morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good afternoon,Just wrapped up a training session at Joe's Gym of Horrors. Almost everything went well...almost...everything. I have set a goal of increasing my running capacity from 0 to 5 miles while I am in Virginia. Considering that I will be out of here in just over three weeks and haven't run any real distance in 15 years, it is a worthy goal. It's been easier than I thought. The first day was 2 miles, yesterday was 2.5 and today I was cruising very strongly at 2.5 miles and heading for 3 when my hand bumped the cutoff switch on the treadmill during the up swing. It really does something to your momentum when a treadmill just up and quits on you, seemingly of its own volition. I laughed at the time, but not with a lot of sincerity. I decided that it was God's will not to go on to 3 miles, but consideration is being given to going back later this afternoon and have another crack at it. God may just have to change his mind.I stood on the exercise ball again today and did about 2 squats before giving up on it. I have no problem with the difficulty I experience with this exercise. First of all it is not easy and secondly it's just about the last thing I do and my legs are already wobbly. Next time I will try it earlier in the session and see what happens. I'm really in a positive frame of mind for my hike right now. All that I'm doing seems specific to what will be needed. There is enough variety that I'm not getting bored. It helps that my son is around because I can't cheat on the exercises (he has a quick and knowing eye), and being in a gym of this caliber keeps me revved up. My waist line may not be aware of it, but I am making significant progress. And just where does this waist line get off thinking that it alone determines my level of fitness anyway? It's just one small portion of my holistic health that will, by the inevitable laws of nature, respond to continued effort.   It really will, won't it? (say "yes")
Date: 2005-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi,I went over the 3 mile mark with my running today and then did the upper body stuff. Yesterday it was lower body and running. There's not any part of me that isn't sore right now. Even my butt hurts. I'll be okay in about a week.The running wouldn't be such a big deal except I try to increase my speed each time as well as distance. Not exactly the type of behavior I want to bring to my thru hike. Maybe that's who I am and I will just have to hike with all of me.A cold and blustery wind in Richmond today. I told a guy that this was what July is like in Wisconsin with the wind from Lake Superior. Not true, I did it just to watch his face. Everyone from down here thinks we're nuts up there and they may not be far from the truth. There was a guy walking in the gym today, throwing his arms about in random gestures and talking to himself. When he got closer I could see he was wearing some sort of headset and talking on his cell phone. I've never seen anyone do that in Spooner. If they did they're most likely from Hayward or Illinois (same thing) or Minnesota Generally speaking we just don't let ourselves get so busy or important that we need stuff like that. Years ago, before the advent of cell phones I knew a man and woman in Virginia who actually had a phone installed in their bathroom just so they would never miss an incoming call. Get a grip! I mean is nothing sacred? I used to call them just for the hell of it and ask whoever answered if they were taking a crap. Not everyone likes my humor, but usually it's just for my self amusement.
Date: 2005-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away....Friday night my son and I went out to dinner at a small Mexican restaurant (I know, I know - a restaurant for small Mexicans) and ordered a meal and a Margarita. As they say, sooner or later the sun shines on every dogs behind, and they asked to see identification. Not just Joes, but mine as well. I am aware that I look well over 21, 31, 41, and, dammit, 51. But, no matter what their motive or policy it gave me the opportunity to talk a little trash to my son about the so called youthfullness of my appearance. Which I did, denial notwithstanding.Today at the gym an elderly gentlemam named Al approached me (keep in mind that I don't know Al and have never spoken to him before) and said "John, (my name is Ray) are you 85 now or still 84?" Reality is I look as much like 85 as I do 21. It cracked me up and still does. The Lord gaveth and tooketh.
Date: 2005-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Buenas Dias,Thirteen days until I'm on the trail. At the moment I'm not overwhelmed with excitement because it's at least partially hit me how long I'll be out there. I've decided to revel in the decadence of civilization as much as I can during the remaining times. For me that means eating out a lot and drinking the occasional beer. Friday night Joe and I went to a Japanese restaurant and had sushii. For the first time since the 60's I drank some saki and it tastes exactly as I remembered. Very good indeed, it warms the stomach and helps create a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. One bottle only (5 1/2 oz); moderation in all things, although I do tend to get a little excessive in my quest for moderation.My training is coming along very well. Joe created a program for me that seems to be working in spite of my efforts. I had set a goal of running 5 miles during my stay here and I reached that in little over a week. My next running goal is not to set anymore running goals for the remainder of my time in Richmond. I just get too excessive in pursuing them and don't want to jeopardize my trip this close to D day. I'm able to stand unaided on the big rubber ball for about a minute without the need to grab onto something. The improvment in my balance may pay off somewhere along the trail, probably involving a barstool...but most likely not (those days are long gone). I should have been doing that exercise back in the 60's and early 70's. I bought some packages of Lipton's Rice today, one of my favorite trail meals. One envelope makes 2 meals for me if I add the pouches of tuna, chicken, etc. I'll halve the rice and put it into zip lock bags, easily meeting my dinner requirement until my first resupply opportunity. This evening and tomorrow I'm going to get serious with checking out all of my gear. Sometime early next week I'm going to ship everything to Georgia so I won't have to deal with security at the airport. A little more money spent, but worth the cost in my opinion.No cute stories or jokes today. I'm not sure what the problem is other than needing a nap. I think I'll take one.
Date: 2005-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the dream has ended. Not the one of thru hiking the AT, but the dream where I actually camp on a sunny beach in the Virgin Islands for 4-6 months while making journals entries about the rigors of life on the Appalachian Trail. It ended because I shipped my back pack south so that it will be in Georgia when I get there (meaning the airline won't have the opportunity to lose it). My friend and transcriber, Bitpusher, will bring it to Springer Mt when he comes to see me begin my hike. The only concern I have in shipping it to Bitpusher is that he might replace my highly edible and delicious Yankee food with more traditional southern fare like...grits. He claims that he won't, but one can never be too careful.I'm feeling pretty upbeat right now. That lingering prehike fear is starting to dissipate and my comfort level is pretty high. Only a few more workouts at the gym and I'm Georgia bound. My pack weight is pretty close to what I predicted at 24 pounds 9 oz. I need to add a little weight for the addition of fuel and water, but still will be considerably under 30 pounds. My initial goal was to start out with no more than 25 lbs but adding a digital camera, some batteries and a few other items brought it to its present weight. I should be okay. If not, I can always drink the 12 pack on the first day's hike.
Date: 2005-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finally the days are quickly rolling by. I need to make a small list of things I must do before getting on Friday's plane to Georgia. Buy stamps, another pair of socks, confirm flight with airline, organize and stow all gear that will remain behind with my son, etc. So much of what ought to be done is now out of my control since I shipped my pack south last week. Probably a good move, or else I'd be fretting about it right up to the last minute. In a way I still am, but the worry is interrupted by the thought "can't fix that now, it's in the backpack and on its way south." So maybe it's a good thing.I find myself starting to be antisocial, at least to a degree. I'm avoiding social situations because it is abundantly clear that all I want to talk about is my hike and getting ready for it...training, supplies, cooking, the terrain, I've become, in my opinion, a boring pain in the butt. Even with my son who actually has a life that doesn't revolve around my hike, I find myself being quiet so as not to bore him with my Appalachia trivia. He's being very patient with me. Although we have been together for a month, we've easily worked out our individual space and (in my opinion) have not had one cross word. He's up in the morning and off to work while I sleep in (every parent's dream), comes home between clients and I return with him to workout at the gym. Following my workout I take the truck (only one vehicle), do some personal things and get an idea of what to fix for dinner. I pick him up between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. and we eat, talking about the day for a short time before one of us yawns a little to pointedly and the day is done. Even on weekends we have built in space. Joe heads to the slopes for snowboarding and, though invited, I'll not tempt fate again prior to my hike...maybe after, but not right now. We'll have lunch together, maybe breakfast and then he's off for a little clubbing with his friends. I could tag along there as well, but I no longer speak the language of the 20 somethings and keep those social encounters at a minimum. It's not that we can't talk, his friends and I, but I have concluded that if you don't understand each others rock and roll the age gap is just too wide for lengthy, superficial chit chat. I hear the shower running and so my son is washing off the fuzzy cocoon of nightly hibernation. Sounds like time to think about where to go for breakfast. Have the day of your choosing.
Date: 2005-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi,Gettin' pretty short here. Day after tomorrow and I'm on the plane to Atlanta. I got word last night that my backpack arrived safely in Alabama and that my friend, Bitpusher, is now busily replacing all my food with grits (he asked in a trailtalk website thread "What are all these packages of lutefisk"?). Last night I had a bon voyage get together with a young lady whose trail name is Creek Dancer. We both post on the trailtalk website and when she realized I was in Richmond she sent me an email suggesting we get together for a little send off. What a great person! She's originally from Duluth, Mn and currently stranded in the south where she is doing much to make up for their traditional deficit in charm, beauty and good manners. Much like me. We had a really great time and I find it completely incredible that I could be enjoying myself this much without ever seeing the trail. Today I've got to confirm my flight reservations. I can't even remember the name of the airline for sure, and somehow I deleted the confirmation message from my email. I'm thinking "DL" stands for Delta. Right? If not, I'll still get there. No turning back at this point.I have to remember to take some pictures today. My son, the gym, me and my son, working out, goofing off. Don't let me forget!Oh, I'll be 60 tomorrow. It would be scarey if I believed it true.
Date: 2005-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I had a dream last night. A bunch of my high school friends and I were in Virginia to do some sort of school work. Unfortunately I started right out skipping classes, figuring I could make up the work and everything would be okay. Since my dreams are often very disconnected, one of the next scenes is me getting in an argument with some acquaintances. Although a mild argument they decided to call the cops who think it is appropriate to charge me with assault and battery, although the only violence occuring was entirely verbal. In being interrogated by the police it becomes quickly clear that their only motive is to keep me away from the Appalachian Trail. That's what it was all about, keeping me away from my hike.I awoke at 7:00 a.m. to a bright and sunny day, my 60th birthday. Shaking off the cobwebbs of my dream, I realize it was just that, a dream. The Appalachian Trail is still there in front of me, laughing, teasing and beckoning. Gently urging me on to great opportunity and reward. Today is the final load of laundry, packing up what will be left behind and saying goodbye to my new friends at Gold's Gym in Richmond. For some reason this virus infested computer won't let me into my email so I can't send a note to some of my closest friends. This will have to be it. My next entry will be from the trail. I hope the weather will be as nice as it is here today in Richmond. However, it will be what it will be and it is mine to adapt and deal with it. Take care my friends. Now get back to work!
Date: 2005-03-05
To: bitpusher
Miles today: 0.0

Nimblefoot is on his way! I drove him to Springer Mtn. this morning, hiked to the top with him, and took his picture at the plaques. He signed the register, and we hiked back down to the parking lot. We said our goodbyes, and off he went into the woods!Good luck Nimblefoot!
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Springer Mt

To: Hawk Mt
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

It was a little foggy as I departed Springer Mt at 11:00 a.m. and the hike seemed relatively easy. There was no rain or snow, the weather alternating between sunshine and clouds. A perfect day for a beginning.I felt pretty comfortable, light pack and bad attitude and quickly swung into a nice easy rhythm. I ran into a gentleman named Taz at Stover Creek (I think). He appeared to be a bit older than me (don't they all) and was sporting a 47 pound pack. I wept for him. The first couple of miles were pretty gentle downhills and then some acceleration. Pulled into the Hawk Mt Shelter at about 3:00 pm. The shelter was pretty well populated with more to come. I pitched my brand new tarptent in back alongside a couple of young college students from Charlottesville. Later on I met Terrapin and No Legs who I was to hike with the next day...Terrapin from Ct. and No Legs from Dallas...tho I'm uncertain what state that's in, j/k. Pretty cold night and I slept fitfully which is mostly due to middle age, early hike hyper and 3 cups of coffee. Quickly mastered the art of peeing while lying down in a sleeping bag. Cautionary note: Girls, don't try this at home.All in all a pretty good first day. I listened (I really did) to all the advice I've gotten about starting slow and easing into it. I guess what folks didn't realize is that I WAS at top speed. I'm just slow.
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Hawk Mt

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I awoke Sunday morning to find the exterior of my tarptent coated with a hard frost. I made some coffee, munched a granola bar and packed my gear. Not sure what time I hit the trail, but it was somewhere during that gray edge of early dawn. I dressed warmly due to the early morning cold and was shedding clothes within 10 minutes as I broke an early sweat while easing into something vaguely reminicent of a pace. A couple of young fellows (although they think themselves elderly at 29 and 30), Terrapin and No Legs from yesterday, passed me by within the first half hour. We chatted as we hiked and, since we had a nice easy conversation going, I picked up my pace, they slowed theirs and we hiked together. At about 3 miles into the morning we approached the first of the days challenges, Sassafras Mt. We had read of it, discussed it and now we were in the middle of its uphill slant. True it was challenging, but we pretty much did what you are supposed to do: walk until you get tired, then lean on your hiking poles and tell a few lies. I was their role model. It was fun. When we summited Sassafras (with no offense to the Sassafras who posts on Trailtalk...or to her husband), I thought it relatively easy considering all the pre-climb hooplah. I foolishly turned back as we began our descent and talked serious trash to the mountain. This being somewhat (well, occasionally) a family journal, I will not tell you what I said. Fifteen minutes later I was rolling off the edge of the trail, grabbing at my ankle and shouting some of the very same words that I had learned in Navy bootcamp. A rock had given way beneath me and I badly sprained my left ankle. So much for the dubious benefit of holding the world record for standing on a stability ball (11 minutes, thank you). Not that it didn't improve my balance, but when the earth, or in this case a rock, moves beneath you it's not a question of balance. My associates quickly came to my aid, removing my wallet and other articles that might injure me (kidding here). I knew that I had done a number on my ankle and after the initial shock wore off I began to asess the situation. I had some range of motion despite the swelling and could stand without too much pain. I tightened my trail runners and resignedly hiked on (Garth). It was slow at first, but gradually things seemed to either loosen up or I grew bored with my internal whining and picked up the pace. We passed by Gooch mountain shelter in order to avoid the heavy snorers of the night before (who were certain to select this camp site) and headed to Gooch Gap. When we arrived I felt pretty pleased to have done 5.4 miles on a bad foot. If I learned anything this day it is to NEVER talk trash to a mountain. Following my tumble I was very appreciative at every summit and properly respectful. If I had incense and a virgin in my backpack I would burn one and sacrifice the other at the top of every climb, sequence being paramount. Don't screw with the mountain Gods!p.s. Whatta ya think about Stumblefoot for a new trailname?
Date: 2005-03-07
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: scattered clouds

When I awoke after a great night of sleep - having dreamed of 3 different high school girl friends - I quickly became aware that my ankle had experienced no miracle cure during the night. It was much more swollen, both sides, and extending up into the shin. I told my new found friends that I would have to get off the trail for awhile, do a little self treatment and allow myself to recuperate. As frustrated as I was (am) I didn't want to risk my hike or my life by pushing the issue. That would not be cool.It took me about 3 hours to hike the 3.6 miles to Woody Gap where I was met by the shuttle. Since that time (it's presently 3:40 a.m. on March 8th) I've been doing the hot soak thing, reading, watching t.v. and meeting real hikers that come in from the cold and rain. This is not where I want to be nor what I want to be doing. I remember some dork once saying that "life is what happens when you've made other plans" (I think I may have hit him), and that's what I'm doing right now, dealing with it and not liking it. However, I only allocate a certain amount of time for self pity and my humor is scheduled to return at 8:00 a.m. this morning.Stumblefoot
Date: 2005-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi folks,Another zero day at the Hiker Hostel. Zero, in this case, means that it's not a trail or a hiking day, and in no way is a comment about the wonderful hospitality provided by Josh and Leigh Saint. Spending time here and getting to know the "real" hikers as they pass through has been very warming. If you're passing through Dahlonega, Ga and looking for a place to crash, this is the best. I don't recommend doing what I did to get here, but the Hiker Hostel is definitely the silver lining to that particular cloud.Last night I got a call from a fellow named Ross McAllister (sp?). He and his son are thru hiking the AT and we left Springer Mt. on the same day. We met at the shelter on Hawk Mt and, with his being retired from the Navy, we exchanged a couple of jokes about each other's service. After I sprained my ankle he and his son happened by a short time after, made certain I was okay, and gave me some information about the shuttle that delivered me from Woody Gap to the Hiker Hostel. Once they realized I was able to continue on they hiked on ahead. When I eventually got to Woody Gap I found them there waiting for me. They stopped just to make certain I made it out alright. Last night's call was to check up on me. I'm afraid that, due to the hour and me being a morning person, I did not thank them adequately. Trail magic is generally an act of generosity provided by people who are not currently hiking and extended to those who are. In this case it was provided by a thru hiker. I'm not going to say I will never again rag on the Navy, but this does increase the difficulty. Thanks again, Ross, I am truly touched.Well, that's it for today. By the way, did I ever tell you the story about the sailor, the sheep and the motel in Montana?