morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-10-02
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: East branch Lean-to
Miles today: 36.3

Plodding along doing 10-12 miles a day, thru rain showers and occ. sun, up and down. By the time they arrived at White Cap, Jericho was so cold, Skywalker was worried about hypothermia. He even needed help opening his candy bar wrapper. They used the hand warmers to unthaw that we use for skiing. Maine has continued to be a challenge and it is because they are so exhausted and lets face it, not the youngest guys anymore. But what a great feat for both of them!!! Met Canyon Man today who started a day before Skywalker and they had never bumped into each other.Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-03
From: East branch Lean-to

To: Antlers Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good cell phone coverage here! This campsite is on the edge of Jo Mary Lake which is also their water source.Rain off and on all day but the terrain finally evened out so they could do some good miles today. Skywalker had a run in with a board walk that was slick like grease and went down on his ass. He says now both cheeks will be the same black and blue color. He can't believe how many times he has fallen in Maine and manages to be OK. Keep it up, Skywalker! Still no moose sightings and he figures it is hunting season and they are all hiding! Staying at the shelter are Flying Tortoise and Nickname.Tomorrow White House Landing to resupply51.8 miles to go. Update tomorrow, hopefullyHappy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-04
From: Antlers Campsite

To: Somewhere out There in the Wilderness
Miles today: 10.0

   Early morning cell phone call 6:15 AM from the tent of Jericho. In a whispered voice ,he said..bring fritos, big bags and some gloves for me. I had to chuckle. He also said there were 10 tents at the campsite, most thru hikers.So, today they hope to visit the White House Landing Wilderness Camp this morning to resupply. They have to take a tote road, blue blaze, from the trail to Pemadumcook Lake. There they will find a boat dock and sound an air horn one short blast to summon the ferry man to pick them up. This camp is famous for their 1 lb hamburgers and great hospitality.   The plan is to reach Katahdin Stream Camgrounds on Fri and summit on Sat, Oct 7. Can you believe it??? I was lucky to get one of the last campsites and will meet them there. Weather is predicted to be sunny and in the 50's...colder on top, of course. It will be just short of 6 months since Skywalkers journey began in GA.Wish Skywalker and Jericho luck and we will update the journal later. Please sign the guest book.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-05
From: Somewhere out There in the Wilderness

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: scattered clouds

   The saga continues...After leaving White House landing, Skywalker says they continued on the "jerk me up and down" trail. met a chap heading south (Flip Flop) named Rickle McPickle who hikes in a dress shirt and tie with a sports jacket for cold! To each his ownWed 17 miles to Wadleigh Stream LeantoThurs 19.6 miles to Hurd Brook leanto Standing on Rainbow ledge with the sun shining looking toward The big K which looks formidable in thwe distance.The hikers are now talking about the good weather promised for the weekend and the end that is near! Lots of people coming out of the woods to catch up and they are catching up with others not seen for awhile.Happy trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-06
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campgrounds
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Ah...Baxter State Park...here we come...A quick stop at Irving for gas and a bump into Mousehat who was heading home to TN after summiting yesterday I arrived at our campsite after a long wait at the gate and then a long ride, 8 miles on a dirt road that defines the term into the pucker brush.What a lovely campground at the base of Katahdin. Our campsite is right at the beginning of the Hunt Trail and perfect for a few tents. Also the privey is close by! The privies are spotless, I might add. I sign in at the Ranger Station and meet Canyonman who has just summited..congrats to all.   I then hike into meet Skywalker and Jericho. The sun is shining and the temp a cool 50 degrees. I pass 2 ponds, see loons and enjoy the fall folliage. Meet Dandelion, Social, Monologue, Dadgum and Super Dave along my way. Finally a tearful reunion with Skywalker with wonderful hugs. Close behind comes Jericho and then Flying Tortoise and Nickname.   We head to the campsite with busy work to do. Setting up tents, preparing for the big climb tomotrrow and enjoying a great meal of chili, cornbread salad, brownies and a beer or two. Then they all head to the ranger station to register, Skywalker is Thru Hiker 331!! The comraderie is wonderful and Shreik, Trips, Puffy Nipples and Sheeto stop by our campsite to chat. The electricity and excitment in the air is terrific!   As the sun goes down, the temperature drops quickly and we all head to our tents.. Then along comes Misdirection to join us and set up camp. I give her any food we have left and head to bed. Skywalker and I talk for ages in the tent of his journey and accomplishments. He is eager and more than ready for the hike tomorrow.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-07
From: Katahdin Stream Campgrounds

To: The End..Top Of Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

   3AM Flying Tortoise, Nicknmae and Misdirection head up with a full moon to catch the sunrise on the top. For Flying Tortoise it is a bittersweet. In 1975, 30 yrs ago, he began a SOBO trip and broke his ankle on Katahdin coming down. Now he returns from CA as a NOBO to complete his dream. 6AM and it is bitter cold. The first time I have slept with my clothes on and with a hat on. Hot cocoa and lots of sweet rolls and donuts to start the day. On this final leg, about 19 Thru hikers are heading out to finish. The Rangers figure there are about 70 NOBO"s left this year. A good number this yr.God speed guys! By 8AM the parking lot is full and by 9AM closed down to any more people.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-07
From: The End..Top Of Katahdin

To: THe TOP
Miles today: 0.0

Summit Reached by Skywalker and Jericho at 11:45 AMSo much to share and Skywalker will do this ASAPWay to Go Skywalker 2176 miles!!!Details and pictures to come Also Summiting today were Dadgum and Pacecar, Social and Dandelion, Barely, Brock, Flying Tortoise and Nickname, Cat and Cud, Monologue, Super Dave, Wolfpaw and Chickadee, Pixie and Dander, Cheeto and Puffy Nipples, Wholly Bear, Misdirection, Kidsmeal (2nd day in a row) Posted pictures 10/9/06EnjoyHappy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-10-11
To: Skywalker at Home
Miles today: 0.0

Well, Team Senile" made it to the top of Mount Katahdin on Saturday 11:45AM 07 October 2006 to the cheers of 10 other much younger Thru-Hikers. Overcome by emotions Jericho(58) and Skywalker(63) embraced each other and were shedding a few tears, if I might add. It has been a long journey of almost 6 months from April 13th to October 7th. Back then on April 12th after my arrival at Josh & Leigh Saint's Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, Georgia I had serious doubts that I would be able to go the distance to reach Fontana Dam and the Trail beyond. The distance on foot to reach the mid-Atlantic States or even the New England Region were something almost out of reach. Mount Katahdin wasn't even on the radar screen. I can truly say that without all you wonderful people out there, giving me advice, helping with repacking my backpack by lowering its weight by 11 pounds of gear not needed (Paul the Old Man comes to mind)and most of all those letters of encouragement as I was treking North Bound, this hike would never have been completed in its entirety. This hike had both the worst as well as the best of times all bundled in my overall adventure. From the beautiful Spring times in Georgia, North Carolina and the Smokey Mountains to the stiffling mid-summer heat of New Jersey and York York State. Blisters, days of cold rain, incredible thirst, hunger, exhaustion, being cold and every part of your body in pain at one time or another. I figured, as long as the aches and pains moved around to different body parts everything would be alright. The feet however were the exception. They hurt most of the time while carrying up to 45 Pounds of gear, food and water up and down those sometimes incredible steep and rocky mountains made treacherous by rain, wash outs and serious erosion. A massive blister attack on my feet after receiving the wrong replacement boots in Pennsylvania almost made me leave the trail for good. But as I mentioned before, reading your latest letters of encouragment and support reinforced my determination to continue and earlier depression soon turned into cheerful hiking dispite all the discomforts of an elderly Thru-Hiker. I also recalled my earlier training while serving in the US Air Force in the early 1960's. We were taught that failure was not an options for a good airman. So here you have it in a nut shell. I can hardly believe it myself that I would be crazy enough to hike the Applachian Trail without by-passing or missing even one single white blaze from Georgia to Maine. Only hiked in the wrong direction once during my early days on the trail before experience, my maps (there are 41 of them)and compass taught me to hike northbound. It meant at times hiking in a southerly direction in order to hike towards the Big Kahuna in Maine was the only option. Once again, I love you all. Thank you very much for everything you have done and God bless you all. Skywalker Ga--->Maine 2006Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I had trouble sleeping last night. Slamming five beers and eating a bunch of food seemed like a good way to tire myself out and maybe pack on a pound or two. It usually does the trick. However, as the trail approaches, I'm finding myself more and more restless. The every day activities of "normal" life are becomming more and more of a bore, and anticipation coupled with anxiety over my boredom become increasingly intense. Yesterday I decided to get a new computer before my trip so that I could do some home recording of my guitar while I'm home in Lexington next month with my folks. The only thing that seems to keep me interested in life in Grand Rapids right now is accumulating more and more gear; of the hiking sort as well as the musical and technological. I will soon have two or more of nearly everything: Headlamps, sleeping pads, hiking shoes/boots, millions of hiking socks, computers, a crapload of guitars and other instruments... Hopefully I'll be able to fit it all in my car before I drive home. I'm just now getting over a cold I've had for about a week, so I haven't been jogging or walking with my pack for a week. However, I think I'll be healthy enough come my next day off (Monday the 30th) to start my 3 mile jogging again. I've been doing that every other day in order to build up my lung capacity (ex-smoker) as well as endurance. On my off days from jogging I've been doing a lot of streching as well as muscle building exercises for my legs in order to prepare them for the mountains again. No such exercise or preperations were made before my two weeks in the Whites in September, but that was after a summer of intense physical labor, so my body was tough as nails. Unfortunately, working at Guitar center dosn't put the same demands on my body as Sysco's Warehouse did, so my body went soft pretty fast. But now that I'm exercising again, I will soon become, once again, the hulking giant I was at the end of August. I started growing my beard back out about three weeks ago, so I should look like quite a hiker already when I make it to Springer.
Date: 2006-02-02
To: work
Miles today: 0.0

Having decided against a stove, new food plans are in order. I wanted to simulate a day of eating on the trail yesterday, so I had Pop tarts, Pizza flavored goldfish (yum), peanut butter crackers, snickers bars, as well as tortillas filled with tuna + summer sausage + cheese, all drenched in vegtable oil for calories. But at the end of the day, that wasn't enough, so I broke down, had nachos and a pitcher at the bar, and then came home and ate a pizza.But, minus the end of the day break-down I had my pack down to 33 pounds with 3+1/2 days of food and a days worth of water. My base weight is down to 22 pounds after having ditch my stove, fuel, and pots. I only weigh 140 right now, so eating right on the trail is crucial if I don't want to look like a skeleton at Katahdin.Packing my valuables is underway, as I will be leaving Grand Rapids in under three weeks. It's been four plus years here in GR, and I will miss all of my friends I've met here. It'll be tough finding a new town with new drinking buddies and new jamming buds after the trail, but it's high time I got out of GR and tried something new. Anyone got any ideas? I've thought about checking Colorado out, but have no job hooked up anywhere, so now definite plans. My Wingnut still hasn't arrived yet. I got an email from Amazon saying that they couldn't mail it out on time. That's kind of a pain in the balls. I need to be able to plan my days until at least neel's gap, so that i have enough food for the first however many miles. If worse comes to worse, i can take my roomate Kennedy's advice and just start eating roots and river trout. I'll gut the trout with my 1-inch mini swiss army knife blade, which will be my only knife on the trail. I've been practicing my knifemanship and was stabbing at imaginary bears last night. I'm pretty confident I could take on a whole family of Black bears with a one inch blade.I was sick for the past week and a half, but it was nothing a couple jugs of OJ and a few 30 packs of PBR couldn't solve. Healthy once again, I've gone back to training. I did a 4 and 1/2 mile jog around Reeds Lake three days back. Yesterday a put my pack on for a 11-mile urban hike which turned out to be pretty damn boring.
Date: 2006-02-06
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I forgot about the Superbowl this year. Yesterday during work a customer mentioned something about the game, and I was all "S%$t! I completely forgot!" So I ended up going to the bar after work to catch the 2nd quarter while having a double pint and two derby-dogs. More of that conditioning comming in fatty. Sniggedy.People I tell about my upcomming adventure often remark how tough it would be to hike the trail. They are concerned mostly with the legnth of time without showers, the heavy pack, sleeping outside...etc... I've thought about that, and those things don't bother me at all. In fact, those are some of the things I find glamourus about trail life. I'll probably miss playing guitar and listening to music the most. My brother recomended me bringing an i-pod or mp3 player, but I feel like that would cheapen the experience. Part of the reason I'm going on this adventure is to escape the snares of modern technology for six months, in hope of experiencing a more pure form of existence. I will also miss beer while I'm on the trail. I love going to the bar and having a beer at the end of a long day at work. However, it will be interesting to try different beers when I'm in towns along the trail. West Michigan has some excellent microbreweries. Hopefully I'll find some equally pleasing brews along the AT.15 more days in GR, then 27 in Massachusettes, then Springer. I'm getting antsie in the double-McPantsy.
Date: 2006-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Howdie Friends!With much help from my Dad now have a one way ticket from Boston to Atlanta on March 18th. I'll get into Atlanta 9am on the 18th, so it looks like I'll be able to tackle the 8 mile approach trail up to the summit of Springer MT. ( southern terminus of the A.T.) the same day. Bob and my roomate Adam will be meeting me at the Airport and starting the trail with me. Four weeks has never seemed so long before in my life! No matter. I'll be heading home to Boston in less than a week, which will be a nice change of pace. No more being a Scheister guitar Salesman. Boohoo. While home I hope to put some meat on these bones. I'm gonna need it pretty soon.I've had so many obligitory nights at the bar the last week. So many friends want to have that last drink at the bar with me. My wallet is feeling lighter by the day. I might not update this again or have internet access until I'm back home next week, so be patient if I don't reply to my emails or guestbook.peace and love,
Date: 2006-02-23
To: Back home (for now)
Miles today: 0.0

I'm officially unemployed!Tuesday was my last day of work at Guitar Center Grand Rapids. After I got home, I packed up and was in my car by 6:30 PM. I drove all-night from GR to Lexington MA and arrived home at around 9:30 yesterday morning. Some highlights from my drive:1. Eating tons of beef jerky.2. Getting lost in the farmtowns of Southern Ontario.3. Taking naps at the rest stops of I-95 in upstate New York.4. Driving through the Berkshires as the sun was rising.5. Actually, getting lost in Ontario sucked and led to much swearing. This dumbass cop or mounty or whatever they called them there gave me crappy directions and it took me an hour of driving through hick towns that reeked of cow turds before I found my way back to the 402.I finally put in an order with Trailplace for my Wingnut today (for those of you who don't know what the hell I'm talking about, just ignore any references to "Wingnut." Once that arrives, all of my gear will be in order. Tommorow I'm going to start my intense physical training which will include jogging, day-hiking, and eating the pizza and beer provided by my mom (I'm home in Lexington for the next three weeks). Today's picture is from Calvin College's calender. Apparently they found me worthy of "MR. February." When my old roomate Kennedy found out about this he told me mockingly that I am "So Calvin." I'll miss my roomates. They initiated my interest in backpacking and I will be forever grateful for that. It was hard to up and leave a place I've lived for almost five years. I plan on being nomadic for the next few years of my life, so I guess I'll have to get used to moving. Enough reminising. Now that I'm home, it's time to prepare for my journey that is almost three weeks from now. See you all on the trail.p.s. go here to see more shots of my trips in the Whites and Tibet http://community.webshots.com/user/mandobnasty
Date: 2006-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sweet pickles and relish are two of the worst toppings known to man.That being said, I'm having a great time back in Lexington. The other night I went to a benefit party at "The Rack" in downtown Boston where Lila, a highschool friend was raising money for the Boston Medical Center, or cancer, or both (something good). It turns out that Lila thru-hiked last year, so that was interesting. We'll probably bump into each other at "Trail Days" in Damascus VA near the end of May. In addition, it was fun seeing high school friends, who I haven't seen in five years, get down and nasty on the dance floor. Whoopdeewhoop. Four nights ago i went to a bar called the "Pig" something or other in the center of Salem (where they hung the witches). That was a blast. I met up with Dandy and Soul-Mouse. Those two are friends BJ and I made when hiking the trail in September. Soul-Mouse and I might play an open mic night at the "Gulu" in Lynn on Friday for those of you who might be interested. I'm kinda nervous because I haven't played an open mic solo in about a year. Anywho, I've pretty much finalized my pack now. I got it around 21-22 pounds after today's arrival of my Wingnut/departure of my rainpants. Yesterday I played my favorite trail prep game: "What will I ditch from my pack today?" The rainpants lost. I figured wearing them would just make my legs sweat and therefore be wet, negating the purpose of rainpants in the first place, which is to keep legs dry. Good luck to the legions of thru-hikers who started their hikes yesterday. To the rest, see you at Springer,
Date: 2006-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This past weekend, my friend Tim and I went out to Western MA to tackle some of the trail. We summitted MT. Everett on Saturday and spent the night at Hemlock Shelter about a mile below the summit. The trip was a blast. We had very nice views of the surrounding states on both days. It was very cold on Saturday night though. Didn't get the best sleep due to the cold and the mouse that was tormenting me all night. It ran over my sleeping bag at one point. In reaction I got out of my sleeping bag and batted it out of the shelter's loft with my trekking pole. This kept it away for a few minutes. I did end up playing at that open mic night out in Lynn last friday. I played two songs that were both well received. Hopefully I'll have a chance to perform somewhere again before I leave. It will be tought to give up my guitar for half a year. I hope I don't suck at playing when I finish the trail.Thanx to all who have been signing my guestbook. Your encouragement is very important to me and I look forward to meeting many of you out on the trail.Until then,
Date: 2006-03-17
To: Antsy in the SextupleMcPantsie
Miles today: 0.0

Got my taxes in, my car off the isurance, my health on the insurance, my gear bought... I'm about ready to get up and out. Tommorow my flight to Atlanta leaves Boston at 6AM (the morning after ST Patty's go figure). All I have left to do here is buy my first five days of food. I'll be hiking from Amicalola lodge to Springer MT (Springer is the southern end of the AT). From Springer I'll be hiking to Neels gap, which will be my first chance to resupply. It's about a 40 mile hike from Amicalola to Neels and I should be there early on Wednesday with a little luck (thursday at the latest). Everyone is asking me if I'm excited. Excitement will hit when i stand atop Springer Mountain tommorow evening and I realize that I have no responsibilities in the next six and a half months other than walking 2100 miles and trying to stay alive. That's excitement G. It'll be nice seeing Bob and Adam again. They are taking me from the airport in Atlanta to Amicalola and will be hiking with me for about a week as today marks the beginning of their spring break.I must express my gratitude to all those who made this possible for me. In particular I'd like to thank BJ and Steve Riley who got me my job at Sysco. Without the money I made working that dreaded night shift over the summer, none of this wood have been possible. Also BJ, thank you for accompanying me on my first AT venture in september. That trip put the fear of nature into me. Mom and Dad, thanks for the new tent (Big Agnes Seedhouse SL1 which kicks major ass) and the new memory card. Best birthday gifts ever.For those of you who are still reading: blistery monkey rectum.See all you 2006ers Katahdin,
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After a month of preperation, today finally came. At around noon, Adam, Bob, and I left Amicalola visitor center via the 8.8 mile approach trail to Springer Mtn, the southern terminus of the A.T. It was a day of much elevation change. The trail grade here is much nicer than New England, which made for easy hikin' despite the elevation change.Many Sleeps, an ATC worker informed me of leave no trace policies at the top of Springer. Then we took our beginning of the trail pictures and headed on to Stover Creek shelter. Stover Creek is a nice creek surrounded by rhodadendruns. We will be tenting tonight due to the small shelter space.I'm very happy to finally be here. Now I can live the simple life of a vagabond. It's not as much about finding myself as it is about enjoying life and the outdoors, although finding myself will happen to some degree. I just hope that these next 6 months won't be the "best" times of my life, rather a preview of things to come.