, Aquone HostelJune 1st Roanoke, VAJuly 15 Blairstown, NJAugust 1st Ft. Montgomery, NYSeptember 1st Norwich, VTSo start figuring out your best cookie recipes and funny cartoons to send me, and I'll start anticipating their arrival.March 26th seems so close but so far away. Excited isn't a big enough word.
Date: 2012-09-03
To: I'm going back
Miles today: 0.0

The answer to the question I most often get is, "The foot feels great." In fact, I haven't thought about it or felt it hurt in over a month. It was supposed to be a six month recovery, but I feel good enough that I've decided to go back and hit the trail for a week. So the week of Columbus Day -the first full week of October- I'll be back on the trail to get some more miles on my boots. Not too sure about the details or the timing, but I just wanted to put this out there just in case anyone still clicks on this page. I'm so eager and excited for this. I see it as a little redemption. I'll share more later.
Date: 2012-03-04
From: Springer Mountain

To: Appalachian Trail Georgia to Maine
Miles today: 0.0

Just about ready to begin the trek March 18th. Gear collected, tested and packed. Pack is heavier than hoped but it will lighten up once I can get rid of the winter gear. I'm sure gear will be eliminated along the trail and sent home when I figure out I didn't need it. I¢m still weighting the question tent or shelter. Not convinced a shelter is for me. I'm sure I'll see examples on the trail and make a decision. Several trail trips have been made in southwestern Wyoming, northern and southern Utah in cold conditions. Changed from the Cadillac of packs -the Osprey Argon 85 pack to a ULA Circuit and saved 4lbs but lost space, but this keeps me from bringing more crap.I have been working out in the gym at my wife new school for two months now and feel I'm in the best shape I've been in 30 years. However last week on Antelope Island I damaged my Achilles tendon on my left foot. Took a week to get back on the trail without pain.Just turned 60 and recently retire from Delta Air Lines Cargo department SLC. I have a kitchen pass for 3 months to support my hiking buddy (Corona Sam) on his way to accomplishing his bucket list to thru hike the AT. He is an elderly kid at 57 but I think I can keep up with him if he remembers the break doesn't start until I catch-up. My tail name Utah Sherpa came from him as he plans on me lugging his Corona in my pack when I'm not looking. Hence the reason for using a smaller pack and no room for beer. We get along pretty well as demonstrated while building his cabin on the Flaming Gorge over the last couple of years.We begin the trek on the 18th of March on Springer Mountain. This WILL be an adventure of a lifetime for both of us. -Utah Sherpa
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Erwin

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The trail begins to follow the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina, which will take us through the heart of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park with strict restrictions on camping spots. Camping in designated spots/shelters only. Nothing like sleeping with 50 of your recently acquainted new best friends, snoring, farting et al.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russel Field
Miles today: 15.0

In the Smokey Mountains with strict Forest Service regulations. Camping by one of the shelters, but a gully-washer came through complete with thunder and lightning. Had to hang up with my wife and call back later because I couldn't hear over the rain on the tent and the thunder. Noticed that I had left my boots and raincoat outside of the tent. I was afraid I might float away in the river running through my tent, but managed to survive, slightly damp. Water ran under the sleeping pad.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Gatlinberg, TN
Miles today: 13.0

Taking a zero day here. Resting up. My Keen hikers have been held together with duct tape after only 200 miles. Stopped in at a Keen dealer and got a straight trade for a new pair. Keens are great because they feel good right away, not much break in needed.
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Spring

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 15.0

Out of the Smokey's at Gatlinberg, Tenn. The Smokeys had restricted camping, so glad to be shed of them. Total mileage so far is 239 miles and racking them up one step at a time. Spend a couple of days in Gatlinberg to get out of the rain and rest up a bit.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Hot Springs

To: Hemlock Inn
Miles today: 16.0

Feeling strong. Left Hot Springs about 7 in morning headed out of town, about a day behind Corona Sam. Found 12 flint arrowhead at mile 283 left it right there in its place, didn¢t move it. It occurred to me later that I should have photographed it. Don¢t know how many people had stepped over this thing. Made it through to Hemlock Inn at mile 290. Tented it overnight, but had a good catfish dinner at the Inn, followed by a good night¢s sleep.
Date: 2012-04-14
To: Flint Mountain
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: moderate rain

 Saturday was an interesting day. Back on the trail at 8 am played leapfrog with Davy Jones all day. He is a faster hiker but we passed each other a few times. Going over Fireskull Knob was hand over hand climbing over tough terrain to get on top of ridge and stay on top. The trail was nothing but boulders and steps. Tough climbing on all fours over rocks through a pretty, scenic area. Stopped for lunch at Jerry cabin shelter congratulated myself on 300 miles. Headed on to Flint Mountain shelter at mile 306. About 10 hikers there and probably about 10 Scouts. Good water and weather.