morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Shaw's Boarding House, Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-To, ME
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

After a filling breakfast at Shaw's we got an 8:30 start on the day. The 100 mile wilderness stood before us. We got to the shelter at 5:00PM to find it full. I guess the 100 mile wilderness draws crowds but let me tell you about today.It was slippery in the morning and the slate rocks don't offer much traction. About an hour into the hike, while climbing down a four foot stream embankment I lost my footing and fell, bouncing twice in a Homer Simpson like doh! DOH! fashion. The first bounce tossed me down the second tier of rocks and I came to a thudding stop against a fallen tree. It knocked the wind out of me and for a moment I thought I was in serious trouble. Blood streamed down my hand and I couldn't breath. Eagle Eye*, who is a retired Air Force doctor heard the fall and was asking me questions, but all I could think as I tried to regain my breathing was "THIS HIKE IS NOT! OVER!!" Eagle Eye* was asking if I needed help getting up, if he needed to recross the stream... all of this happening in about 30 seconds. I finally regained breathing, but it took several minutes to actually recover. I had taken it hard on my upper left rib cage and the blood was from a small chunk of my hand left on a rock. Hard to tell, there being limited xray availability in the wilderness, but I either have a fractured or a severely bruised rib. Now, 10 hours and 15 miles later I am still in severe pain.We just can't take the wilderness for granted. It's still dangerous out here. Later we forded Big Wilson stream in our Crocs. The stream was slightly more than knee deep and very slippery. Little Wilson falls was nice. I got pictures of that Long pond stream was deceptive. It looked like a rock hop, but in the end both Eagle Eye* and I got our boots wet because of the slippery rocks.Tomorrow wil be a log day with more fords, more mountains and ... hopefully no accidents. I have fallen more on the rugged trails of Maine than in all other states combined. And I'm being careful!
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-To, ME

To: Carl Newhall Lean-To, ME
Miles today: 20.8

It was five months ago today that I stood on Springer Mountain in Georgia and faced North, knowing that somewhere, there to the North stood Katahdin. As I stooped there in contemplation I said a little prayer and thought what this day would be like. Today on Chairback Mountain we carefully aligned our map and looked toward a distant peak, identified by an arrow on the map, which pointed in the general direction. Katahdin! A visual, at last!We covered 20 miles of rough ground today. The last five wasn't bad, just that we were tired. The West branch of the pleasant river was knee deep. It actually felt good on our tired feet. I'm feeling better today. My ribs didn't hurt quite as bad; only when I laugh or cough, which hurts like hell I was a little skittish on the steep down climbs today, but I got better. The fall yesterday was my own fault for not ensuring a positive hand grip before dropping my boot to an unsure surface. At any rate we made good mileage today over some very steep terrain. Four more peaks checked off
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Carl Newhall Lean-To, ME

To: Cooper Brook Lean-To, ME
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Another 100 mile wilderness lean-to, another crowd. So far the Maine wilderness is second only to Georgia in terms of crowds. Ironic huh? It's not a wilderness either, it's laced with logging roads. OK, enough complaining.The trail actualy hasn't been too bad, which is somewhat of a surprise. The last few miles today were actually like a footpath. Earlier today we summited Whitecap Mountain and got an incredibly "IN YOUR FACE" view of Katahdin. It's close! only 45 miles from Abol bridge. I'm itchy, I'm ready to be done. I'm ready to go home. Katahdin is just something I have to do before I can head home. After five months on the trail, all I really want to do is relax on the couch with my wife and watch a movie Eagle Eye* and I have exceeded our planned itinerary. We may get there early, it wouldn't surprise me.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Cooper Brook Lean-To, ME

To: Pollywog Stream Stealth, ME
Miles today: 27.2

We got a 6:30 start and pushed hard all day. Got a great view of Katahdin from Pemadumcook Lake. Really close I'm so tired right now that I am at a loss for words. Tomorrow we expect to push on and get to Abol bridge a day early. We will have crossed the 100 mile wilderness in five days. I'm excited about finishing, but a little edgy about the weather. It's been great all week but the sky is changing as I write. Hopefully whatever rain comes will pass. We are expecting to climb Katahdin in three days, fingers crossed. Sure is a big mountain from this perspective.So we are on the last map, the last page of the data book, the last leg of the journey. It feels awesome to know that the end is coming. We sit and reflect on five months of hiking. It's overwhelming. I just sit here with my mouth open Tomorrow will be another big push, only a few less miles
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Pollywog Stream Stealth, ME

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain. I knew we just couldn't get out of the wilderness without a day of rain. Fortunately it was light rain. Tomorrow the forcast calls for torrential rain then "iffy" conditions on Monday the 21st, so we will be staying here and moving into Baxter State Park on Monday. You only get one shot at Katahdin from the Birches (Long Distance Hiker Campsite) We want to make sure we use that chance wisely.The hike today took us along miles of Rainbow Lake shorelne. We could hear loons calling and it always makes me smile. People buy recordings of that sound because it conotes the peacefulness of nature. But hiking along a lake shore also means lots and lots of roots and rocks. The rain makes them slippery and it slows us down.We made it into Abol bridge by 2:00PM to find Patches* and Abe* sitting outside the store enjoying a burger. After verifying that the campground had vacant sites and showers we decided to stay here. Tomorrow will be a boring zero, but it gives us a shot at good weather when we climb Katahdin. Works for me
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The weather is behaving according to the forecast. It rained hard all last night and most of today was wet. Tomorrow we will get an early start and move over to the Birches campsite in Baxter State Park.We are 15 miles away from finishing the Appalachian trail and I am a mixture of excited and calm. I'm a walking paradox, but I think it's not uncommon. Before one begins the trail it seems insurmountable, something people only dream of doing. Can it really be that I have walked over 2000 miles? Did I climb over all those mountains? The answer is yes, but the tale is much deeper. The friends I have made, the places I have seen, the trail I have hiked.Bits and pieces flow back to me now, like they happened yesterday. The trail, you see has a timeless aspect to it. Much remains the same as I move along and it causes me to sit and reflect. Last year someone else was here, next year someone else will be here, I'm here now
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Abol Bridge Campground

To: The Birches, Baxter State Park, ME
Miles today: 9.9

It rained until noon and then cleared. The forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy with 40% chance of afternoon showers. We are a GO! Tomorrow Eagle Eye*, Red Hoya*, Patches*, Red Dane*, BareBear* and Dodger* and myself will climb Katahdin.So, here we are, the last night in a shelter. There is a feeling that everyone has expressed in different ways, like it's over but it's not over. We have come so far, so many miles that the trail seems immense to us with just this tiny five mile piece left to do. But such a significant piece.In reality it's just a climb, only five miles, over in mid afternoon. In our dreams it is the finale, the place we have hiked so far to reach. After all, it's Katahdin and it's a mile high. There were times on the trail when just the thought of Katahdin would cause me to choke up. As I write, I'm positioned at the foot of the "Greatest Mountain." Tomorrow, I will stand next to the sign that is the northern terminus of the A.T.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: The Birches

To: Millinocket, ME
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

I was up at 4 am and looking up through the treetops. I could see stars a plenty so I crawled back in for another hour.Eagle Eye* and I started our ascent of Katahdin at 6:30. Gradual at first, then increasing steepness through the dense forest along a path that was definitely all Maine. We crossed Katahdin Stream on a new footbridge and passed by Katahdin Falls as the trail got steeper and steeper. As we came out of the tree line, we saw the hunt spur seemingly straight above us and soon we were scrambling up something like Albert Mountain (GA), the Dragon's tooth (VA), the Three Ridges (VA) Lehigh Gap (PA) and Mount Washington (NH) all put together. We were scrambling from the spur to the gateway. The word... INSANE! was uttered by both of us at different intervals as the wind whipped around us. The gateway to the tableland looked so high above us that it simply seemed unreachable, but we did, of course, reach it and gain the tableland and from this vantage point we could see the people up near the top of the ridge. We were uncertain as to where the sign stood, but we knew it was somewere along that ridge. We passed Thoreau Spring and continued on, having taken only one short break all morning. Clouds moved in and obscurred the summit.Now, me, I like fog so I thought it was neat, but it was short lived and the sun revealed a small group of people hovering around something. We continued our relentless press on the shallow climb while the sign --the terminus of the Appalachian Trail-- began to take shape.Eagle Eye* and I simultaneously touched the sign as a symbol of our partnership through Maine. It was difficult for me. I was stiffling the tears, I was overwhelmed with the gravity of the occasion. We took lots of pictures. So Eagle Eye*, Red Dane* Dodger*, Red Hoya*, Bare Bear* and myself got a group shot by a day hiker who was at the summit. We summited Katahdin at 9:30 AM, stayed until 10 AM then headed down.Ann, Eagle Eye's* wife, met us at the Ranger Station and we headed into Millinocket.As I walked into the Post Office, standing at the window was none other than Single Malt* who was in town preparing to start a flip-flop hike south to Deleware Water Gap. It was a poetic ending as only it should be. If you read my first month, you will recall that I hiked with Single Malt* during that time. I also got to meet Glen, her significant other and that was cool I also learned that I only missed the arrival of Gumby*,CoyoteBec*, Hinds Feet* and Tinkerbell* at The Birches by one day. They were inbound as we departed Baxter State Park.The trail has it's magic, it's bad days and good days, it's meetings and goodbyes. For me, it will always be an adventure that I wanted to do and finally did. As Tinkerbell* would say...."I got er dun!" I had hiked for five months, five days and seven hours. And just like that...for no particular reason... my thru hikin days were over.
Date: 2006-09-12
To: What I did on my summer vacation...
Miles today: 0.0

Mentally it all fit right in. I was home in about 48 hours from the moment we summited Katahdin. Steve (Eagle Eye) and his wife Ann gave me a ride all the way to Syracuse, NY and I hopped a Greyhound from there. I got used to taking showers and sleeping in nice soft beds right away. I even learned to put on deodorant. Driving in cars is still thrilling because of the speed and having to choose where to eat is a novelty. It's all good. I got a job offer the first week I was back from a small engineering firm, so that's back on track. Just lucky I guess. Physically even now, three weeks after the hike I have not fully recovered. I hobble down the stairs in my home, and my broken ribs are only now letting me get a full nights sleep. But I can tell that it's not permanent, that's the good news. I would hate to think that I destroyed my knees, my feet or my toes for a hike. Even a hike as grand as this.When I look back, the most miraculous thing was that I never got sick or injured enough to stop my progress. Few of the people I met could say the same thing. Maybe I was just lucky, but there were times that I relied on gut instinct. I didn't push big miles for most of the hike. I didn't try to keep up with fast movers like Patches. I didn't go without some means of insect deterent. But in the end, it was my hike and I don't pretend to be an expert on your hike.To the Class of 2007: May you have many days of beautiful sky.To my readers: Glad you came along, I hope you got a few smiles along the way.To my hiking friends: You were awesome! I will always remember you.To my wife: Thank you for making my dreams come true. Love always, Jim.Conductor... out..
Date: 2009-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Entries of Note:I decided to write an overview page to guide folks to the five entries that I thought were the most interesting days of the hike. I figured it's better than sorting through all 163 or so entries.Stepped on a rattlesnake - Entry 05/23/06 May 23, VirginaIron Master's Hostel - Entry 06/06/06 June 06, PennsylvaniaGoosed by a Turkey - Entry 06/20/06 June 20, New JerseyConfrontation with a Moose - Entry 07/30/06 July 30, New HampshireEnd of the Trail, Katahdin - Entry 08/22/06 August 22, Maine
Date: 2004-09-25
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

I understand I have to enter 3 prep journals before my journal will show on TJ , so here we go. Well I still have over a year before I will be starting my AT hike. I have been an active hiker for several years and have most of my gear. I'm sure I will refine some of my gear and try to lighten my pack as much as posible. With a week of food and gear my pack weighs 42 lbs. I am looking at another backpack and sleeping bag. These 2 items would lighten my load by 4 lbs. We just got back from a hike in Colorado. I may talk about it in my next entry.
Date: 2004-10-06
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

I want to start out this journal my saying thank you to Leif and ZipDrive for making this web site available to us. They have done a great job with it. THANKS GUYS.A couple weeks ago my hiking partner and I went on a hike in Colorado. Just north of Durango, Co. We did a ruff 42 mile hike but it was beautiful, the aspens were starting to turn. The weather was great all week.We started our hike by getting on a train at Durango, Co. and riding north to a trailhead(Elk Park),were we got off. The trail took us over 3 passes that were over 12,000 ft. Views were out of this world. After 5 days and about 42 miles we were back to the railroad, were we flagged down the train and road it to Silverton, Co. and had a great lunch. Then got back on the train and headed back to Durango.During the hike we saw 2 heard of elk,mule deer,pika,chipmunks,marmuts and lots of birds.There were old abandoned gold mines throughout the area. It amazed me how those miners could get all their equipment back in those mountains.I took a pepsi can alcohol stove (that I made) to cook on and it worked out great. This will be part of my AT gear.My thru-hike on the AT is still a year and 5 months away and counting down.Cookie
Date: 2004-10-07
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Before I get too far along on this trip. I want to say thanks to my wife of 37 years (the love of my life) for putting up with me and my needing to get out in the mountains once or twice a year. Also her support for this upcoming AT hike. Being away from her and our family for six months will be the hardest part of this trip. I also want to say thanks to my Lord and Savior for my health and many blessings and a love for the out doors.Well, I guess I had better get off this computer and go out make a little money for up coming hike.Congratulations to all those now just completing their thru hike and to those who well be completing it shortly.Good Luck to the 2005 Class.
Date: 2005-01-06
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

I have been planning this hike since 2000. Last year I thought, "Man I still have over 2 years to go". Now I'm thinking, "Man I only have just over a year to finish preping for this hike." Its amazing how our outlook can changed. I am so ready to start this thru-hike. Santa was good to me , I got my new ULA P-2 backpack for Christmas. Made another alcohal stove yesterday as a replacement if needed. Been looking at sleeping bags and about decided to go with the Western Mountaineering 20 deg. Been thinks about how to do my daily journal. First looked at the Pocketmail device. Then just paper and pin. Now thinking about a small voice recorder. Sony makes a digital voice recorder that uses stick memory. Its a little pricey right now but things go down in price after they have been out awhile. Its also come with voice to print software, which will be nice when doing my journal.Again LUCK to all fixen to start their thru-hike.
Date: 2005-05-14
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

It has been awhile since I updated this journal. So here's a short blurb to let people know that '06 is still a go.This picture was taken last year in Big Bend. We have made several trips down there backpacking in the Chisos Mountains over the past years. This is some pretty rugged country but is also beautiful country.I am still gathering some of my gear for next year hike. I had to get another set of hiking poles, because I left my other set in Colorado last year. REI has had some good sales lately, so got some new shorts, socks and longjohns.The AT class of '06 is starting to grow. I am looking forward to meeting some of you'll next year.
Date: 2005-08-27
To: FAQ
Miles today: 0.0

You've been asking Questions ...... Heres some Answers(Q) When and where will you be starting ?   > I will be starting at Springer Mountain, (just north of Atlanta,Georgia) on March 1, 2006. The trail spans 2175 miles across the Appalachian mountains to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.(Q) How long will this take you ?   > The trail touches 14 states. The average time to complete the trail is somewhere between 5 1/2 to 6 months.(Q) Where will you be staying at night ?   > I will be carrying a one man tent, I will be using it most of the time, there are also shelters along the way that I may use at times. (Q) What will you eat and how will you get food ?   > There two methods: Mail drops - Food sent from home to a post office in a town along the way. Most of the time I will resupply by getting off the trail and going into a town to buy food. This will be ever 4-7 days. Food is very heavy. I will be typically eat Mac/Cheese, Lipton Sides, instant rice, Raman, foil packets of tuna & chicken, peanut butter, bagels, pop tarts, Snickers, nuts and dried fruits.      Hikers typically burn about 5000 calories a day. So constant hunger is an problem. When I get to a town to resupply I will be treating myself to pizza, cheese burgers, ice-cream and all you can eat restaurants.(Q) Will you be carrying a gun ?   > NO, they weigh too much and they illegal in all State and National Parks(Q) What about mosquitos and bugs ? Also what about wild animals ?   >Mosquitos & bugs are just part of the hike. I will be using a repelent at times. There are a few dangers: black bears, rattle snakes, copperheads, etc...but with the right precautions I'll be ok. Attacks from these animals are extremely rare. The biggest threat is from ticks, that carry & spread Lyme disease.(Q) What kind of gear will you be carring ?   >You can click on "Gear" on the left of this page. There you will find a list of what I am carrying. My total pack and gear will weigh from 35-40 pounds. Weight will very with the amount of food and water being carried.(Q) How can I contact you ?   >There is a link on the left side of this page under Guest Book - "Sign". Please use this so I will have an idea who's following me, Thanks.   You can also click on "Mail Drops", there you will find a list of post offices and business that I will picking up mail as I hike north. Feel free to send cards , letters and care packages. Please note my planned arrival date and allow one - two weeks for you package to arrive so I haven't passed that destination yet.(Q) I guess the most asked questions are: "Are you crazy?" or "Why"?   >No , I'm not crazy, "I don't think"   >Why - A challenge, a love for the outdoors   >I may have a better answer to these when I'm through. I know it will be the most difficult thing I have ever done.Here are a few more answers....   >The same clothes every day and yes they start to smell   >Laundry, shower about once a week in town   >Go off the trail...dig a hole..GO..cover hole!   >I'm still debating the cell phone issue
Date: 2005-10-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been keeping an eye on the price of airline tickets since the price of gas has gone sky high. I came home from church Sunday evening and got on the internet and checked again and the cost of my ticket had gone up about $30. My wife told me I had better go ahead and order them now before they go higher. So I now have my ticket from Abilene - Atlanta payed for. Also have talked with Hikerhostel and arranged for shuttle and place to stay.It is only 140 days tell I can step off Springer Mtn. and head north.Just about every day now someone will ask me about my hiking plans for next year. So I got to thinking about maybe using a business type card to give to people. A friend of ours owns a print shop and he came up with this card. Thanks Randy.I also want to say thanks to all the people that have been reading my journal. I also want to invite you to sign my guestbook.
Date: 2005-11-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Friday evening we decided we needed to make a trip to the Dallas area. We had three reasons to make the 150+ mile trip. 1. Visit our Grandsons - Parker & Preston2. Buy me a second pair of boots.3. Wife needed a new Christmas outfit for her Red Hat Society Club.A visit with Grandsons and family is always a special time.Most of the hiking gear I have has been bought mail order. But when it comes to boots I have to be able to try them on to get a good fit. I went to REI. I know they are a big chain store and some say their employs don't always know what they are doing. I didn't find that to be true in Dallas. They where very patient and knowledgeable about their gear. I spent over an hour trying on boots tell I found the fit I was looking for.My wife found the special outfit she was looking for. So our trip to Dallas was well spent.The 2006 Thru-Hike is drawing close. (113 days) I have been waiting 6 years for this time to come. The excitement is growing every day. Looking forward to meeting the class of 2006.
Date: 2005-12-16
To: Preparation 
Miles today: 0.0

This has been a week for me to remember. Back in '02 I retired after 32 years with "Big Blue". I then started my own little consulting business. Yesterday Dec. 15th was my last day. I have been saying for years that I was retired, it is now really true, and it feels soooooooo good. I also turned 62 last month and this week I received my first SS check.Looks like we are gearing up for a great Class of '06. Looking forward to meeting many of you on the trail next year.Thanks to several past thru-hikers. I believe I have got my mail drops set up. Always subject to change if need be. I have all my gear ready to go. Will be gathering some of my food supplies in the next weeks. Plans are to mainly resupply on the trail as I head north.This will probly be my last entry tell after the first of the year. So I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.