morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-12-05
To: Looking Forward
Miles today: 0.0

The 2,174 miles (?) (who¢s counting?) ahead present some very daunting physical and mental challenges. As March seems to be racing at me, I try to find some nice goals to shoot for. Self-doubt has its place in one¢s mind so you need to find the positive. So what am I looking forward to?Old ground----I¢ve been hauling a pack around for over 25 years. Granted, not so much in recent years. But, of the 400+ miles that I¢ve covered on the AT in Ga, NC, Va, and Vermont, these are the trails that I most look forward to traveling.Smokies---Since I¢m not a big fan of trail shelters, I don¢t especially relish their required use in the Smoky Mtns. However, those 101 miles are symbolic of a landmark on the AT and I look forward to the visit.Trail Towns---My schedule may not coincide with the famous Trail Days celebration that takes place in mid-May each year. The normally sleepy little Damascus, Va in the southwestern part of the state hosts this annual event that invites old hikers, new thrus, and folks who just love to support the trail. I may miss it but I¢ll look forward to the same hospitality in many other little communities.One Half Gallon Challenge--- Some explanation is needed here. In Pennsylvania, at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, a small but very symbolic celebration takes place over 200 times each year. A small store there sells half-gallon units of ice cream to thru hikers who rejoice in their completion of half of the AT. The goal: finish off the half-gallon of ice cream all by yourself. The reward: a small wooden spoon and bragging rights enough to take you to Katahdin.Grayson Highlands--- I cut my hiking teeth on beautiful and extreme weather in this incredible little state park in southwest VA. Containing a highland environment, rocky outcrops, wild ponies, and vibrant hardwood forests, I long for a thru hike return.Vermont---The Green Mountain State is so very beautiful but, for me, it¢s like going home. I spent 6 wonderful years there enjoying its year-round beauty, its challenges, and its great people. I look forward to a great d©j vu and some happy reunions.Maine---Like most who embark on this adventure northbound, Maine is a destination we all seek. It¢s the last state but carries with it a beautiful environment full of creatures generally not experienced elsewhere (moose, bear, loons, etc.)
Date: 2007-12-11
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

I mentioned in an earlier post that I am a hopeless gearhead. That applies to everything that requires researching new state-of-the-art stuff. I usually research the devil out of it and then go from there. There is one sad exception, however. When it comes to computers and associated technology, I¢m an idiot!! I generally know what the stuff is but making it work is a joke.When it comes to hiking gear, I¢m pretty much on target. I¢ve researched everything for two years and I¢m fairly certain that I¢ve done the best that I can. The weight for all the gear looks good and will function well. Unless the drought is bad, which is quite possible, my weight will be less than 30 lbs. Otherwise, we NOBO¢s may be hauling big weight in water until we get out of the southern range.Most of my gear is now listed on my ¢Gear¢ list, which is on the side to your left. I still have a couple of things to get but the major things are there. Thinking a few years back when my pack topped off around 45 lbs, I¢m wondering why I hauled all that crap around. On the other hand, I never thought about the weight thing much beyond the little section jaunts. NOW, it¢s 5-6 months and that stuff is on my back for the long haul.
Date: 2007-12-14
To: Alone
Miles today: 0.0

Earlier, I posted a piece about FAQ¢s that addressed the numerous comments and questions that are asked once friends and neighbors grasp the fact that this guy is really thinking of living in the woods for six months. Most folks are kind and refrain from the expected look of confronting a two-headed man for the first time.I must admit, my unqualified obsession with this hike does not make me a detached commentator on the whole topic of thru-hiking to the average person. Admittedly, I¢ve fantasized enough about this thing that I¢ve already eaten my half-gallon in Pennsylvania (damn, I hope they have Moose Tracks). I¢ve signed in at the ATC in Harper¢s Ferry (no, I don¢t know my number yet!) and I¢ve planned what alcoholic beverage that I¢ll take up on Katahdin for the big celebration with trail mates. Now, somebody beat that for obsessive dreaming.I¢m sorry for the predictable departure into dreamland. This piece was intended to be about hiking alone and the misconception that many have. So let¢s get into that. The facts, as I¢ve read them (sorry, I¢m no where near academia anymore so I don¢t have a clue how to footnote that), but many start this hike and the drop out rate isn¢t to be sneezed at. Of the close to 2,000 that start, less than 25% finish at the opposite terminus (in the same year) ....there¢s another website where at least 10 people would have already corrected me!! Geez !.... If you¢re still awake, what I¢m trying (desperately) to say is that on my mid-March start week, there is going to be a crowd out there! So much for being alone. So for us neophytes who have never done this thru hike thing (or attempted it), the crowds may be very beneficial. Actually, as I said before, the ¢trail community¢ is what I¢m excited about. Sounds good doesn¢t it?I may be speaking for myself (but I doubt it) but this thing at Springer (or Katahdin for you SOBO¢s ) is going to be a bit of a bite on the psyche. First, with few exceptions, most of us will be embarking on an adventure of a Lifetime with bountiful expectations but with half a pack full of anxiety. Have you ever been the new kid at school or do you remember that first day at college? New place, new people, and throw in sleeping out doors with those strangers (no, let¢s say new friends) in a crowded shelter. Need I say more?Don¢t get me wrong---I can¢t wait! It¢s just this obsession thing goes too far and finally caught me tonight sitting here in my coastal home with its unseasonable warmth outside, with a glass of wine next to me, and with 94 days to go. Sweet dreams all. After reading this rambling dissertation, you¢ve got to be ready for bed!
Date: 2007-12-27
To: Class of 2008
Miles today: 0.0

For well over two years now, I¢ve been enjoying the day-to-day trail life of thru hikers like Baro, The Bruiser, Chardonnay, Obie Reynolds and Team Doggiebag. They¢ve done an incredible job of telling the story of the trail and preparing people like me for the trials and tribulations to come. Many thanks to them and many others who have pulled me along so well and in getting me emotionally ready for this adventure. With the excitement of the holidays about to pass us by, I have just come to a new level of reckoning. The excitement of living vicariously through others is soon to end. With only a couple SOBO¢s still out there and about to finish at Springer, the time for class members of the ¢08 hike is about to arrive!! No more casually checking Trail Journals during free moments. No more wondering what it¢s like to drop everything for 5-6 months. And no more procrastinating things that have to be done but are a pain in the ass.So, yes, today I had a little panic attack and wake-up call that brought me around to the realization that there are only 80 days left until¢¦¢¦¢¦So whether you are heading north or south, starting in January, February, March, April, or May, the big adventure will be here sooner than we know. If you are where I was two years ago and living through someone else¢s dream, put your self here and feel the apprehension and excitement that comes with the journey ahead. So now it's time to push the training into high gear, plan out those few mail drops, and take care of the home business. Life will change soon. I¢ll be waking to the sounds of songbirds, living day-to-day without the pressures of work and home, and doing one¢s best to provide balanced reporting of this trail life for future AT hikers to follow. Better go now. Just 80 days till Springer Mountain and there is so much to do!!
Date: 2008-01-16
To: Flotsam
Miles today: 0.0

So you¢re saying, what¢s flotsam (garbage) got to do with this hike? Well, truthfully, it¢s my way to use some overactive mental juices that are presently focused on the AT. I could write some meaningful e-mails to special people but my head isn¢t into those so I¢ll just wear you, the reader (duh), out on my potpourri of thoughts.Did I mention that I¢m down to 2 months BS (before Springer)? Am I nervous, jumpy, apprehensive and excited? Yep, all of those. I¢m at the point where personal finances, essential drop box decisions, final gear purchases, 2-month scheduling has to happen.The problem is that I¢m still dreaming about trail expectations. This isn¢t a bad mental exercise ¢cause it keeps the positive juices flowing. The problem is: I¢m a list maker and I¢m just ignoring the hell out of what needs to be done. So what am I dreaming about, you say (well, maybe you didn¢t). Let¢s go straight to my underbelly (no, not that fat thing,I mean the proverbial soft core of my existence) It¢s vanity, my friends. Hair, to be exact. I¢ve learned over decades that my hair looks best when it¢s fairly long. Throw in some hair care products first thing after the shower and I¢m at peace. Yes, you can see where this is going. The Trail: no shower, hair care stuff, or anything else just out of the sleeping bag, right? Let¢s just say that just after I roll out of the sack, the best description of me is a guy with a full head of hair whose been slapped on one side by a wet shovel¢¦not pretty.So in preparation for this hike, I see three hair alternatives. First, I could let the whole thing go, let it do its thing, endure the hoots and looks of astonishment, and feel like a moron all day. Or, I could get a buzz cut like I had when I was eight and avoid mirrors. The last alternative, and a compromise, is a Mohawk. Actually, the aforementioned bed head sort of resembles a ¢hawk on one side. So what¢s the answer? Well, there isn¢t one yet. But just to irritate you, the reader (duh), and keep you coming back for more of this drivel, you¢ll just have to check out the photos section after this epic begins on March 16. Yes, you probably hate that but you also don¢t have to make this vanity-impacting decision! Gotta go, it¢s time for a shower.
Date: 2008-01-17
To: The Imbalance
Miles today: 0.0

Let me warn you¢this is yet another meaningless rant that is probably centered around my anxiousness to get on the trail. So as we wait until the magical date, I¢ll be sharing these little brain farts with you. I can hear it now¢will March 16th ever come?The Imbalance. It¢s appropriate here to provide some background for those readers who are not totally wrapped up in this trail hike thing. For many years, it has been a tradition of some hopeful thru hikers to carry a symbolic representation of their hopes to the completion of the entire 2,175 mile journey. That object of faith is usually a small pebble. So, new thru hike wannabees tuck away a small stone at either Katahdin or Springer and haul it the distance. Then somewhat ceremoniously, I presume, the pebble is placed on the other terminus. A very emotional act, I would expect.So what¢s the imbalance, you may ask. It¢s easy. Well over twice as many hikers make the trek from south to north each year (as opposed to southbounders). Basically, more pebbles are reaching Mt. Katahdin than Springer. Using that loose mathematical formula for each year multiplied times 59 (the number of years since Earl Shaffer first hiked the AT), you can now understand the problem. We¢ve got an imbalance of pebbles.Now, I¢m going to leave alone the suggestion that one good friend made that this 50+ year tradition is contributing to the introduction of non-indigenous rock types to both termini. Ridiculous notion, don¢t you think? My suggestion rectifies the whole volume and weight thing occurring at Katahdin. I propose that our good cousin southbounders start their hike with a mild deviation from the norm. Instead of the customary pebble placed somewhere in the pack, how about a sizeable stone? Say, fist sized?Now I can hear the cries of ¢not fair¢ and ¢Sobo discrimination¢. We all have to be bigger than all that and look out for what¢s best for the trail! Admittedly, I haven¢t been atop Katahdin yet but imagine the place 200 years from now awash with displaced pebbles!So I wait humbly for the ¢movement¢ to take hold, much like Benton MacKaye did after he first suggested a north-south Appalachian Trail (okay, maybe they not quite on the same scale). Anyway, I¢ll do my part, traveling north carrying the smallest of pebbles.Now that I consider this idea a bit more, maybe I¢ll change my trail name midway north less some sobo finds a better depository for his ¢larger stone¢.
Date: 2008-01-18
To: For Karl and Kathleen
Miles today: 0.0

I¢ve tried very hard over the past few weeks and months to make my TJ postings informative yet fun. Many folks have chronicled their hike preparation and the hike itself by being informative and by sharing the nitty gritty of what it takes to complete a thru hike. Bravo to all.I have and will try to present a bit different side of the experience. I¢ll attempt to give you a ¢unique¢ perspective on getting ready, hiking, and the people that I¢ll meet. Most importantly, I hope to share with my readers the fun that the trail provides.Today, I attended the memorial service for a good friend, Karl, who died tragically on Sunday. Karl was killed while enjoying a motorcycle ride with his riding buddies. Karl recognized the danger of his sport and passion but pursued it with his own degree of fervor. Karl felt that life is too short to place limits on our passions based upon risks, whether they be real or imagined.Karl¢s life with his loving wife and my dear friend, Kathleen, was about enjoying every moment as though it were your last. It was about sharing the love for life with others. Most importantly, Karl and Kathleen believed in chasing dreams. So aside from my personal loss, what does Karl¢s life and passing have to do with the Appalachian Trail? Everything, my friends. Karl followed his dreams and for the majority of the AT class of 2008, so shall we. Few of us that will take those first few steps along this legendary path in the coming weeks and months can say that it has not been a long-held dream.I hope that each of my fellow hikers will recognize that we have the unique opportunity to pursue our dreams and accomplish a feat that so few even have the opportunity to attempt. We are so fortunate. So, in the weeks and months ahead, I will try to remember that our time on this planet is so limited and that we have so few opportunities to find the time that fuels our passions.Thank you, Karl and Kathleen, for giving me new meaning to this adventure. You¢ll be with me the whole way.Karl Davis1948-2008
Date: 2008-02-02
To: My Two Friends
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it¢s been a while since my last entry. I did have that little test entry to explain the usefulness of my smartphone for journaling. That¢s been a frustrating mess and I don¢t want to talk about it. Don¢t bring it up!Let¢s talk about some other emotional challenges. The main one is the calendar. Friends and family regularly ask what my launch date is. I reply March 16 and they go ¢oooh, right around the corner, huh?¢ Now, spirit-wise, I¢m pretty ready to go. Unfortunately, those challenged brain cells in between the ears aren¢t there yet. You may be asking about what¢s the problem. Let me explain.My main problem is transition. I officially retired just over 30 days ago and have enjoyed every moment since. Unfortunately, I¢ve enjoyed the time away from stress, deadlines, and pressure so much that I haven¢t forced myself to lock in on the hike, finalize plans, and just count the days.A couple of my buddies and I regularly speak about the two little guys that sit on our shoulders and regularly whisper in our ears (Oh come on, you¢ve heard them too!). The guy on the right is all about doing just the right thing. Never wants me to take chances and follows a relatively conservative path. You know who he is¢commonly called your conscience. The other guy, on the left, screams about taking chances and living on the wild side. In golf terms, he waits until I¢m about 2/3 through a swing before he yells ¢HIT IT HARD¢. Yes, mostly the ball goes astray but sometimes straight and very long! Now, you¢re probably thinking that I need to visit the asylum before the hike. Hold on.So what does this ramble about my imaginary friends have to do with hiking readiness? Mr. Rightey would have me totally prepared with the pack sitting next to the door and putting X¢s on the calendar. However, Mr. Left Wing has had his way and I¢ve been all about the hike except knuckling down to final steps. So it looks like we¢ll be having a personal corporate meeting tomorrow, just the three of us. Rightey has made some good points and I think we¢ll be moving on to the ¢right¢ direction after the meeting. In the meantime, I think I just heard a little voice mention just how good some fattening Ben and Jerry¢s ice cream might be right now. Hmmmmm.PS It just occurred to me that this entry may just be the one that they use to commit me after the hike!
Date: 2008-02-13
To: Yogi-ing
Miles today: 0.0

Awhile back, I did a little thing about Trail Talk. It was sort of a glossary of terms that are commonly used on the trail. It was provided for my readers in case I become so immersed in all this that I stop speaking English.One of those terms is yogi-ing. Simply put, it's a way of acquiring food just short of begging for it.Yesterday I posted all of my projected mail drop locations. For some hikers, the mail drop locations are critical because that is where they will send their food caches for the next section of trail.For me, my mail drop locations carry a less important significance. I have decided to do my food resupplies in local towns and stores along the trail. So what are my mail drop locations about?Now pay close attention here. Sometimes kind and generous people who have empathy for their friends and family on the trail use those mail locations. These wonderful people realize what a special event it would be in that thru hiker's life to find a special box at the post office with a nice little surprise inside. The contents of those packages might include baked goods, candy bars, or anything that can be consumed rather quickly. You understand, right? Oh did I mention that the list of my mail drops are over on the left of this page?So, okay, this might be considered a shameless form of yogi-ing!With that, I'll just sign off and wish all of you wonderful people a great day!!
Date: 2008-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Like so many before me, both pre and post hike, I recognize the critical role of our support system. With that, I want to thank some great people in advance for all the valuable support that they'll provide.First, those wild and crazy guys in the photo are my good friends at the Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Wilmington, NC. Not only are George and the guys great people to know, but they are very knowledgeable and tech savvy. They played a critical role in gear selection . Thanks guys and see you at Trail Days.   If you are away from home for up to six months, someone dedicated and reliable better be looking out for your home stuff. Thanks, Eileen, for giving me that great comfort level that will mean so much! She'll be a major cheerleader too!My journal entries along the way will be enhanced, not by my pitiful writing style, but by some well-placed photos. That tough job is being performed by hiking and outdoor guru, Andrea. Thanks for all of your help.Despite his protestations, Butch (of Trail Cat fame, TJ 11/20/07), will not be thru hiking this year. He's taking a vacation with his sisters down in sunny Florida, compliments of sweet Barbara. I know he's in great hands.Last, but certainly not least, my family and friends have been incredibly supportive of this journey. I know that they will be along for the fun and, when I need it, a couple of kicks in the ass. Oh yes, friends and family, did you read the mail drop entry (02/13)? Yes, I know, shameless!Thanks to all of my support team. You are the greatest!!
Date: 2008-02-22
To: Real Preparation Entries 
Miles today: 0.0

If you have just become a regular reader of Trail Journals, as I have been for a couple of years, you know that there are two fundamental types of entries. There are the "preparation" entries and the on-the-trail types.You are now in the land of "prep" entries. For me, this term is probably a misnomer. You may ask "aren't you preparing to get on the trail?" Well, yes, I am obviously doing that. However, with only three weeks before I leave for Georgia, my preparations are nearly complete.All the gear is bought. Food is boxed up. Drop and bounce boxes are waiting to be shipped. Most home business is in the last stage of completion.So what's with yet another "prep" entry? Ladies and gents, it isn't about sharing with you the most recent trail training jaunt or talking about the dehydration of food process. Many other writers are doing that most capably.My "prep" entries are about sharing with you just how ansy I am and ready to get underway. Like some of you, I am reading the posts of the early starters of AT (GA>ME, '08). It doesn't help the anxiety level when you read of the nice days, new friends made, and great hiking by the early starters. I have to admit that the reports of storms and ice provide some relief though I don't wish that on anyone.So as I post my final "prep" entries, before March 16, rest assured that you won't be getting earth shattering revelations of last minute hike techniques. More than likely, I'll just be sharing with you my angst and pacing the floor.Maybe I'll just refigure the projected hiking distances and locations for the sixth time. Damn.
Date: 2008-03-14
To: Home Finale
Miles today: 0.0

So, if you've been following this journal and the endless stream of "preparation" entries, rejoice my friends. This train has reached the proverbial station (or in pc terms, "the lady struggling with challenging weight issues is about to sing her favorite song). I had planned to do two more of these but father time has cracked his whip.I wrote some time ago about the obligatory haircut that was to transform me from a regular go to work guy to a hiking machine. Well the deed was done and the verdict, good friends, will have to be determined by those with kind hearts. I'm far too vain to display a photo. So who was it, Solomon, who supposedly got superhuman strength when the locks were shorn? I'm going with that. The Crabby machine will be out there soon knocking down the miles with gusto 'cause he lost some hair.Due to logistics, I'll be delaying my start date by one day. That puts me on Springer on the 17th, a Monday. Actually, a weekday start will help to ease the crunch at shelters and cut back some on the herd effect.It's very encouraging to see so many on Trail Journals of late. That just means that there are more of us to enjoy this grand experience.Once again, I'd like to thank everyone who has had any part in helping me get to this point. Whether it's been words of encouragement or more tangible acts, your support has been valuable beyond words.The chest pounding and speculation about the trail are now over and it's time to put the body where my mouth has been (that doesn't sound so good, does it?)Lastly, thanks to all for reading my journal. I have a bit of a different perspective on what gets reported----that won't change. So if you find this approach somewhat interesting, check back in. The next stop is Springer and the next report will be from the trail. Thanks for reading!!