morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-22
To: This and That and Thanks
Miles today: 0.0

Well it has been two weeks since I finished the trail. And that time has gone by quickly. Within 36 hours of summitting Katahdin I was back home again after an 11 hour car ride. It was a fast transition back. Probably too fast. I spent a few days sorting my things out and then headed to the beach at Hilton Head, SC. Sitting at the ocean and at the pool was more of the quiet transition that I needed. It was very relaxing and felt great to just soak my feet and decompress. Perhaps not surprisingly my feet and knees are still sore and stiff, but getting better every day. One of the strangest things was waking up in the middle of the night about two nights after getting home and having my calves and feet all in cramps. I laid there for about five minutes massaging my legs and feet before I could get up. Weird. After leaving the beach, and all the strange looks and comments my beard was getting down there (Hilton Head is a very upper middle class family oriented type place) I drove to Columbia, SC. There I met up with my friend Johnny O who took me to the trail in the first place. It kind of felt like coming full circle. Driving back from Columbia, I stopped in Shenandoah and met up with Shelter Monkey and Snake Whisperer, who are now hiking from Harper's Ferry to Springer to complete their flip-flop thru-hike. It was great hanging out with them for a few hours, but it did make me realize that I am glad to be done with thru-hiking for now. Initially I missed the trail and felt like I should still be hiking, but driving past all the places I hiked down south and then seeing them for a few hours made me realize how tough it is to be out there. And now I am back home and clean shaven. I hardly recognize myself without six months of facial hair.And two weeks later I still have nothing profound to say about my hike. But I do have to say I could never have finished it alone. There are countless people, way too many to name or list here, who helped me along the way, whether it was something tangible or just positive encouragement. Other hikers, trail angels, and strangers met along the way, some of whom I never learned their names, helped me tremendously. All of the positive comments I received did wonders for my morale. Most importantly I would not have been able to undertake my adeventure without the support of family and friends. So thank you to everyone who helped me and made a postive impact on my thru-hike, I surely could not have done it otherwise.
Date: 2009-01-23
To: Transition Back
Miles today: 0.0

Societal reinsertion complete. I've been back to work at a new job in an old city for a few weeks now. At times it feels as if I was never even on the trail. I'm back to the old routines of work. At other times the memories and urge to be back on the trail are overwhelming. The littlest things, like a sunset on the drive home from work, or the snow dusting on the sidewalk, will trigger memories of the trail. I think of the trail every day, especially now as I think back to where I was at a year ago at this time with my plans for hiking the trail nearly complete. And now that I am back at work I appreciate the trail so much more than I ever did before I left or while I was out there. The worst day out there acts as a refreshing memory. I look back at my photos with a sense of awe, 'Was that really me there? Did I really see all of those things?' I know I am idolizing the trail in my mind now that I am ensconced back into society, but I suppose that is a natural process. I find that I appreciate the little things in every day so much more now than I did before the trail. I find that my perspective in general is much changed. I find that I tend to think of the big picture more and more in my day to day life and no task seems insurmountable. Spending 172 days hiking 2,176 miles will do that.
Date: 2009-05-18
To: Trail Days '09
Miles today: 0.0

I went to Trail Days 2009 in Damascus, VA. It was a blast and I got to see many familiar faces and meet a lot of new ones. I almost forgot what a small town Damascus was, and also the extreme lack of cell phone reception in the area, which in a way was kind of refreshing. The Wednesday before Flamethrower drove out from Ohio and Creek Diver flew in from London and the three of us made a trek up to the Doyle. The Doyle is now refreshingly smoke free which may make it seem like it lost some of its charm, but also makes it feel much more clean. Anyways, being a non-smoker I'm in favor of the smoke free environment. Vicki at the Doyle keeps a photo album of all the hikers that pass through every year and it was funny to see our hot, sweaty, disheveled pictures from last June. The next day Bearbait flew in from Texas and Forrest Gimp drove out from Philly with another '08 thru-hiker from Rhode Island named Pod, who I never met on the trail. Together the six of headed down to Virginia in Forrest Gimp's van, on loan from her sister. Many trail stories were exchanged and re-told. It was great. Friday morning we got to Damascus, parked and set up our tents in 'tent city', a sprawling mass of tents strewn across a field and adjoining woods. Tents in every shape and size and color. Hikers abounded and so did dogs. Again it was fantastic and brought back so many memories of the trail, I can't believe I didn't go back to trail days last year while I was still on the trail. There were a ton of '08ers and the 'Oh Eight, Oh Eight, Oh Eight, Oh Eight' could be heard echoing in the woods. I saw Mr. Bones and Stubbs, Hot Cheese and Birdbath, Butters, Superchunk, Hometown, Rainbow, Peanut, Wing It and Fire, Bound, Bones, Orange Dust, Troutbum, Circumstance, Trail Angel Mary, Hot Tang and Earthbound, and Raccoon (who I only knew as Ed on the trail) as well as meet some new faces like Neon (also from PA), Mr. Burns (who broke his leg in the lemon squeezer last summer), Banjo, and Karen Dillard, who heard of me from Shelter Monkey and Snake Whisperer when she was a trail angel to them in Virginia on their flip flop. It was also fun to get the reaction of people recognizing me without my giant red beard too. I also got to meet an '09er, Dennis Quinn from Kutztown, PA near my home town. He actually recognized me from hiking last year and came up and introduced himself. It was really cool to get to meet him and hopefully I'll catch him on the trail when he makes it to PA.Friday night there was a bonfire and plenty of alcohol and Saturday there was a hiker parade as well as a carnival going on in town all weekend. We also cooked out some hot dogs and just generally had a good time relaxing and having fun. Minimal walking involved. And what outdoor experience would be complete without rain? It poured down rain Saturday night after going to bed and everything was soaked Sunday morning. All in all though it was a blast and my liver took a beating, but I hope to be back next year.
Date: 2009-06-13
To: Trail Magic '09
Miles today: 0.0

My first big trail magic endeavor was a success! Peanut (AT '08) and I put on some trail magic today at the Shippensburg Road crossing of the AT. Roughly halfway between Caledonia/Rt. 30 and Pine Grove Furnace (site of the half gallon challenge). Forrest Gimp was going to join us as well, but alas, the three hour drive from Philly proved to be too long for her.Although I live relatively close to the AT in Harrisburg, PA, Peanut lives in Baltimore and is a little further away, a little over an hour from the AT in Maryland. In discussing where to put on our trail magic we quickly began running into problems about location. There are so many road crossings for the trail in this part of the country that we were unsure where to put on our trail magic. It just seemed as though thru-hikers would be starting to really hit the area where they can almost eat from road crossing to road crossing if they want. Ultimately we picked Shippensburg Road for driving distance and because it was somewhere a lot of hikers might hit around lunchtime. So we got there at 8am and set up. We had lots of fruit, cookies, brownies, muffins, hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, as well as soda, juice and beer. It wasn't long actually until we got our first '09 thru-hikers, Hellbender and Leon, with his dog Halifax. Later on we got Egg and Ms. Muster, and then a group calling themselves Pack of Divas. Overall we got a lot more female thru-hikers than guys. Kind of unusual for the trail. It was a lot of fun though because some of the girls sang us a song and played harmonica and banjo for us. We also got some international thru-hikers from New Zealand, England and Peru. Also another hiker, Terrapin, showed up because he was dropping off some trail magic (cold bottles of snapple and oranges) at the road crossing. I hope I get to put on more magic next year, especially since I've gotten to work out some of the kinks now. I have to admit I was slightly nervous about whether we brought enough food or not and just in general about making sure everything was set up right for the hikers. It was a strange feeling like I was going out on a date or something. But it was great to connect with some of this year's hikers. It made me a little jeolous that I wasn't hiking the trail, but only a little bit as this year's group has been getting a lot of rain. In another way I felt strangely disconnected from them. They were thru-hikers in midst of their advnture and living it up and mine was all done. A little sad in a way. There were just some strange conflicting feelings about missing the trail and not missing it and just feeling slightly like I didn't belong anymore. Bittersweet would be the word. I guess life moves on.
Date: 2010-10-02
To: Marriage
Miles today: 0.0

I got married today!And I have to thank the trail. If I had not hiked the trail, I would not have gotten married. How so?By hiking the trail, my local newspaper did a story on me and linked my trailjournal to their website, and my now wife, Tina, and I re-connected as a result.We first met in the summer of 2000 when we worked at a state historic site during college. I was there as an intern, and my wife had worked there the summer before and was back to work there again. We got along and were friends, but nothing more, and lost touch with each other a year or two later. So much so that I even forgot her last name. (Interestingly we grew up about 2 miles from each other but never met until that internship).Over the last ten years we both went in different directions, until the newspaper story, when one of my wife's co-workers began following my trailjournal. Tina took note, in large part she has since told me, because one of the things she remembered most about me was my dislike for insects, spiders, etc. and so she was surprised to see me embracing the outdoors.About 6 months after finishing my hike I got a message out of the blue from Tina and after a few e-mails back and forth, we met up for a drink to catch up, and well, now I'm married.And of course, as my first initial is A and her's is T, we form our own little AT. Serendipity. Thank you trail.
Date: 2011-09-30
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It has been almost a year since my last entry. This past March, my wife and I purchased a house in Lebanon County, PA. It is a 100 year old plus red brick farmhouse sitting on an acre and a half of land. We have cows for neighbors. The best part is that I can see the Appalachian Mountains from our backyard, specifically I can see Indiantown Gap and Swatara Gap where the Trail traverses. It feels good to know and see that the trail is right out there even if I don't get out to it much these days. Marriage, new home, work and the impending arrival of our first child keep me pretty busy. But, it is amazing to sit out back, watch the sun set over the blue haze of the mountains, and think about all the wonderful memories I have of the trail. It is our AT homestead.
Date: 2008-01-01
To: About the Dream
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings;Thanks for sharing in this adventure. I have been waiting for nearly 25 years to embark on the Grand-Daddy of all trails, the Appalachian Trail. Anyone whom enjoys backpacking & wilderness travel understands without explanation. For others, there are many such as myself who are drawn to the outdoor experience. I have always been this way from my earliest recollection. I can't explain why, only that being out there brings me a certain joy that I can't find anywhere else. This is where I am the happiest, most energized and feel alive! I have been patient, I have put others first. I have put myself "on hold" whilelife happened. Now it is "My Time". I have earned the right to do this for me. This is personal and a gift to myself. I don't expect others to understand it, only to accept it and know that I am realizing a dream and to make it come true. A brief description of the Appalachian Trail, it is the longest continuous footpath in the United States. It begins at Springer Mountain Georgia and ends at Mt.Katahdin Maine. It travels through 14 states with a distance of 2,176.2 miles. The rise and fall in trail elevation is the equivelant of climbing Mt. Everest 18 times. The journey end to end takes an average of 6 months. It can be done faster, but why would you want to hurry? The terrain is largely mountainous with many a rock, root and mud in between. Experiencing 3 seasons, Spring, Summer and Fall is the norm for North Bounders(NOBO). I will be heading North as well.I am lucky and blessed for sure to have this opportunity. Wish me luck.
Date: 2008-02-02
To: Gear preparation completed
Miles today: 0.0

Hello again;Any Outfitter is my "candy" store. I never tire looking at gear. Sometimes I go just to get the "juice" so to speak. Being around backpacks, sleeping bags and other familiar outdoor necessities stirs the feeling of excitement, urging me to do another outdoor adventure. I require this from time to time when I am between trips and remain an urban dweller.Thankfully, I long since have progressed from the temptation of being a gear head. I do enjoy evaluating new gear vs. older. Sadly, newer & lighter all too often translates to crap that you will have to replace much sooner.For this trip, I have replaced some of my usual gear. Overall benefit, longevity, weight & cost is the order in which I determine any purchase.Selecting my gear has been therapeutic as much as necessary. As the months, weeks and now days tick away, this activity helps take the edge off the wait. I am excited! This dream is ever becoming more, a long awaited reality.Almost to good to be true.
Date: 2008-03-01
To: Green light, you have a 
Miles today: 0.0

Unbelievable!The final green light! Although I had to mentally prepare to submit my resignation, my employer granted me the Leave of Absence I had requested. I am extremely grateful and elated beyond all imagination.I will tell you that for the past year, through dreams, events & circumstances along with other positive yet unexplainable chains of events, doors have opened that have been previously closed. I know and have known beyond a doubt, this is truly "My Time". Despite coming close a couple of times in the past 25 years to do this, it was meant to be now and not before.I can't find the words right now to describe what I am feeling. I can say however, that the feeling is one of those rare times when we know from a very deep place that this is right. This is what I'm supposed to be doing right now. What a warm yet fantastic feeling it is!I am chomping at the bit. I am days away.
Date: 2008-03-28
To: A Tough day
Miles today: 0.0

Today was one of the toughest and most difficult days I have had. Despite the euphoria from this magnificent event that was about to unfold, I had needed to tell my youngest daughter Karly (15) that I was going away for awhile. We have been very close and have spent a lot of time together. Taking her to her horse back riding, shopping, taxiing or just hanging out has been a real hi-lite for me. She is growing up, now is a good time but still very painful.   Hopefully one day, my daughters Karly & Elise will know how important this was to me? Perhaps it may inspire them or help them to understand me better? In contrast my oldest Daughter Jeannette whom I will be meeting in Indiana to drive me to Springer, already knows and understands how significant this journey is to me. My son Tony came to visit me from Pennsylvania last week. I think he might be worried for the ole man? He is happy for me too, as he knows as well what this means. My cheering section! My children validate my existance. Next,is my beloved Kim. We have been together for 7 years. Although,she had advanced warning nearly 1 year ago, leaving her as well is extremely difficult. This will not be an easy thing for her. I wouldn't blame her if she didn't wait. Afterall, this is my dream not hers. But at the same token, I am worthy. If the situation were reversed, even though I may not like it, or understand it? I would support her to the best of my ability because it was her passion and dream. I would want her to realize hers as much as I would want to realize mine. We don't always get to follow our dreams. Life is to short and often painful. Go for the joy whenever possible! To my family, I love you all.
Date: 2008-03-30
To: Time to go
Miles today: 0.0

Well the time has come. The first leg of this journey is ready to begin.It was a cold, rainy night when I was dropped off at the Greyhound station in London Ontario.It was surprisingly busy at 1:00 a.m. in the morning. Saying goodbye or rather "until" is never easy. It will be nearly 3 months before we see each other again. One last kiss and farewell.Now the transition from the past life of moments before to the new adventure is now rolling. A mild excitement is stirring however, I keep it contained as this is only the pre-journey. I am headed to Indiana to meet my daughter Jeannette who will take me the rest of the way to Georgia. At the border, the customs agents gave my bag a curious inspection. What's in it & where are you going for 6 months was their question? Beeming with pride I was able to proclaim that I am going to backpack the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and this is my gear. Their tone was now different, their envy admitted and a heart felt good luck was given. Back on the road.
Date: 2008-03-31
To: Indiana to Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Finally, the grueling bus trip of lay overs, bad smells and bathrooms that make you glad you would be shitting in the woods, was over.I met my daughter in Indianapolis, my 2 grandchildren Julian (5) and Caden (9 mo.) would be part of this journey as well. My son-in-law Chris met us briefly then had to return to work. We stopped for dinner at Shapiro's then hit the interstate heading south. Later in the evening one of my usual headaches had progressed into a migraine. In addition, the severe pains in my chest were becoming more frequent. I didn't mention before that I had been ill for some time. Over the past months I have been in & out of the hospital and doctor's office. I have been waiting so long to do this trip, I am going for it no matter what. As I explained to some of my family. Don't worry. If for some reason something did happen, I would be doing what I love the most and be where I wanted to be. How could you not like that? We eventually stopped at a motel. I'm not even sure where. I needed to pass out. My head wanted to explode and I needed rest. I felt bad to be such poor company but I was just trying to make it through the night.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter.

To: Gooch Gap.
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning brought light rain.I hit the trail anxious to receive what the day had to bring.As I climbed higher and higher, the trail had a ghost like aura. I was walking in the clouds. It would be foggy all day.Another cool thing was the way the trail sparkled. It was covered in glittering gold like dust. It was actually pyrite or mica. But to be on a path of gold just added to the awe of this experience.Although I was not trying to push for any big or set mileage, I was surprised at how long a few miles were taking? There were several ups and downs. This makes it sound mild. These are mountains, not gentle rolling hills. I never realized that Georgia could be so rugged. I was getting a first-hand education.I stopped and ate lunch next to a creek. A few other hikers came along and dropped their packs as well. Fed & briefly rested it was time to get going again. It was a cold, damp, dark and foggy day. The kind of day you just want to crawl in your bag and be cozy. I passed on stopping at Gooch Mountain shelter. I pushed on another mile or so with a small group of people I was now traveling with. We found a spot and pitched our tents in Gooch Gap. Joe, or rather "Springloaded" in which I gave him his trail name, built a welcomed fire. His name came from the way he moved along the trail. A born outdoorsman and hiker of the highest caliber.This night would prove to be when the bond was formed between Springloaded, Pat, Sprite, Freckles and myself. Despite the dreariness of the day, we enjoyed laughter, stories and more laughter around the camp fire. It was one of those times that you always want to remember and know that it is special.It was today as well, that we discovered hanging a bear bag was a comedic ritual that we all looked forward too. You just knew going forward that this seemingly simple act was going to bring you alot of tears from laughter in the future.It rained heavily throughout the night. Unfortunately a Tarp-tent is not waterproof. Water resistant maybe, but not water proof. I chose it for the extremely light weight. Fortunately my sleeping bag was waterproof. I discovered that my choice of shelter for this trip had low marks in keeping me dry. I will be replacing it.Already day 2 is done. How fast the time is going. I remind myself, to make sure I enjoy each moment (as if I needed the reminder?) I recalled reading in many other journals, if able to do it over again, many would focus less on making miles and more on seeing and enjoying the beautiful gifts of the AT.