morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-11-18
To: Sad Decision
Miles today: 0.0

I'm sitting here watching Sid sleep, and I've finally decided she can't go with me next year. I've been going back and forth. I can't imagine not having my beautiful yellow labrador with me, but if something happened to her b/c of a bad or selfish decision on my part, I would never forgive myself. She is also almost 7, and although she can still hike circles around me, I'm still reminded of her age everytime that big yellow (turning white) face looks in my direction adoringly, or each day when the ball game which used to go on for hours now has become 7-8 good long throws. Gosh I'll miss her.I also read these forums, Trailforums, Whiteblaze, etc., and a lot of the regulars make me a little nervous for her safety. There is just so much open animosity towards dogs. I know there is a small group of "regulars" in these forums that may not be indicative of the trail community, but it is not worth the risk. Sometimes all the bickering, sensitivity, animosity, and passionate opinions are a little overwhelming, but I know it is not representative of everyone....at least I hope not.This means a few plans have changed. I have someone to keep her, but I have to budget money for a dog sitter, so her keeper is not burdened with her. I also have to make sure all her shots, etc. are up to date. None of these are big plans, but I still have to factor everything into "the plan".I will miss my best hiking partner...the BEST dog in the entire world, but I will have peace of mind knowing she is warm, comfortable and cared for while I am hiking home to what will be the most excited, wiggly, slurpy greeting I will ever receive from my biggest fan!
Date: 2004-11-29
To: Company w/ 
Miles today: 0.0

I am so excited! "Bug" is going to hike with me my first two weeks out on the AT! Some of you may know her as "Grasshopper" since she has done the AT and PCT. We have been friends since our Freshman year in college where we were roommates, and she now lives with her family in NC, but uses ANY excuse to venture out into the unknown. She is a hard core, big mile, power hiker, and needless to say we have conflicting hiking styles. She has done both trails, canoed the Yukon, dog sledded somewhere...and all this on a diet consisting of Pop-tarts. She uses an internal frame pack that no longer has a frame..internal or external..fine lets call it an internal sack, she hikes in "keds" (remember those?), and everything I consider a necessity, she considers a luxury. She is AWESOME, and I'm already sure that as I do my 10 mile days, she will be "sleep hiking (kinda like sleep walking) behind me on the trail...being the true pal that I know she will be.I can't wait for the "Bug" to join me. I've already stock piled pop-tarts, and gotten some straps to attach my items to her sack (hoping this will slow her down and speed me up). The only conflict may be her marathon in "Big Sur" (not sure of the spelling here.) I've no doubts though that she will quickly run this and be on the trail early morning following the race after her Red Eye flight back. Go Bug Go! So looking forward to see you!
Date: 2004-11-30
To: New Pack!
Miles today: 0.0

I got my new ULA-P2 pack last night! I immediately unpacked it while Sid stood over her food bowl glaring at me. I could just see the bubble over her furry yellow head.."Your priorities are seriously SCREWED UP. Feed me damnit!" I was already home a little later in the evening than normal, so I guess I empathize (sp?).Anyway, the pack is GREAT! It is half the weight of my Dana (48oz), and a nice shade of green (not that this is exactly high on my list of requirments) which will go nicely with my other gear. I loaded it up, and it holds the 30 or so pounds nicely on my waist, and snug against my back after a little "tweaking". Sid gnawed on it a little til I spotted her and tossed a shoe. It has now been "accepted" by the dog, so clearly it is a fine pack. I will also allow her to sleep on it regularly, as this makes a fine bear deterent.On a side note....Brian @ ULA offered great customer service. He remained polite and very responsive through all my "Where is my PACK!" e-mails. It is nice to actually get a personal response instead of a "pick a number" auto generated response. The pack is clearly well made with all the "little extras". Anyone trying to loose the weight but not the capacity should check it out.I am set! Other than my DAM, I am ready to go!
Date: 2004-12-31
To: Blackberry
Miles today: 0.0

I failed to mention one of my most distinctive Christmas presents. I think I failed to mention it b/c I have still not come to grips with my feelings on having received this Christmas present. It flies directly in the face of my "rugged", "self-sufficient", "independent", "self-reliant" distance hiking persona I'm trying to establish (note the sarcasm here:-)..). Yes, I received a PDA from my father for Christmas...the "Blackberry"...with the assumption by all family members that it would accompany me on my hike.I LOVE electronic gadgets, so I actually am infatuated with the little device. I can go anywhere and do anything, and never loose contact with anything of importance. It is small, light, holds a charge for a week if conserved, and accesses most any modern form of communication, ie., e-mail, voicemial, web, phone, etc.Hence, the struggle. Doesn't this defeat the purpose of the classic distance hike? Isn't being able to reach out at any given moment for communication or assistance in complete conflict with the self-reliance this hike is supposed to help me attain. I'm there to test myself physically and mentally. Isn't this a "cheat sheet" of sorts? Oh hell, I don't know. I've still not made up my mind on whether I will take the Blackberry or not. I've no need for the device on my hike, but those that care about me are pretty passionate about me taking it. I know, I know..."hike my own hike", "live my own life"...but do you really do that at the expense of those you care about, or do you compromise? On the other hand, I can always not turn the Blackberry on except when in town.On a side note...I have made one solid decision. I will be taking my Firstlight Black Diamond tent instead of my hammock. While the hammock is more comfortable, I really enjoy the room and freedom of the tent. I also adapt to sleeping on the ground fairly quickly after a few days, and sleep well. Finally...the tent is lighter by about 8 ounces when weighed, and isn't this what really counts when the knees are screaming, and the feet are crying!
Date: 2005-01-08
To: Rain!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I heard it before I saw it. It was pounding on the window, coming down in a solid sheet....and I knew. It was time to set-up the TENT!It was about 8:30 this morning, before I had even made my coffee. I ran down stairs and grabbed my firstlight, and my rain jacket, and headed outside. I've always set it up in the woods or partially clear areas, but never in a totally clear space while it is pouring.I stepped back from the door so Sid could come out, and she just looked up at me with that "you've GOT to be kidding you human idiot" expression on her furry face. Oh well...I left the storm door open so she could watch...as if she even cared really. I'm convinced she is a far more evolved creature, and earth is the retirement home for her species. It's where they come in their final years for relaxation, entertainment and laughter.I threw out the footprint (soon to be replaced by tyvek), and quickly climbed in only bringing a small amount of water with me, threw up the two poles, partially closed the front flap, left open the back window....and waited.It poured ALL DAY LONG. I am proud to announce and proclaim that the Firstlight provided a STELLAR performance. I left it up all day, going out periodially between weighing of pack items, to check it out. I am quite pleased with it's performance, and it is now officially my "trail tent."
Date: 2005-01-21
To: Hiking Style
Miles today: 0.0

I've gotten a lot of questions/comments about my "hiking style"...hmmmmm, and gear. My writing style is fairly surficial here on trail journals, and I guess I've not been too specific or clear. Let me see if I can clear things up a little, answer a few of the questions I've gotten, and not ramble on too much.I use a Black Diamond Firstlight tent. It is great in rain, and condensation is not an issue as long as the flaps are partially open. I do feel like a "bear/human beacon" in the bright yellow bubble sometimes though. Sometimes I wish it was a nice bark shade so I'd blend a little more. I also have a HH Hammock, but have come to prefer the tent space over time. It is also only 3 lbs., single wall, free standing, and packs incredibly small. It is one tough little tent!I have a Marmot 15 bag, ULA pack, and Garmont mid-weight boots which will switch to ASOLO after VA. I use Aqua Mira half the time, and "go with the risky flow" the other half. Oh yeah...and my second toe is longer than my big toe. I'm not a slow hiker, but I'm not a speed demon either. I like my breaks, which usually include little side juants to satisfy my curiosity. I will break a 20 if hungry enough and slack with 5 if ahead of schedule (gasp...yes I like a flexible schedule). I don't stay in shelters, but I usually stop at them for chow and a social fix, and then head on to camp elsewhere. I really do enjoy the "wilderness experience", but the wilderness experienced around shelters often has slight attitude problems.Towns are nice for a good meal, but I usually do a nero, and stay away from the zeros. I'm also a feather light sleeper, so I don't typically stay at hostels. Let's see, I've stayed at Shaws (own room), Hiker's Paradise (group room, but nobody else in it), annndddd...that's about it I guess as far as staying at partial hostel establishments.Finally, I'm carrying a Blackberry on this hike. It is half the weight of the pocketmail, e-mail is real time, and I only have to charge it every 5-7 days. I'll just have to wait and see how the reception goes, but it has been fine on my section hikes.I think that about sums up the questions I've received. I probably won't post too many more preparatory entries. I'm really in standby mode right now. I'll announce the start date once I know what it is, and then I'll see everyone on the trail. Take care and safe hiking "Class of 2005".
Date: 2005-02-07
To: Two Topics
Miles today: 0.0

Someone left a note in my journal last night. I read it about 6 six times trying to figure what friend had left this for me. It was simple, unconditional, completely lacking of any kind of judgement. I knew it could not be one of my family members or friends. It conveyed so much in just a few sentences. Above and beyond any responses, e-mails, calls or words I've received to date, these few sentences conveyed the thoughts of a friend that seemed to understand my thoughts and simplicity. I smiled and felt a certain sense of peace. A peace I've not experienced since announcing my intentions to do this hike. Her words conveyed positive, unconditional support and encouragement. It was as if she looked inside my soul, and in only a few words calmed the final subsiding waves of indecision. Thank you "J" for reminding me of my own faith in my abilities.Alright, enough of that....I'm down to the wire! In the home stretch! I now have a tentative date and a firm plan has taken shape. The question has been asked...how the hell are you getting down there? By car, plane, bus....you guessed it...TRAIN! It can't be worse than my bus trip from SC to Bangor, ME in 1998 for a 21/2 month SOBO section, but that is an entire seperate story that would take pages.Here is the plan. I will take a train down to SC on Friday where my brother will hopefully pick me up. I have NEW NEPHEWS...our first nephews and grand children, and I can't WAIT to see them! I'm sure they also can't WAIT to see their crazy Auntie either. I will then stay with my nephews on Saturday, and my brother will take me up to Charlotte on Sunday where I will meet one of my best friends "Grasshopper." Some of you AT & PCT thrus may know this young bug.She will then take me down to Amicalola where we will stay in the Lodge, and I will begin my hike bright and early on Monday morning! Grasshopper will not hike, and she is literally depressed, but following her Big Sur Marathon she will return for 2 weeks on the trail. This is a very good thing since it will give me time to get my hiker legs in enough shape where I can at least be able to trot behind "Bug the POWER HIKER!" I think we also have it timed to hit Trail Days for one or two days.Can you believe it? I actually have somewhat of a plan!
Date: 2005-02-24
To: The Dog
Miles today: 0.0

I unlocked the door the other night, walked into the mud room, switched on the light...and knew I had problems. Sid was huddled in the corner by her water bowl shaking like a leaf, with that oh so mournful, head down turned , sad brown eyed expression. Many of you dog owners know "the look" to which I'm referring. It's the "oh crap I'm in so much trouble, so let me feign pure terror" expression/routine...and people say they don't remember. How many times have I heard "don't fuss, she doesn't know why you are mad." Well, my dog knows!I looked down and followed the shredded "Mountain House" packaging trail. It was like wading through a trail of fall leaves. It culminated in the middle of my basement floor, and judging by the small mound of colored packaging, Sid had clearly enjoyed a dehydrated feast. I'm not sure what was worse, the loss of the meals I had been given for Christmas, or knowing I would shortly have to hear "I told you not to leave those there!" "I told you the dog (she always becomes "the dog" and looses her personal identity when bad) would eat them." Of course at the time, I had replied "not my sweet angel." "She knows not to bother my meals." Why can I never remember all thoughts of me are immediately voided by the first hint of food.I peered closer, and hope started to rise as I realized some meals could be salvaged. I then slumped again as I realized my dog shared my tastes. The lasagna, chili mac, etc. were gone, and only the scrambled eggs, tetrazini, etc. were left scattered.I then began to worry. I hoped this was not like the "Seagull with the Alkaseltzer" story. Would the meals expand? Would my angel begin to swell and have to be "vented?!" I glanced up the stairs to see her at the top, flat on the floor, head on paws, peering down at me with that pitiful, mournful, suffering expression. She did not look in the least bit bloated or in any kind of pain. As a matter of fact as I climbed the stairs, she immediately leapt to her feet and rushed to the pantry door to await her routine evening biscuit. Of course she had now forgotten the "pure terror" she had felt moments earlier, and that expression had been replaced by one of pure glee and exuberance as she, like the picture perfect labrador, awaited her biscuit. Later in the evening..."I see you finally put your meals away." "Smile" in response.I can put this in my journal b/c I know it will not be read for weeks. "I told you so" is far less irritating weeks after the act that prompts the statement.At least Sid is helping to prepare me for the hike. She is testing my ability to protect my food from wildlife I may encounter.I will still miss her.
Date: 2005-02-27
To: Final Days
Miles today: 0.0

The countdown is speeding up. The day gets closer and time moves quicker. I still have quite a bit to do, but the plan is coming together.My official notice date is this upcoming Tuesday. I think I would look forward more to having each toe nail slowly pulled off with a pair of plyers. I don't dread the giving of notice itself, just the disappointment I may bring to others. Hopefully my dread is just a "head trick." I keep trying to imagine a positive response like "Cool, send us a post card", or something to that effect. Unfortunately, my mind keeps defaulting to "There's the door ya wack job."My official start date is 3/28. Grasshopper will be taking me down to Springer, and may even hike with me for two weeks if her foot muscle has healed. She was training for the Big Sur Marathon, and tore her foot muscle on mile seven. She is supposed to stay off it for 4 weeks, but that is a little tough with a two year old and a four year old. Especially her 2 year old and 4 year old...:-). The title of their home flics is probably "Pure Chaos!"I'm still tweaking the gear. I stored away the rain pants last night. The end of March should be fine for capilenes, and if its really cold I always have my bag. I also added a couple of more stops in the beginning to lighten up the food load. I'll stretch out the miles a bit as I get my trail legs toughened up. I've also decided to go with a digital camera (Olympus C-60). Consumer reports rated it the only "Best Buy" among all the 4-6 megapixel cameras it reviewed ($315).I'm off to work on my mail drops. Yeah, I like a little structure. It actually allows me to be a little more flexible. That and I HATE grocery shopping, so I always go the mail drop way. I've never found them to hold me up or slow me down. I actually find it takes me longer to go to the grocery store. Of course, that is just me. I know many others prefer to hike and shop.Ciao
Date: 2005-03-01
To: 100 Pounds Lifted
Miles today: 0.0

The deed is done. I gave notice this morning. Once I had finished telling those required, I literally walked back into my office, closed the door, and slumped in my chair. I felt as if 100 pounds had been lifted from my shoulders. The guilt I have felt for weeks lifted. Then I briefly made the calls to family and friends, and let them know.I called those interested and let them know I'd given notice. Most of the remarks were the same..."You really did it?" I've been talking about this for years. I don't think anyone expected me to really take this time in my life to do this now.The reactions from my managment were mixed. There was support, suprise, anger, and disappointment. The owner has yet to be told, so there is still that reaction, but I've started the ball rolling. I've made the announcement at work, and I'm still sitting at my desk, so that alone is a positive situation.It was a much tougher discussion than I had expected. I've only been here for a year and a half, but you develop certain loyalties and bonds that you don't ever achieve working in a larger, corporate environment. I feel a connection to my co-workers and employees in general here that I never felt in the years I worked for large companies. Don't get me wrong, I've made a few good friends at other jobs that I've kept over the years, but not to a group as a whole. I think the culture of a family owned business, big and small, fosters these types of more empathetic bonds and loyalties.I've 27 more days.Mayfly
Date: 2005-03-08
To: An interesting Question....
Miles today: 0.0

I was asked some tough questions the other day. Questions from someone whose opinion I respect. They made me reflect on some of my own past experiences.In 98 I did a couple of months SOBO starting at Katahdin. Simply put....it was painful. Between the black flies, the 100 mile wilderness, the blow downs, high waters, and a little unexpected snow, I was a little overwhelmed.For the first 9 days, I felt as if Maine had thrown most everything it could at me. At one point I wandered around the base of what appeared to be a rock slide for a half hour looking for White Blazes. I sat down on a rock and glanced up to see the blazes heading straight up the rocks. Between my dread of heights, and my lack of "trail legs", I was at a loss. At that point I simply lowered my head and sagged in defeat. Could I go back 6 days? Was there some other route out? I knew the answer already...no (no b/c I believed I had no other choices at the time).In that situation I was taught the meaning of "mind over matter." I also learned that hiking the AT was not always simply "a walk in the woods." I probably could have wandered down some logging roads til I found some type of civilization, but right then and there my security was those blazes, and knowing where I would end up if I followed them. I prefered the known to the unknown. I began to climb b/c I felt I really had no choice. I looked up reached out, and began to do what I would never have done if given another choice.When I was cold b/c my bag was not rated low enough, I simply put on all my clothes, buried and curled, and stuck it out.I stared down at the thin log over the raging creek (raging in my limited world), and just inched across. My choices of other exits were just simply not available.My point...my choices seemed limited at the time. I had to depend on myself, and I learned some valuable lessons. Maine in the Spring/Summer was tough, and not the backpacking I was accustomed to back then. I was humbled by the experience.I'm leaving for a NOBO thru this March, and I firmly believe in everyone experiencing their own hike. The experience seems a little different now though if you follow current journals. At least some seem to think the experience has changed. Get cold...call a hostel on the cell. It rains...call the hostel. Low on food...yeah, the hostel, or a quick blue blaze to a store/restaurant. These things have always been available, but have they always been as accessible as they are now?"I know your hikes are what you make them, but when your backs are up against a wall, do you have to make decisions anymore that force you to pull from a part of yourself not needed in our current society?" Are you now required to step outside of your cocoons of security, or when suffering from cold, pain, hunger or thirst, do you simply stick out your thumbs or make a quick call"? These are interesting questions, and ones I was asked.I don't think things have changed all that much. I think the hike is what we make it. I guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks. I'll find out and I'll give ya a call. Now where is my dang cell phone!?
Date: 2005-03-14
To: Slight Change
Miles today: 0.0

There has been a minor change in plans....very minor. I'm still planning on starting my hike on the 28th, but I'll now be heading down by rental car instead of train.Cars, feet and horse are my prefered means of travel, so this is no issue for me. I don't really care for transportation I can't control, ie., planes. I don't mind transportation I can exit, ie., boats and trains (although probably painfully exit in an emergency). Cars are prefered though. I can steer them, stop them, and if I so choose, I can crash them. You guessed it. In other words, I'm probably a bit of a "control freak." I'll admit it, no problem. I personally like to tell people that I just have an "inner ear issue." It just sounds so much nicer to say "I get nauseaous on planes, trains and boats" rather than "I want to control how I move and die, so either ride with me or I'll meet you there." I'll even admit to the fact that if I'm not actually DRIVING the vehicle, I will actually get nauseous.This probably also explains my affinity to hiking. Huh, I'll have to give this a little more thought...Anyway, my last day of work is on the 23rd, and I then head south on the 24th. Safe trails everyone. See ya on the 28th!
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Connecticut

To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Test TestThis is Ellie's new transcriptionist. I will be updating her journal (i.e., editing) for the duration of her hike. However, if she doesn't call me fairly frequently, I might quit. I will also keep in touch with those who need to know Ellie's whereabouts.Her Mom