morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-21
To: A 'warm up' hike for the 'warm up' hike
Miles today: 0.0

   If you've ever watched the TV show Dragnet, then you've heard the expression "the names have been changed to protect the innocent". In this case the name will be withheld to protect the guilty.   As a way of getting in a little better physical condition prior to the AT, I've been planning to hike the Northville - Placid trail this August... So yesterdays hike on a small section of the Finger Lakes Trail, you could say was a warm up hike for the N-P Trail. I had called my hiking buddy GW last Friday to see if she wanted to hike a small section of the Finger Lakes Trail Sunday afternoon. "Sure" was the answer, and I would call to confirm Sunday at noon.    We decided to meet at a location south of the trail and once there we determined that we would put a vehicle at each end of this trail, this way we could drive back around and pick up the other vehicle once we hiked the 7+ miles. We dropped GW's truck at the end of the trail and drove my truck back around to the starting point. It must have been after 2:30pm when GW, her yellow Lab, and I got started. We were carrying day packs, although GW's was a little heavy for a "day pack".   It was warm and a little humid, but not hot, and it had gotten cloudy prior to our start, so if it didn't rain it should be a nice hike. We had one place we had briefly lost the trail, but found it again after a short bushwhack. This trail goes up and over a couple of hills, enough to 'wind' you if you push yourself, but nothing extremely strenuous. We decided to stop and take a break at a lean-to a short distance off the main trail. After a couple of snacks we headed back to the main trail and started up the final and steepest hill on this trek. We were about 2/3's of the way to the top when Nancy stopped me. The tone in her voice was apprehensive. I turned around, (happy to stop on this steep part of the trail). Nancy had kind of a pale look on her face. She looked at me and said, do you know here my truck keys are? At that moment I had remembered that she had put them on my console when we left her truck at the parking area. I said to her "they are in my truck, aren't they?". "Yup", she said. Now, just so you know where we were in our days hike, in another 100yds we would top out on the ridge line and in total we couldn't have been 3/4's of a mile from the road, we could hear cars from where we were. I looked at my watch and it was 5:41pm... I said to GW.. we've got to get going, it's a long walk back to my truck, and off we went.   We laughed about it all the way back.... I told GW that her dog would run and hide the next time she got her backpack out... GW actually suggested that it was a Blonde thing... I wouldn't suggest that myself... at least not here.   We got back to the truck at few minutes after 8:00pm. It only sprinkled on us a little on the way back, so all in all it was a good trip, even though it was longer than expected.
Date: 2003-08-26
To: The Warm Up Hike
Miles today: 0.0

I got away for ten days of hiking on the Northville/Placid Trail in the Adirondacks. I went with a friend and former 1993 AT thu-hiker Joe Biegen. I continued to learn a variety of things. (Thanks Joe!!) We had great weather. We only had a 'sprinkle' the entire time we were hiking. We also experienced some trail magic. While camped at Catlin Bay Lean-to on Long Lake, we had nice visit from Rob & Deb Holte and their two little girls from Oxford NY. They were camping in another Catlin Bay Lean-to, where they had come in by boat. Shortly after our visit, Rob and his two daughters came back and delivered some trail magic to Joe and I. Deb had made us a Blueberry Cake. We had a piece right away and ate the remainder for breakfast. A special thanks to the Holte's for their thoughtfulness. Even with the cake, I still managed to loose 13lbs on the trip. I now need to make some gear adjustments in the area of my tent/shelter and several other minor areas.
Date: 2003-10-18
To: Road Trip
Miles today: 0.0

I had the opportunity last week to travel to North Carolina for my nephews wedding. We decided to take our time and see some sights along the way. Of course the sights that I wanted to see would be near the trail. We stopped the first night at Winchester VA. The next morning we drove in a rather thick fog to Front Royal and entered the Shenandoah National Park. We were a little concerned that the fog might limit our views as we started in on Skyline Drive. As we gained elevation we soon were above the fog and views were fantastic. I felt the urge to park the car the first time I came to a point where the AT crossed Skyline Drive, but thought it best to not tempt my wife into driving away and leaving me. I did see where the hurricane had done some damage to the forest, and I also saw a small crew headed in with a chain saw, I assumed they were going in to clear the trails. On the way back home we stopped at Harpers Ferry and of course I felt it necessary to stop and visit the Appalachian Trail Conference headquarters. The staff was limited because it was Columbus Day, but the young lady that was there was very helpful. We walked down the hill to where the trail crosses the Potomac River. I even ran into three south bound thru hikers and spoke with them briefly. As I stood there on the trail I knew my chance was coming just a few short months from now. I can hardly wait!!
Date: 2003-12-06
To: Command Central
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a while since I've updated everyone with what is happening with the preparations for my hike. To start off with, I have 11 working days left, and I'm set to retire on the 31st of December. Will I miss it?? I will miss everyone that I work with. I don't think I will miss my job, even though I have enjoyed it very much. I have been a very fortunate person to have worked with so many special people, and to have stayed at the same company for 30 years.   Most of January will be spent getting in shape. I will do that by Hiking, Snow Shoeing, or X-Country Skiing. I hope to do 10 at least miles a day and try to get into reasonable shape, at least to start the trail. I know it will be nowhere near the condition I will be in after a month on the trail.. (assuming I last that long).    I have ordered my airline tickets and will arrive in Atlanta on Feb. 20th. Tom 'Blue Streek' Raymond will be shuttling me to the trail. I still need to call Tom and communicate the details. In addition, I will be sending my pack to Tom via UPS to avoid the airline hassle and security concerns. Today, I was trying to get 'Command Central' set up. Command Central is the room in my house where my hiking supplies are being accumulated and where my wife will pack them for shipment. I'm using mail drops for most of my resupply needs. One reason for mail drops is, I plan on using about 50% Mountain House dinners. First off, they are very tasty, and because you eat them out of a pouch, so there is no cleanup. They are a little expensive, and that's why I'm only using them for 50% of my meals. I did get a pretty good buy online for the ones I have. The remainder of my dinners will be typical backpacker fare, Lipton dinners, Uncle Ben's Rice dinners and the old standby Mac & Cheese.   As I communicate with my other 2004 AT hikers, they are busy doing much the same things as I. In fact, e-mailed Peak-a-Boo yesterday and I found out that we both had been bagging powdered Gatorade.    Well It won't be long, soon you'll be able to read something other than a 'prep' journal entry.Regards,
Date: 2004-01-04
To: My New Day Job
Miles today: 0.0

For those of us that dream of one day hiking ¢the trail¢ there always seems like there are hurdles that we must complete before the can make that dream a reality. For me the biggest hurdle has just been completed. As of 12/31/2003 I retired from my job, after 30 years in the same company.As this magic date grew closer the smile on my face grew bigger and my, coworkers were just a little jealous (OK, maybe a lot jealous). I had a number of comments from friends that I had a big smile on my face most of the time. I told them that if I was to walk out of work and be hit and killed by a car, that it would take the undertaker a month to get the smile off my face.There are still things that I need to do before I head south. One is going over item by item to see what will make it into my pack and what won¢t. The decisions seem to come down to whether an item is a ¢necessity¢, or, an item that is a ¢comfort¢. This for me can be a difficult process knowing that if a shirt I¢m considering is really needed or can I put on the cold, wet one that I took off the night before. Tough choice considering that I will be faced with winter conditions for the first month and a half, maybe more.Another activity that I need to pickup the pace on is trying to improve my overall physical condition. In fact yesterday I was hump¢n the hills on and around the farm where I grew up in Walton NY. Thanks to neighbors in the area I can cover a lot more ground than I could if I stayed just on just the Henderson Farm. These are just a couple of the things that need to be done. I guess I need to make a list and check it twice, even though Christmas is over. It won¢t be long now!!
Date: 2004-01-10
To: Retirement Party
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday was a very special day for me. My former coworkers held a retirement luncheon in my honor. I knew it was going to take place, but it was made extra special because both my son and daughter attended which I didn't expect (my wife kept it a secret). My hiking buddy and all around best friend Rick Melton also was able to attend and made me the AT Desk Clock that you see in the picture. Rick, a man of too many talents to mention, whipped this up in his spare time. I guess the pressure is on for Pilgrim now. If I only make it to Neels Gap, they're going to scratch off 2004 and write in Neels Gap, (only 30+ mile up the trail from the start). :-) In addition to the AT Clock, I got a number of other useful gifts including several tasty selections from Mountain House. I thought it was a great idea to take things like a packets of hot cider and put notes from coworkers on them. These will get mailed to me along the trail. The people I have been so honored to work with over the past 8 years are very special, and I wouldn't have wanted my last years with IBM to have been spent without a single one of them. Thanks everyone... You're the BEST!!!   Here's an update on getting my pack together. I think I have everything assembled and I packed it this week, and it came in at 36 lbs. That included about a three day supply of food without water so I would need to add another 1.5 lbs for that. I wanted to try and stay under 40lbs to start with which I have been able to do. I know people will go lighter by not carrying a water filter and instead carry chemicals to treat their water. I guess there are somethings I'm not willing to let go of, at least not yet.    We're having a real cold snap hear in NY. It got down to -14 degrees last night. My exercise this week has been confined to my Nordic Track. Next week the temps are supposed to moderate some, I hope to get back out to my training grounds in Walton NY.   Things left to do before I leave... Taxes (always a joy) and need to continue to work on getting rid of my "Desk Lard" (desk lard is fat that one builds up by sitting behind a desk). This probably won't be that last time you hear me refer to 'Desk Lard'.   Less than two months to go...
Date: 2004-02-04
To: GEAR
Miles today: 0.0

I've gotten a number of requests to post my gear list. I've decided to do it here rather than in the "Gear" section provided in Trail Journals. One reason is, I don't have a scale that will handle the small items, but my bathroom scale can handle weighing the entire pack pretty accurately. How do I know? Well, when I put the pack on and stepped on the scale, (and when it finished groaning) the pack weight came out to be the same as when my son stepped on the scale with it. That would be 36 lbs.(Updated 2/05) THIS INCLUDED 3 DAYS OF FOOD BUT NO WATER. So, for those interested, here ya go:Pack - Eureka Paragon w/Pack Rain CoverTent - Eureka SolitaireWater and Cooking Equipment:Water Filter - MSR Waterworks IIMSR Dromedary BagNalgene Bottle (w/supply of duct tape wrapped on) Gatorade BottleTitanium Pot, Cup, & SpoonMSR DragonFly Stove & Fuel BottleFood SackDish Soap & Scrubber PadWater Proof Matches / Lighter / Small CandleSleeping Gear:Feather Friends Down Bag +15 deg w/OR Stuff SackFleece Sleeping Bag LinerZ- Rest Sleeping PadStuff Sack (w/fleece inside which becomes my pillow)Clothing: (in the pack)Fleece Pants (for sleeping in)Long john Bottoms - Mid-weightLong Sleeve Shirt (Poly-Pro)Short Sleeve Shirt (Poly-Pro)1 Pair Cool Max Briefs1 Pair Smartwool Socks1 Pair Sock Liners1 Pair Gortex Socks 1 Pair Nylon Gaiters (tall)Gortex JacketFleece JacketStocking Cap 1 Pair Sealskin GlovesMisc. Equipment:Very Small Radio w/HeadphonesCamera - Pentax Optio33WR (w/extra memory cards)2 Mouse Traps 2 Binder Clips Closed Cell Foam Pad (for sitting)Food Bag Rope (2) w/PullyNylon Tarp 7'6" X 5'6"First Aid Kit w/Camp ScissorsMaps / Hiking Plan (laminated)Wingfoot's Data BookWriting Paper / Pen / Envelopes / Stamps2 Double AA Batteries (camera spares)Can Opener (Military Style)Camp TrowelToiletries:Toothpaste & BrushDeodorantMotel Size Liquid SoapWet WipesToilet PaperClothing (wearing) & Gear, not included in Pack Weight: 'Hind' Long sleeve ShirtPackable Nylon Pants (will switch to zipoff style later)Smartwool SocksVasque Sundowner BootsFleece Gloves1 Bandana2 Leki 'Adventure' Trekking Poles Wallet / Drivers License/ Phone Card/ Credit Card
Date: 2004-02-12
To: The Time Is Almost Here
Miles today: 0.0

Time is getting very short. I have shipped my pack, and it has arrived with Tom Raymond who is also providing my ride to Springer Mountain. I have also shipped my first resupply box to Neels Gap. My second resupply box will be shipped to Blueberry Patch Hiker Hostel prior to my leaving next Friday. In eight days, I should be standing on Springer Mt., assuming we don't get an unexpected ice storm that might keep Tom from taking me to Springer via the USFS road. I will officially start my hike on the morning of the 21st. I'm asked by people, nearly everyday, if I'm getting excited. Some wonder if I'm nervous. You know, I don't feel it yet. I was thinking the other day that I'm going to have to hike 5,000,000 steps. That's what's estimated it takes get to the finish in Maine. When I try to take that all in, it can be very intimidating. It has been said by many that have gone before me, that a thru hiker shouldn't dwell too much on Katahdin, as it can be overwhelming. Instead, enjoy the best that each day brings, and try to meet those daily goals. I think that's good advice, and I hope I can remember it when it seems that I'm getting nowhere. I think I'm ready to leave. I've gotten Uncle Sam taken care of (taxes are done). My daughter, Laura, is going to post my journal, check my e-mail, and is even helping by shopping and packaging a number of my meals. My wife is ready to pack and ship my resupply boxes. My son, Tom, is going to take care of things like the lawn, and things that may need fixing around the house while I'm gone. I could not even think of trying to do this without their support, and I will miss them. There are a number of other special people, who are providing their support through their special encouragement and prayers. Not A Day Goes By (when I don't think of you). I will also miss some of my fellow thru hikers (want-a-be's). Cuppa Joe, Peak-a-Boo, Grant - aka Cuz, & Sudz. These are just some of the people that I have met on-line while each of us have been going through the necessary planning for this adventure. They have become friends, and I know that I may never get the opportunity to meet them, as we are starting at different times. I wish each of them a safe and successful hike along with all my fellow AT2004 Classmates. For all of you who have signed my on-line guest book.. Thanks for your words of encouragement. It's almost time to stop dreaming "The Dream", and start living it.
Date: 2004-02-20
To: The day has come...
Miles today: 0.0

In Bill Bryson¢s book ¢A Walk in the Woods,¢ he talks about his decision to hike the Appalachian Trail. After he announces it to the world, he starts to have second thoughts. It wasn¢t that he didn¢t want to do the hike, but that he felt the pressure of possible failure. Now everyone knew he was going to do this¢¦ What if he fell flat on his face?I can relate to that feeling. Having an online journal, I¢m hanging it all out there, or so it seems. I¢m currently on a plane headed for the reality of my hike at 500 miles an hour. Tonight I¢ll be on Springer Mountain and tomorrow I¢ll walk (at 2 miles per hour) seven miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter. As my hiking buddy Rick would say, ¢How bad can it be?¢Step by step, day by day, it is possible.**Editor¢s Note: Sorry for the delay with this entry. It must have been caught in the mail.
Date: 2004-02-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

First, a little bit about yesterday. Tom Raymond picked me up like clockwork. I called from the airport and he said that he would meet me at North Springs Station, the last stop on the train from the airport. He drove me to the parking lot 0.9 miles below Springer Mountain. I was very pleased with the service Tom provided. He was there when he said he would be and he got me where I was going. I got my pack and in a short time I was at the Springer Shelter. There was no one else there. I got my sleeping bag and pad out and hung my food bag on the bear cables. I bought a sub and a bottle of Gatorade on the way to Springer. I decided to eat and go to the summit just 0.2 miles away and take a couple of pictures. There was no one there so I had to take the pictures myself.Back at the shelter about a half hour before dark, a guy showed up carrying a ton of stuff. His name was Dave and he was hoping that his two friends, Steve and Chuck, were coming in from the approach trail. Dave had come in from the parking lot where I had come an hour before. It started to get dusk and Dave was wondering where his two buddies were. He went looking for them. He returned just after it had gotten dark. It turns out that tons of stuff that Dave was carrying was food. Steaks, crab dip, a six pack of "bad boys". They got the charcoal going and soon there were steaks cooking. They invited me to join them but I declined. At this point it was very windy and cold. It rained for a short time later on.When I got up this morning there was not a cloud in the sky. I was about 40 degrees and there was a good deal of wind, but it was going to be a beautiful day. I had peanut butter granola for breakfast and I was on the trail at 8:00. I had to backtrack the 0.9 miles to the parking lot. The trail up Springer is quite rocky but once you cross the forest service road and the parking lot, the trail is very smooth. This was what my Adirondack buddies and I would call "happy trail." In fact, of the trail I covered today, I would say that 80% of it was happy trail. It was a slight downhill grade for most of the firs half of my hike and the second half was almost all uphill, but not steep. I would say that overall, the trail was excellent. (The weather didn't hurt either.)I arrived at Hawk Mountain Shelter at 12:05 pm. It's a nice shelter with an excellent privy. I have one hotspot but not a blister yet. I'll tape it up tomorrow before I leave. I did stop to a take a picture of Long Creek Falls and a couple of pictures of what I thought were "typical trail" today. I had a great first day.When I got to the Hawk Mountain Shelter there were two guys that were just getting started for the day. They were headed for Gooch Mountain Shelter. I'm told that the trail gets more difficult tomorrow.People I met today:Zack and Chris (Weekend hikers)Blue foot (Weekend hikers)Pete (Thru-hiker, still looking for a trial name)Ryan and Jason (Thru-hikers)
Date: 2004-02-22
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: few clouds

There are a number of things I could write about today but the biggest surprise was seeing Peek-a-boo at the Gooch Mountain Shelter. She delivered trail magic in the form of apples and Rice Krispie treats.Can you believe that she drove two hours from Atlanta to surprise me? I approached the shelter at about 12:10 and there sat a young lady and it took about 2 seconds to recognize Peek-a-Boo from her journal picture. I yelled, ¢PEEK A BOO!!¢ What a nice thing for her to do. I was very moved by her kindness. Well, on to the hiking¢¦ I left Hawk Mountain Shelter at 7:45. Jason and Ryan left with me. They soon left me behind, as they are juniors in college. We had to really work today. We went over several mountains, the most difficult being Sassafras Mountain. I was huffin¢ and puffin¢. The day started off cold, just about freezing. In fact, one guy had a little ice in his water bottle. The weather soon warmed up and by the time I finished at Gooch Mountain Shelter it was probably 65 degrees. It¢s 5:45 pm and I¢m just now thinking about putting on a jacket. I¢m here in the shelter with Waldo, Kate, Jay, Little Tree, Hippie Long Stocking and Stump knocker who is finishing his southbound hike tomorrow. (This is his second thru-hike.) What a great day, weather, Peek-a-boo and no major problems.*** Editor¢s Notes: 1) Photos to follow. 2) Peek-a-boo is one of several thru-hikers yet to start the trail this year that Pilgrim has become friends with as they share advice and prepare for their trips.
Date: 2004-02-23
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started this morning at 7:50am. In a few words it was a challenging day. If I were to compare it to the two previous days¢¦ The first day was a good day, not too difficult. There was a significant increase in required effort for day two. Today was the most difficult so far. The terrain was about the same but I had to cover an additional 5 miles. It seemed that we went up and down mountains all day long. I was leap-frogging with Waldo, Little Tree, Kate and Jay. When we got to the junction of the side trail to Woods Hole Shelter, the younger crowd decided to get to the summit of Blood Mountain. Myself, I was out of gas for the day. So, I¢m here at Woods Hole Shelter alone. It¢s a nice shelter, but at nearly 3600 feet, it is cold. In fact I am writing this with my gloves on. Tomorrow I have to get over Blood Mountain (4461 ft.) and down to Neels Gap. It¢s supposed to rain tonight (maybe snow). I¢m thinking of taking a zero day at Neels Gap. We¢ll decide when I get there.
Date: 2004-02-24
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap (Walasiyi Inn)
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the Woods Hole Shelter at 7:43 am where I spent the night alone (well, me and the mice). I had to go over Blood Mountain this morning. From the shelter to the summit it was 2.1 miles. I was at the summit at 8:43am. (I also saw a deer at the summit.) I came down to Neels Gap where I am washing clothes, taking a shower and getting my journals mailed. There is an outstanding hiking outfitter here and they also run a hiker¢s hostel.One service that they provide is to go through your backpack and make recommendations as to how you can reduce your pack weight. The good news is that they thought my pack contents were pretty good. I was able to send home a few things that totaled about 2.1 pounds. I replaced a tarp with a much lighter one and bought a pair of camp shoes.I¢m about a half day behind my plan, but I will not be ruled by the schedule.