morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 77.0
Weather: scattered clouds

                           Randy and Doyle's                        "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   We have made it to Shenandoah, staying in Waynesboro tonight. New schedule puts us starting Shenandoah tomorrow the 8th. The miles are starting to add up quickly. Doyle and I are doing fine and look forward to Shenandoah, nothing too difficult there. Waynesboro is very hiker friendly. They have a list of people that will shuttle you around town to do your errands, they will not accept money.They have Ming's Chinese Restaurant that is supposed to be the best on the trail, an all you can eat buffet. That will be my next stop today.   The trail in Central Virginia has been pretty nice, a little on the rocky side but not bad. Some gorgeous views from the mountain tops. Was camped on the top of a mountain last night with a nice breeze to keep the bugs away and the night before we were camped along the Tye River. Got to the river after a 20 mile day, boy did that river feel good. A simple thing like a swim in the river can be pretty special out here. Another dunk in the morning and I was off to a great day.Time to head to Ming's. As always if you are enjoying the journey, don't forget the kids and donate to the JIMMY FUND. You can contact Danielle Grossman at 617-632-5029.                                    Thank You                                    The Wizard and Uncle Doyle
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 125.0

                        Randy and Doyle's                     "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   Waynesboro, VA..Stayed at a YMCA campground, set up for thru hikers.When we got there, there were a bunch of guys set up along a fence. I knew a few of them but not all of them. We said hi and I went and set up my tent.When we are in town I usually take Doyle everywhere I go, but he has been having a hard time with the heat. I took his pack off and hooked him to the pack so he could rest while I went to take a shower. When I came back, there was a guy laying on the grass using Doyle's pack as a pillow and his arm around Doyle. As I walked over he looked up at me and said and I quote " Sorry about invading your space man, but your dog was barking and he was lonely and I was lonely so we became buddies" I loved it and that was my introduction to Slack. Quite the character. He told me they named him Slo-Mo but he didn't think that was very dignified so he named himself "Slackimus Maximus" or Slack for short. Such are the personalities you run into on the trail, a big part of what makes the trail so special.   Jason and Rachel came down to join me on the trail for a couple of days. It was a nice surprise to have them show up. We did a couple of easy days starting out the Shenandoah's. It was obvious right away that SNP would be different. Saw all kinds of deer and they were not very timid. Jason got within 10 ft of a deer and got some nice pictures. There was all kinds of bear activity, but I did not see one the whole time in SNP. There was one shelter I was going down hill to approach when people at the shelter started yelling that there was a bear in the trail. Every person that was in the shelter had to scare the bear out of the trail to get to it. When I got down it was gone. Not exactly the way I wanted to see a bear anyway. From a distance would be fine. While I have been here I have learned a lot about dealing with a bear and I do hope to see one before this trip is done.   I had to send Doyle home with Jason and Rachel. It was time, the days too hot and the miles too long. He was with me for over 900 miles and I miss him big time. When I get further north people can bring him down for short stretches.    I have been feeling good and the miles are piling up. In two days I will be in Harper's Ferry, the half way point. I appreciate all the e-mails and well wishes from everyone. I thank all the Ironworkers for there support. A few of you have been looking for a chance to hook up on the trail. My cell # is 617-501-1177.......Give me a call and and we can work out the details. As always, if you are enjoying the Journey, please remember the kids and donate to the JIMMY FUND. Contact Danielle Grossman...you will find all her info on the previous posts.                           Thank You                              The Wizard {without Uncle Doyle}
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 237.0
Weather: scattered clouds

                        Randy and Doyle's                     "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   It has been a while since I have updated. The last town I was in I could not log onto Trail Journals. That town was Duncannon, PA. Stayed at a place called the Doyle Hotel, about 150 yrs old and they never renovated. There are not many hotels left like the Doyle, they've all been condemned. At two in the morning the siren to call in the volunteer fireman went off right outside my window. I thought we were under attack.   The miles are starting to show some progress now. I am in Port Clinton, PA and I have about 77 more miles of rocks to get to NJ and then about 20 miles of rocks in NJ. Have a lot of the same faces around me these days and the stress of the trail along with the constant 90 degree weather is starting to set off some tempers. I have not been involved in any of it thankfully.   Not too long ago I was walking when some thunderstorms were rolling in. I knew there was a state campground not too far off. As I was coming to it the skies opened up. I was able to get under a little kiosk that has maps and info about the park. There was a building about 20 yards away but it was raining too hard and I didn't know if I could get into it. As I stood under the kiosk the wind started to blow the rain sideways, and I watched people start chasing their free standing tents down the road. By then I was soaked and I had to make a run for the building. It was a shithouse, but don't laugh. It is amazing what you overlook in a shithouse. First I had a roof over my head and of course you had a place to do your business. Then you have elestricity to charge your cell phone and running hot and cold water to clean up. To top it off there was a hand blow dryer to dry my socks and shoes. Oh how lucky can one guy get?   Someone is picking me up to take me to a shelter and I will be back on the trail in the morning. As always, if you are enjoying the journey please remember the kids and donate to the JIMMY FUND.                        Danielle Grossman                        Jimmy Fund Walk                        10 Brookline Pl. West                        6th Fl.                        Brookline, MA 02445                        617-632-5029                        danielle_grossman@dfci.harvard.edu                     Thank You                        Randy (The Wizard) without Uncle Doyle
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 150.0
Weather: broken clouds

                              Randy and Doyle's                           "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   Virginia...West Virginia...Maryland...Pennsylvania...New Jersey...FINI.Talked about small victories to get yourself through this journey, well, Virginia and Pennslvania were huge victories. Virginia being about 500 miles and Pennsylvania being 230 miles of rock. I have 88 miles of New York and then it is into New England....Sweet New England.   The heat has not let up and water is the biggest issue on the trail. The upside is we are crossing many more roads and if need be you can hitch to get some.    I am told that every year there is something that stands out about the trail, be it the heat or the rain or the bugs or the people...on and on. This year is the Lyme desease. A lot of people have been infected. It makes everyone very aware of checking yourself daily and being aware of the symptoms. With any symptons at all they put you on antibiotics. Then it takes 3 days for the test results. I have met a lot of hikers that have it and the drugs have taken care of it. A lot of people have gotten off the trail as a result of it. Doctors around the trail treat it matter of factly where they have seen so much of it.   They call NJ and NY the deli run, you can take a lot of quick side trips off the trail to get sandwiches and other goodies. Some of the simple pleasures that you come to enjoy on the trail.   My health is good, my spirits are good and I thank everyone for their well wishes and their e-mails, it all helps. As always, if you are enjoying the journey, please remember the kids and donate to the Jimmy Fund. You will find all of Danielle's info for that on the previous post.                                    Thank You                                    The Wizard without Uncle Doyle      P.S. I was on the phone with Jason and he had Doyle with him. I told Jason to go get his pack. When he came back with it, Doyle ran and hid under the bed. I think he is enjoying the couch potatoe life.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 100.0
Weather: scattered clouds

                        Randy and Doyle's                     "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   Vermont...Done....Well, I have gotten rid of the OLD GUYS {Lauria and Banks} Now it is time to get some miles in. It was actually a lot of fun to have them on the trail with me. I am in Glencliff, NH and ready to start the White Mountains.Every south bounder I talk to had loved the Whites. Us north bounders are pretty beat up by now, But the thought of the Whites have energized some of us. Hope the weather holds out for us. It is now 8/13 and I have done the first 3 mountains of the Whites. They have definately gotten my attention. Stayed in Lincoln last night at a hostel and ready to start back into the woods. Have lightened my load in order to handle the climbs without calling a Paramedic. To all you guys at Tufts, I would like to thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. Tony, somehow I missed you in New York...I guess you meant New Hampshire..See you on the top of Washington.   Congratulations to John Hurley on completing his bike trip across the country to honor his Aunts who passed away from breast cancer. Well done, now you can come up and do Katahdin with me.   My heartfelt thanks go out to all the Ironworkers, my friends and family who have followed along and given me so much support to help me get where I am so far. I do not know how many opportunities I will have to get to a computer. Until I do I hope you will remember the kids and give to the Jimmy Fund. You will find all the details on the previous posts.                                 Thank You                                    The Wizard without Uncle Doyle
Date: 2010-08-23
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 140.0

                           Randy and Doyle's                        "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   Maine, the final frontier. My lovely wife is here to spend a couple of days with me. I came out of the woods in Grafton Notch, ME and hitched to Bear River Trading Post. Jeannie showed up with Uncle Doyle. It turned out the adventures of Uncle Doyle were not quite finished. He was all excited when he saw me and then he twisted away and made a run for it. He was okay running around the property, just had to make sure he didn't go in the street. I heard Jeannie screaming and ran to the back of the store to see Doyle running off with a rooster in his mouth. I guess the rooster confronted him to protect the chickens and Doyle just chomped down on him and bolted. I started chasing Doyle......AGAIN....... and he finally dropped him. The rooster took off, Probably went in the bushes and had a heart attack. Then I had to go in the store and explain what happened. The owner was pretty calm about it. I left him our info in case the rooster didn't survive.   Well, the Whites are finished and they were tough and spectacular. Great weather and the hut systems helped immensely. The huts take anywhere from 60 to 90 guests. People who want to take day hikes or week long hikes. They allow the through hikers to do "Work for stay". They feed you dinner and breakfast and let you sleep in the dining room. You do a couple of hours work to help them out. It was a great way to get through the White's.   When we entered Maine we thought the terrain would ease up. Not the case. The first part of Maine has been as tough as the White's. They have a section called Mahoosuc Notch. They claim it is the toughest mile on the trail. I made sure it was. I decided to do it at the end of the day. Big mistake. It started raining which made the rocks very slick. The notch is filled with a collapsd mountain top. You are climbing up over and through all these boulders. After I took my first fall I had to slow down to a crawl. I got out of the notch just as it got dark. As I started up the trail a bunch of thru-hikers heard me coming and called me into a campsite where they had room for my tent. I was never so happy to see those guys.   Now it is on to Katahdin. If you are enjoying this journey, please remember the kids and donate to the JIMMY FUND. You will find all the info on one of the previous posts.                              Thank You                                 The Wizard without Uncle Doyle
Date: 2010-09-04
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

                     Randy and Doyle;s                     "Walk For The Kids"   This is fun. I have slowed down since I hit the Whites and it has made quite a difference in the journey. The weather has been warm, plenty of ponds, rivers and lakes to take a swim in. I am now in Monson, ME., 114 miles from the finish. Will enter the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow. I hope to summit Katahdin on Sept. 14. As my pal Stix had said "Most of this trip has been like a death march" well not anymore. Everyone has loosened up with the end in sight. We have a fairly easy hike til we get to Katahdin. A lot of the hikers do not want to see it end [ I am not one of them ]. It has been quite a journey and I will be glad when it is over. This will be my last entry til it is done. I would like to thank everyone for thier support and e-mails, I can't tell you how much it has meant to me through the hike. If anyone is interested in joining me in Katahdin you can contact my son Jason 617-767-2842 or Joe Lauria, who has been gathering info on camping and entering Baxter State ParkI do not have Joe's number in front of me, but Jason can get it for you. As always I would like to remind you to remember the kids and donate to the Jimmy Fund.                           Danielle Grossman                           Jimmy Fund Walk                           10 Brookline Place West                           6th Floor                           Brookline, MA 02445                           617-632-5029                           danielle_grossman@dfci.harvard.edu                  Thank You                     The Wizard
Date: 2010-09-28
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 279.0
Weather: light rain

                        Randy and Doyle's                        "WALK FOR THE KIDS"   The deed is done. 2,179 miles later and it is over. I have been home 2 weeks now and I have had a hard time sitting down and putting my final thoughts to print. Summited Katahdin on the 14th of Sept. Wanted to summit on a nice day but there were too many questionable days coming up, so we went for it. Started up the mountain just before 8 AM. My son and daughter-in-law Jason and Rachel,brother Ray, brother-in-law Joe and my pal Bobby. Having family and friends with me was huge to finish off my journey of a lifetime.   We got the rain, the cold and the wind. Just grit your teeth and go. As I was nearing the top I passed Mule and Frenchy, who had just summited. I was so looking forward to sitting at the top and soaking it all in. That was not to be, everyone was freezing, could hardly hold my camera for pictures. Had to keep moving to stay warm. About 10 minutes down the mountain the sun broke through and we were able to sit around, have some lunch and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the hike. The sun and wind dried most of the exposed rocks. The climb down would have been brutal if the rain continued. I have been through every aspect of climbs during my journey. This was tough, but nothing I hadn't seen before. My hat goes off to my compadres for finishing a tough mountain on a tough day.   I have tried to stay busy and do some walking every day. You cannot walk 2,179 miles at 10 to 12 hours a day and just shut down. As it is, my body is going through some withdrawal symptons that I do not have answers for yet. I don't know if the feet will ever be the same. Sat with my trail doc, Dr. Martin yesterday and we are in agreement that time will straighten most of the problems out. Did some blood work to make sure I didn't bring anything weird home with me.    My darling wife, who put up with all this nonsense will be choosing our next adventure. Again, I cannot thank everyone enough for there support and the support of the JIMMY FUND. A journey of this magnitude doesn't just go away and so the journal shall continue. I will update periodically on the physical and mental recovery situation. I would love to hear from all my support crew. Any questions or thoughts on this whole process. I look forward to hearing from you. Until then adios from THE WIZARD.   As always if you have enjoyed the journey, please remember the kids and donate to the JIMMY FUND.                     Danielle Grossman                     Jimmy Fund Wlk                     10 Brookline Pl West                     6th Floor                     Brookline, MA 02445                     617-632-5029                     danielle_grossman@dfci.harvard.edu               Thank You                     THE WIZARD back with Uncle Doyle
Date: 2010-03-07
To: Bright Idea
Miles today: 0.0

HiOK I might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, two rungs short of a ladder, three french fries short of a happy meal... or whatever other cute cliches out there people use when they refer to someone who is not that bright. Some people might think that deciding in less then 24 hrs to thru hike this year is not that smart of an idea. I on the other hand tell people it's a brilliant idea. I guess we will see.
Date: 2010-03-08
To: The Basics
Miles today: 0.0

Hi AgainI suppose I should add a little background and more substance to my journal for the general public reading along.This past Monday I started to think about thru hiking and joining the class of 2010. So after thinking about it for a few hours I realized that I could probably pull it off which set all the gears in motion. So on Monday I told my boyfriend that I wanted to thru hike, Tuesday asked work and now it's Wednesday and I am good to go. Easy...well not quite that easy but I won't bore you with all the little details.Ok before people start emailing me with comments like "You can't decide to thru hike on a whim and expect to make it 2100 miles" "Are you crazy, good luck with that" "Do you have any idea what your doing"...let me digress a little.I have a bit of prior AT hiking experience. Way back in 2002 I hiked the section from Springer to Fontana Dam, in 2007 I hiked the section from Springer to Hot Springs and the section from Harpers Ferry to NJ but I have never thru hiked. So as far as gear, logistics, etc go I think I will be ok. Conditioning on the other hand... well as the saying goes the trail will get you in shape.
Date: 2010-03-09
To: Words
Miles today: 0.0

Scared, excited, anxious, nauseous, free, restless, insomnia, sad, fortunate, motivated these are just a few words that describe my feelings and my situation.ScaredScared, Afraid, Fear.. yep feel all of these words fit. Truthfully I find it a bit scary to leave my life behind for six months. ExcitedLike a little kid who can't wait. I find excitement in adventure and the unknown. Exited to be totally free for the next six months.AnxiousAbout the unknown which drives my fear which leads me to think I need to buy more or new gear.   Each day I tell myself I don't need anything new. Buying something new to replace the items I already own to save a few ounces her or there is not going to get me to Maine.NauseousYep I guess with all the emotions going on daily it's upsetting my stomach, but on the upside I have lost 5 pounds this week.FreeThe feeling you get when you have absolutely no commitments. I plan to hike my own hike.RestlessA bit restless waiting for my start to date to arrive.InsomniaSince I decided I was thru hiking this year I have had trouble sleeping. I can't seem to turn my brain off at night and fall asleep. This is not good as I don't want to start the trail totally exhausted. SadSad to be leaving my boyfriend, friends, family and cat behind. I will miss everyone.FortunateTo be in a position in life that I can take 6 months off to go play in the woods.MotivatedI have had thru hiking the AT on my mind since I first found out about the trail back in 2002. I have three times hiked sections of the trail but each time I started at Springer I could not say I was a thru hiker. This is my year to get it done.
Date: 2010-03-11
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Gear...Gear...Gear...I am not a light weight hiker or a gear head but I know lots of people like to talk gear so I will do one journal entry about my gear and then swear not to fill my journal with gear talk.Since I've done some hiking in the past I have most of the gear I will need therefore I should not have to purchase much. I will list the big ticket items, if I find some time I will add all of the little stuff. Sorry no weights included.Pack - Some Gregory model I think the Jade 60L Sleeping Bag - Western Mountaineering VersaliteSleeping Pad - Thermarest Prolite Plus 3/4 lengthTent - 1 person Tarp Tent (Contrail)Stove - Triangia Alcohol Stove plus simmer ringPot - Evernew Ti .9L KettleFuel Bottle - 12 oz nalgeneTi SporkCamp Suds and ScrubbyLighterWater Bottle - 1 L nalgene and 1 L AquaFina bottleWater Treatment - Aqua MiraOlympus Digi Camera and ChargerPocketmail DeviceCell Phone and ChargerIpod Nano, usb cable and wall chargerGuidebook and Profile MapToiletries (Glasses, Contact Solution, Spare Contacts, TP, Toothpaste & Brush, Mirror, Hairbrush, Lip Balm, Sunscreen)First Aid Kit (Moleskin, Band Aids, Antibiotic Ointment, Ibuprofen, Hydrocortisone)Camp ClothesCrocsFleece GlovesLightweight ToqueMountain Hardwear Long JohnsMid Weight TurtleneckDown SweaterMarmot Rain JacketMarmot Rain PantsSmartwool SocksHiking ClothesHiking PolesPatagonia Long Sleeve ShirtCapeline Short Sleeve ShirtPatagonia Long JohnsPatagonia Hiking SkirtBall CapSmartwook Socks x2Liner Socks x2Asolo FSN BootsHatGaitors (maybe)
Date: 2010-03-12
To: Stimulating the Economy
Miles today: 0.0

HiI did my part today to help stimulate our economy. I find anytime I go to the city (Winnipeg) it's a $500 trip. I went to my favourite gear store today and was hooked up with some great sil nylon stuff sacks, prolite plus therma-rest and a new patagucci shirt plus a few other odds and ends. I also splurged on a Ipod Nano as it's a pain to find audio books on a shuffle.Ok shopping done... time to pack it all up...pack with 2L of water minus food is 22 pounds. I can live with that or should I say carry it over 2100 miles.Counting down the days...Sue
Date: 2010-03-19
To: The Countdown
Miles today: 0.0

HiLess than two weeks before I hit the trail so I have started the official countdown. Most of the stuff that needed to be addressed before I start my hike has been taken care of, work, gear, insurance, finances etc. Now the hard part begins, the wait. Patience is not my best virtue, hopefully that will improve while I am hiking.As the countdown has progressed, I have started to think and be reminded about(thanks Andrea) all of the things I will miss this summer, which has caused some doubt about my thru hike decision. I decided today that I won't think about all of the experiences I will miss this summer but instead I will think about all of the experiences I will have on the trail. Good to GoSue