morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-07
To: Introduction
Miles today: 0.0

This photo was taken in the Smokey Mountains. It was a hot hazy day. As I walked over the ridges I could hear thunder all around. I thought I would get caught in a thunderstorm but walked on without rain. While walking on the ridges I felt exposed and quickened my pace. At one point close to where this photo was taken I heard a loud noise and looked up to see a bear turning around as it was running away from me. I don't know who was more startled but I must have been because I couldn't get to my camera quik enough to take his picture. I love the rush you get at times like this. I walked on but took a few looks over my shoulder just to be safe...I am overwhelmed with a desire to begin my hike. Allow me to introduce myself. I won't go into detail since this is a long undertaking and it seems most journals appear to show much about the writer and hiker as time goes by. I hope to begin my hike in March 2006. (I have decided to start on February 28) I have about six months from now to prepare. I have been walking, exercising, researching, selecting equipment and basically eating, sleeping, and dreaming about the thru-hike. I am hoping that this obsession is not going to cause those I love and care about to doubt my love for them or my love of other things we share and love doing. During this preparation phase I have continued to enjoy other pleasures so it's not like I've turned into a complete nut case. The thru-hike will cause a long separation from family, home and many interests. Mentally this will be the hardest thing to overcome. It will mean I will miss much that I deeply care about. I am lucky that my family is very supportive of my desire to do this thru-hike and that they are strong and independent enough to both help support my hike and take care of all details of their lives.I hope this trail journal will help me stay in touch with family, old friends, new friends and some journal friends yet not known. Thank you for caring enough about the trail to be interested in another person's attempt to see what happens when they set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
Date: 2005-09-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sometimes when it's hot it's nice when the trail goes through the tunnels formed by rhododendron trees. It's a nice shady break from the sunny open areas that we usually hike to for the views. Everything seems to close in on you and small things like a butterfly or a beetle catch your attention and give you a reason to break and watch what they are doing.Since I don't know anyone close to me that shares my dream to hike the A/T, I will start the hike alone. Most people I talk to think it's crazy to hike alone. Years ago I wanted to hike the Wonderland Trail but couldn't find another friend to go so I did it alone. I have beautiful pictures and great memories but no one that shared the experience so most can't relate to the stories. This is one of the downsides of hiking alone. After any wonderful experience it's nice to reminisce with someone that shared the experience. The thru hike requires a great commitment and this is why some hikers will also be starting alone. I think the trail will offer many opportunities to meet and socialize and hopefully bonds will occur with compatible hikers so the hike will not be empty of companionship. I am probably more introverted than not so I will also enjoy time alone to think about things that occur and what they will do to change my life after the hike. Following the trail journals of hikers last year and this year I have wished many times that I could have hiked with several hikers and even now wish I could have met and hiked with those that are still on the trail. Reading their journals I felt like I knew them and found myself wishing them success in their hikes. Some hikers started off writing regularly about their hike then it seemed the hike took all their time and energy leaving nothing to continue their journal entries. If that occurs during my hike I apologize upfront but I also would like to finish my hike more than not so if it takes all to do that so be it. I will try to stay in touch.I didn't want to start this journal too early but I've decided to do it now hoping I might get some valuable advice from thru-hiker helpers. Last year, I talked with (class of 2004 thru-hiker) "LWOP" after he completed his hike, but I was too far away from my hike to get into details. At the time I had not made the full commitment. He was from South Florida and an article in the Palm Beach Post about his hike really inspired me to dream about doing the thru-hike. I have been dreaming about it for years but needed a spark to get the fires rekindled. Since then I have decided to make it happen. I am completely committed and psyched.
Date: 2005-09-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

What a happy boy. We visited the gift shop at the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and our grandson, Bentley comes running up to us with this hat. He loved it and asked Grandma to buy it. He couldn't stop smiling and when we returned to our camp at Deep Creek I had to have a picture. The Deep Creek Campground was a beautiful place to camp especially with the children. We tubed and swam in the creek, after dinner caught fireflies and then sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows until the boys fell asleep in our laps. What a beautiful time.This is going to be a wonderful peak life experience and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am cheering for those out on the trail and hope you reach your goals.There are many details involved in this undertaking and I hope I can work them out. I had some old backpacking equipment stored in my attic, but it's been unused and up there too many years. When I got it out it was not what I wanted for this hike. Most of the old equipment had seen better days and was either worn out or stinky. The stuff looked like antique hiking equipment. I wanted to go lighter so all will need to be replaced. Starting from scratch is cool but the choices are mind boggling. I have been spending too much time on the computer looking at catalogs and reviews. Backpacking has become a big industry. The basic needs seem to have not changed, we still need to stay warm, dry, hydrated and fueled. This seems simple enough. I hope to be able to carry the equipment to achieve these needs. Time will tell. I will try to keep it simple. Of course I don't want any rodents, insects, reptiles or other creatures crawling into my sleeping bag or getting into my food. But I will probably get used to it once I become acclimated to the realities of trail life.I am not too different from my old backpacking equipment. Better days saw me as a fit marathoner running sub-three hour races but that was then and now I have dedicated myself to walking in the Florida heat attempting to get myself in shape worthy of this undertaking.I am committed to this thru-hike and thought I should start this journal as a public and personal sign of this commitment. I look forward to beginning this quest and hope it lives up to expectations.
Date: 2005-09-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Living in Florida we love to hit the beach. This photo reminds me of my childhood sitting in the warm water daydreaming about something and hearing the gulls laughing and the surf washing in over everything. Thank you to those that reached out to say hello and to those that sent their best wishes. I look forward to meeting the class of 2006 on the trail in the spring. I've been busy getting my gear finalized. I tried on boots at a few outfitters and finally picked a pair I liked. I had to order a pair since the store didn't have my size. Hopefully when they get in they will fit. I feel like the boots are my most important decision. (This is an update: I've found a pair and have broken them in.) I've been walking every day. Most days I go about 6 miles, some days I go 8 miles. On some days I walk over the inter-coastal bridge and go down the steps from the bridge tender to the ground. (Another update I've been able to increase my workout by 300% since starting and will strive to increase more and add pack when it arrives.)I know this is not going to get me in trail shape but I'm hopeful I will arrive in shape to seriously start the hike. I will plan on easier days during the beginning of my hike and then build up miles as my body gets in shape. Hopefully that will occur reasonably quick so I can keep up with the pre-hike schedule I've been working on. I have been going over the "Thru-Hiker's Handbook" and planning my itinerary so I can then plan my food stops and my mail drops. I hope to finalize the itinerary this week and then find a hiker I can relate to in a journal and compare their actual trail experiences to my plan. I don't know what else to do. If anyone has any ideas please contact me and enlighten me. Thanks.I have ordered a ULA P-1 backpack and have been having second thoughts about it. I'm concerned it will be too small and wonder if I should change to the larger P-2. I wish I could have been able to see them both to compare the size. This will need to be decided soon. (Third update: I've ordered the new "Catalyst" model but have not received it.) Again any feed back is appreciated.I know I'm late bringing this up, but my thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Louisiana. I was lucky to have lived in Mandeville and to have worked in New Orleans. While we were there we had some of our best years. We met some wonderful people and fully enjoyed the life style and culture there that is so unique and special. There is so much history and the place has so much soul it's hard to see the after effects of the storm and the tragic consequences of the flooding. I hope all will be well and that those displaced can find their way home and be reunited with loved ones and their beloved homes. Thanks for taking the time to check in on my journal. I look forward to hearing from anyone that has suggestions or just wants to talk about the hike.
Date: 2005-10-16
To: Thank you
Miles today: 0.0

One of the things I like about hiking is discovering the small surprises along the trail. Sometimes you slow down and something jumps out at you. Even the smallest things can be so beautiful.OK, I'm trying to learn how this journal works and want to figure out how to display photos on this page. I am going to take my camera and hope to post pictures from the trail so I can share the adventure. This picture was from a day hike I took this summer in The Smokey Mtns. I wanted to see if my legs could take a good down hill challenge. I was sore the next day but I was not injured or defeated. So.. let's continue with the plans.This summer I retired from a job that I had for 33 years. It was a tough decision because I liked what I was doing. But I knew that if I was going to do the Thru-Hike , I would need time to prepare and get into shape. So I left and now I have taken the first steps toward my dream.At my retirement party attended by family and friends and co-workers I was presented with a gift card and a cash gift. I did not expect this and am honored that so many thought of me and took the time to make my going away luncheon a special event for me and my family. Thank you, Thank you. Thank you.I have used the gift card and cash gift to purchase some of my new equipment. As I use this equipment it will remind me of my friends back home when I am protected from the elements and cooking my food. Thanks again.I would like to encourage all who are reading my journal to please sign in on the guest book. I don't know who is reading this and would love to hear from you all. Also check out the other journals especially those that are hiking or have hiked.
Date: 2005-11-14
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to delete my gear list from my journal. There are a few reasons for my decision: First; At this point I feel like I don¢t know enough about the proper gear that someone should depend on for their hike and do not want to influence someone to take gear that is not going to help them stay safe and comfortable so for now I will not be going public with my specific choices.   Second; My gear hasn¢t passed a test on the trail. Third; I do not want to give manufacturers free endorsements or advertisement. When and if I finish this hike and I¢ve found some gear has really held up well and has passed the trail test I might add it to the gear list. By then I will hopefully be trail hardened and trail wiser.   I will hike with lightweight gear. I will carry a tent with a floor, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag, an alcohol stove, a cooking pot, a bear bag, rain gear, several layers of clothing, water bottles, hiking poles, flashlight, camera, a water filter, a bunch of little items for comfort and safety, and a backpack for all my stuff. I will bring enough food and water to get me to the next town. By the time I get ready to start my hike in late February or early March, I might have to purge items to get my pack weight low enough so I can walk comfortably. I will start out with Neel¢s Gap as my first goal and when I get there I will make gear adjustments as needed. Some gear choices will probably allow me to be more comfortable but there are more important things about this hike and I hope to find out about those things as I attempt to become one with the trail.
Date: 2005-11-23
To: Happy Thanksgiving
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick note to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. Team BMX is headed to TN for an Invitational Race and a National Race. I will try to get on the trail for a little hike if I can fit it in. Three months to go till kick off and plans are progressing well. I am anxious to get going but need time to get the final plans completed. We reserved a cabin near the trail for end of February so have that done. Planning to go there for three or four days to say good bye and relax before the hike begins. I am going to try to start on February 28th if the weather looks good. Thanks to all the people that have signed in on the Guest Book. I've enjoyed hearing from you all and have enjoyed exchanging e-mails afterward. All you waiting to start your journals this would be a good time on a long weekend. Hope to see some new members of the class of 2006 on line when I come back next week. Peace.
Date: 2005-12-09
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

During our trip to TN, I was able to check out Hot Springs NC, a small trail town I hope to be hiking into about two and a half weeks or three weeks after I start the hike. I wanted to see what the town looked like and if it would be a fun place to meet. We were in town for a quick visit but loved this town. I can only hope the rest of the trail towns are this friendly and nice. We stopped into the Bluff Mtn. Outfitters and talked to Daniel who showed off his shop which included about anything I can imagine would be needed for a Thru-Hike re-supply, including a food section, fuel, equipment, and a computer. He was very friendly and ended up staying past his closing time without mentioning that he wanted to close. I realized we had stayed late when we were leaving and the hours posted on the door showed he should have closed much earlier. The Post Office is located across the street from the AT, and will be very convenient. While in town we had dinner and a few beers at the town pub, which served good food and cold drinks. It was a nice casual comfortable pub I will look forward to going back to. While I enjoyed my last sips of a cold beer, my wife walked across the street to the ice cream parlor and realized she didn¢t have her purse and asked the owner if she could go ahead and order ice cream treats for her and the grandsons and that I would come along to pay in a few minutes. The owner said sure no problem and when I arrived we all had a good laugh about it. Very friendly, trusting, and refreshing. I plan on taking at least a zero day here and hope to meet my wife here.On our way home we located the A.T. where it comes out of the GSMNP and walked up the trail so the grand-kids could blow off some steam and see where I will be walking in a few months. I took this photo of Lynne who has volunteered to support me and enter my trail notes while I¢m on the trail. I will probably write the journal entries (the old fashioned way, with a pen and paper.)and mail them when I get to a location with a Post Office. I need to get another memory card for my digital camera so I can send pictures home. It really felt good putting my boots on the trail and imagining the awesome adventure just ahead.
Date: 2005-12-15
To: New stove
Miles today: 0.0

I've been testing my new alcohol stove with different amounts of water in windy conditions and have had great performance. Cooked breakfast and dinner and was surprised how fast it boiled water. Used one of Tin Man's pot cozies and it worked great. Tests were in Florida so they aren't under trail conditions in March but if it doesn't light in the cold I'll make adjustments at Neels Gap. Discovered a problem with the fuel bottle I planned on taking. I turned it upside down and found it leaked. Glad I found out before putting it in the backpack. That would have been a mess. I need a new fuel container. Does anyone have any good ideas for a fuel container. Would a plastic drink bottle work. (safely)Seventy five (75) more days to go! The pre-big-hike jitters are starting. I need to get out there and get this thing started.
Date: 2005-12-19
To: Pink Tents
Miles today: 0.0

I¢d like to share a backpacking story. A long time ago, when we were younger, my wife and I went backpacking in the Olympic Mountains, in Washington State. We were visiting her mom and dad who lived nearby. (This was in the 70's.) Whenever we visited we would make a wish list of things we wanted to do and go about checking them off. This visit we wanted to backpack in the Olympic Mountains. We didn't bring any gear ( we flew from Florida and had our daughter with us) we had our hands full as it was. We had everything we needed loaned to us by friends of the family in Washington. My mother-in -law (bless her heart) arranged to get us a small tent. Mom and Dad had friends into backpacking who agreed to take us to the Olympics with them. The friends were Ivan and Carol Doig. Ivan is a noted author. We had a great time, Ivan and Carol were great hosts and companions, but when I think about the trip I get a little embarrassed. We hiked up through a dense forest on soft trails to a beautiful alpine forest and meadows where we camped near an alpine lake. The lake was post card beautiful reflecting a peak blanketed with glaciers. The four of us were alone in paradise. When I unpacked the tent I discovered it was a toy tent designed for indoor use. The tent had pictures on it of dolls and princesses and it was "pink". The tent belonged to my wife¢s younger sister who played with her dolls in the tent in the safety of her bedroom. That night the wind howled and blew the tent down several times. We survived but probably looked like idiots. It¢s funny to think about it now. I've recovered. Come to think of it this might have been one of the first single wall lightweight tents used for backpacking.
Date: 2005-12-20
To: Holiday Greetings!
Miles today: 0.0

I sincerely wish you all the best during the holiday seasons and in the coming New year. The following letter was written tongue in cheek to send to our list but was vetoed as being inappropriate and having a bad tone, so I won't get to send it. But I will sneak it in here. I really did love my dog and don't mean to disrespect anyone that might have recently lost their friend. Also I am very appreciative of all Lynne does for me and the good work she is performing.The photo was taken at Boyd's Tree Farm a very beautiful place. When I saw the chain saw being given to Lynne I quickly grabbed it in case I would have to defend myself.Happy Holidays! The Bush Family has had a wonderful year.Rex our beloved family pet ¢passed away¢ after being with us for 14 years. Rex left us about the same time Bill decided to retire. Rex was our favorite pet a constant companion and always there to brighten our mood. He will be sorely missed. Just thinking about him brings tears and sometimes sobbing. What can we do but try to bravely go on with lumps in our hearts. Lynne is still working and has been very busy at her job this year. Her office has expanded and increased their staff. This has been a very challenging year for her. Bill on the other hand has decided to leave his job stress for his coworkers to deal with. Instead of long hours working under extreme stress and potential danger he is home safely and happily planning to escape reality for six months next year when he walks out of suburbia into the woods and hikes from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail. Bill is consumed with this dream and hardly does anything else. We weren¢t going to send out greetings this year but at the last minute we started feeling guilty. Next year should be very interesting. Lynne will have to make career decisions that will have a huge impact on our life. Bill will have to brave cold, snowy, rainy, windy, hot, humid, buggy, dirty, long days hiking an average of 15- 20 miles a day for about six months only to hopefully finish at Katahdin Maine and then have to face re-entering a society that he won¢t fit into. Yes, very interesting. We also look forward to celebrating the birth of our sixth grandchild in February. We hope to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary in August and might get to do it in Ocean Grove, the town where we were married in 1971. We have been richly blessed and hope that you too have had a wonderful year and an even better New Year ahead.We love you all,Bill and Lynne