morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-11-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Here I am again. I went out Kayaking this past weekend and decided to camp out in the swamps/wildlife management area in my area of Mississippi. I love it out there. Anyways, I was able to get a chance to put up my NEW Eagles nest hammock tent. I really like it. I only have two problems with it: (1) the tiny ropes that you hang the dry fly to the tree with are hard to work with (I thought before it was just my cold hands, wrong), so I used some bungee cords. (2) The bug net is a little to much for me, I think they should some how have incorporated the net and the hammock into one unit. It would cut down on weight from all the extra netting used to total surround you and your hammock. I know there must be some explanation for having the big thing, but unless I can find something else smaller I¢m just going to opt to not use it. This will also cut down on a pound of weight. Otherwise like I said I really like this option for myself.So this wasn¢t a hiking trip, the camping part helped out a lot. We kayaked in about the 2-3 hrs and then headed back to the vehicles. I stopped about 45 min from the truck to pitch my camp. The weather was great. It was in the high 50¢s when I got there and set up. I changed into camp clothes and got my tent up. Pulled my kayak onto the land, and then gathered fallen logs and branches to make my fire with. I really just spent a lot of alone time. The night came with its majestic sky. At my house I can normally see most of the stars in the sky (we live in the country), but on this night I was in total darkness (after the fire went out) and every star illuminated with a power beyond description. Ok enough of the poetic sounding stuff¢¦lol. As said I made a fire (the best I have ever done, see photo) I really amazed myself. I can camp really well, but fires I¢m not good at. I tried to do the hotdog on a stick over the fire think, but I got a black dog with a cold middle. Next time I¢ll bring aluminum foil with me. I stayed up till about 10 then went to sleep? Well I tried to sleep. A fish the size of a truck decided that playing jump all night by my campsite was a cool thing to do (did I tell you I camped about 7 feet away from the water?). It woke me up the first time, and I almost had a heart attack (it sounds funny, but it wasn¢t). Then the owls started in, at first I thought it was a lady screaming for dear life, but then the other owl joined in (you know that whoowhoo sound). I guess It¢s some kind of mating call. It didn¢t work for me, but if the owls are happy then I am to. I finally did get to sleep and woke up only one more time to let the milk out I had drank right before I went to bed.One more thing, the sleeping bag I used was from Wal-mart, 0 degree, $35 and it worked wonderfully. I had to take off my pants and socks to keep from sweating. It is 3 pounds, but with the weight I¢ll save from the bug netting I want use, the weight will be ok. I¢ll be kayaking again this weekend and camping out again. I¢ll be taking my niece with me. And it is going to be colder, so I¢ll see if the sleeping bag holds up. Until next time¢¦.Later¢¦.
Date: 2007-01-08
To: Hello All
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well its been a few weeks. Everything is coming together pretty well, and I seem to still be on track. I have been out camping twice since my last entry. They were alot of fun. The last one was on New Years it was a cold night, and my hammock and sleeping bag did great. I have everything I need for the trip now except my rain gear. My pack is down to 28 lbs with food, so I think I'm pretty good.....I was going thru this depression over the holidays. Its a hard time of the year with mom gone and all, and I almost decided to back out of the trip. I watched the "Trek" doc... and the guy is talking about not finishing the trail. He then says if you don't do it and it is something you've always wanted to finish you could never live with yourself if you don't complete it.I also found out that alot of people go thru down times in the holiday months, so now that I know that I can not go thru this again. I never lost the need to hike the trail, I just was dealing with alot.I also got my 2007 data book, and AT thru-hikers' companion in. I have the 2006, but I'm a sucker for new things...the 2007 book "Wingfoot" puts out sould be on the way soon to, my cousin ordered it for me for christmas.The only other thing that has happened is my laptop died. I have to take it in to get everything off the hard drive that I need. I just got this new one I'm on now. I really like it, but I saw one in the paper for about 300 less yesterday, so I guess I should have waited a few days.Well I think everyone who has signed my guest book, and hope some of my family will do the same one day...
Date: 2007-01-11
To: On your mark!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Well its 126 days left before I Graduate with my Master's, 127 before I leave for Orlando, Fl to spend time with family, and 141 before I start my hike. It seems like I was at 200 yesterday. I'm getting really excited for all of you who have a few weeks to go, think about me studing away while your on the trail... , yeah right...I've been getting to know some of the NOBO's for this year, I'll see some of you on my way down, I'm putting in some prayers that all of you make it to Mt. Katahdin to see where I'm leaving from...good travels. I've talked to a few of you and give my props out to Michele, she's a great help, you all give here a great trail name for me...I start classes tonight, and Its getting me excited because I know I'm one day closer to the great unknown...ok maybe not unknown, but new to me.Well.....Later....
Date: 2007-01-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So I pull up to work today and find a "FOR LEASE" sign on the window, next to the door. "Great, I'm thinking, I need this $6.50 hr job to get me by until Mid May. Now it looks like I'm having a really bad week. The money I have saved is for my trip not to get by for 3 mths, and on top of this my truck "died" two days ago."Yes, I am having a bad week. I did for a few hours think about giving up on my hike this year because of the truck.(emotional break-down) I need another, BAD, and the grown up thing to do would be to get another one. Well, Of course I'm not a grown up, in my mind that is, and I let the thought of not doing the hike leave quickly.Besides I could always sell my sexy body to raise the money...lol...Ok maybe not sell my body, but it is sexy... . Anyways, I can always work for one of the Demon's around--- Wal-mart or McD's...to keep me going.I also have the option to not go to Orlando for a week before I start my trek, but I don't like this Idea, so I'll opt for another part time job, or convience my night job to give me more hrs and $$$$. Yes, I have two jobs and I'm about to graduate with my Master's (I'm a full time student), so if your looking for a hard worker, I'm here...hint-hint...I have no job lined up yet, so I'll have to look when I get back.So the things I have to get together now are my res at Baxter, and plane and train...nothing else...I think...yeah my rain gear...crazy me...but...ok..I can't find my filter or stove...so thats up in the air also...I just don't know about me sometimes... ...Well to all those who have left already...congrats...and to all those about to leave..good luck...and to all the SOBO we only have another 4 mths and 21 hrs...yeahhhhhhhh...Later....
Date: 2007-02-14
To: The Letter????
Miles today: 0.0

So, I get home from a pretty long day of work and school and work again, and in the mailbox IT's there. What? You ask. Well, It made my day. I'm thinking at that very second, Its the first big step on millions more I'll take. Ok I know this is killing you. You want to know what¢s in the envelope. Did I get the days I wanted? Did I get the place to stay I wanted? So I wait a min. ( I have my partner on the cell phone, so I say, "wait a min while I open this Letter") Its the letter I've been waiting for. I mean If I don't have the days I want then, well you'll see. Its like when I went to take my GMAT test to get into grad school. I knew what I needed to get in by the skin of my teeth, and then at the end of the 4 hr test you have to click the button to tell you your score. If you don't click the button, you- nor your school get the grades of the test, but if you click well, you get in or you don't and both you and your school get the grades. That¢s what I was just feeling about 15 min ago. So I open the letter and in big letters it says "RESERVATION CONFIRMATION". Now I know its here but did I get the days and the place I wanted. Well, to keep the rest short, because I've put you thru all this crazy stress. I DID. May 30-June 2, I have a space at Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park. So weather allow, I'll be on my way down/or is it up (SOBO) the AT.Now those of you who don't care, (I'll say alittle prayer for you right now for being uncompassionate.) But most of you who are SOBO understand getting your BSP reservation. The one thing I envy about NOBOs are that they really don't need to get permission to start the AT like us SOBO (and we have to pay to just get the chance that hopefully the weather allows us to start with in our time frame.) Ohhh the joys of going South. Well next week I'll be booking my train, planes, and ohhh I'll wait on this one...SUSPENSE!!!!DRAMA!!!!....Welll....Later....
Date: 2007-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I've been going through some issues lately about not doing the trail. Life, family, life...etc. So I called my oldest sister today and she told me to go for it. I mainly wasn't going to do it because I feel the need to help out my sister I live with more, but like my older sister said, I can do it when I get back. Its weighed heavy on my heart. So I commited myself all the way today and paid for the train Tickets to Maine. I called Apex Hiker Shuttle to get info on shuttles to the the airport for my trip to Glacier, and to see if they would hold my pack for the 16 days I'll be off the trail. They will. Don't know who I talked to, but the guy was really helpful. So that little drama in my life has gone by and I'm better. Thanks Bette, and Toi I know you'll understand in the long run. I have 99 days until I start my hike. And alot of my feeling is that I want to just start now. Hope you all are well.....Later...
Date: 2007-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So I have 92 days to go. And I really want to leave today.I think about the trail all the time. I go over my list of things I have.Debate, in my mind, Sould I get the trail maps? maybe not? Do I have enough money? Have I planned to much? I really need to get to the Train station early so it doesn't leave me. I hope the Amtrak doesn't lose my pack.....lolWell I guess I need to get focused on Graduation a little. I listed my Mail Drops today for those who want to know. Friends and Family follow the Mail Drop rules. .       1. Mail me something.      2. Keep the package lite.      3. Its good to send it on time so I'll get it.      4. I will except money....lol...just kidding.I also went out to buy some new trail runners. I got a $100 pair, and in 6 days the sole was coming off. I want name the brand, but everyone who said they were excellent shoes told me to give them another try. They said I got a bad pair, so I'm giving them another try. Crazy....me.Well...Later....
Date: 2007-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So I have had a few downs this Last week. First, Friday night (last week) I managed to spill hot grease on my foot. Now I¢m in pain, but it is healing. I just have to say if you plan on pouring hot grease on the ground outside; make sure it¢s not cold and wet. I realized this right before I turned the pan over to let the grease pour. I put a picture of my foot in my photo gallery so everyone who does not like gore can bypass it. The second thing is my pack weight. I thought I had it all figured out. I was at 30lbs, so I thought. Now its 45lbs, and I know I can handle it, but I¢m thinking of going with a liter sleeping bag, and trying to cut my food supply from 10 days to 5. , so I can cut 7 lbs off. I cut some of my clothes before this enlightenment, and I can¢t cut it anymore. I just might have to deal with a 35-40lb pack. At least its not 65lbs, like on my first hiking trip. On a good note, I was in the state paper today. I put the picture up. It reads in the captions, ¢Jeremy Ashley of Johns,(MS) a graduate student at Jackson State University, reads up on the Appalachian Trail while relaxing Friday in a hammock at Pelahatchie Shore Park in Rankin County. Ashley says that following his graduation in May, he plans to hike the entire 2,175-mile trail from Maine to Georgia.¢ WAY COOL¢¦¢¦. I was just laying there and reading about the trail when the photographer came up and asked to take my picture for the paper. So I¢m Famous now¢¦.haha¢¦Well, til next time¢¦..Later¢¦
Date: 2007-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok I did it, I went out and got a new pack, and sleeping bag. The new pack is about 3100 cu in. and is a lb and a half liter. The sleeping bag is about 2lbs better. I just couldn¢t think about going days on end with that 45lb pack on. I took out some stuff sacks I was keeping my tent, and original sleeping bag in. this saves about 10 oz, and I decided to go with different pant/shorts and shirt. This cut out about a lb also. I still don¢t know if I¢ll need the heavy jacket that I can wear alone or under my rain jacket if need be. The new sleeping bag is 30 degrees, while the other was 0. I was told that there was no need for a 0, so I¢m trusting the experts. My food is still meant for 10 days, but I want need to do this after I get back on the trail from my short trip to Glacier National Park from June 22-July 5. So I¢ll save weight this way also. If I don¢t need the heavy jacket then I¢ll leave it at home on my return to the trail also. I can¢t cut weight anymore unless I go out and buy more new stuff, and that is not going to happen. I really can tell the difference in my new stuff. I was hoping to have my pack about 10lbs liter, but I guess this will have to do. Maybe it will be better with less food. Anyway I think this is it. I¢m set, and Ready. Later¢¦.
Date: 2007-03-19
To: A little me time
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I was able to go kayaking Friday and got a few pictures of some tails of Alligators. They just didn't want to come out and play. It really helped me because I'm still trying to recover from my burn.Today I was able to get out and walk some of the trails not to far from where I live. I saw my first "White Blaze",.....not really its Mississippi, but it felt like the trail. It was really nice until I stepped on a stick and it went right into my burn sore...lol..."Is this what I have to look forward to on the trail". I seem to be having bad luck lately. Well I'm ok, and the foot is almost better. If red and sore is better.I'm getting excited, I have 7 weeks of school left, on the 12th of May I graduate, on the 22nd I leave for Maine, and on June 1st I start my 5 mth vacation.....Thank You Lord...and I do mean that...I'm really looking forward to meeting all the NOBO I'm reading about, and good luck to you all....Later...
Date: 2007-04-05
To: About Ready
Miles today: 0.0

I have 56 days to go, and everything seems to be right on. My foot is healed (almost), and I think I got all my gear. I did have to go get a spork and pot the other day (I forgot I didn't have those, the things you can forget, but that are important). Well I'm really excited about graduation I have 4 weeks left of actual classes, and every class is pain to get through right now. I'm not focused at all, I'm in LALA-land I have all of my reservations set up. I was going to spend a day in Medway, but now I'm just going to stay 2 at the AT Lodge in Millinocket (The crew seems to be great, They have answered all my questions and e-mail me back quick, I'll let you know how great they are when I stay there.) I'll also be in Portand for 2 days and Bangor for a day, before the big day on June 1st. Ok that was in the wrong order, its Portland, Bangor, Millinocket....Thats it. I've also made a great choice to raise money for my church with this trip. I've seen some do it for a friend, group, or fundraiser, so this is a good chance to do my part in raising money for the church. They seem to be really excited about my trip, there are alot of hikers in my church (this is the group I'm going to Glacier National Park with). Truly I am excited about both of the experiances that this trip of 5 months will bring. I'm looking forward to the people I'll meet, the things I'll see, the ups and downs, seeing the things and people I've read about for the last year, and how close to God I will be. The next step is to get my package together for the stuff I'll send to Millinocket so I don't have to carry it on the train/bus/shuttle. That should be it. Did I tell you I'm really excited...lol....Later..
Date: 2007-04-22
To: 30 days!!!!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Well so its here. 30 days before I leave to go to Maine. I'll be on the Amtrak on the evening of the 22nd of May. Oh yeah I have like 3 weeks before I have my Master's. It seems like yesterday when I started, now Its almost over. I'll actually be walking for this one. I didn't walk for my AA or BBA, so now I think this is a good one to walk for. Its really cool reading the journals of some of the NOBO, like Michele(Certain) and Nicole(Presistent). I like seeing the different views of them in the same world. It really shows you how different we are and respond to this great earth we are in. It'll be great to meet them on my way down. My job is shutting down on the 29th of this month. Now I have to go and find someone who will hire me for 4 weeks. I'll do this tomorrow. I don't like to lie, Who Does, so I don't want to tell them "I want to move up in the company, and hopefully one day have a store to run on my own.", but if I have to...ok I do coffe right now while in grad school so maybe they'll know by may app. that I'll leave soon, and just be glad I'll work and already know how to make a great Latte. (I really do). You all take care, and see you....Later...
Date: 2007-05-08
To: 14 days
Miles today: 0.0

So here I am 14 days before I leave on a train to Maine. Its Crazyyyy!!!! A lot has happened in the last week and a half. I finished my last final¢¦.Yes. I did find out that I passed all of my classes, so that¢s a plus. Those graduation inventions I sent out are not a waste. ?. I also had two flat tires this last week which did not help that budget I have. Its funny how you think you have it all planned out and then life takes a turn. I also had to buy a new phone and get a contract. I was on a plan with my Sis, but she needed a cheaper bill, so she went with a different company. It doesn¢t get service in the East without putting a big bill on her phone. So the adult thing to do was to get my own. I got this cool phone that has e-mail, internet and text all unlimited, with a good voice package, so it all works out, except for the hole its putting into the budget again. LIFE¢¦It will all work out though. The plus is that I had a lot budgeted(so I thought), and with my family and friends and Church supplying me with all my food(for the most part). I don¢t think I¢ll have anything to worry about. And if it still isn¢t enough----I¢ll be the guy in the towns with the sign that says, ¢Will Hike For Food¢¢¦.no offense to the homeless and needy. I did go to the Zoo today with my niece. It was a school trip so I was the Adult in charge of 5 kids¢¦.lol.lol..heheheh. They just don¢t know how much trouble I can be. We did have a good, safe, and exciting time. Oh yeah when you go to the Zoo on a school trip with 9-11 year olds, bring money and lots of it. If it wasn¢t for one of the girls mothers being there I would have ate all the way through my budget money for the Trip. I don¢t remember being like that????So at the Zoo there were two black bears. It made me think of the mountains and the hopes of seeing one in the wild (from a distance). It also made me sad because of the small area they were in, and it was totally caged. I really don't like Zoos. I know they do their part to help, and they do, do that in many ways. It's just that it's like when I worked at the Nursing Home. I felt really bad that those people lived day in and day out in the same boxed place with nowhere to go. Thats what I see when I go to the Zoo, but with animals. (aquariums make me feel the same way). I pray to get over that feeling because like I said each one is doing its part to help out to the best of its ablility. Maybe one day (ok I know one day) It will not have to be this way. I dream of days when no-one needs a nursing home, when animals don't need Zoos, and then we can all walk beside each-other man and beast in peace. Well to the journey at my doorstep, to the steps I¢ll be taking, and to the path that will lead to 5 million memories. I¢M READY. Later¢¦¢¦..
Date: 2007-05-11
To: 10 DAYS!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Its almost here, 10 days to go before I leave for Maine.I have a good bit to do, but that will get done next week. The main thing to do is mail my first package to the AT Lodge.I have all my gear??? and my pack is just the right weight....Well I know some of the stuff will go before I leave, some will go when I get to Maine, and some will go along the trail (not on the trail, I'll do it the proper way, I promise). Anyway I'm ready to meet all the SOBOs, and get underway. Later..
Date: 2007-05-14
To: New 10 Days to Go!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

So your probably just as disappointed as me. And maybe a little confused. And thinking how does someone who has a BA in accounting and a Master¢s in Business make such a huge mistake. I can only say it was insanity. LOL¢¦truly I was not thinking properly. I don¢t drink, do drugs, smoke, nor have I ever.????...ok I smoked once, really One Time. My mother used to let us try stuff when we were little, and I did drink a Margarita at home the other night because I wanted to see what it was like. No Drugs though¢¦.really. OK if eating Fruity Pebbles in the middle of the night is a drug, then I¢ve done them a lot¢¦.lol.Ohh yeah¢¦I now have 10 days before I leave. See I told you I was insane. I don¢t know what happened with my mathematical skills, but when it came time to think about how many days I had left, they went out the ¢Right side of my head¢ Anyway, I¢m still excited. I did walk Saturday for graduation, and would you know it, the Local news stations had me walking across the stage at the 6 and 10 o¢clock reports. I have been told that I had this Stupid grin all the way from ear to ear. Right in a close up on the News. I was happy. Ok one thing about the Picture you might be wandering. Well yes your right. I look a little heavier then the one in the display window. The picture up top was taken at the end of last year. The reason I put on the weight is because of this trip. I have a high metabolism when I work out a lot. So 5,000,000+ step will be some workout. Be that it is up and down mountains. So needless to say the 20 lbs I put on will come off in about 4 weeks with me. I usually loose about 5-6 lbs a week just doing 1 12 hrs in the gym 4-5 days a week. I decided to not work out for the last few months (goodbye chest, goodbye arms, goodbye muscles) so I could gain weight, so I don¢t look like a stick pole when I get back. I looked like a stick pole until I got in my late 20¢s so I know how bad I look that way. Whether this was a good choice or not I don¢t know. I have for the past 2 days done some hiking in the local area (really its pretty flat walking), and I¢m going to continue until I leave next week. I'll be doing push ups, and ab work on the trail, so don't laugh if you see me doing it. Its true what they say about fat on men goes right to the belly. Well anyway¢¦Later¢¦.