morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Safford Notch Campsite

To: ME 27, Stratton, Maine
Miles today: 10.4

The rain stopped overnight, and it was nice and sunny this morning. We were greeted with a two mile, 1,800 foot climb up Avery Peak first thing. It was very rough. It was also the first time we were up over 4,000 feet and treeline since Katahdin. It was nice and cool, but windy up on the top. While taking a break at the campsite, we realized that we would have never made it last night. A lot of little rough ups and downs before the next shelter, poking above treeline every now and then. Stopped at Horns Pond Lean-tos for lunch. Top grade spring here, really drank my fill. There is a caretaker, who seems a few short of a six pack, but very nice. Most of the five miles was a steep downhill to the road. It killed my knees. The bugs were horrible, so we were practically running at points. Down at the road, it took us 45 minutes to get a ride. He took us right to the hostel. 20 bucks gets you a bed, shower, free long distance and internet and full use of the kitchen. We resupplied, and got burgers and grilled out. A few others are here tonight with us; Runs-with-Bears, Ketch-up, Heavyfoot, and Wayward.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: ME 27, Stratton, Maine

To: South Branch of Carabessett River
Miles today: 8.4

I woke up early and went over to the diner across the street with Buffalo Bob, who is a section hiker that spent the night. My omelet was delicious. Stick was still sleeping, so I declined the ride Bob had offered to wait for Stick. The owner of the hostel/hotel, Dan? Dave? (I can't remember and my handwriting in my paper journal is sketchy) is a super guy. Turns out he went to dive school at the navy base where my dad works. Small world.We hiked with Wayward today, nice guy. The trail was all up for five miles to North Crocker Mountain. My pack is unusually heavy today as I am carrying two liters instead of one. A short decent and then another big climb up to South Crocker. I met a family out for a day hike near the top where the trail crosses. A side trail leads to a vista. The lady said that there was a good view. By this time I was pretty pooped, so half-jokingly I replied, "Eh, if you've seen one, you've seen them all". She seemed kind of astonished at that. I realized that sometimes us thru hikers take what we have for granted.After that, most of the hard walking was done for the day, and I was on auto-pilot. We stopped for a late lunch at Crocker Campsite and almost stayed, but all there was were tent platforms and both Stick and I don't have free standing tents. There were some boy scouts there, training for Philmont. Philmont is like the ultimate backpacking experience for a boy scout. We ended up doing just one extra mile where we found a good campsite by the river. Stick and I made a huge fire, it was blazing in under a minute. Some day hikers passed by; we had a ride into town for food, but no ride back, so we declined. I am extremely tired tonight, off to bed as soon as I am done eating.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: South Branch of Carabessett River

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept a solid 12 hours last night. Stick said I was talking to him last night. I said something, then he asked me something and then nothing; I was out like a light.Once again, we started the day with a huge uphill. This one was up Sugarloaf Mountain, and was only for 2 miles. After that, it was a rolling ridgewalk to the shelter, which was really nice. We would have had a rough time making it yesterday. Stopped for lunch at Spaulding Mountian Lean-to, and the spring was coming right out of a rock, so I drank my fill. The next two miles were awesome; practically no elevation change. After that, the trail dropped pretty steep all the way to Orbeton stream, where we took a nice long break. We found Wayward here soaking his feet and that looked like a good idea so we did so ourselves. It was a 1,500 foot climb in under two miles up to Poplar Ridge and it kicked my butt, since it was at the end of the day. I can't complain about the weather though, it has been two awesome days in a row; low seventies, sunny, clear as a crystal and a nice breeze. Tenting to escape the bugs while the other two are in the shelter.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: ME 4, Rangeley, Maine
Miles today: 10.7

It was chilly so I didn't hurry out of the bag. Good weather again today. It was all up to The Horn, where we had awesome views. The sun kind of fried me though. Up on the summit, we met a guy from Montana. He was telling us all about it, it seems like a cool place to live. A little later, on our way up Saddleback, we met 10-speed, who said Humpty was at the road, wating for us! We stopped for lunch on top, Saddleback was a beast of a climb! We met Hood Ornament, who gave us an abbrieviated version of the history of the trail in this area. It was a long walk down to the road. It just went on forever. The heat was a bit of a problem today. Sure enough, down at the road, Humpty was waiting for us, doing some trail magic for hikers. We went to eat at the Rangeley Inn, and I had lobster for the first time. It was tasty. A little later, we went to the Red Onion for a burger. While lobster is very good, it is not very filling. No one sells body glide in this town. I have been without since the wilderness. I have been doing pretty good so far without it, but some days it is a problem. We are staying at Gulls Pond Lodge tonight.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: ME 17

To: ME 4, Rangeley, Maine
Miles today: 13.1

Stick and I were torn between slackpacking or taking a zero day today. I wanted the earlier whereas Stick wanted to zero. We ended up slackpacking. Looking back, I really wished we would have zeroed.I don't remember too much from the walk today, other than the weather was good, but it was hot. We met a lot of people going south, as we were slacking north today, back into Rangeley. This included a huge group of french girls out for a week. Very nice. Today would be my downfall. I was strolling along, quite carelessly, listening to my music. I tripped on a root, and rammed my right knee into a boulder. I fell off to the side of the trail and just sat there for a while. I let out a good holler too, it hurt!Stick came up on me and I was still sitting. It was very painful. By this point, we still had about four miles to go. It was not much fun at all. When I finally got to the road, Humpty took us back to the lodge to shower. I had a lot of trouble climbing the stairs. I think I am going to go see the doctor in the morning. We went to eat some pizza, and then went see Pirates of the Carribean. By the time the movie was over, my knee was so stiff I could hardly walk. It's off to the doctor tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: ME 4, Rangeley, Maine

To: The Cabin, Andover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, after a visit to the doctor, I have decided to call it quits. Stick tried talking me into taking a day or two off, but I know it won't help. My knees are weak as it is. We spent the day at the doctor, then eating and then off to the cabin in Andover. Here are Stretch and Easy Rider; we haven't seen them since Monson. Tomorrow Humpty is going to take me to Bangor to catch a flight home and Stick will continue on again without me. I am bummed, but such is the trail.
Date: 2006-07-11
To: Florida
Miles today: 0.0

Well it was a long day. It was a sad day. It was hard saying goodbye to Stick; I have no idea when I'll get a chance to see him again. Humpty drove me to the airport and saw me off. Humpty has been amazing these last few weeks helping Stick and I out. There is no way that we could every repay him. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Humpty. I had a few transfers in Philly, Charlotte, NC and then finally landing in Pensacola. During my layovers, I was able to get ahold of a few of my close friends that have been following me and tell them the bad news. My folks came to pick me up over in Pensacola. It was great to see them. I know it's only been a month this time, but it was like I was out there for an entire thru hike. My flights took most of the day, which gave me plenty of time to think. I'm feeling some mixed emotions about coming home. Frustrated, angry, sad, depressed; they are all normal. For some reason, I am at ease at the same time. I really don't think my mind was totally in the right place with respect to the hike. A lot is going to be going on for me these next couple of years. I start Florida State University in a month. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know in a week or two I am going to be kicking myself for coming home. I know it was probably the right thing to do, dealing with the knee. I could have probably taken a few days off, but that would have only been a quick fix. The never ending stress of hiking day after day would eventually get to my knee.Either way, what's done is done. I have made my decision and I have to live with it. I know that thru hiking is now in my blood. It will be there forever. I know one day I will come back and give the whole thing another shot. Perhaps after college. Perhaps after I retire. Who knows? I do know that the trail will be out here, waiting. So here it is, after two seasons, the official score:Appalachian Trail: 2Flying Turtle:      0But it's like Yogi Berra once said; "It ain't over 'till it's over."
Date: 2004-10-26
To: Goodbye Class of 2004
Miles today: 0.0

I drafted a great explanation of why I am not part of the AT class of 2004. It was the first time I expressed why and how 2005 is going to be different. It was actually me simply writing to myself. Then, I hit the wrong button and pages of thought and healing were eliminated ... with just one click. I am satisfied with my thoughts and look forward to the success of 2005. It's now time to move into the class of 2005 trail journals. See you there.
Date: 2004-10-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

And so begins the preperation ... again. This time I am much more prepared then 2004. My gear list is complete and tested. I am easily under 30 total pounds, seven for the big three (pack, tent and sleeping bag) and the best of all, everything is now paid for. It has been a lot of work to get to this weight. Those of you who want to be under 30 total pounds, I strongly suggest you start the process now. I spent a lot of time and effort in preparing for my hike in 2004. Simply too many situations caused me not to go. This year, it is different. I know I will start. The rest is up to how the trail and I get along. I will not fight it, I will embrace it.I like my trail name ... Nicklebag .... and I am no longer shy about it. It is not about green blazing, and it really has a part in the whole process. More on that later.Last time I trained. This got me confortable with minimizing my gear and knowing that less is more. At 45, weight is everything. Bad knees, bad back and all sorts of aging issue need to be acknowledged so the they can be anticipated. The Canadian Goose (geese since there was a husband and wife) gave me the inspiration that age has no part to the trail. It is simply what is in you that will cause you to complete the journey. Again, enough of that.By the way ... Mountain Man (Joe)where did you go? We met in Shennendoah this summer. Read your journal when I got back, but it seemed to stop just after we met. Still looking into hiking sandles like yours.I started reading the journals for next years hike. I already feel good about it. Man ... what a journey that is ahaed of us.Bye for now.
Date: 2004-10-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I cut ... and changed .... and bought .... and tried .... and retried ... all to end up with the gear I now have. 28 total pounds with cold weather gear and 4 days food. Roughly 6 pounds on my body and 22 pounds on my back. The best (or maybe the worst) thing I ever did was to purchase a scale. Now I know every items weight and evaluated if i could change it. I did in-fact change and cut back on many items. You get to know fun facts like a roll of toliet paper is over 8 ounces. Raman noodles are 3oz per pack. Cardit card, ATM card, calling card and license .. under 1 ounce. Hiking the AT .... PRICELESS. Bought my final item .. a camera. Made sure it uses AA batteries so that I do not need to worry about recharging. I was possibly going to replace my Myo 3 headlamp, but since it uses AA batteries, I might have an interchangable resupply.   With 5 months to go, I finally started to walk distances again. I will try to walk 4-8 miles a day, 3 to 4 days a week for now.
Date: 2004-11-15
To: 4 long months
Miles today: 0.0

This is going to be a long four months to wait. Since this is my secong go-around at planning the hike, so much more is in order to begin. That makes it so much harder to wait.I have so many more details complete. I have marked up my 2004 hikers guide to determine mail drops and resupplies for the first 1000 miles. I figure, if, or when, I make it that far, the second half will be easier to plan out as I go.I can't say enough how important it is to get a scale and know the weight of everything you plan to carry, either on your back or on your body. I still can't believe how quickly ounces turn into pounds. Over the last month, I looked at alternatives to everything. By looking at it in front of you, you can let it soak in if you really need it or not. Simple thingS like how much food to bring really comes into play. Some of my basic mistakes included bringing to much food between resupplies, sometimes as much as 2 or 3 extra days worth. My latest decision, (70%/30%) is to go with the pepsi can stove. If I really can get fuel for it along the way, it seems to make the most sense. Still shooting for Mid March. Seriously thinking that if I have nothing else going on, might leave March 1.
Date: 2004-11-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Looking at timing for a March 15th start date. It is looking as if I might have the chance to begin earlier, like between Feb 15 and March 1st. Checking the average weather, there really is only about a five-to-seven degree variance from starting in Mid March, so it looks like it could be a go. I am looking at some other hikers pack weight and they seem to be doing great at reducing everything to a bare minimum. I know I am heavy with the big three a just over seven pounds and the base weight at 13.5 lbs. Pack weight should be around 20-21 pounds at full weight without water. I think I am comfortable with what I plan to start with. After a week or two, I know I could go down 2-3 more pounds. Time will tell.For those who use the REI seem sealer with any form of Siliconized Nylon, be careful. Mine is peeling off. The silicone based sealer takes more effort to apply but holds on rather well. Time to get in physical shape for the trail. Possibly only 90 days to go. I still need to lose 10-15 pounds before the trail.
Date: 2004-11-30
To: Ouch
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I did my first prehike on Sunday. Did a simple 4 miles, good pace and for the first time since the beginning of my prehike prep last try, I used my hiking poles. My upper body really hurts. Gave me a real good indication that if I am serious about this hike, I need to hit the training a lot harder ... starting now. Well, I narrowed my start date to either February 14 or 21. That is up a full month. It changes many things like amount of time to get into shape, gear list, and other personal things as well. I did not sleep one minute last night thinking about and making many final decisions. First, I need to just let things go. By moving everything up a month, many decisions become rather simple. I am now just two-and-a-half months away, so there is no time to start anything new ... just enough time to finish what I have on my plate. That in itself is refreshinging and releasing. I will notify by partners of my decision this week. Thay have always supported me in my weirdness, so this won't be much of a surprise to them. I looked at everything and, knock on wood, it all seems to be in place. I just can't believe it. Shit ... now I really have to do this thing ... YEA!!!Minor adjustments will be made to my gear list to allow for the colder weather.
Date: 2004-12-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So why do this whole "AT thing" after all. As the time gets closer to leaving, I think the people around me are finally taking me seriously about it. It is funny, that now, altough still very supportive, most are puzzled by why one would subject themselves to this hardship voluntarily?. By those closest to me, I have been accused of using the trail simply as an excuse to run away from my life. For so long, there has been a pert of me that agreed on part of that premise. After all, although somewhat successful at what I do for a living, I am simply tired of doing it. Tired of the people and situations around me. Over the years, I have eroded away as a person .. by doing more of what needed to be done, as opposed to what should be done. I never really thought or believed that I was "looking" for anything, other then possibly a great time involving a wonderful challenge. I think I got my revelation the other night of why I am so determined to do this and I find it rather comforting. I am not running away from anything or any body. I am actually trying to run back .. back to a time and place in my life where I actually still liked myself and what I did .. not as a professional, but as a person. Back to a time of dreams, aspirations, imagination and self fulfillment. A place and time where success does not play as an important a role as simply doing the right thing. I believe in my heart .. the time and experiences of the trail .. is simply the starting opportunity of giving me a chance to get back to where I need to be .. to put a soul in the "shell of a person" as I been been accused of being. The trail will happen. I can't say if i will finish or what to expect, but it will happen.
Date: 2004-12-07
To: Two Major Decisions are Made
Miles today: 0.0

After pondering the options, I have made it official, February 21 is my target start date. Will adjust only one piece of clothing by adding a fleece zip up.This mornings hike gave me a good opportunity to try just the dragonfly jacket and a shirt during a steady rain/wind combination. I always make it a point to get out there during the rain. First, because I love to hike in the rain and secondly, it will be what a good portion of the trail conditions seems to be. Although I stayed warm enough, I was wet to the core ... not good. The dragonfly truly is a soft shell, great for wind and very light weight but not a shell substitute by far. I am so pumped. The pain of my training feels good because I know the more I work out now, hopefully the less problems I will have on the trail. I can't believe how quickly I got out of shape. My ankles seem to be what needs more strength currently. My arms are also getting better with the use of the poles. About ten weeks to go. By base weight is now around 21 pounds for cold weather of which approximately 16 will be in or with the pack. Still working to get lower on the weight. For those of you that have reached an 18 pound base weight, God bless you. I have been working at it ... cutting ounce by ounce and I still have pounds to go. Pepsi-can stove, minimum clothing, tech gear and still to much weight. Good news however, I completed a dry run packing and everything fit with a lot of room to spare. So much in fact, I think I might try ULA's Fusion Pack. Can shave another pound off.
Date: 2005-01-25
To: So much has happened
Miles today: 0.0

I have had quite the ride since my last entry. Most is personal so I won't go into it. Some good things, then great, then bad, then horrible, then good, and now getting back to ok. The events clearly derailed my AT hike. Due to a few things that are not going to happen as they once were expected to, I now think there is a 50/50 chance of me starting in early March. At first, I was going to start in Mid March, then moved it up to Mid February, then canceled it all together. Now if things continue to fall apart as they are appearing they are going to, I am looking at an early March start date. Unfortunately, after the most tragic event, I stopped training all together. Starting tomorrow, I will begin all over again. It scares the crap out of me to only have 4-6 weeks to get any basic training in. This will definity force me to do far fewer miles in the beginning then I wanted to but at least I know enough to take it slow at first.I am starting to become excited again that it could still be this year.
Date: 2005-01-30
To: Looking More Like a GO each day
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the first of two major events has completely fallen apart. For getting to the trail, this is a good thing. This is one of two events that if either one happens, I would not be going this year. That increases my chance of starting in March to about 60/40. If one more event does not happen, I'm in for the start. I started training again. It has been hard to get out early in 20 degree weather to begin my training all over again, but so-far-so-good. Ankles and feet are sore, back is stiff. I'm starting at 4 mile days and will try to quickly bring it up to 5-7 miles in about two weeks or so. I am afraid of pulling something but I have no choice. The snow covered trails are really working my feet the way I want them to. The new Fusion Pack from ULA-Outdoor is feeling good so far. Brian at ULA does a nice job. I will start packing it for real in three weeks or so to make sure everything fits and rides comfortably. I don't think that will be an issue. I need to get back in the groove. I need to get my passion back. I need to become absorbed all over again. I just seem to be holding back a bit because I don't know if I could get all pumped up again just to become disappointed. Risk not, reward not,I guess.
Date: 2005-02-05
To: A slow go on training
Miles today: 0.0

As things are looking bad in my professional life, things are looking much better for the trail. The odd makers have now raised the percentages an additional 5% to 65% that I will be on the trail this year.Since I started my training again, I am working through the sore ankles. So far, that is it. Back and knees are holding up ok, but they are not being pushed nearly enough. The Chicago area just does not have any real elevation changes. With all the snow and ice on the trails I practice hike on, my ankles are really getting a good twisting and turning, which is what they need. I am also breaking out the gear list again. Since I will be starting in mid March, I think there are a few things I could cut out. Gloves for one. For the colder days, I will wear a pair of socks on my hands. I also think I will change my boot selection. My body weight remains a problem, but I guess the trail will resolve that. Getting in physical and dental appointments just in case the trail is a go. Man, this might really happen. I now understand how easy it is to get derailed in this process. There are so many life issues such as your job, family, health, that it just is not a simple thing. I finally have built up the courage to once again look forward to trail life. Only two more weeks ands I will know if I am going.