morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I¢d just put in a little follow up on my life since I got home. I went to see the orthopedic doctor about my shoulder; I do have a torn rotator cuff as a result of the falls I took on May 14th! My shoulder is actually in worse shape than I thought! The doc wants me to go to physical therapy for 6 weeks before I have an MRI to see how bad it is. I have a set of exercises to do, and the simplest one is the one that hurts the most. I lie on my back on the floor and holding onto a wooden dowel about 3 feet long I just lift it overhead (sort of like reach for the sky, but I¢m on my back). This HURTS!!! The weights I can do no problem, this simple stretch hurts really bad. So I¢m worried he may want to do surgery! I would end up with matching scars ¢ I had surgery on my right shoulder 16 years ago! Oh, on an interesting note, when I went to the doctors office, they checked my pulse ¢ 48/min. The med tech was a little concerned by how slow it was! I¢m amazed, I¢ve always had a slow pulse (in the low 60¢s) but 48 when I¢m up walking around! It just goes to show you what 3 months of hiking up and down mountains will do to you!I¢ve made my plans to be back on the trail by the end of April next year so that I can complete this journey. I am anxious to get back out there, and I will make a few changes to my gear (again). I will not take a 4 lb tent that I hardly ever used. I¢m not sure what I¢ll bring, it may just be a tarp tent or a bivy sack, but I don¢t want it to way much over 1 lb. I¢ve looked at the tents on the Go Lite web site and may consider something from there. All the food I prepared will remain in the deep freezer and should keep without any problem. My mail drop boxes are stacked up in a corner of the dining room where they shall remain until next year.I¢m running about 4 miles a day. This is a far cry from walking 15 ¢ 20 miles a day, but it only takes me about 45 minutes to do! It¢s also miserably hot and humid here in Houston. I¢ve put back on 2 lbs (so I¢m down about 4 lbs from my pre-hike weight) but I¢m still wearing clothes that are 1 ¢ 2 sizes smaller! I¢m teaching some Red Cross CPR classes, doing some sewing and I¢ve just put together a class I want to teach on sewing. So I¢m staying busy, I have several trips planned out of town over the next few months and my biggest worry at the moment is about my son that is in the Israeli Army.
Date: 2004-08-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I'm sitting here at my office computer reading journal accounts when I should be working. I am taking a break from my usual office distraction, which is counting down the days until December 17, the day which I have announced as my last working day. That gives me two to three months to train and prepare for my '05 AT thru-hike. I guess I shouldn't really call it "mine," as I'm sharing it with my girlfriend and my dog. Neither of them are experienced hikers, so that is adding a lot of extra planning. Freckles and I, Freckles is the dog and not a pet name for my girlfriend, have begun taking short walks and hikes to acclimate him to the notion of carrying a backpack. He seems to enjoy it so far, and comes running whenever he sees me pick up the backpack. My girlfrined, Sarah, is not yet so enthused. She is doing the Trail more to be with me than to satisfy any personal goals. Yes, I know what predictions that last statement naturally leads to, but I still have high hopes. In the future, I hope Sarah will begin contributing to these journal entries. Until then, it will just be me. Mulling things over, lamenting over sunny days outside my cubicle, and longing for the day when I will take that first step of of Springer.
Date: 2004-08-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Again I find myself sitting in my cubilce avoiding work. I can at least say that I did get out on the AT this past Sunday. Although I carried a small load, I was primarily interested in the dog's training. He carried about 2lbs of food and water in his Kelty Chuckwagon pack. It was also the first real elevation he had dealt with. Except for the fact that the pack straps still need a little tailoring, he did fine. We did about 7 miles round-trip begining on the north side of I-40 heading toward Hot Springs. He had his first experience with wild turkey, which he thinks are "da bomb." Unfortunately, yeasterday he tore up his front foot pads playing fetch on a tennis court. That was probably bad judgement on my part. That possibility really hadn't occured to me. Still no luck getting Sarah out on the trail. She claimed to really want to join us Sunday, but she had to work. I'm not sure I believe her yet. Anyway, I'm in pretty good shape as far as gear goes. I need to finish up Sarah's pack and our two person tarp. I would also like to make a lighter sleeping quilt. I made us a zero degree since Sarah is going, but that will kill me in the summer months. Other than that, we're good to go. That is, of course, as long as our finances are in order. Guess I'll switch off the computer and head home now.
Date: 2004-09-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well my company has started interviewing for my replacement. It feels kind of strange to talk to someone hiring for my job, but at the same time, I know this brings me one step closer to my hike. I am starting to worry a little about finances. It seems things keep popping up that I have to spend my savings on. I am also a little worried about supporting myself through the winter months. I guess I will have to find a part-time job or sell blood plasma or both. I am leaving in March regardless of how much I have saved. I wish I could go to the Gathering this year. I don't think I will be able to get off work. As far as gear goes, I have almost finished the two-man tarp and Sarah's pack. I am considering building a light-weight gravity fed water filter to save money on idodine tablets. I don't want to carry my filter, and I definitely don't want to pump water during the cold months. But after things warm up, it might be nice to just take a break beside a spring and let a bag of water drip its way pure. Plus, I could fit it with a shower nozzle for Sarah. I'm sure she would appreciate that possibility.Guess I better get back to work.
Date: 2004-10-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I recieved some potentially good news yesterday concerning my hike. Last week I called the Small Animal clinic at the nearby University of Tennessee Vet School to ask some nutrition questions on behalf of my dog, Freckles. The nutritionist I spoke to was very helpful and was able to give me the name of some extremely calorie dense dog foods, so that I could maximize his energy without carrying, let alone forcing him to eat, ten cups of dry food a day. The product she gave me was only available through a licensed vet, but unfortunately mine doesn't have a supplier for that particular product. So yesterday I called the university again and that's when I got the interesting news. My initial query had intrigued the nutritionists there. They had begun doing some research on the subject, only to find that there isin't much applicable data out there. There have been studies done of racing Greyhounds, but they are sprinters not endurance racers. There have been studies done on Alaskan sled dogs, but my little Dalmation isn't going to be pulling or carrying any load but himself, nor is he doing it in Arctic conditions. So they asked me if I might be interested in participating in a study with them. They are going to continue to look for the food that is the most calorie dense and when they find it, they are going to get it donated to me. Then they will run tests on Freckles before we leave and then meet up with us at designated points along the way to check him out. I was very excited. First of all, it would save me about a thousand bucks in food. Secondly, it's about as close as I can come to guaranteeing his health as I can get. I had been planning on visiting local vets along the way just to make sure he was okay. But now I have an offer that would allow the same team of vets to moniter his progress. It seems like a no brainer to me. It's just in the idea phase right now. No commitments yet. But it seems like this would help alot of dog hikers everywhere, as well as give me some added incentive to finish the hike. In other news, I am giving a presentation at a local Boy Scout troop next Monday about lightweight backpacking and the planning of a thru-hike. I'm looking forward to it a lot. I love teaching, especially wilderness appreciation and skills. I would like to find a job doing that when I finish the hike.
Date: 2004-10-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I gave my presentation to the scout troop last night. I feel like it went fairly well. The boys that were listening to me at the beginning were still listening to me at the end. Time really flew by. I could have talked for another few hours. Guys, if any of you find this journal, please feel free to email me anytime with questions or comments. There aren't many things I enjoy talking about more than hiking.
Date: 2004-11-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This will be a short entry. I have recently made my first "friend" through the Forum. Yappy (Sarah) falls on the same side of the dog argument as me. I am still very surprised by my fellow hikers sometimes. There are many things people do or say in the shelters and on the trails that bother me. Illegal drug use, possesion of firearms, snoring, etc. They all bother me to varying degrees. But I recognize that different people have different ideas about life and if I don't like it, I can always move on. Sure there are a lot of bad dog owners out there. But we aren't all that way. Just as I'm sure not everyone out there against dogs on the Trail are inconsiderate and rude. Anyway, I just wanted to get that off my chest. I have to go build a set now.
Date: 2004-11-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I got a call from Dr. Lauten from UTK Vet School yesterday. It seems like all systems are GO for the study on Freckles. We have to go down to the university on the 30th to be interwiewed, I guess to make sure I am responsible enough to work with. They said they found some food from the UK that provides like 4800 cal/cup! Man, I wish they made people food like that. Thankfully, they are paying for it. If not, there's no way I could afford to bring him.
Date: 2004-11-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I'm in my final month of work. In fact, today is the last Tech day for the last play I will probably ever work on. It's all very exciting. I've been selling off my belongings right and left. It even looks like I may be able to sell my malfunctioning big screen tv. I posted the ATC full-trail map on my wall the other day as motivation. I am really looking forward to this trail journal hitting the trail.
Date: 2004-12-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this is my last day at work. I am still more excited than nostalgic. I'm sure that will change tonight at my going away party. Bad news abounds on the AT front. Sarah's brother has been diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkins lymphoma. She isn't likely to want to go into the wilderness for six months with her brother's health in jeopardy. Nor would I want to leave her to deal with that without me. Both of our vehicles lost their clutches within one day of each other. The repairs are running us just over a thousand dollars and have cut significantly into our hiking budget. Also, Freckles failed his urine analysis at the vet school. He has tested positive for urate stones so he will not be able to handle the high protein food they were going to put him on. In fact, he can't even continue eating what he has now. They are going to do an ultrasound on him in January to see if he needs surgery. The upside is that at least I know. If I had taken him on the Trail, and he had developed a stone large enough to obstruct his urethra, he could have easily died before I could get him to help. Anyway, I am trying to push forward and remain optimistic. This is my dream and it's going to take more than a little misfortune to sway me.
Date: 2005-12-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It pleases me to know that I have just 3 months left until I depart from Springer. My gear is finalized. I still have some grocery shopping to do. I have decided in the past year that I would like to go to Grad School after I complete the Trail. As added hiking incentive, I have decided to attend UMaine. I will simply sell all of my worldly posessions save for my hiking gear and one box of clothes that I can have shipped to me in Maine. It's such a Romantic plan, I just can't resist it.
Date: 2006-01-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

For some reason, I feel guilty posting a Trailjournal when i am not yet on the Trail. Therefore, I will keep this brief. So far, so good. I am on budget for leaving on Mar 4, weather permitting. Today I am phoning vets up and down the Trail to arrange for the prescription food my dog eats. Contrary to what some might think, his health and happiness are some of my highest priorities. Some old friends have found my posts and have begun inviting me to stay with them along the way, and for that I am very grateful. I will welcome a warm bed from time to time.
Date: 2006-02-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I leave in less than a month. I am steadily getting all my affairs in order, selling off my excess stuff, closing accounts, etc. It's funny to think that after all these years, i am finally getting out of Tennessee. It's been my home for so long, and there is definitely a love/hate relationship there. I can't help feeling that i am forgetting something really important, that I'll end up on top of Springer and realize I forgot something. I guess if that happens' I'll just deal with it. Tonight I will be packing up mail drop boxes. I feel pretty well prepared on food, and i think I'll be getting enough calories. Freckles is ready as well. He is very confused by the pile of gear in the corner. He wants to know why we haven't left yet.I hope to be a little more profound with my actual trail journal entries. Until then, I guess I'll just be boring you with details.
Date: 2006-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As I approach the start date of my hike, I am frustrated by the ever more frequent questions from friends and acquaintences regarding dangers which are statistically irrelevant. Everyone seems bewildered by the fact that I am not taking a cell phone. I have tried every tactic I can think of. I have attempted explaining my desire for solitude and reflection. I have pointed out the notoriously bad coverage and battery life in the wilderness. I have even tried to point out that civilized man has thrived for quite a few years without that technological convenience. Yet they still insist that I carry these extra ounces of useless weight. Their next concerns are of course bears and inbred Appalachian sodomizers. Again, rational appeals seem to do nothing for these people. Despite what Ned Beatty may have us believe, hikers know that hypothermia is much deadlier than your average banjo picker. I guess I should be more understanding. I suppose that in the face of the unknown, it would prove a better evolutionary strategy to fear that with which you are not familiar. Conversely, one must learn to ignore local dangers, like car accidents or bathroom electrocution, just to keep from constant adrenaline overload. Still, all these questions are pissing me off. It has just occurred to me that many of you reading this have asked me these same questions. Thank you for worrying about me, but I'll be fine.This is my last day of work for six months or so. That is quite a freeing feeling. At least for a while, my "job" will be exploring the world around me, and celebrating life on this earth. I suspect that I will be a much different man at the end than I am today. I would be disappointed otherwise. I hope to look back at next Saturday as the day I began walking into my new life. Before I end this entry, i wish to make one final plea to those that would worry about me. There is an extremely effective and complex communication system in place on the Trail. Provided I don't do anything outrageously stupid or risky, I will be fine. I may fall victim to the occasional sprained ankle or mosquito bite. But my fellow hikers will take care of me if needed. I will be fine.
Date: 2006-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finally, the day has arrived. After a year plus of planning, I am in the car, speeding down the highway toward Springer. It¢s exciting, and more than a little scary I don¢t mind admitting. But it¢s where I am supposed to be. I have never forgiven myself for quitting in 2002. I know this time will be different. I can¢t quite get over the nagging feeling that I have forgotten something terribly important, but for the life of me I don¢t know what that would be. I suppose I will just have to follow Jardine¢s motto, ¢If I don¢t have it, I don¢t need it.¢ The weather forecast looks good for a few days. Chilly, of course, but that¢s to be expected. I¢m not sure the dog knows what I have volunteered him for.* He is asleep on the seat next to me, visions of squirrels dancing in his head. I am committed to posting journals as often as humanly possible. Hopefully, that should be every few days or so. And with that, I¢m signing off. Today will be a short day, and a long, cold night. I¢ll let you know how it goes.* Note: This is for all the schoolmarms and language mavens out there. Please do not think less of me for this prepositional infraction. I am fully aware of the rules of grammer, but will often choose to break them for the sake of conversational clarity. Language is for communication. As to the rule at hand, to borrow from Winston Churchill, it one up with which I shall not put. All further arguments can be found in Stephen Pinker¢s ¢The Language Instinct.¢
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Springer

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

      My parents dropped me off at Springer around noon. They decided to hike the 0.9 miles south to the terminus and snap some pictures. I was really glad to have them along, but they weren't terribly prepared for it. The trail was pretty worried about my mom slipping, but she ended up doing great. Love you, Mom.        I had been planning on tarping it at Three Forks, but I got there at three o'clock and couldn't bare to stop hiking while it was so early. I have a funny story about that campsite which is worth telling. I camped there my first night on my attempted thru-hike in 2002 with my friend Eric. As we were settling in for the night, we became aware of a feverish scurrying. It was as though we were under attack by some invisible commando unit. It turned out to be a single adolescent skunk. Somehow he managed to be on all sides at once. I don't know how he was doing it, but I haven't ruled out the possibility of faster-than-light travel. In any event, he ended up under my tarp a few times and I didn't much care for that. I escpecially didn't want to stay there this year with Freckles, just in case the skunk's furry descendants roamed the area.        I ended up making it to Hawk Mountain and tarping outside the shelter. I made some friends. If you can believe this, I met a guy named Matt who is not only hiking with a dog (Jackson), but is a math enthusiast as well. What are the odds? I plan on doing about ten or twelve miles tomorrow. I don't want to make the mistake I did last time of going too far too fast.
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

        I ended up leaving camp before Matt and Jackson today, but I'm sure we'll see them again later. On the first big uphill, I joined up with Goliath, who also stayed at Hawk Mountain. He is doing the first few miles of his thru-hike, then flying home to wrap up a few loose ends, beore returning later in the month. We matched pace pretty well, so we hung out together for the day. This turned out to be quite fortuitous. You see, his father, a two-thousand miler in 2003 named Deja Vu, offered to slack-pack us from Gooch Gap to Woody Gap. Non-hikers will need explanation here. I will allow the words of my new friend Hobbit to enlighten you.        Hobbit: So, let me get this straight. You will take my pack from me here, and shuttle it to me there. I will walk there without my pack.        Deja Vu: Yes, that's correct.        Hobbit: So you will have my pack, and I won't have my pack. I will be hiking without my pack.        Deja Vu: Again, yes.        Hobbit: In other words, I will not be carrying a pack.        Deja Vu: Correct.        Hobbit: Well kiss my grits!(I feel obligated to note that Hobbit did not actually say the last line, but I needed an end to the dialogue and I think Flo's words of wisdom are due for a comeback. Perhaps you will disagree.)        With Deja Vu's help we made it quickly and luxuriously to Woody Gap. He also met us with Dr Peppers and oranges. I have never partaken of the Biblical manna from heaven. I do have it on good authority from noted neo-Darwinist Richard Dawkins that is is the sugary sweet excretion of a particular species of tree aphid. However, I will say this. If manna tastes anything like Dr Pepper, the Israelites got a pretty sweet deal.        We're going to camp just off the road tonight. I think I can make it all the way to Neels Gap tomorrow. If I can't talk Andy into picking me up early, I will pay to stay in the hostel there.
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I did make it to Neels Gap. It turned out that it would be a 4 hour round-trip for Andy to come get me and I didn't want to inconvenience he and Steph. He did offer to put me up in a hotel in Dahlonega for the night, but the people at the hostel said that they'd let me take Freckles inside as long as nobody complained. Nobody did, so he and I cuddled up together all night. I did enjoy my first trail all-you-can-eat dinner. They shuttled us to Blairsville and there was much rejoicing.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Neels Gap

To: Unknown
Miles today: 0.0

Andy and Steph arrived around noon with a Subway sandwich. If that Jared guy hiked the AT he'd lose even more weight. Andy also brought his laptop with him so that I might compose these past few journal entries. So far everything has gone roughly acording to plan. I think I'll head out in an hour or so for an easy 7-8 mile day. Later.** Editor's note - Tony will probably not be posting new entries for at least a week, due to lack of Internet access on this part of the Trail. He assures his faithful readers that he will be just fine during that time period, and to please not worry about him.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Neels Gap

To: Campsite on Cowrock Mtn
Miles today: 4.7

Short day today out of Neel's Gap. We hiked with Matt and Jackson and the dogs seemed to really enjoy each other's company. Matt and I talked about math the entire time. It is great to find another nerd like myself. Freckles went to bed early and slept through the night. I have a feeling that is going to become a routine. Matt and I sat around the fire and discussed science, politics, religion, etc. It was wonderfully intellectual.(For the librarians, if you are reading this, I found a used copy of Carl Sagan's "Broca's Brain" at the Walasi-Yi hostel and read myself to sleep.)I think we're heading for Blue Mountain tomorrow. I don't know if i want to stay there after my last experience. But then again, this trip is partly about vindicating myself after last time. I guess we'll see how it goes.