morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-11
To: First Post
Miles today: 0.0

My name is Ben Perrett, I am from a small town of about 200,000 people called Geelong. Geelong is located in the State of Victoria, Australia. Look at the accompaning map and you will find my home town in the bottom right hand corner of the mainland. If you stumble upon Tasmania, you have gone too far south.The decision has been made to attempt a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2008 starting some time in mid March. Soon I will be hopefully graduating from RMIT with a degree in Surveying, then do some training over the summer and get some work in the field of Surveying in the Geelong region to increase the savings, and then off to Atlanta.This Journal will hopefully give a progress of my journey along the AT. I will be visiting towns on average about 4 ¢ 7 days and hopefully on these occasions I shall update my journal either at a library, internet caf©, or maybe backpackers. I am not that sure about the availability of computers or all of the logistics, so it will be a wait and see approach. Hopefully I will find the time to keep you all updated with my journey. I am not sure if I shall be able to upload pictures, and there may be a delay between when I travel my path to when I then post my journal, but with some patience you should be able to follow with me along the AT.To find my journal there are two ways, use my link directly, or go to trail journals, click on the journal icon at the top, choose 2008, and navigate down to my name ¢The Boy from Bell Post Hill.¢ It is a lame name, but the Americans insist on what they call trail names. Supposedly once out on the trail they choose a trail name for you, just a part of the fun.Once you have made your way to my page you can see some icons down the left hand side, it is possible to choose an entry by date, or to see a complete list of all my entries. Or at the top of the page you can navigate sequentially through the pages using previous and next. Click on the photo icon and you can obviously see all my photos This website is very easy to use, but I have included some basic instructions mostly for my mothers benefit, for those of you who know her will know why, her and computers are just not a good mix.There is a guest book, and feel free to write to me. Down the left hand side you can see an icon called sign, click on this. A page will come up asking for your details, including name, location and email address, fill these out. Then write me a message, and click on ok. Climbing up mountains, drudging along in the snow and rain, putting on wet clothes in the morning can all get a bit much at times, so a nice friendly message from home is always appreciated. It shall be some time until I will see you, so I still want to know what everyone is up to, so drop me a line and sign the guest bookBen
Date: 2007-09-12
To: What is the AT?
Miles today: 0.0

So many of you are probably wondering what the Appalachian Trail is, here are a few very basic facts and figures.A.T. EssentialsIn 1921, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail was simply an idea. Benton MacKaye ¢ an off-and-on federal employee, educated as a forester and self-trained as a planner ¢ proposed it as the connecting thread of ¢a project in regional planning.¢The efforts of countless volunteers made MacKaye's idea a reality. Today, the Appalachian Trail is best known as a simple footpath, yet it also has other identities ¢ as a greenway, a flyway, a "mega-transect"; by which to monitor environmental health. It is the mission of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to ensure that future generations will enjoy clean air and water, scenic vistas, wildlife and opportunities for simple recreation and renewal along the entire Trail corridor.At a GlanceThe Appalachian Trail, completed in 1937:   ¢¢        Is a unit of the National Park Service.    ¢¢        Is the nation's longest marked footpath, at approximately 2,175 miles.    ¢¢        Is the first national scenic trail, designated in 1968.    ¢¢        Houses more than 2,000 occurrences of rare, threatened,endangered,and      sensitive plant and animal species.    ¢¢        Crosses six national parks.    ¢¢        Traverses eight national forests.    ¢¢        Touches 14 states.    ¢¢        Crosses numerous state and local forests and parks.    ¢¢        Is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships. Threats to the A.T. experience include:   ¢¢        Highway construction    ¢¢        Housing developments    ¢¢        Invasive exotic plants    ¢¢        Declining air quality Fun facts about the Appalachian Trail:   ¢¢        Lowest elevation: 124 feet.    ¢¢        Highest elevation: 6,625 feet.    ¢¢        There are 165,000 blazes along the length of the Trail.    ¢¢        More than 9,000 people have reported hiking the length of the Trail.    ¢¢        It takes approximately 5 million footsteps to walk the entire length       of the Trail. The above information was stolen from The Appalachian Trail Conservancyhttp://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.727749/k.91A1/AT_Essentials.htm
Date: 2007-09-13
To: Training
Miles today: 0.0

Once my studies have concluded, I will be venturing out to start some hiking. Some training shall be necessary, but not too much.First hike will most likely be down at Wilsons Prom, and then depending on where and how much I am working I will incorporate as many hikes as I can after that. So the next post will be in a few months time with some nice pictures.
Date: 2007-11-07
To: Sealers' Cove
Miles today: 0.0

My university degree has come to an end, and to celebrate it was time to go on a hike. Decided to head down to Wilsons Promontory for a 5 day hike. The Prom is a series of small mountains connected by a series of beaches and small bays. There is a 60km track around the perimeter of the Prom. The Prom juts out into Bass Strait, and is the most southern point of the Australian mainland.Day 1Leave home nice and early and head off to Melbourne, today is the Melbourne Cup the horse race that stops a nation and a public holiday, so the traffic should only be light. Pick up my friend Mick and then head down to Tidal River. After a few wrong turns, including a road where the bitumen runs out, we finally found ourselves at Tidal River, it is the centre of activities at the Prom and has a small caravan park. It is snuggled in the valley between Pillar Point and Little Oberon and protected to the seaward by the dunes of Norman Bay. We dropped off the car and then caught the bus up to the Telegraph Saddle car park to begin our 5 day adventure. Our first camp would be a gentle walk down to Sealers¢ Cove 10km, setting off from Mt. Oberon car park. Before long we had reached Windy Saddle on the sheltered southern slopes of Mt. Ramsay, time to take off the boots and pack and lay down drenched in sweat on a small wooden table. This short walk was a shock to the system, university life had made me soft and fat, the long grind to gather some fitness before the AT had begun, and this was going to be harder than first envisioned. Beyond Windy Saddle the vegetation changed to moist scrub with ferns and mosses. After a descent that was much longer than my legs remembered comes Sealers¢ swamp with massive abundant ferns made easy going by boardwalks. The thighs are a little larger than what is ideal for a hiker, and the combination of sweat and chaffing thighs is creating a burning sensation which will accompany me for the next 5 days, jock rot. Soon the noise of the ocean could be heard echoing through the forest, and with each step it grew in volume. Eventually we step straight from the forest onto a beach with stunning views in all directions. To the north the mountains plunge into the ocean, to the south is Sealers¢ Creek a knee deep crossing and above is the secluded campsite. Thankfully it is low tide making the creek crossing much easier, there has been occasion crossing here in the past where my nipples have suffered a dunking. Old stumps were seen on the beach, the ghosts of a jetty that was used for timber production. There are only a few other campers, set up our tents, and before long the Pepsi can stove is being utilized to cook up some dinner in the fading light. Soon we are both lying in our tents nursing weary bodies, the coffee peculator starts up a sure sign that Mick has fallen to sleep accompanied by the gentle beat of the ocean lapping up against the shore.
Date: 2007-11-08
To: Little Waterloo Bay
Miles today: 0.0

Day 2All parts of the body hurt, and climbing out of the sack seems like an impossible wish. Trying to stand for the first time is a painful experience, feel like a baby trying to take its first steps, as nothing seems to be working. What was suppose to be a gentle 10km downhill introduction back into hiking has taken a much greater toll than first thought, there are going to be some tough days ahead. The climb out of Sealers¢ is relatively easy, but it stills makes me huff and puff, the views of the beaches and surrounding mountains are stunning. Eventually we arrive at Refuge Cove, as the name suggests, is the safest anchorage along the Prom¢s east coast and many ships run from the storms to is quiet waters, but none on this occasion. We walk along the beach and the sand squeaks under ones feet, this is due to the granules all being the same size. They are all small and round in shape of a similar diameter, and act like marbles sliding over each other as you walk over them making a squeaking noise. We rest at the campsite and eat salada¢s and tuna for lunch. We are once again in a beautiful setting with Cove Creek cutting its way down to the ocean, my body is screaming for me to call it a day and camp for the night, but Little Waterloo Bay another 7km along awaits us. The track from Refuge Cove climbs steeply to Kersops Peak with breath-taking vistas over Waterloo Bay and the lighthouse on South East Point. The view matters little to me, I find a rock and collapse in a heap, every part of my overweight body is in horrible pain, I am living on the edge. I think back over my life and try to remember when I felt this exhausted, and next thing I have fallen asleep. The path descends to North Waterloo Bay with a turquoise sea and very soft sand which my feet have great trouble pushing through. A short distance on, the track reaches Little Waterloo Bay which, with its dazzling white sand, blue water, and sheltered camping ground, is a highlight of the trip. There is also a girl¢s school that has joined us for the night, mental note get up very early in the morning to use the dunny or shall be left standing in a long queue. The forest around here is the southern most stand of warm temperate rainforest in the world. It was a very long day, and the hike had taken me beyond my comfortable limits, my legs seized up every time I sat for too long, thankfully I was laying in my bed before long and drifted off to sleep.
Date: 2007-11-09
To: Roaring Meg
Miles today: 0.0

Day 3Getting out of bed was rather tough, but I felt in desperate need for a shower. Filled up the water bottle and headed down to Little Waterloo Beach, took off all clothes, it was not much past 6am and poured a bottle of cold creek water all over my shivering body. I certainly felt awake now, but the body was as tired as ever, I felt really drained, this was going to be a very long day. Left camp nice and early as we had many kilometers in front of us. To get onto Waterloo bay took some rock hoping and rather than being delicate like ballerinas, we looked more like elephants on a tin roof. The stretch of beach along Waterloo Bay was similar to walking in deep snow, the going was slow and tedious. After an hour of beach walking it was time to climb back up into the forest from the southern end of Waterloo Bay, the first step off the beach via some wooden steps was challenging, why do they always make the first step so high above the sand? The climb started off gradual, passing many massive granite boulders, gradually getting steeper as the climb continued. The views were enhanced by recent bushfire activity. The walk along to the lighthouse offered so many spectacular views around every corner passing through diverse plant communities. Eventually the Lighthouse was within sight, and around every corner the lighthouse gradually got closer, before reaching the turn off.The great stone tower was built and opened for service in 1859. The old light was replaced in the 1970¢s, but as always the Lighthouse has warned sailors of dangers of Bass Strait. The lighthouse is a unique and fascinating experience and views from here are marvelous, well that is what Mick told me because I did not make it out to the Lighthouse. I sat down at the turnoff and was content to look out at the view, before falling asleep for an afternoon siesta. Mick came back with the exciting news that the mountains behind the lighthouse that we have to climb look massive, great, just the news I wanted to hear. The afternoon started off with another big climb, but it was fairly gradual, the views of the distant islands were spectacular. These offshore islands have a real romantic appeal, there are 16 in all, and add immeasurably to the magnificence of the views from all the high points along the trails. We both felt a sense of relief when we finally made the fire trail, but within half hour of walking both our feet felt like bricks swelling in our boots. The pounding on the unforgiving surface of the road made the walking very unpleasant, but still the views remained. We took the longer route around the gravel road to avoid the step hills of the walking track even though it was 1.7km further. Finally after a day that started with me feeling exhausted, ended when we saw the toilet at Roaring Meg campsite perched up next to the road. We climbed down into the valley to camp next to the creek, tents were set up and it was not long before we were tucked inside with eyes closed drifting off to sleep. We had walked about 18 km.
Date: 2007-11-10
To: Oberon Bay
Miles today: 0.0

Day 4This was to be a short day of no more than 10km. The walk out of the Roaring Meg campsite was a gradual climb, today we would be walking down the centre of the Promontory. There were signs of the old telegraph that use to connect the Lighthouse to civilization. Soon we left the forest and entered the open grasslands, affording great views of many of the mountains that we had traversed over the previous days. Previous Bushfires had stripped the mountains of their usual thick cover of flora, leaving the magnificent granite boulders that littered their surface in full view. Soon we were back on the road descending down to halfway hut with views of Oberon Bay in the distance and many towering sand dunes. Soon we reached the turnoff to Oberon Bay, leaving the lighthouse track, for a more pleasant walk along soft sand amongst the tea tree forest. Today we reached our destination with plenty of time to spare and could enjoy our surrounds. The sunset out over the ocean was spectacular. To the southern end of Oberon Bay is Whale Rock sitting out in the middle of the ocean, one of the most impressive of the many magnificent boulders scattered around the Prom like giant marbles.
Date: 2007-11-11
To: Tidal River
Miles today: 0.0

Day 5Only a short walk with minimal ups and downs and back to the car at Tidal River. The walk along Oberon Beach was pleasant, the sand is hard, compacted and flat. Crossed a shallow creek at the northern end of the beach before climbing up above the headland and beginning the walk around to Little Oberon Bay. The views from the headlands are spectacular, on the opposing headland just after Little Oberon Bay are some marvelous examples of Promontory granite rocks which play a significant part in the overall beauty of the area. The random splashes of color seem unrealistic and are due in part to the lichens growing on the surface and in part to the iron which stains the boulders like red ochre. Little Oberon Bay is a delight, the beach is only short, but the turquoise water was so inviting. Over the next headland is Norman Bay with a sweep of firm sand, and beyond is our destination. Mick threw his arms in the air in triumph, but it turned out to be a little premature as it was still a long walk back to the car, but within the hour we had finally arrived, and our adventure was over. We both laid down on the grass in front of the car, half in triumph, and half in exhaustion. It had been a great trip, but we were both grateful that it was over.University has taken its toll on my fitness, the lazy days sitting around the RMIT caf© have not done much for my physique, and it is going to take a monumental effort to get in shape before the commencement of the AT. This was very much like an early warning shot fired across my bows. There are some challenges ahead, but I am looking forward to them.
Date: 2008-01-16
To: Princetown
Miles today: 0.0

It was time to travel down to Princetown, and visit the home of G.O.R.G.E. Chocolates, which happens to be owned by a good freind of mine. The chocolates were lovely, and the company was even better. Many of the local atractions were visited including the The Gibson Steps, 12 Apostles and Gable beach. The views were magnificent, be hard to find more beautiful beaches or coastline in the whole world.Currently still in the packing phase, sorting out the right gear, making purchases, leave on the 20th to fly out to Bangkok, and then onto Europe, before starting the AT. Starting to get rather excited, check out my pics from my time spent down at Princetown with my old school mate Ryan Jones. The famous chocolatier is located in the last picture wearing a blue shirt sitting on some drift wood thinking up the next idea for a new chocolate recipe. - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size - Click picture to see full size
Date: 2008-01-26
To: Islands
Miles today: 0.0

Today I took a trip out ot the Islands, there is a large number, and reminds me a bit of Whitsundays, but only a little bit. It was only 20 baht to catch a ferry out to the Islands, that is less than a dollar, but the ship is extremely old. The journey out was fairly uneventful, it was good to get out amongst some clean ocean air once again. I was feeling a bit crook, but once I was breathing some clear air, it was fabulous, and my body came back to life.Over on the island it is mostly big motor boats with twin 2oo horse power out boards, and do they give them some gas. They drive them flat out right upto the beach, pretty dangerous that is for sure. The beach is covered with deck chairs and umberellas, and shops selling all the usual treats line the foreshore. . There are roads around the Island, and tomorrow I shall go explore some of them. THe water looks like you can swim in it, so that is great news. On the way home we all crowded onto the ferry, probably about 60ft long, two stories, and 20 foot wide at a guess. It was heavily overloaded and was listing to one side, it did roll alot, and I dont think there was enough weight in the bildge. We waited for about an hour before it took off, and everyone became very impatient. I would say that atleast 90% of the people on board were Russian. The Russians would make up at least 30% of the people in Pattaya, they are so easy to pick out of a crowd. I have been told they are one of Thailands biggest visitors. THe irony is not lost on me that what started out 40 years ago as a place of R and R for the Americans fighting against communism, is now a popular tourist destination for the Russians. A second boat pulled up against us, and it was like Stalin had just increased the bread rations because all at once they scrambled onto the neighbouring boat. As they all rushed to one side of the baot we began to list alarmingly, and they were leaping between the boats, scrambling over each other. It was amasing how fast they lost their sense of community or thoughts about common man. I can see why Thailand is so popular for them. Those who had been waiting up on the pontoon rushed the two Thai people holding them back and all srambled onto our boat, I have never seen anything like it, it jsut never would happen in our country. The term crazy Russians was never more apropriate, it was in fact really scary. Had another lovely Thai meal, they really do have grogeous food. I stopped near the front of my Hotel and talked to the girls who keep offering me massages each time I walk past for the last few days. I asked them about their families, and where they were from. Today was by far the best day I have had in Thailand, learing to look past the deficiencies, or my own biases. I don't think I oculd ever get use to the prostitution, it really is the sadest thing I have ever seen.
Date: 2008-01-27
To: Saggy
Miles today: 0.0

Was a lazy day today, heard some great news, it is only a 12 hour flight to London from here, that seems far to short, I was thinking more like a 20 hour flight. Went for a walk along Pattaya beach to the North, and there were so many ladies with their fun bags out, you think I would have been in heaven. Not at all, the women were mostly European, but there average age was well into the 60's and they had all migrated south. Believe it or not there are far worse sights, the old European men. They all wear budgie smuglers, and as they get up out of their chairs in a very ungracious manner, you can see things. Things pop out, and it takes them awhile before they have attended to the things that have popped out. I am so sick of seeing saggy old mens bums and their jats crackers. They might lose all the hair on their heads, that is because it is all on their rear end.Sat in a small outdoor pub and watched the last set of the mens tennis final, it was great to watch something Australian. Supposedly at 4:30 in the afternoon I shall be picked up from my lobby and taken to the airport, flight is just past midnight. I will write again once I get to the airport, lots of computer terminals there. Once I am in Europe writing everyday will cease. I will not have the time or the inclination, so do not be concerned if you do not here from me for a few days. The more fun I am having the less I will probably write, so if you see less posted take that as a good sign.Had another nice Thai dinner, the rice was devine, and I am once again still alive. Getting use to most things here, but the smell of the shit still knocks me out. Off to England, and the cheap phase of the holiday is over until I reach America and begin hiking. I shall be a tight arse for the next few weeks, and try and live on the smell of an oily rag. Got plenty to cover all eventualities.