morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-01-23
To: Journalling
Miles today: 0.0

Like I said, this isn't going to be pretty. The "about" page is one big jumble, because I couldn't figure out how to install any spacing, and I've lost a few entries by going over the time limit. My composition is slow, and the two digit typing doesn't help either. You DO remember typewriters, don't you kids?I was hesitant to to start this journal, since I am so cyber challenged, but decided to give it a try in my rotary dial, b&w, tinfoil on the antenae, 8 track, rock chucking manner.One night in the chat room, I bumped into a guy named Ploddintod. Over a period of time, our paths crossed a few times, and among other things we talked about my nervousness about keeping a journal. Both of us, being a few years past the puter generation, are able to limp around the internet and on rare occasions successfully send email, but we are far from being wizards. One day he zapped me a note volunteering to be my transcriber!! I have given him ample opportunity to rescind that offer, but he insists he wants in. So once I start on the trail, he will be making entries for me. I have confidence he will do a good job, given what material he has to work with. I wil leave it to him to make his own introduction as he sees fit.This is quite the little community we have here. Never having been noted for my warm, outgoing, charming personality, it rather boggles my mind that so many people I have never met are so willing to answer my questions, and offer suggestions and encouragement. Being totally new to this hiking scene, everyone has been nothing but patient and supportive to this newcomer. Radar, Two Scoops, No Pain, Church Lady, and of course the charming Bushwhack and Bramble have been very helpful with information and advice. Generally I would categorize myself as more of a lurker than a participant, trying to absorb as much as I can from their experience. In the back of their minds, they are probably thinking 'get a load of this guy', because they have a much better idea of what is in store for me than I do. Meanwhile, I haphazardly prepare in ignorant bliss.Brown Bess
Date: 2003-01-24
To: Weighty Subject
Miles today: 0.0

I'm not obsessed with weight. I haven't cut the little ice ax loops off my pack to save 1/32 of an ounce   How do some of these guys carry a pack that only weighs 14 pounds? I'm figuring 10 lbs for just food and water!! (Just a minute, how many snickers would that be?) The only thing I can figure is that they view this hike as similar to a marathon race, where they scurry from support station to support station, never spending any time lounging on the trail, and putting in really long big mile days, and maybe a few nights too, in one pair of socks. I can hear the gasps of the Jardinites as they wait for me to be struck dead by a titanium lightning bolt. The only way you will see this big boy make 35 miles in one day is if two thirds of it is in the back of a truck. I have weighed each individual piece of my equipment. You will note that I am not anal retentive enough to do it in grams, thank you. I have noticed that there is quite a difference between the stated weight and the actual weight. My 3# sleeping bag actually weighs 3#, 8 oz.. The tent I have says the carrying weight is 5# even. But I must have gotten a really good one, because the accurate actual weight is 5#, 10 oz.(and that's not including the bag it is packed in). To me carrying weight means just that, what it weighs as you would carry it on the trail. Maybe they figure we won't notice the extra pound. I ordered a Stratarest sleeping pad from Campmor. In all their catalogs, and on their website it weighs 3#, 2 oz. That is alot, but I am a big (read that fat) guy, and I fear I will bottom out a thin inflatable. I figured it to be my punture-proof luxury item. When it arrived it clearly states on the package that it weighs a whopping 3#, 12 oz.!!! That's an awful lot of luxury. Try and convince me that Campmor doesn't know the actual weight....I mean 10 ounces??It is in the big pile until I decide what to do with it.But it makes me stop and wonder---maybe those guys with the 14# packs are actually carrying 29# and don't really know it.Brown Bess
Date: 2003-01-26
To: The Plan
Miles today: 0.0

This is my plan of attack. File the taxes. Drain the pipes, shut off the electric and propane, close this place down, and head someplace a little warmer. I may check out my vehicle drop and Springer Mountain, head up to Harper's Ferry, and then invade my sister's place in Falls Church, VA. I hope to leave here about February 7 if the weather cooperates, and if I can get all these details taken care of. I'll have to make a trip to south Cheeseland before I depart also. Once I get out east I will have the opportunity to get to a real live hiking store, and check out some other options for my gear. Since I already have enough stuff to outfit a full platoon of ill equiped hikers, I doubt that I will get too crazy.   I'll be cacheing a bunch of stuff at my sister's, to be sent to me along the trail if I need it. (the pile is moving to her house :-0). My other goal while there, is to get in some miles of training, and using some of this junk in actual trail conditions. Since this is uncharted territory, I may get to figure out a few things before it is too late. 'Base camp' isn't far from alot of trails and the AT itself. This 0* weather isn't conducive to training. I'm in hibernation mode--all I want to do is sleep and eat With my extra poundage, I think I could make it to Damascus, on only water and still have a few extra to spare. I'll try to get some of that off, before the start...might make things a wee bit easier. If I can lose as much as my pack weighs..it will be like slacking. Yeah, right!On a more serious note, I'm a little uneasy about leaving here for such a long period of time. My mom lives a couple hours away, but I try to get over there to see her on a regular basis. There is always a little list of 'chores' when I get there, with the reward being some great cooking! She is quite independent and healthy for her age. Still drives to town to do her shopping, laundry, and the highlight of her weekly visit to the hair salon. She lives on a lake in northern Wisconsin, so she has a great view and her bird feeder to keep her amused, but she doesn't get much company, except me. She doesn't like the idea that I am going away to do something she doesn't understand. She doesn't say anything...but I know that is how she feels. She just says " I wish I could do something for your trip"--meaning she wants to give me money, which I surely don't need. I told her all I want her to do is "be here when I get back".brown bess
Date: 2003-01-28
To: Sew What!
Miles today: 0.0

Today I spent some time playing with my sewing machine. Don't give me that look!--like the one I get when I venture forth into Joann Fabrics, and all the women watch me out of the corner of their eyes to see if perhaps I am some pervert with a taffeta fetish. Staff and customers are as ill at ease as I am. They keep tabs on me to see if I am 'okay', meaning, I have been dragged in there against my will by someone of female persuasion . Their fingers hover over the 911 speed dial if I venture too far from the camoflage material section. No, I haven't blindly stumbled into this callico box canyon, I'm actually looking for something to buy, but of course they never have it. Guess I'll wander over to lingerie in the department store....One day I was scrounging in the thrift store, my favorite sport, when I spotted this sewing machine. Not knowing the first thing about this species, but figuring children in third world countries can forcibly master use of such a tool, I plunked down $5, and happily lugged away my new toy. My sister, Barb, an accomplished sewer, was visiting a while later, and I brought out my machine to receive some basic instruction. I proudly presented my prize, and she went ballistic. In fact, I had a hard time getting my chance to play with it. We cleaned it a bit, oiled it, rummaged through the tattered instruction manual, and made a couple of stuff sacks for practice. She couldn't believe I got that thing for $5.   It doesn't zigzag or do anything fancy, but it is a good quality heavy duty machine. My seams still look like the meandering tracks of a dog in the snow, but then, I wasn't born in a third world country.Today, I made a little neck pouch, with an inner 'wallet' made out of tyvek, to keep my valuables in when I am on the trail. Might make things easier in towns, since hiking attire doesn't seem to include pockets. Tyvek, used for 'wrapping' houses in the construction trade, and also for un-openable(?) mailing envelopes, is an interesting material to work with. It is waterproof, light weight, and tough. After making a ground cloth, I got the crazy idea to make a tarp with a floor out of Tyvek. Unfortunately, I got started on this project too late in the year, and it isn't quite finished yet. I hope to finish it pre-hike and try it out. Aside from the fact that it is white, and has "Tyvek" in large blue letters and writing all over it, it may turn out to be serviceable. I sewed the hems on this with my machine, and it worked rather well, although wrestling with large pieces of material is challenging. I'll let you know how it turns out....
Date: 2003-02-02
To: Schmooze
Miles today: 0.0

John has been a friend of mine for twenty-five years. One of the main reasons we got to know each other was because we had to--we both worked third shift. We had and have many stories to tell, mostly about anything that had to do with the outdoors. His deer stories were exciting, as were mine to him. The stories were even truthful and insightful!!It does not surprise me that John has decided to hike the Appalachian Trail. To John, I believe the trail represents freedom--here John can make his own choices on his own time. This is what excites John!His traits include many, with the highlights being: independent, honest, complex, loyal, distant, and kind. It took John and I six months to get to know each other twenty-five years ago, but most importantly I am happy the friendship did take place. Friends forever, Swampfox.The above was written by a friend, who just happens to be a world renowned trophy hunting and fishing guide. Tom, and his wife Merry, have been friends of mine since way back when. They are also two of the few people that call me John, the others being family members. Everyone else calls me J.T. I thought it would be interesting to have some people that knew me well, describe me for this journal, but it is turning into a schmooze-fest. They aren't cooperating as I had hoped. Perhaps they truly lack insight (hence, the friendship), or are afraid I will track them down and suffocate them in their sleep if they say something unflattering. I could tell you all about me, but that would take all the fun out of it. So I guess you'll just have to follow along and draw your own conclusions.Oh, btw....Happy Groundhog Day!!   My favorite holiday...nothing like a little groundchuck.
Date: 2003-02-03
To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Looks like a zero day in the U.P. It started snowing at 0230 this morning...and it has snowed ever since...all day!! The local station says in town they got 6 inches so far, but as I look out the window the snow is up to the bumper on my truck, which I assure you is more than six inches of snow. This could get ugly.So I spent the day figuring out my taxes!! So let's rant about that for a few minutes.....First, they make it so easy! The State of Michigan evidentally doesn't think filing your taxes is all that important, since they didn't even bother to send me any forms or instruction book. Don't let that nonchalance fool you, they are not nice people. Take my word for it, I have had to deal with them before, but that is a whole chapter in itself. The Feds, at least, sent the basic package, but of course I always have to have something wierd, like foreign tax credit (form 1116, in case you're really interested). So, after you load Acrobat Reader, search the web for forms, print them all out, (which takes about three hours) then you are ready to start!!I know, I should just take my little shoe box down to H&R Block like everybody else....but no, I am a fairly bright, college educated man with a balanced check book, I can do this. Clear the kitchen table. I also know I am probably one of only a handful of people in the entire country who do this, and on paper forms at that. No Tax Turbo for this child. Just a pencil with a good eraser, and a knack for decyphering encoded twisted contrarian instructions, that's all it takes. Referring back to last years creation also helps. But I can't help but wonder how the majority of people get this chore done....I mean, most people can't split a check, or figure a tip at a restaurant for pete's sake.Fast forward: three hours, half a dozen smokes, three cups of tea with lemon, two more inches of snow and I'm done!! Stamped, addressed, ready to mail....yes, snail mail. The good news is my refund will finance a luxury thruhike...and then some! And at least I accomplished something today.Now all I have to worry about is whether the snowblower will start tomorrow morning. If it doesn't I'll be here til at least May.
Date: 2003-02-04
To: @#$%&!#
Miles today: 0.0

This storm has set me back a couple of days. Some times one's life pivots on a simple defining moment. That moment has arrived. Donning hip boots, heavy coat, gloves, pulled down knit hat, and armed with shovel and a can of carb cleaner, I flounder out to the back shed with great trepedation. After digging away at the drifted in door, I gain entrance and glance around the interior. The squirrels have been at play, as evidenced by the jar of skunk essense being knocked over (but undamaged), and signs of chewing on the caps of the gas container and fuel tank. Why they chew the plastic on gasoline containers is a mystery to me. Can't be that tasty, but they seem drawn to it for some reason. Okay, we have gasoline--do we have ignition??Deep breath...yank on the starter cord....it couldn't be that easy, not for me!! I use the carb cleaner as starting fluid. Squirt some carb cleaner, and try again....nothing. Prolonged squirt....a hiccough!! A few more yanks and squirts produce a few more hiccoughs...then a sputtering, falterring, slow burn. With a stream of obscenities for encouragement, and the knowledge that slow death is imminent if I don't get this thing started, I give it another squirt/yank and we have lift off!! As I frantically menuever the machine through the narrow doorway, engage the auger, and head for the driveway, I listen for any hint of hesitation, but we slowly chew our way through the knee deep white stuff. If I can just get a few passes out to the road, then I can relax a bit. Traffic is infrequent, with the majority of vehicles being pick-ups with plows flaunting their north country superiority. Having owned one at one time, I duly envy their status, but continue to methodically re-establish my connection to the rest of the world. Three hours later I have the driveway cleared, formed a landing path to the mailbox for Gary, and opened the entranceway to the house. Gratefully, I park the snowblower back in front of the shed and burn the tank dry. With any luck this will be the last such episode before my departure. As I head toward a warm cup of tea, pulling the icicles from my moustache and beard as I go, the county plow comes along taking a swipe along the opposite side of the road. I watch the clouds of billowing snow and think to myself, 'Don't even think about coming back and clogging my escape route again!!'. I glance over to where the entrance to the crawl space under the house is, where I will have to go to shut off the water and drain the water pipes in a few days. Going down in that "hellhole", as I call it, is unpleasant and difficult any time. This trip will be extra special--something to look forward to, but right now I am too tired to worry about it.All I can think is "thank god, that damn thing started".
Date: 2003-02-05
To: Backyard
Miles today: 0.0

If I spent more time doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and less time playing on this computer, maybe I would be ready to go. I'm too easily distracted--better find a little discipline somewhere. I keep trying to do everything at once, instead of focusing on one task and following it through to completion Maybe this little bit here, and little bit there approach will suddenly find things falling into place, but it doesn't seem to be materializing.One cool thing happened today. After running the snowblower, the deer got curious and returned to the yard. Machinery or engine noises draw them--they associate food with the noise. I saw their tracks from the night before, so I threw out some hay left over from last year. This evening I had four deer belly deep in snow having a little snack. Usually I feed them during the winter, but didn't this year since I knew I would be leaving, and didn't want to leave them hanging. Sometimes, especially when the weather is bad, I often think to myself how tough they are, to be out there all the time, just trying to survive. Pretty soon I am going to know what that is all about--day after day, night after night, no matter what the weather--I'll know I have arrived when I instinctively head for the sound of a chainsaw.
Date: 2003-02-11
To: Baraboo
Miles today: 0.0

I didn't make it very far , but at least I got on the road. Left my mom's house in Eagle River, Wisconsin. She cried, which made me a little uncomfortable. Temp was -9 and very windy. The truck ran well and I wasn't really in any big hurry. Going thru Wausau, had a 4-wheel drive Blazer turn sideways in the road in front of me, and spin off into the median in a explosive cloud of snow. At 70 mph, it happened pretty quick, and I thought 'just don't come back across the lanes, and take me out with you!'.Got to Tom and Merry's house about 1 pm. Tom had never seen me with short hair before so he was a little shocked. Spike, the coyote-killer was happy to see me. We unpacked some stuff from out of the back of the truck, and they gave me a tour of their newly remodelled house. It is much bigger than last time I was here, and beautifully done. Merry has it decorated throughout with antiques from auctions.We had a couple of beers, and dragged up names out of the past, rehashed old stories, and just generally caught up on current events and family. Later, we went out to dinner at a nice restaurant that has a huge aquarium with lunker bass, walleye, and other species. It wasn't very crowded, and so we just relaxed and had a good meal. When we got back to the house, I showed them how to find my journal, in case they want to follow along. We talked about the trip, the trail, and some of the gear and clothing I will be using.Shut it down early since Tom has to get up early tomorrow. It was a good day.
Date: 2003-02-12
To: Nostalgia
Miles today: 0.0

The cat woke me up a little before 6 o'clock. Soon I could hear Tom moving around upstairs, getting ready to go to work. I started the coffee and put in yesterday's journal entry. Tom and I talked for a bit, then he had to go. Merry was up soon and we coffeed and talked. They were kind of disappointed that I couldn't stay longer, but things just didn't fall into place for more time together.Soon I was brushing an inch of new snow off the truck, fired it up, and headed south about 8:30. It was -1* and windy. Going past Madison on the interstate brought back so many nostalgic memories of growing up there. It was a pretty good childhood. This was back when you could be a kid, before parents finger printed and micro-chipped their offspring. You had to be home for supper--or you didn't eat, otherwise we were free to roam. Days spent down at the lake catching turtles, swimming, and fishing for carp with canned corn for bait. Chronically grass stained knees from playing ball with the neighborhood gang. Hanging out along State Street when older, doing stupid crazy teenaged stuff. Funny how easily I remember the good memories, and brush aside the bad. Not having a radio encourages the mind to wander.Promised myself I wouldn't stop until it was at least 40*--above zero! Continued driving blindly south, due to a faulty windshield washer. Had to stop several times at rest stops and splash cups of water on it, which would last another few miles, or the first semi. At one such stop, I had to snicker to myself--5 cars: 1 Minnesota, 3 Wisconsin, and 1 Michigan, all high-tailing it south as fast as they could go. It wasn't getting warm fast enough.Unusual observation: Illinois fields with balls of snow rolled by the wind--each with its little track   behind, varying in size from baseballs to basketballs.I fantasized about descending on the homestead of one or another friends' in Kentucky, obliging them to put me up for the night. Fortunately for them, darkness came, and I grew tired and hungry. Made it to Paducah, gassed up the salt encrusted truck, and checked into a Motel 6. The electronic key was not functional, which resulted in a quick return trip to the office, and then I set up camp. After being couped up in the truck all day, decided I'd stroll about to hunt and gather. In the year 2003, unless you are travelling encased in minimally 3000 lbs. of plastic and steel, you are viewed with suspicion. You are what you drive, and if you don't--'what's wrong with you?'. Managed to bag a sub sandwich and a six pack, get a quick view of 'the strip', and return in time to watch "West Wing" in color!!
Date: 2003-02-13
To: Springer Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Didn't sleep much last night, kept waking up. I think I was too warm. Grabbed a huge coffee from the Hardee's next door, topped off the oil in the Toyota....so we are well lubed and ready to roll by 8:30. Beautiful states, Kentucky and Tennessee.   White knuckled my way through Nashville. Traffic doesn't give you much of a chance to glance around. I can only imagine what rush hours are like--yikes. Nashville to Chattanooga was very pretty. Pulled into the Nickajack rest area, looking out over the Tennessee River--very scenic, and it felt good to just sit in the sun for a few minutes. Saw several boats fishing. Was going to go into Marrietta, Ga. and search for Merry's daughter's house, but after Nashville, and being too early if Dawn was working, I went to plan B, and headed for Springer Mountain.Got some directions and a map from a nice young gal at the Amicachola Park visitor's center. Right out the back door is the start of the approach trail to Springer. I was looking for forest service road 42, an adventure in itself. Rattled my way to the top parking area, along the narrow steep rutted 'road', to find Springer Mountain still covered with a couple of inches of snow. Saw no new tracks there, or signs of recent activity, and it was quite chilly up there compared to earlier.Stopped at the gas station back at the main road to see if he could suggest a place for accommodations for tonight. He steered me into Eliijay--bad move. Goofy little place to try to find your way around in. Got a room at the Budget Inn, which was no bargain--$10more and not as nice as last night, and the tv doesn't work! Not much to choose from here, maybe should have gone the other way(east).The plan for tomorrow is to wander around and eventually head up to Fall's Church. Unusual observation of the day--noticed quite a few houses here in Georgia with metal roofs.