morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-12-03
To: Christmas Shopping
Miles today: 0.0

A very difficult question was posed to me; the first question about my thru-hike that I have not yet an idea how to answer. Standing over an open knee joint during surgery my surgeon asks, "What are you getting Jennel for Christmas? I hope that is not too personal, but what do you get a wife that lets you hike for six months?"I am befuddled.I am not a great gift giver anyway but now I feel my ineptness. She has asked for a new saut© pan but somehow that seems a little inadequate. We went to the usual mall and strip stores today as Jennel wanted to try and finish the Christmas shopping. I wandered aimless looking for something to somehow WOW her this Christmas. Any input is greatly appreciated - just put it in the guestbook. Maybe the name of a good saut© pan?Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.   Proverbs 31: 10-11
Date: 2005-12-11
To: Checking it Twice
Miles today: 0.0

I walked into the local grocery store and across the store a friendly fat man is pointing at me and hollering, ¢ho, ho, ho!¢ It seems to me that Santa should be hanging out at a higher volume location (like a mall) but perhaps he knew that he needed to meet up with me and review my Christmas list ¢ checking it twice because my list is lengthy and very specific. It always amazes me when Santa knows my name. I commented on his resemblance to a guy with whom I work (Bill Robertson) and we had a good laugh. We reviewed my Christmas list. If he comes through my AT pack will be complete.
Date: 2005-12-14
To: Healthcare
Miles today: 0.0

I spent this evening at the Free Clinic. Each time I go to the Free Clinic it reminds me how far we have fallen from efficient medicine. The Free Clinic affords the opportunity to focus on the patient without the hullabaloo that now mires down the treatment of people¢s health problems in a typical doctor¢s office.Ever wonder why it is outlandishly expensive to see a doctor and why health insurance is prohibitively expensive for many people? It¢s because you can¢t just go and pay a practitioner to diagnose and treat what ails you, instead you have to also pay for: -A staff member to check you in, pull your chart, copy your insurance card, update info, etc-A staff member to sit on hold with your PCP¢s office getting a referral-A staff member to sit on hold with your insurance company to see if testing is approved-A staff member to fill out your disability insurance paperwork or provide a work note so you can get paid-A staff member to schedule follow up appointments, check you out-A staff member to schedule appointments for other offices-A staff member to take phone calls, questions, and intermediate between you and your doc, call in prescriptions-A staff member to assist the doc with vitals, dressing changes, and cleaning and restocking exam rooms-A staff member to transcribe the doc¢s dictation of your visit-A staff member to make sure the doc is in compliance with your insurance (especially if it is Medicare)-A staff member to hassle you and/or your insurance company about payment-A chief staff member to manage all the staff and handle benefits, salaries, and moral-Your practitioner¢s ever rising malpractice insurance premium-Etc, etc, etc.The only time a practitioner is being productive is when s/he is seeing patients. When layer upon layer of bureaucracy, paperwork, and sundry hoops is required of his/er time then more staff must be hired. All requires money ¢ lots of money.The beauty of the Community Free Clinic is that it is efficient. On Wednesday evenings when I see patients there is a secretary, a nurse, and myself. The patient and I are a team and our relationship is not refereed by people, companies, agencies, and least of all The Fed.I could go on forever. The further we get away from fee-for-service healthcare the more expensive healthcare gets, the more inefficient, and the more practitioners and patients suffer as a consequence. ¢National¢ or ¢universal¢ healthcare run by the federal government is the epitome of a bad, inefficient healthcare. Just ask Canada and Britain.I am proud to be hiking for the Community Free Clinic.
Date: 2005-12-26
To: Granola
Miles today: 0.0

I am a Granola. I have always been an eco-geek and have enjoyed the outdoors. I graduated from the University of Kansas with an Environment Studies degree and did a stint studying tropical ecology in Costa Rica. I thought I would spend my life writing environmental impact statements or assessing Superfund sites but lo the fortuitous events that redirected my life forever!I married my high school sweetheart and I worked in odd jobs while she finished up her nursing degree. Try as I might I could not find the career that my mind was transfixed upon throughout my years at KU. We struggled financially but fortunately were able to always keep from amassing debt. I became bitter. Like so many college grads I believed that my degree was ¢the ticket,¢ instead I was making less money than the high school dropouts I worked side-by-side with at a fabrication company. As I look back now those years trying to find a ¢real job¢ working for peanuts and paying my wife¢s school bills my character was changed. I learned to appreciate many of the things that I was provided and not take for granted the many blessings that surrounded me. The AT for me will, even more acutely, demonstrate to me the blessings even now I take for granted.
Date: 2005-12-29
To: Will I Give In?
Miles today: 0.0

I received for Christmas the DVDs ¢Trek¢ and ¢2000 Miles to Maine.¢ I have enjoyed them immensely but found them to be sobering. The thought of the countless hours of preparation and the days and nights of dreaming about my Thru-hike wasted in a moment of weakness as I give into my broken spirit and step off the trail strikes fear in my soul. Will I give in? Less than 2 months!
Date: 2006-01-03
To: THRU-hike
Miles today: 0.0

My last entry (Will I Give In?) stirred questions and concern. I thought the entry innocently reflected the pressure I felt seeing others fail in their Thru-hike attempts but I guess some readers have interpreted it as a chink in my armor. I am flattered that others are caught up in this thing called a Thru-hike. To allay fears - I have long since burned my bridges and Jennel says she is not bringing me home until after Katahdin.
Date: 2006-01-07
To: Seven Weeks
Miles today: 0.0

Now I¢m counting the time in weeks rather than months. Seven weeks. I say it to myself and get all giddy inside.The family and I went to the AT HQ at Harpers Ferry today. Laurie was working and was gracious enough to let us in despite the fact that the HQ is closed on weekends until May. I call it a little trail magic 7 weeks early. I picked up a couple of Data Books and AT maps so the folks at work can follow my progress.Finally! I am finished buying STUFF. I have invested to date $1361.93 into ¢Free Hiking.¢ This includes my equipment, publicity (letters, pictures, posters and such), and some consumables. I expect to invest several thousand more on trail (food, transportation, equipment failure, etc.). Relative to some past hikers and books it looks like I¢m falling within the norm. Seven weeks!Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:46
Date: 2006-01-14
To: Black Rock
Miles today: 0.0

Put in a 10.9 mile day today in anticipation of the thru-hike. I hiked up to Black Rock Overlook in the sleet and snow with my full pack and had a great time. I took a nice spill climbing over a blowdown but no one was with me to share in my laughter. I snapped this self portrait atop Black Rock. Don't I look like I'm having fun?
Date: 2006-01-17
To: Recertification
Miles today: 0.0

Well, today was my National Recertification Exam and despite the countless hours of preparation and studying there was not one question on gear, resupplies, water purification, weight, or footwear. It seems I've been studying the wrong stuff for the past several months.I won't find out how I performed for several weeks. I have some apprehension. When a picture of a skin lesion shows up on the screen and "Refer to dermatology" is not one of the choices, there's trouble. I had to smile to myself when an abdominal x-ray was displayed and my first thought was "Good looking hip and SI joints" and initially ignoring the air/fluid levels. We'll see how it goes. I'm sure glad it is behind me.
Date: 2006-01-19
To: Jello
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I gave my Free Hiking presentation to the Operating Room staff. I got choked up which always makes me feel like a heel. Every aspect of the hike is close to my heart: my dream of thru-hiking, Jennel's "Blessing" note, Robinwood Ortho, the Free Clinic, etcetera. I try to be some kind of tough guy but I'm Jello.
Date: 2006-01-25
To: Debit Card
Miles today: 0.0

The office staff at Robinwood Orthopedics has given an unbelievable gift to me and the Free Hike ¢ a debit card. Every couple of weeks the girls in the office put some money in a pot and donate it to a cause. Over my objections they voted to put the money into an account from which I buy groceries while on my hike. I was informed that if I don¢t use the money then they will be greatly insulted. The last thing I want is fifty women who have the power to control whether my work day goes smoothly or not upset with me.
Date: 2006-01-28
To: Training Partner
Miles today: 0.0

Kipp Maitland invited me to speak about the Free Hike at the Men's Breakfast this morning at Richardson's Restaurant. I had a nice time. I changed clothes and saddled up with my training partner. We put in an 11.4 mile round trip hike from MD 491 to Pen Mar. Milk posed for a picture at Pen Mar. The training hikes are fun for both of us but it takes a couple of days and some aspirin for her to recover. She is not as spry as she once was but there is no leaving her behind. If I touch my pack her ears perk up. If I pick up my pack she is at the door pleading that I take her. We do a short 2 to 3 mile hike each weekday and then take our long, rugged hikes each Saturday. She is a good training partner.
Date: 2006-01-29
To: Glimpse
Miles today: 0.0

Jennel has been practicing sending email to my Treo so that hopefully I will be able to receive it when I get phone coverage near trail towns. I'm sure she'll be upset that I shared some of her thoughts here on Trail Journals but I want others to glimpse into the heart of a woman who sends her husband on a long walk in the woods thereby greatly increasing her responsibilities, anxiety, and loneliness.She sent¢¦        ¢Just wanted to practice sending you a message. Want to know that it works this way as well so I can talk to my spouse on those lonely trail nights. I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. There are times that I am a little less than excited about this hike, but that is because you have this tendency to push me out of my box. Not to mention that I look forward to you coming home everyday.             Well the time is fast approaching and I am very well aware that you¢re itching to go. I must say that by the grace of God I am more at peace about the whole adventure, but it also still remains a bit surreal. In days I will wake up and then it will be time to put on my game face. I know I have to be strong for you. I hope my character shines in a becoming fashion.            I love you! You never cease to amaze me. Your Loving Girl"Let me never take her for granted!Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. Proverbs 5: 18-19
Date: 2006-01-30
To: Recertified
Miles today: 0.0

Surprisingly early, I received my results from my National Recertification Exam and despite spending more time studying for the trail than my exam I PASSED. In my infinite wisdom I thought that by scheduling my exam before the thru-hike studying would take my mind off the trail. Boy, was that a joke! All it did was significantly increase my apprehension of the exam. I simply could not (and can not) take my mind off the trail. Studying, my mind would wander to the trail. When I would return to reality it would set in that I was not putting in the quality study time required. I was more than a little stressed and now I am very relieved.Results of the test are broke down by subjects/systems. As expected ¢Dermatology¢ was one of my two weak areas. ¢Reproductive¢ was the other. I don¢t even remember any questions dealing with the reproductive system on the exam. Well, I am not a complete ¢Reproductive¢ moron since I do have two kids. Suffice it to say if you have a skin lesion on your genitals I will refer you elsewhere.¢Musculoskeletal¢ was my strongest area, which as well it should be.
Date: 2006-02-01
To: Weight Part 1
Miles today: 0.0

My weight typically runs a buck seventy five on my 5'10" frame. Because weight gain is so insidious and I help with a lot of joint replacements on over-weight folks I am very weight conscious. I have a sheet of graph paper on a cork board in my bathroom where every Monday I ¢weigh in.¢ This way I can track trends (much like keeping track of one¢s blood pressure or blood sugars). I can make small diet or exercise modifications as needed.It has been recommended by several thru-hikers and writers that it is good to leave Springer a little heavy or by the Mid-Atlantic States you will be fairly emaciated and fatigue much faster. Since about mid-October, I have begun the steady climb upwards. It has not been without anxiety, however. In fact, right before Thanksgiving I told myself that I was putting weight on too fast and dropped back down and started over. My weight graph has this wavy upward trend from early December to this past Monday where I weighed in at 189. Do I feel terrible! Even as I write this I can feel my gut touching my belt buckle and my jeans are curled down at the sides. I believe it is kind of hard for people to take me seriously when I tell them that I am training for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I know in there minds they¢re saying, ¢Dude, you¢ve packed on what¢¦say¢¦14 pounds? Yea, right.¢ I am now so self conscious that when talking about my hike I always include, ¢Oh, and I am putting on weight because I will lose it on the trail.¢ To which I¢m sure they are saying, ¢Yea, right. You just had a great Holiday Season like the rest of us.¢ I will try and hold steady at 189. It is the heaviest I have ever been. It sounds so much lighter than 190. With 3500 calories per pound of fat I can live on myself for over a week (maybe even two weeks) comfortably. Man, that makes me feel so much better.
Date: 2006-02-03
To: Weight Part 2
Miles today: 0.0

The one place I have not put on weight is my pack. I take advice from successful thru-hikers very seriously and it is universal that lighter is better. I am stoked with my pack weight. I took all of my gear to the local Post Office and weighed it. Total Pack Weight: 25 lbs 11oz! I will definitely be leaving Springer under 23 lbs and possibly even close to 20 lbs. I can¢t wait for my final weigh-in at Amicalola. Here¢s how it breaks down:FOOD BAG Food BagH2O carrier w/ 2+ liters H2O VitaminsAqua MiraCook Pack: plastic containerlightertinwind shieldcupNIGHT BAG Sleeping bag w/ stuff sackSecond Stuff sackShirtLong UnderwearOver SocksLiner SocksUnderwearHAMMOCK w/ stuff sack PACK PackH2O bladder w/ 2+ liters H2OPocket knifeWhistlePack CoverFirst Aid PouchBandana Fuel (4oz)Soap (4oz)SpoonToothbrushToothpaste (0.75 oz)Data BookSmall note bookRain pantsRain jacketSunglassesRechargerBELT POUCH TreoHat/glovesBandanaPaper/pencilHand SanitizerTPCardsHeadlampPeanutsBook of versesWEARING (not included in pack weight)Liner socksOver socksShoesGaitersUnderwearShortsLong sleeve shirtFleeceTrekking Poles w/ duct tapeThis is what I have been humping for all my training hikes. I won¢t be leaving Springer with 4+ liters of water (most likely 1 12 liters), ¢cook pack,¢ and fuel. I will be adding 2 days of food. Weigh-in will probably be between 20 and 23 pounds. Awesome!
Date: 2006-02-04
To: Three Weeks
Miles today: 0.0

It was an amended training hike today as I had to be home early to help a neighbor move a piano. I got on the trail before 6am and headlamped it a good 30 ¢ 45 minutes. All told I hiked a 9.8 round trip from US 40 to US Alt 40 in 3 34 hours. I¢ve heard, ¢Nothing trains you for the trail like the trail.¢ I¢ll be on the trail again next weekend.Bill Bulla wrote a great article about my upcoming thru-hike in Godsibb and it has generated some further interest in the AT, Free Clinic, and thru-hiking. Just 3 weeks!
Date: 2006-02-06
To: Food
Miles today: 0.0

The food preparation side of my hike has been the one area I show very little concern. I have not dried any fruits, veggies, or meats and have not bought a cart full of groceries. Planning and preparing for the thru-hike has been a large, labor intensive task, and the entire food preparation, packaging, mail dropping, and purchasing aspect is just too daunting for me. Jennel commonly asks me, during the day, what I would like to have for dinner. I am usually unable to figure that out, much less plan for a meal three months from now on the trail who-knows-where. So, I will just wing it. The Data Book and Thru-Hiker's Handbook do a good job of spelling out where food can be obtained so I feel confident that I'll have food to eat. If you see a hungry, ill-prepared thru-hiker along the trail please take pity. It may be me.
Date: 2006-02-07
To: ROS Staff
Miles today: 0.0

I enjoy presenting the Free Hike to folks. This morning I gave my spiel to the most supportive crowd I could muster. The staff at Robinwood Orthopedics has, from the start, been interested and encouraging. We have a busy ortho practice comprised of 6 surgeons, 1 physiatrist, 2 PAs, and a physical therapy department. It takes a lot of staff to manage the care of all the patients we see. It was a pleasure to talk to the staff and I am humbled by their concern and goodwill.
Date: 2006-02-08
To: Campaign Update
Miles today: 0.0

I worked this evening at the Free Clinic and received an update on the Free Hiking Campaign. Once again I am blown away by the generosity of the community. Individuals have either made donations in the name of the Free Hike or have pledged so much a mile. To date:Donations: $4011Pledges:   $5208 The pledges are especially cool because they are linked to my success on trail. It is an added motivating factor. As it stands now about 2 1/2 bucks goes to the clinic each mile I put behind me. Thanks for the support and trust.
Date: 2006-02-09
To: Guillotine
Miles today: 0.0

I have been writing more posts of late because...well...it is all I can really do that is trail related. I am as prepared as I possibly can be and two weeks separate me from beginning the trail. I have read eleven hundred trail journal posts (according to my Trail Journal reader account) and it is safe to say that if the AT Class of 2006 has written it then I have read it.I know my wife grows weary with my AT dreaming, training, packing, talking, reading, and etcetera. It is a difficult time for both of us. I don't like saying how much I want to get on the trail for fear that she may be hurt. I have stated before that my drive to the trail comes not from a need to escape. I don't want Jennel to perceive my desire to hit the trail as a desire to abandon her.My breathing has become a little heavier, pulse a touch more rapid and blood pressure, I'm sure, elevated. I describe the anticipation as putting my head in a guillotine. The wait is very, very stressful. I am ready to do a lot less talking about my hike and a whole lot more doing. Nearly two weeks!Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.   Ecclesiastes 7: 8
Date: 2006-02-11
To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I am not a morning person so it is quite a testament to my Trail affliction that the past 2 Saturdays I have been on trail before dawn to do long training hikes. Today's was a 14.8 mile round trip from MD Alt 40 to Crampton Gap. The legs are stiff and sore and I got a touch of chafing. Oh what I get to look forward to on trail.Took a picture of Milk and I at Crampton Gap. I am the one with hat-head, looking into the camera.
Date: 2006-02-14
To: Making a Pledge
Miles today: 0.0

I have received many inquiries about pledges/contributions to the Community Free Clinic. Thank you for your interest and support. All contributions to the Clinic are tax deductible. A receipt/recognition of the donation is provided to all donors/pledgers.For those who have asked and/or are interested:1. Print this journal entry (You can click ¢Print View¢ on the left side bar) 2. Fill in the blanks.3. Mail to:        Community Free Clinic        249 Mill Street        Hagerstown, MD 21740Name:____________________________________________Address:__________________________________________City:_____________________________________________State:____________________________________________Zip Code:_________________________________________Select one:Enclosed is a donation of: ___________________________I pledge _________ per mile (the Appalachian Trail is 2170 miles)Please bill my credit card: (circle one)      Visa         MasterCardCard #: ___________________________   Exp. Date: _____________Signature: _________________________________Thank you for supporting the Community Free Clinic!
Date: 2006-02-15
To: Vows Part 1
Miles today: 0.0

We stood in front of 130 people and the Lord in a small, cramped, un-air-conditioned chapel in August. I was sweating profusely, not only because I was in a wool tuxedo and it was hot, but because I was a nervous wreck. The sweat poured down my face. Jennel wiped my brow while we stood face to face in front of the congregation. Jennel and I had decided that instead of having a minister lead us through our vows we would instead memorize them. I had the vows cold; that was until I was up there looking my bride in the eye. The vows left my mouth smoothly initially but I wasn¢t too far into them when I began to stumble and struggle. The minister made light of the situation by saying to the crowd, ¢They wanted to say them from memory.¢ There was laughter. Jennel helped me through the rest of my vows. Of course she smoked her¢s. Those vows are the cornerstone of my commitment to my wife. I stood in front of friends, family, the Lord and even some folks I didn¢t know and told them all that I would stay true to my bride through all kinds of good and bad things until death do us part. It was not taken lightly and without a great deal of anxiety. I still have fear because I don¢t know what tomorrow has in store for the two of us but I have the vow and commitment that I gave to her and that will get me through tomorrow (and the days after).
Date: 2006-02-16
To: Vows Part 2
Miles today: 0.0

I have courted the Appalachian Trail for many years. There was a point when I knew I was going to thru-hike. Although I have only experienced a fraction of her length, I like what I have seen. I have learned much about the trail through both the written and verbal experiences of others and now I am a week away from beginning my thru-hike. I have fear (boy, do I have fear) because I don¢t know what the trail holds for me. Since May ¢05 I have stood in front of friends, family, Trail Journals readers, and others, talking about my upcoming hike. Many folks have a vested interest in the success of this thru-hike; that is a driving force. I have read of the disappointment that wannabe Thru-hikers have felt after getting off trail prematurely; that is a driving force. Most importantly, like my marriage, I have the vow and commitment that I have given that will get me through tomorrow (and the days after).Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Ecclesiastes 5: 5