morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-01
To: zero day training 
Miles today: 0.0

Today would have been a beautiful day hiking . But i'm on a clear liquid diet for tomorrows hospital visit ( at the VA ) . I'm going in for some tests , to close up some issuses . in a day or two I'll be back walking . and the sooner i get this over with the sooner i can start the AT. Being stuck close to a head for 2 days is not my idea of using up a day . Mee doesn't understand why we are not hiking . Til i'm on the trail ..
Date: 2010-03-03
From: zero day training 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   Well todays is Wednesday and if i was up north this would be a beautiful day . But this is Florida and it's cloudy and cold ( 52 ). Hiked again today with Mee. Things are starting to work out logistically. And my start date looks to be April 5 ( Springer Mt. ).As is ( almost)any adventure ,the undertaking could not be possible with out the help of friends or family . Well i really don't have any close family , so help is coming from friends !    I will have Christy (Chris's wife) drop me and Mee off at Americola SP. They will use my truck while while i'm gone . She will also help with mail drops. My cousin Janet (in Ohio ) will also help with mail drops.    My friend Joan in Knoxville will also help in (hopefully) pick up Mee at Fontana dam and take him to my friends in Newport tn. Who will deliever Mee back to me at I-40 and the AT . Then there is Barb ( a cyclist ) who will take Me and Mee to Albany Ny. so i can take off a week to be with my friends on the Erie canal bike ride. Then drop me and Mee back on the trail to continue on . She lives in North Adams Mass. The trail is literally in her back yard .But i'm getting ahead of my self . I have to make it there first . I don't plan to fall victim of the trail and drop out .   Happy hiking everyone
Date: 2010-03-04
From: Training

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

   Well today is friday , yesterday we walked some , repacked gear , prepared my food (mail drops ) boxes .    Today i went to the VA. worked a volunteer , then went to see my mother , who is in a nursing home. We talked about how long i would be gone this time ( for this adventure ) . I showed her this web site and she can check up and see what i'm doing and where i'm located > that way she can be part of this adventure . I was the only hell she ever raised . I only have one mother , and we are both not getting any younger. So mom when you read this , know that i'm thinking about you . Working on my time table and location for my food drops . April the 5 is not coming soon enough . Take care everyone .
Date: 2010-03-06
From: Paper work logistics 

To: I'm still home
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's saturday morning . Got up late. I kept getting up and tryed to figure where my food drops would be , where i would resupply and have a zero day. Trying to figure how many miles per day. This right now is mind boggling . I can't just call for an air drop or chopper extraction .I have worked out the problems of not having Mee with me in the Smokies and BSP. I will rent a car in Bangor and drive home by way of ohio.   I have come to the realization that the Adventure and thrill is not at the end of the trip but each day i'm living life out >not my Quote .Taking a moment to say thanks again to my friends who are going to do mail drops , take me in , and help me along the way . You really are true friends . I remember reading once , that a friend is not someone that you call when you find yourself in JAIL . But rather There the one sitting next to you ( in Jail )saying thanks for having me along for the adventure . When people find out that i'm going to be hiking the AT, they say aren't you worried about being lost , people robbing you ? I can only answer that i'm where i want to be , People speak english, and i will have at least one hot meal aday. and most of all there not shooting at me LOL LOL i hope !. Life is truely good ! Enough rambling , see you on the trail... And say hi to Mee when you see him .. he likes treets ( milk bone )
Date: 2010-03-08
From: I'm still home

To: Training
Miles today: 0.0

   Well today is monday , yesterday Mee and i went Geo-Caching , getting our miles . I have been cooking at home the meals that i will be eating on the trail. trying to spice them up some-how ( lol lol ) I will be finishing up packing my food drops ( my living room looks like a food pantry !)   I was contacted by another Geo-cacher about helping a geo-coin move north on the trail. I will be doing tent maint. today and cleaning house . Yes i clean my own house ( it's called field daying ) And i found someone to house sit for me for 5 1/2 months . wasn't really hard . It's a friend , and very trustable .    Mee does not want (me) Paul on the computer , he wants to run do the trail out behind the house , and play .. .... more later !
Date: 2010-03-09
From: Training

To: Micro planning 
Miles today: 0.0

   Well I went to bed this morning at 4:am , Packed my pack again for the ( i don't know how many times ). Packed my food drop boxes . Read David Millers trail book ( i think the food drops are ) where they should be !Showed my neighbors ( Sid & Mary ) and my friend next door Sandy this site to read my adventures . LOL LOL if i was to bail out right now , i would not have to buy food for 6 weeks ...I need my couch, living room and kitchen back . When is April 3 going to get here . !!!
Date: 2010-03-10
From: Micro planning 

To: Packing the food box 
Miles today: 0.0

   Today we didn't walk . Just took care of loose ends . Will have a example food box for Kristie to see. Mee does not like the added weight . ( today his pack weight is now 10 Lbs.) I also recieved a Geo-coin that will be traveling The AT ( It's job will be to travel as much on the AT as possible ) so i will be dropping it off in a Geo-Cache on the trail ) . Marla ,thank you again for giving me the chance to move it along , and meeting you as well . More later . added another picture from last yr.
Date: 2010-03-11
From: Packing the food box 

To: writing 
Miles today: 0.0

   The picture i posted is of my now X girl friend. LOL LOL she was replaced by Mee. She didn't like the idea of carring her own gear . LOL LOL Mee does carry is own gear . Does not talk back , spend my money , Just love to be outdoors and please me .. Now thats a good partner !   .. and by the way i'm really not that mean .. as in the picture ....   More later
Date: 2010-03-12
From: writing 

To: Walking and weather 
Miles today: 0.0

   Well today started early . My cyclist friend George from LaHarpe Il. called and we met for coffee by the interstate. He's on his way down to see my other cyclist friends Jess and Doris . We talked about our up comoing adventures.    Here in Florida today we have had some real bad weather move in . So it's off hiking Mee and I go . Walked over 10 miles in pouring rain , lightening , wind . Great training day.    I have a new pain in my hips , and i'm soaked . Mee has his pack on, and is soaked also. The trail is flooded and the limestone rocks are washing out. And i'm having the time of my life training for a wonderfull adventure .
Date: 2010-03-12
From: My chair

To: in front of my laptop
Miles today: 0.0

   Well today more pieces have fallen into place . Thanks to Joan and Barb . Their trail angels to me and i haven't even started the trail.    And while getting my light wt. sleeping bag down from the shelf , i found my light wt. hiking tent. Now i don't have to use the biking tent . 2 lbs difference . Set it up , and seam sealed it and sprayed the fly!. It's nice to have a dry tent in a storm ,And eazy to set up.   And i'm still cooking my trail food and trying to add different tastes. You can only cook noodles or pasta so many ways , and i'm a good cook !   Read Icepacks journal entry about having to leave the trail . Looking forward to meeting him .   Well i will finish my food drop list tonite . and make a spare copy. Oh thanks also goes to David Miller (AWOL on the appalachain trail ) who has answered, my many questions .   22 days and counting til springer MT.
Date: 2010-03-14
From: At the Hospital

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today has not been a good day. I was at my property runnibg Mee. The horses were there grazing . Mee has played with them ( they get along great)!. Something happened ( Mee must have spooked the horse) The horse stomped Mee's right rear leg . Yes it's broken . how bad we don't know yet! will know tomorrow .He's spending the night at the hospital. My plans for the trail are on hold, til i can figure what is going on. I know he will not be with me at the start, or even with me on any part of the trail. I will wait and see what his Status is . People need to know that he is a very big part of my life . The trail is not important , Mee is !. More later . ... thanks i just needed to vent
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Broken leg

To: Hospital
Miles today: 0.0

Well last nite was not very good . I could not sleep. Mee has become such a big part of my life ! I know hes only a dog , but he adopted Paul (Warrior). He has become such a great companion . Knowing my feelings , cheering me up,when i'm sad. Loving to walk on the trail. Making me feel young. I repacked my gear, and found a plastic baggie with special dog treats i was going to take for him. Guess thats not going to happen. Around 5:30 AM i finally fell asleep , got up at 8:30 Am . Vet called and said that yes his leg is broken, how bad they don't know yet , because of the swelling.( if there is muscle damage ) The Animal hospital is over an hour away. I keep thinking ,that in some infinite wisdom ,everything happens for the best. Then i reason ,shit happens . My start date is still the same . I have several options of what i can do with him ( Mee) . We will see just what the Vet , has to say or think ! ... Still venting......
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Hospital

To: At home
Miles today: 0.0

   Well todays Tuesday , Mee was operated on yesterday. Everything was good . Thankfully he was in good shape (condition) and everything went well. I will bring him home tomorrow. None to soon ! Cast will be on for 4 to 6 weeks. With no extra weight bearing for 3 to 4 more weeks . So if things work out , he'll be back with me (warrior) LOL LOL , 2 1/2 months in to the journey.   The logistics of him getting back here will have to be worked out. Where theres a will theres a way.    Thanks to all who have been so concerned about my Mee. ( Prometheus ) And if he thinks i'm going to carry his pack for him , well we'll see LOL LOL . As you can see he's got me trained .   My start date is still around the first of April. Hope to see everyone on the trail.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: At home

To: Home from the hospital
Miles today: 0.0

Well i got Mee home from the hospital. He looks so helpless and lonely. Yes i missed him . !! alot. His rear right leg is swollen , but straight now. He knows my voice. We drove home with his head on my lap. He's still doped up !. I carried him inside and he went behind my chair like when he is in trouble. He was still scared and we spent all nite with him on my lap ( in my chair) . Finally after 4 am , he started showing some emotion and wagging his tail.He now knows he's home . He would not even eat last nite. Well he had a breakfast of 3 eggs 2 strips of thick Toast and buttered grits. Still wondering just what the final option will be with his hiking.    I will hike today with my gear , to get back to training. Life has been turned upside in our household .   Starting date is still April 3 or 4 for Warrior and maybe Dasmacus for Mee.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Home from the hospital

To: Still home
Miles today: 0.0

Today was VA. day. I did my volunteer work waiting for my appointments .One of my appointments was with a very helpful dietitian. I'm on the count down of 14 days . Mee is getting better , but he's not going to be able to start with Me ( Warrior). The weather here in Florida is starting to warm up finally . I'm looking forward to being in the mountains . Thanks again to everyone who is helping. And to Renee thanks again.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Still home

To: Training again
Miles today: 0.0

   I started back training again. Mee is feeling better,but we have issues when i started to walk again. He does not want to be left at the house when i walk. He knows . i tried to sneak out, lol lol didn't work. Monday i will give Kristy my food boxes . Working on carvings on my walking stick. I have a spair walking stick that i probably leave at the start of the trail at Springer MT . 12 days and a wake up til i start .
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Training again

To: At home . finally back training
Miles today: 0.0

   Well today is Tuesday. Mee will not be going with me on the trail ( at all ). His leg is worse than we thought. I have not walked since he hurt it . I will start walking again today. I have several options , the one I think best would for Mee to stay with my next door friend. Will ask her today .All my food boxes are ready .Kristy will be my life line. Chet will be living in my place while i'm gone. Watched the weather the last couple of days. The start area of the AT is having bad weather .Sunday morning April 4 is the start date. Walking to Springer Mt. and parts NORTH . Thanks again to my friends who are helping this dream come true. and to all the well wishers. With out you i could not undertake this walking trip of a life time . Wrapping up the few last loose ends . Thanks to all of you .
Date: 2010-03-24
From: At home . finally back training

To: Home packing again
Miles today: 0.0

   I have come to the findings , that my military ( alice frame ) ruck sack will not do! 50 lbs does not fit into a 45 lb container. I manage to do it . But i look like a carpet-bagger or traveling sales man coming down the trail. Scary. So REI got some more business. This is the last item. A Baltoro 70. It breaks my heart to see Mee, drag his pack to the bedroom wanting to go hike. and he has that broken leg. He KNOWS something is going to happen , and he can't go.
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Home packing again

To: Home still
Miles today: 0.0

   I failed to mention, before i bought my new pack . A good friend said he would give me his old, but usable Kelty wilderness internal frame pack. Well it had so much duct tape on it , it was almost completely covered. Now i know why he gave it to me. We both got a laugh out of it.He said it was still sturdy and usable . With all that duct tape , it should hold together . if not just add more duct tape !   Worked on mail drop planning ( meds ). Mee knows something is up and will not leave my side . I've had to change my planning , since he's not coming along . My I-40 crossing , looks to be a food ( resupply ) pick up . I have walked a little part of this area ,with a wonderful person who once was in my life . things change . thats life ( and it's not fair ). The next day the sun still comes up in the east ... Thanks again to everyone who is helping ..!!!!!      9 days and a wake up.... til springer Mountain
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Home still

To: Still at home planning and packing
Miles today: 0.0

   Well mailed my first food box (Blueberry Patch hostel ) MILE 67.5 .The local (home town ) news paper is going to interview me April 2, before i leave.    Looking at my living room > so much food > so many boxes .. and all will be needed for my trip. Mail (supplies ) drops > planned town shopping. Where i need to take a ZERO day . Where can i download my pictures , write in my journal. And download GPS info so i can Geo-cashe along the way!   Mee knows that i'm leaving, he will not leave my side . It's going to break my heart to leave him behind. He is the reason i'm going to do this again. I will look at the options about getting him back up here with me when he's better.    My pack is suppose to arrive here today. Oh goodie i can repack everything > again ... LOL LOL    I'll be a traveling homeless person for the next 5 to 6 months . EXCEPT ... I'll have Credit cards , debit cards , and cash.    Also i'll get to actually meet people that i have been exchanging E-mails with ( other thru-hikers )   7 days and a wake up ......
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Still at home planning and packing

To: Packing my REI XT 85
Miles today: 0.0

Well i went to church this morning, walked Mee , And started repacking the REI pack. Helped my friends down the street move there travel trailer . My Big F-250 ford truck got the job done. Back to rethink just what I'm taking. 42 lbs total weight. No kitchen sink. LOL LOL .With this pack i can organize a little better. ..Taking care of loose ends .. 6 days and a wake up .. My Adventure will be one step at a time. My home town paper wants to do a small article on me . and write some articles and send them back. We'll see ! I'm getting antsy Sunday is so close .   Looking to finally meet and talk to the people ( other thru-hikers ) i've been e-mailing ..   the AT is waiting ........
Date: 2010-03-29
From: in front of my laptop

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Well , first of all Hi Mom . I'm glad your reading my journal. This time next week I'll be on the trail ,having the adventure of my life . All the loose end have been tied up. My ride to the trail head is set. Now i just have to wait. And Mee does know something is up. He crawls up on the bed and lays on the gear , and just looks at me. I will some how plan to get him back with me ( on the trail) if it was ment to be it will happen.    I will come down there and see you friday . I have to stop by the VA hospital . and pick up some extra ( meds ) . Worked on my walking staff this morning . not only is it helpfull walking with , it is a very formidable weapon .I don't feel that i'll need it ( as a weapon ) but it does help walking.    LOL LOL i've stopped shaving a week ago . Not sure thats going to be . It itches . I've packed and unpacked my gear. It's feels comfortable knowing just where your gear is located . Don't have to dig through it trying to find things .    Mom please take care of your self , and i will see you friday , i will bring Mee , if he's feeling up to it. He does ride in the truck well ( likes to travel )..if he does rejoin me on the trail i will not make him carry his own gear . it's only 8 more pounds . for now mom ...LOL LOL keep out of trouble .. Your .. son ..Paul .....   my trail name is Warrior ... i alsways did like to fight ... bye mom
Date: 2010-03-30
To: Packing and repacking 
Miles today: 0.0

This is basically for my own feeling or knowledge of knowing where everything is located . Also. i have taken out some gear that i figure that i don't really need . Got rid of extra weight.    What weights the most is food . At the start i will carry 7 days of food. will see how well ( trail miles ) i do , and work from there .
Date: 2010-03-30
To: The begining weight 
Miles today: 0.0

When i first made a list of things to take . It didn't seem like much , til i tried to pack it , then carry it . LOL LOL   alot of things are going to be left behind . My first pack weight was 76 lbs . Slowly i weeded out things that i really could do with out , or just plain didn't need .Even in this picture several things are now going to be left home . Pack weight is now down to 46 lbs .
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Home still

To: on the laptop
Miles today: 0.0

Well tomorrow i start the trip north to Springer Mt. ( Amicola State Park. )Saturday evening or late afternoon i will be at the jump off point . I've taken care of all i can think of !. And yes i will turn the lights and coffee pot off .   The Vet will make the call after the 10 week . if Mee can join me on the trail. ! Hope so because we did train together . and it was him who helped me make the idea real.    I will pig out on Fried chicken saturday nite .. then trail food time starts ..    Thanks again to everyone who has helped to make this adventure come to life.... ON STEP AT A TIME   >> ! !
Date: 2010-04-02
From: on the laptop

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   Well, it's 1:30 AM .. just can't sleep, this is the last night here in my Home . Everything is packed ! all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed. The AT is out there and will be my home for the next 5 or so months . the waiting is over . and the (hiking ) walking begins . I would have liked to share this trip with someone who was special in my life but , that just didn't work out. And then Mee got hurt . Guess things were ment for (Me)to just thru-hike alone . Either way my friends will be in my thoughts. And i'm looking to make many new friends as i ascend the AT north bound .. trip of a life time .... ONE STEP AT A TIME   > >   !!
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Home

To:  In truck driving
Miles today: 0.0

Well the news paper people were here . Took lots of pictures . Asked lots of questions . Explained the packing of the pack. .Talked alot ! . Thats done now ! Mee knows i'm getting ready to leave . You can tell he's upset. This is hurting leaving him behind. Made a pot of coffee , just sitting here thinking >>>   this is it ... ONE STEP AT A TIME .....
Date: 2010-04-03
From:  On my way to Amicola.SP

To: Amicola bound 
Miles today: 0.0

Well we just passed in to Georgia on I-75. Making good time driving . It's 5:15 PM . Turning back in not a option .... there is an adventure out there . I will write when i can and share it with you !   Soon , to be ... One step at a time ... Thanks again .... to all my friends who have helped so much .....Joan seen you soon ... Hi Barb ( put in a request for good weather . ) .... and Hank ..my man .. don't tell me i need a shave and a hair cut ... LOL LOL ...   A bath yes .....
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Amicola bound 

To: I'm ' at Amicola SP 
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived here this morning at 2 AM .. Saw the plack and the jump off point . went to a hotel to sleep .. In Dahlonega .. now back to the park ... Let the adventure begin ... ON STEP AT A TIME....   this is real and it's finally happening ... Thanks everyone .
Date: 2010-04-14
From: here 

To: Hiawassee NC
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm really on the trail now . Thia Adventure is really happening. Taking a 0 day . I'm very tired and never realized how many hills i would be climbing. The Landscape is beautiful. I have met so many wonderful people on the trail. I had my first run in with a bear. They now want me to change my trail name to thumper . I was not feeling well at Low gap and was staying in a shelter. and kept hearing this snifing , just around the corner of the shelter. I got my flash light and turned it on and it was a small bear. I grabbed my BIG walking staff and hit it ....It took off running. I yelled get out of here . and woke everyone ( when i yelled ) and they saw the bear running . Now stories have been greatly expanded. Warrior the bear thumper >>> lol lol .. thanks again to all who have helped me get this far . Franklin NC is my next stop.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Hiawassee NC

To:  0 day >>> again 
Miles today: 0.0

Well it has happened to me . I'm sick .>> Lots of conjestion in my chest . so in stead of hiking i'm going to take a day of rest .I need to take this time to say ,the people i've met have been GREAT. Lefty , Sky walker . Ground hog , Suzane .....and so many more with no trail names yet .. !!... And then theres ..Cotton . We have hiked about the same pace and have hung out together . He's good company . I'm going slower than i expected but i'm doing it one step at a time. The views from the mountains have been picture perfect. This is some pretty country.    The hostel that i'm staying at ( Blue Berry Patch ) is so nice . They really are great people. This hiking culture really is different. Well i'm going back to town , and get meds to help me feel better. I hope !!.. Kristy   thank you so much , Chris you better not let her go ..Hi Mat and Camie .. Joan kisses to you ! say hello to Kaye for me . And hello Mom , hope your reading this and doing ok . Thinking of you ... Love you all ..!!!!!   No blisters yet . May this was bad luck .. LOL LOL