morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-10
From: MAINE

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Domino and Stilts are in Andover, ME. According to Domino, Maine is a Pain. The hiking has been tough, but the hard work has been rewarded with some excellent views and scenery. A bunch of the hikers staying at the B&B will be slackpacking tomorrow to help knock out some of those hard miles. Mt. Katahdin will literally come into view over the next few days!over and out - Deb
Date: 2005-09-11
From: Gorham

To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Stilts and I hiked out of Gorham, head'n towards Maine. The Main Event, happily done with the Whites and all their majesty and on to the last leg of this journey. Wow, the Mahoosuc Range of mtns were the HARDEST part of the trail so far. Serious ups and downs but absolutely beautiful views.Ah, the Notch! Mahoosuc Notch, the toughest mile on the trail. It took us 1 hr 15 min to do it, but we went into it like it was a giant playground and had a blast. Didn't have to take our packs off as we squeezed, squatted, jumped, jammed, and jived through the notch. Some pictures we took looked as though the rocks were giving "birth" to us.Anyway, there were some awesom surprise mtns...like Balpate. Wow! So far, one of my favorites. You could see all the way around 360 degrees plus a look back at Mt. Washington and the Wildcats (ouch, they hurt too!). Now...Well, the last few days have gotten a lot better terrain and the days, though cooler, have been the most beautiful so far. Andover is the type of place that you feel greatful to be on the AT in order to experience. It really makes you think abou tall the towns across America that are like this and their own remarkable characters themselves. I love visiting new places and meeting new faces. Speaking of meeting people, I am still amazed at how many people I have met, friends I have made, but simply going for a six month stoll through the forest. If any of you are reading this, please, please sign my journal and make sure I have your contact information (if I don't know what you do for a living or future plans, please let me know, heck, refresh my memory, EVERYONE!).So, I guess I've got to start readying my resume and exploring some of the future dreams I have. I may have found, through people I have met out here, the right folks to make some other dreams/goals I have come true. Examples: an illustrator for my children's books; some creative folks for another business plan I have; contacts for future journeys and adventures; friends in places I would still love to go visit. Good friends - good people. So much more, no words can do justice to all that he's been through, felt, endured. I am sure I have grown in many ways, some that I will realize sometime in the future.Glad to hear that Family got to see Mom and be with her on her Birthday weekend. I MUST figure out how to get her in a more progressive program and living environment.So, it's planning time. Looking forward to spending time with Debra, cooking lots of chili, seeing my family and friends, H3 runs, geochaching, RUNNING (not walking) getting in the gym and sleeping in a comfortable bed. What will be the next phase of my life? Enough of my banter, what do you all thing I should do next? Anyone got a job available? I hope to get a few more journal entries before this is over. And then, a nice summary of the trek and things I have missed writing about.The last 200 miles await.ON ON
Date: 2005-09-13
From: Andover, ME

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I dont even remember if I put anything in about Rangeley, but it was one of my favorite towns. There is a man and women(names withheld) there that let 10 of us camp in their yard and take apples from their trees as well as telling us we could go into their gareden and get whatever we want. Wonderful people.We hiked out of there and headed to off for more BIG mountains. There were some very very tough day in these sections of Maine. We kept it short and sweet and had a fantastic campfire night just out of town with a large group of hikers. I believe this was the beginning of the final groupings to start planning the Big K attack and get more definative summitt dates down.On On
Date: 2005-09-14
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, there will be a few more entries that I sent from Andover home via the snail mail system...so stayed tuned.It actually has been really nice temps here and I hope and pray it stays that way for the next few weeks. Stilts and I were gonna hike into town last night but we got 5 miles out and there were canoes there...it was 4pm so we decided to set up camp and go fishing in the canoe. Stilts caught 3 and it was Trout for din din. We have seen lots and lots of moose tracks, heard them in the woods and at night and had others in the area see them but I have yet to get to lay the eyes on one.Only a few more hard ranges of mtns to go and then the 100 mile wilderness. 220 to Katahdin, we'll see it tommorrow from the top of a mtn if the day is clear and this Hurricane goes east.Heard the FRPA Conference went quite well, sorry I missed the JobMart (which I need soon...ha ha).If you are sending me something to Millinocket, I will be going there AFTER I summit, which will be the 30th, 1st or 2nd. Will try to be in Monson on my birthday 9/24 for a beverage of choice.Looks like I am gonna skip the Worlds of Chili this year in Omaha. I'll focus on some of the state titles and see what happens. I also want to make sure that I have time for going to see my family in Oklahoma and doing something fun for Debs b-day. There is also the burning desire to do a marathon right after this is over. Cant wait to hit the H3's too.Well, I'll keep it short and sweet. Please drop me a line and remember that I am hiking for Aneurysm Awareness. Visit www.bafound.org and www.brainaneurysm.com. Please be aware. Find Out. Make Sure. Once it's there, God have mercy.ON ON
Date: 2005-09-20
From: Stratton

To: Monson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

The hike into Stratton was wild. This is the section where we all made it to the top of Sugarloaf and spent the night in the abandoned ski summit house up there. Total fog, wind and rain, Very surreal indeed. there was, however, a radion, microwave and electric grill inside there as well as a wood heater. We made use of all these and I was quite happy to make myself some Quesadillas on the grill...quite tasty. The radio station played some fantastic songs while we all dried out our soaked equipment and made a "star" shaped ansemble on the floor surrounding the heater. I got 3/4 dry but Stratton is to come an dthere will definately be a hotel involved so that I can hit the heater to dry and then get these disgusting clothes to the Laundry room.Stratton...cool White Wolf Inn....Nascar and Football for treats. On to Caratunk...hear there is a huge Jaccuzzi and bar there. Feet and Legs need BOTH.Gee, what am I gonna do for a living when this is all over with? Money will once again become king.Ah, the life. Life.
Date: 2005-09-23
To: Caratunk
Miles today: 0.0

Well, well, headed into Caratunk and I got to cross the famous Kennebeck River on the canoe. Quite nice indeed and met Steve(and Dean "fake Steve") who are both incredible people. Resupplied and then Stilts and I hit the Northern Outdoor Center where a Jaccuzzi exists just 15 feet away from the Bar. Soaked my tired feet and back as well as my belly. Got to get out an dhead to Monson for my B-day. days are drawing closer ot the end.Hey, anyone need some good help in exchange for an excellent wage? Ha Ha.Sure am daydreaming about the holidays, good food, homemade soups(hint Butterfly), job possibilities, finishing my book(s), going after a huge creative idea I have been working on for a few years, screaming "ON ON!" and seeing everyone to celebrate!!!!!!!! Drinks are on YOU! (I hear you saying "nice joke there Domino," have you seen the gas prices?")
Date: 2005-09-24
From: Stratton

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I spoke to Domino today - his BIRTHDAY!! He had to borrow someone's cell phone and stand in just the right spot in the middle of the street with kids skateboarding all around him in order to make any kind of phone call from Monson. He said he enjoyed a birthday "zebra cake". From here the 100 Mile Wilderness awaits, and Katahdin now only about a week away! Stay tuned for his final entries once the Big K is conquered.-Deb
Date: 2005-10-01
From: The Top of Big K

To: SUMMIT
Miles today: 0.0

OH YES! I Summitted Today. COME ON!!!!!!!!! WOW!Thanks for all the support. Much Love!The DominoTRAIL MAGIC....We headed out that night in search of Lobster and Steak. We didn't find it this night but did on Sunday the 2nd thanks to Mr. Nelson Carlson...Camel's father. THANK YOU SIR!!!!!!!What we found for magic on Oct. 1st, the night we summitted, came in the form of the character Katahdin Mike. He happened to be in the restuarant we did find this night. After grabbing a glass of wine, I headed over to his table to thank him for the ride offer when we were on Katahdin. Later, he stopped me and asked me about Hanover and when we neeed to be there for the Gathering? Then, he said, I am leaving Monday morning back to Great Barrington, how about I fly you and Stilts and drop you in Hanover? Duh, thought me, OK!!!!!!!!!!!! I made Stilts brace himself for the news and the magic of the weekend had just gotten better.Sure enough, Monday(Oct.3) at 10 AM he was there at the Hotel to get us, we went to the airport, took some pics, got in his fourseater and took off. Fater buzzing by with the Big K out our right side, we got a birds-eye view of just exactly what we had done. I took TONS of pics that I hope come out and we got so freaking close to the Whites that it brought goosebumps to my skin. we were in Hanover by early afternoon. Katahdin Mike, THANK YOU for one of the most memorable hitches I will ever have. I hope we cross paths again someday. Safe flying.ON ON!!!!
Date: 2005-10-05
From: Song Lyrics

To: Closer to the heart
Miles today: 0.0

I just want to share with you two songs that really became closer to my heart while out on the trail.Surprisinly, they are not Jimmy Buffet Songs. Some of you are quite thankful of that; others are scatching their heads. Picture, if you will, a hard day of hiking- you choose the temp, conditions and such in your mind- and then imagine one of these songs coming on in your headphones from your IPOD as you crank out the miles, up and down Mtns over rocks, roots, mud and muck:RUSH LYRICS"Time Stand Still"I turn my back to the windTo catch my breathBefore I start off again.Driven on without a moment to spendTo pass an evening with a drink and a friendI let my skin get too thinI'd like to pauseNo matter what I pretendLike some pilgrimWho learns to transcendLearns to live as if each step was the end(Time stand still)I'm not looking backBut I want to look around me now(Time stand still)See more of the people and the places that surround me nowFreeze this moment a little bit longerMake each sensation a little bit strongerExperience slips awayExperience slips awayI turn my face to the sunClose my eyesLet my defences downAll those wounds that I can't get unwoundI let my past go too fastNo time to pauseIf I could slow it all downLike some captain, whose ship runs agroundI can wait until the tide comes around(Time stand still)I'm not looking backBut I want to look around me now(Time stand still)See more of the people and the places that surround me nowFreeze this moment a little bit longerMake each impression a little bit strongerFreeze this motion a little bit longerThe innocence slips awayThe innocence slips away...Summer's going fast, nights growing colderChildren growing up, old friends growing olderFreeze this moment a little bit longerMake each impression a little bit strongerExperience slips awayExperience slips away...The innocence slips away.ENYA- PilgrimPilgrim, how you journey On the road you chose To find out where the winds die And where the stories go. All days come from one day That much you must know, You cannot change what's over But only where you go. One way leads to diamonds, One way leads to gold, Another leads you only To everything you're told. In your heart you wonder Which of these is true; The road that leads to nowhere, the road that leads to you. Will you find the answer in all you say and do? Will you find the answer In you? Each heart is a pilgrim, Each one wants to know The reason why the winds die And where the stories go. Pilgrim, in your journey You may travel far, For pilgrim it's a long way To find out who you are... Pilgrim, it's a long way To find out who you are... Pilgrim, it's a long way To find out who you are... (YOU BET YOU TOOSHY IT IS!!!!- Domino)What are your thoughts on this? Any thru-hikers out there have either of these songs come up on your journey? Crazy. Thanks for reading.One last request, please visit these sites; even if you think you are sure you know about "aneurysms"....www.bafound.org www.brainaneurysm.comON ON
Date: 2005-10-09
From: Newport Rhode Island

To: More Trails...geee
Miles today: 0.0

Ah, nothing like being DONE and then going off to RUN more Trails. Yes, that is right, I am a Hasher (nothing to do with DRUGS, and NEVER will be sorry.) No, the Hash House Harriers are an International Drinking Club with a Running Problem and Rhode Island has a Club (which are known as Kennels throughout the world). so, being that there was one last night I decided to take Stilts on one for his B-Day. We arrived late and followed the plops of flour into Arcadia Park and the first thing I saw was a Yellow Blaze. On On we yelled going deeperinto the woods and the dark on trails that lookked so very very familiarto those we had been on for the past 6.5 months and then........well then it happened, there, on the trail, were WHITE BLAZES. Yes, White blazes everywhere. It was if we were slack RUNNING on the AT. There was even a FORD or two. AirFordan. It was only at the BEER stop that I was shaken from my AT flashbacks.Being AWAY is different but, we will never ever be away...the AT will always be with us.For more Hash House Harriers information you should visit www.half-mind.com or www.gthhh.comIf you like some small trail adventures, maybe you should try the sport of GEOCACHING. If you have a gps all you have to do is visit www.geocaching.com Real Trail fun for the adventurous.Anyway, I am currently just looking at all my options out there and trying to find a fit before the cash runs completely out.Anyone out there going to the NRPA Congress in San Antonio next week? Call me or email me if so.For everyone, my email is dominoi@hotmail.com and my cell is (786) 525-7217 (Note to crazy people: DONT FORCE ME TO GET IT CHANGED)ON ON Keep a smile on your little face!PS. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all of you that sent my Mother cards, letters and notes to the Nursing home. I JUST found out TODAY about them. WOW. you will never believe how much that meant to her.Amazing. Much love to all.
Date: 2005-10-20
From: San Antonio, Texas

To: Son of Socks
Miles today: 0.0

Well folks, I am here in the real world complete immersed umong my peers in Parks And Recreation at the NRPA Conference in Texas (San Antonio). Last night, my friend Fran (the National Parks Director for our great country) gave me a toast on my Thru-Hike accomplishment to all of our Florida delegates at a Florida Social. It was a very moving gesture. In addition, SOCKS (a fellow hiker from) had sent me an email about her son and I can say say that him and I met up at this conference of over 4000 and had a few beverages. He works for P&R in Phoenix. Nice to meet you Nate and all the other Phoenix City folks. So, the trail is apparently still with me. It is strange that I havent even been home yet. Not that I have a home. I havent even been back to Florida. Hmmm.HEY, friends and - heck EVERYONE- in Florida "GET OUT!" I am extremely worried that you will wait until it is too late on this Hurricane. Remember how extremely hard it is to get out of the south part of the state just on a holiday weekend? Please get going.Much love. Hello to all the "annie" folks that are reading the journal now. Stay strong.
Date: 2005-10-21
From: Hocktoberfest??? Tulsa

To: Looking South
Miles today: 0.0

My travels have taken me back to Oklahoma where I was born. We hit the Quote OCTOBERFEST Unquote here in Tulsa that WAS actually one of the best in the WORLD; really! But now, hmmm...I'll let you decide: There was a huge amount of rides, you know, like the FAIR and a huge parkinglot carnival; image the entertainment tents-two of four- having guys wearing cowboy hats, no full western attire and playing music accordingly. Yes, COUNTRY music, most of the time I was there and walkign through them. Ah, and that damn Chicken Dance. How many times Per Hour do Germans REALLY do that? Munich save us all!! 'chica chaka, shiga shaga...whatever' EVERY 30 seconds. Come on? Can this really be Octoberfest. A fest of beer and TWO sangs/chants? Please say there is more to it? What was that......... they're singing top forty with an accordian. AND, they did COUNTRY ROADS from the late famous German John Denver.BEER- $15 per pitcherBrats- $6Missing the Appalachian Trail- PricelessON ON
Date: 2005-10-22
From: Looking South

To: Ready for. . .
Miles today: 0.0

Have I went from months flying by to the longest month of the year? I thought I'd be just taking it easy and planning out Halloween and Holiday fun with a sense of energy and enthusiasm; this seems to be more of a struggle than pleasure. Butterfly will help.I hiked thinking about Halloween alot. Seemed so easy to just think about Haunted Houses, dressing up, candy, ghoulish parties, watching the neighborhood kids, seeing my little niece dressed up and saying 'trick or treat' BUT, this is not so. Humans complicate things(or maybe it's just adults that are stuck in their day-to-day lives which are on the surface good-maybe- but really are slaves to systems set by others and even set by themselves. Systems, ways, means that arent all that great when you get past what you give up to have that mask of goodness on the surface).So, I thought that at the end of November, when I gathered around some table somewhere to eat the food and give thanks; I thought I'd be so emotional as I reflected back on The Thru-Hike now, I am not so sure that THAT is what I'll be most 'thankfull' for...I HOPE it is, but I also hope to make it to Thanksgiving with my sanity out in the 'real world' Like I said, Humans compliacte things, People settle for confusion and caos as the norm. Sad really. Unfortunately, the AT, The Trail cannot be a place that people "RUN TO" to get away from the above. You can go there simply to figure out how YOU are going to be when you get back out in the world. If you have been there, on the trail, please, dont let the world change you.
Date: 2005-10-24
From: Tulsa

To: Tampa Bay
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, a quick recap of my latest "trails"Amazing halloween weekend. I was Wonka and Butterfly was Veruca SAlt, the brat.I ran the Tulsa Run 15K with my father and 8000 others; oh, and I wore my BACK PACK from the Trail. Time 75 min 25ish seconds. Alot of fun. Great weather.I am now in Tampa Bay staying with an old friend Clay and gearing up for Saturday's State Chili Championship in Clearwater. Wish me luck.I make be on even more trails starting, oh, Sunday. I may be traveling around the country setting up the drive-thru christmas light displays. Hmmm, First stop, Chicago. So, the trail NEVER ends. Still havent seen my "stuff" or my Truck since Summitting.All I can say is ON ON!!!!!Much love to everyone.
Date: 2005-10-25
From: Tampa Bay

To: Chicago then- Finally South Florida
Miles today: 0.0

It has been awhile but I have still been on lifes trail. I FINALLY actually layed eyes on hands on my "stuff" in storage today for the first time since March and when this journey began. Currently I am sitting in Boynton Beach Florida pirating the wifi at a Holiday Inn while I wait for the start of the Hurricane Hash House Harriers Full Moon Run tonight. I'll do the TCH3.org run tommorrow night, 25 miles north of here.How did I get here you ask? Well, I DID make it to Florida two weeks ago, but only for two days and to the other side of the state in Clearwater(not the hiker) for a Chili Cook-off. No, I did not place, I am still trail rusty and will have to get back into practice. It makes perfect you know.Then, a client of mine from the past flew me up to Chicago for a week of 12 hour, manual labor days of setting up a Christmas Light show at Arlington Racetrack in the NW area of the windy city. And YES, it WAS very wind. My lips got chapped from the "gales of November" that came early.Finally, I flew into Fort Lauderdale on this past Saturday eve where Deb picked me up. We missed the chance to see FESTER and his gal Holly who were down for a Barmitzva. I did get to talk to him and he sounds like he is doing well. He called again last night from...guess?   Well, I'll tell you...standing in front of the DOYLE in Penn. He said he wasnt drunk in his message but I imagine he'd have to be if he thought to call me.Anyway, the adventure continues. I wish for each of the Hikers that I met or anyone else that really cares to, to email me their current occupation, where they are located, and how, if any way, I could ever help them? This is a little experiement/project I have in mind. I wont share this info with ANYONE. Just email what you'd like to dominoi@hotmail.comThanks. Keep Smiling and ON ONThe Domino
Date: 2005-10-26
From: Hikers Email Your Updates

To: Hikers Email Your Updates
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Thanksgiving.I just talked to Treetops, for any people that know him, and he was at Neels Gap at the Hostel. He should be on his last 15 of his NOBO/SOBO Flippy Zippy today. He will do the 8 miles to Ammy Lolo tomorrow, reunite with his parents and be home in time for Turkey Day. Cool stuff. Strange, since he summitted Katahdin with me and was there when I got the Lyme Disease news. Again, I wish for each of the Hikers that I met or anyone else that really cares to, to email me their current occupation, where they are located, and how, if any way, I could ever help them? This is a little experiement/project I have in mind. I wont share this info with ANYONE. Just email what you'd like to dominoi@hotmail.comThanks. Keep Smiling and ON ON The Domino
Date: 2005-11-22
From: Hikers Email Your Updates

To: Miami, must Get Out of here...
Miles today: 0.0

Whatever trails you take, dont let them take you to Miami! I know, I know, for some of you, the Florida Trail will have to start way down here. All I can say is "STAY ON TRAIL THAT FIRST WEEK," until you get NORTH of here. If slow, wait longer.I just got my re-introduction to just exactly what it was that contributed to my bitterness I carried with me to the AT. Bitterness that 2200 miles may have just BARELY got out of me. This place is a cesspool. People arent real. People arent really happy. The traffic is the absolute worst. It is #4 on the WORST places to live; I heard on the radio this AM. Oh, just driving ANYWHERE, will make you absolutely sick. Trapped. That is how you feel here. You dont want to go anywhere because of the shear danger. And you certainly dont want to work here. I did just that today. If anyone ever heard me talk of 'Miami Mediocrity' or Miamiocrity,when I was on the trail. Well, it is alive and...not so well here. I worked today for an event for 400 kids that certainly was not at the level that I am use to or willing to be a professional part of; and I have to do it again tomorrow. Gotta make money somehow, right? I guess I just cant stand genuine people.Enough of that rant. On to Turkey Day." Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Turkey Sat on the backyard fence....CHORUS 'on Thanksgiving day.'...and as he sat on the bcakyard fence...CHORUS this is what he'd say....Aaaaaaa Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble Gobble GobbleALL ...hope to run away, it's Thanksgiving Day.."On onDont forget to email me your latest news. See last entry before this.Domino