morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-18
From: Maher Tote Rd.-Whitehouse Landing, ME

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to, ME
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We were all up at about 6:00 getting packed up and reay for a BIG trail breakfast. Bill didn't disappoint us. We pigged out on MANY blueberry pancakes, bacon, eggs, english muffins, OJ and coffee. We got our needed resupply food, paid our tabs and were shuttled by boat back to a spot near the trail to get started. It was a little overcast, but VERY warm and humid, not ideal hiking weather, but we had to manage. We set out on a strong pace and kept it up through most of the day. When we stopped though, it was usually for too long and that ate into our hiking time, but we kept pushing and looked good for making our goal for the day. As we made our final climb of the trip to The Ledges, we reflected on how far we've come. Biscuits was a little sore in her ankle, so had to take it slow to the shelter and we all got in just before dark. The shelter was crowded and very difficult to cook and move around in with many rocks and few even surfaces. Tomorrow we're going to hike about 3 miles into the Abol Bridge Camp Store and try to cobble together a breakfast there, as we've heard they have sandwiches. I can't wait to see Patty tomorrow and make my final hike to the Katahdin base camp, preparing to summit the following day. What a thrill, although I'm glad it's almost over. I'm pretty worn out. After all, I'm almost fifty.
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground, ME
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I kept waking up every few minutes at the first sign of light, as I wanted to get going early and get into the Katahdin Stream Campground ASAP to meet Patty. I finally got up just after 5:00 and got going just before 6:00. Biscuits, Boomerang & Graham are starting later, as Biscuits wants to rest her still-swollen ankle some more. I was glad to be hiking alone, as it gave me time to savor my last hiking day (before the summit climb) and reflect on the almost-four-month adventure I was near completing. There were so many times I wanted to quit, but just kept hanging in, and I was feeling pretty good about it now. As much as I've enjoyed the company of "Team Juggernaut" (our new group name) in the past ten days, I'm glad I was solo most of the trip, as it helped me stay focused and make the miles and deadlines I needed to achieve in order to finish on my timetable. I stopped at Abol Bridge Camp Store and ate several donuts, egg sandwiches, OJ & coffee to fortify me for the rest of the day. It was sunny and clear and I savored every step of the hhike into Baxter State Park. There were some beautiful trails, scenes and waterfalls along the trail that I stopped to enjoy, and still made it to the Katahdin Stream Campground before noon. I ate sandwiches I got from the store when I got in, then shaved, cleaned up and relaxed until Team Juggernaut arrived about 2:00. Biscuits had a terrible problem with her ankle and was in jeopardy of missing out on the summit the next day. She rested in our lean-to for most of the afternoon while we caught up with Scrubs, who had finished his summit by about 2:30. Patty pulled in shortly befor 3:00 in the M3, which I was delighted to see coming down the road. It will make for a faster trip home! We set up camp, had the cold supper she brought and got to bed early so that we could start out early tomorrow to beat the hot sun. It's supposed to be partly cloudy and warm, but minimal chance of rain. Tomorrow is the big day that I've been working towards for almost four months. Hard to contain the excitement! I'm so happy that Patty will be doing it with me so that we can share the moment of completing this epic adventure.
Date: 2005-07-21
To: The Afterglow...
Miles today: 0.0

After a relaxing and restful night's sleep, we had our coffee in bed and then had a luxurious breakfast at the Lodge. I'm still smiling ear-to-ear at how wonderful yesterday was. I couldn't have hoped for a nicer summitting experience and end to my thruhike. We missed getting together with the remaining members of Team Juggernaut last night, but on the ride home saw Boomerang & Biscuits on 95 south. There was much horn honking and waving. Visited my Mom in Exeter NH on the way home to tell her her now-50-year-old son was back in the real world, and arrived home about 9:30 to unpack and go to bed. I updated my journal online so that those waiting to hear the news would know that we made it to the top of Katahdin successfully. Tomorrow we're going to the beach and just bask in the sun all day. No hiking. No Mosquitos. No Shelters. It's over and I'm tremendously relieved.
Date: 2005-07-22
To: Looking Back...
Miles today: 0.0

What a wonderful experience thruhiking the AT has been. I've suffered, bitched and complained, but I also knew that when it was over I'd be able to look back with pride at what I'd accomplished. And now I am. I decided to undertake the challenge, I struggled with it and I saw it through to completion in the time frame I hoped for. Some have done it faster. Many have done it slower. I hope that we each did it OUR way so that we can feel good about it, as I do. There are places I'd like to go back to one day and see/enjoy more. Either bad weather or my fast pace prevented me from fully enjoying them, and I'd like to be able to do that some day. It wouldn't have been as rich an experience without the love and support of my wife Patty, who stood by me, helped me, encouraged me and praised me throughout the entire journey. Never did she complain of the extra burden it put on her, but she was always there for me when I needed her. That's love, and that's why I love her so. I'm also grateful to all my friends and family who followed my journey and gave me support and encouragement along the way. When you're hiking alone, I can't tell you how much it means to get an "attaboy" from someone you care about, and even sometimes from a complete stranger. A sincere thank you to all of you. And to Gramp, who has been gone for some years now, but would have been pleased I was doing this. His spirit was with me all of the way. ANd thanks to Boomerang, Biscuits, Graham, and Scrubs, the other members of Team Juggernaut who helped bring the finale to a crescendo I could only have dreamed about when I was alone. Thank you guys for a great hike and a great finish.
Date: 2005-07-22
To: Looking for Hikers...
Miles today: 0.0

One of the difficult, yet enjoyable things about moving at a fast pace is that you meet lots of great people. But you often don't see them again after a couple of days as you move ahead of them on the trail. SOme hike slower, some take more zero days or "stop to smell the flowers". Either way, you miss them and wonder what became of them, their dream, their hike. I'd like to know what became of these folks, so if you know (or if you're them...), I'd be appreciative of an email update. Love to hear news of: Noonin, Fire Dog, Bill, Hard Core Hiker, Matty & Summer, Aviator, Eagle, Cap'n Crunch, Colonel Forbin, Vinnie V3, Tool Man, Trent & Sara, Gray Walrus, Pathfinder, McGuyver & Just Passin' Through, Popeye, Freedom, 1/4 of the Way, Kitty Litter, Tofu & Figaro, Food Bag, Old Yeller', Michigan, Wild Turkey, River Otter, Ninja & Stealth, Handlebar, Buzz, Colorado Pete, Blaze, Pilot, Ice Man, Roaming Gnome, Paladin, Skirt & Free Spirit. Email me at bslawson@hotmail.com. Thx!
Date: 2005-08-20
To: Looking back a month...
Miles today: 0.0

It's a month to the day since I summitted Katahdin on my 50th birthday to finish my thruhike. Time has flown by it seems, but I'm still riding the high of having completed an incredible adventure. The soles and toes of my feet are still numb (although improving) and I've gained back about eight pounds of the seventeen I lost while hiking. I still appreciate all the luxuries of home when I think back to the hardships of the trail, but I do miss the quiet, the beauty and the simplicity of trail life. It's not hard to get caught back up in the pace in NY and I'm still resisting it as much as I can. Many ask what my next adventure will be, but I won't be doing the PCT or anything as demanding as the AT any time soon. Nor will I be climbing Everest ever, period. The AT was enough adventure and challenge for me in one lifetime, and I don't plan to undertake anything of that magnitude again. Nothing more to prove to myself here. I'm glad I did it, now that it's over, and as time goes by the difficulty of the trip diminishes in my mind, making it seem like it wasn't so bad. I'd advise anyone considering this challenge to be sure they understand the scope and magnitude of it before investing too much time and money in preparation. It's a LONG walk and you REALLY have to want to do it to be able to put up with the discomfort and deprivation. There is a lot of beauty along the way, but it becomes hard to appreciate it fully when you're hiking long miles each day. If you slow down to enjoy it, then the trip will take longer and you will be away from other things that might matter to you also. Each person needs to figure the balancing act that works for them - Hike your own hike. I'm glad I did it and will always remember the feeling when I summitted Mt. Katahdin with Patty to bring my hike to an end. There's nothing I can begin to compare it to and I'm grateful to have been able to complete it, something that many try to do and few succeed. Halleluljah!
Date: 2006-07-20
To: The Next Chapter...one year later.
Miles today: 0.0

A year ago today I was almost to the summit of Katahdin with Patty, concluding my thruhike. What an experience and what a memory. I've been re-reading the corresponding pages of my journal each day for the past 116 days and reliving each day since March. It's been a great experience. I still feel a great deal of pride and wonder that I was able to accomplish this adventure on such an ambitious timetable, and commemorate my 50th birthday on top of majestic Mt. Katahdin. Today I'm 51 and a veteran thruhiker. Happy Birthday to me! :-) So how does it feel to look back a year later? Would I recommend it to others? Absolutely! It is truly a memorable life-accomplishment for anyone, regardless of the pace you do it in, or whether it's a section hike, NOBO, SOBO or any other variation. Life on this earth is finite and one should fill it with adventures, experiences, challenges and fulfilling relationships.Since completing my hike, there have been major changes in my life. Patty and I sold our lovely home in Long Island NY (our masterpiece, as Dave & Sue Taylor called it) and moved to the coast of Maine. We're both working at my former school, Hyde School in Bath and living on the campus there. Patty is teaching in the Summer Challenge program, and leaving Sunday 7/23 for her own wilderness hiking adventure. I am tasked with building alumni relations with other past students, something I have always held in the back of my mind to do since graduating there in 1973 (as I held an AT Thruhike in my future since then...now both are off the list as future goals). After effects of the hike are that my feet continue to be numb on the ball of the foot and toe pads, despite several medical consultations. It's not painful, but sometimes is uncomfortable (despite Patty's faithful and loving foot massages), and I attribute it to nerve damage from the constant pounding on the trail with a 40lb pack for long days. It may never be right again, but I'd still do it all over for the feeling of satisfaction that my thruhike has given me. I learned to deal with discomfort in those four months. And to appreciate the simple joys in life and all that I've been blessed with.
Date: 2004-12-25
To: Merry Christmas!
Miles today: 0.0

Merry Christmas! Welcome to my 2005 Trail Journal!   I had created a new account for my 2nd attempt thru hike the 2,174 miles Appalachian Trail.   It was a long wait for me to return to Appalachian Trail.   I can still hear them calling for me. It was so boring out here and in Connecticut waiting for the time to come.   After my failed thru hike attempt last June, and I was determined to come back and start all over again at Springer.   This time, I will be accompanied by two other deaf thru hikers, named Ursula, from Alabama and Lacie from Michigan. We will be hiking together until sometimes in June when Ursula will take several days off of the trail to keep her summer job in New York. After her departure, Lacie and I will continue all the way til Katahdin. We were supposed to hike in 5 or 6, but two or three other people bailed out due to some reasons.   Three of us will still be good. I met Ursula for the first time in Arizona when she paid a visit to Arizona two weeks ago. I discovered many positive about Ursula. Her personality and charm impressed me. I am looking forward to hike with her. I haven't had any chance to meet Lacie but will meet her a few days before we hit the Trail. After I stopped at 523 miles which is at Partnership Shelter, in Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. I hitchiked to Marion, got Greyound tickets, then got in bus. Got in Connecticut, greets my mother and father with bad news. They were disappointed but they doubted that I determined to go for 2nd attempt. They wanted me to start where the last time I left. I told them its not considered THRU-HIKE to come back to the point where I last left. I told them I want to finish the entire trail in one season. I stayed in Connecticut for 6 months before my dad act strange. I cannot put up with my dad's crap and decided to return to Arizona. Greeted my friend with surprises at Helen Young's famous annual Christmas Party which attracted more than 300 deaf people at her house. Everyone was delighted to see me. They got confused because they thought I would shed some pounds but told them that I got all pounds back. I am staying with my roommates in Tempe, Arizona for a while until February. I cannot wait!
Date: 2004-12-26
To: Counting Days!
Miles today: 0.0

Last night, we went to the desert party. It is in the middle of nowhere. It remind me of camping out by campfire on the Appalachian Trail. I told my friends, I really can't wait to get to Springer Mountain again. Those aroma of campfire make me wanting to leave now! I will have only few things needed to buy for the thru hike. I plan to buy sleeping bag from western mountaineering and then a few more stuff in February, then I am done. I continuously keep in touch with my other hiking partners, Ursula and Lacie through the Internet. They are very determined. I am looking for a temporary job and hopefully I would find one soon so that I can make some extra cash for the 6 months adventure.   Wish me luck!
Date: 2004-12-27
To: Third Entry rule
Miles today: 0.0

Just want to make a few statements to create the third entries to have my journal show up in the public.   It is now exactly 60 days before leaving for Springer Mountain. We are planning to hike on February 27. We are very excitied about it! Christmas came and gone. Now here come the New Year. My roommates and I are planning to host the New Year Eve party. It is going to be a good party before I leave for thru hike.Have a happy holidays!
Date: 2005-01-04
To: Happy New Year!
Miles today: 0.0

Happy New Year!Yes, Its a late greeting because I had a New Year Eve party, and it was a busy weekend with NFL exciting games and College bowl games. So, today, I bought some more hiking equipment.   It is just a Christmas presents to myself. I bought water bag, therm a rest self inflatable mattress, bear bag, camelbak, Appalachian Trail Data Book and Thru Hikers companion books 2005 edition. I also renewed my membership with ATC. I can't believe how quickly the time goes until my another attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. During New Year Eve party here in our place, I post up a classic map of Appalachian Trail.   Everyone was amazed on the length of the trail.   They learned some more about shelters, 6 months hike, plentiful of water resources, mountains, etc. I also share the photo albums of my hike from Springer Mt. to Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.The last thing I will need to buy is sleeping bag. I checked www.westernmountaineering.com and found some different sleeping bags but found only one I might like, would cost me $335.00. I will have to do some homework and try to get one that will work for my thru hike starting late February to Mid October. I can't wait.... Appalachian Trail still calling my name.   Living in the world of civilization bore me!
Date: 2005-01-31
To: New Job but Temporary
Miles today: 0.0

I got what I wanted, a quick job hunt and got a job. I need this job so that I can earn some extra bucks to buy new digital camera and sleeping bags, (winter and summer). I got hired to work with Pointe South Mountain Resort in Phoenix where I work as a dishwasher. I know dishwasher is not my thing but it is the easiest job to find and easily hired.   The only thing I am concerned right now is that staff there is extremely friendly and very nice. I hate to declare quit in the short time after I got hired.   I am thinking about go back there for short time again after I complete my thru hike. I like the staff there which is one reason why I could stay longer if not for the thru hike. My bosses there are very nice. They make me feel welcomed. The food there is good, but not that great. I still like McDonald's Big Mac over their food. Their (Pointe's) food is good to eat, very good to enjoy but you get full quickly. Big Mac, French Fries and a drink, won't make you full but won't make you hungry. I met a hostess in around early 20's, named Katie. She is the first hostess I met during my first day of job and knows much of sign language. I thought she might be ready for interpreter job if she continue to learn more ASL. I understand her real well and she understand me real well.   She is extreme nice too. I am glad I am able to know of anyone there that know sign language because sometimes I'd like to be kept company during slow business hours. This week, I was supposed to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans but I canceled last night because I believe I need to invest a little more in thru hike the AT. I need to buy two sleeping bags (summer and winter), digital camera and food bag. Some more hiking clothes too. I will miss Mardi Gras but I can go to small Mardi Gras celebration somewhere in Arizona or maybe in Las Vegas.Las Vegas? Yeah, its because New England Patriots is high likely to beat Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl. So, I thought, maybe betting some money on it, would get me extra cash to buy for hiking equipment. I don't gamble or bet money. I just don't like it but probably I'd gamble once just because I am confident that Patriots will win. I am a die-hard fan of New England Patriots. I don't know of Las Vegas will celebrate some Mardi Gras during the Super Bowl weekend. Las Vegas wasn't on AOL's 10 top Mardi Gras cities. Now, its one reason why I miss New Orleans.Now, I am psyched up for the Super Bowl so wish me good luck!
Date: 2005-02-07
To: New Digital Camera!
Miles today: 0.0

Go New England Patriots! 3rd rings in 4 years!I finally bought the digital camera that I needed for my thru hike. I went to Fat Tuesday for deaf gatherings Friday night. I took a picture of the Fat Tuesday and will post it up in this trail journal to see how good this camera is. I purchased this Olympus "CAMEDIA", D-580 ZOOM, 4.0 megapixels, 3X optical zoom and using AA batteries. I think I like this camera because it have USB cable just to transfer pictures direct from this camera to any computer that have USB port.   I don't have to use CD disk to programming every computer. I also purchased 512 MB memory card that can be able to hold 523 pictures.   I am thinking about purchasing two more memory cards before I start my thru hike. Total cost for camera and memory card with tax is $335.00.   My next thing to buy is two sleeping bags and maybe map of entire Appalachian Trail. I always need to know the terrains, so thats why I need map with elevation information.I am still counting days until April 1st! I can't wait!
Date: 2005-02-16
To: Working on my new Digital Camera
Miles today: 0.0

Since a few days playing around with my new digital camera. I am glad that I start to learn what to do with it and how to use it few weeks before my departure.   I noticed something that I need to work on is resolution and my 512 MB memory card.   My digital camera have three resolution options: 2288 X 1712, 1600 X 1200, and 640 X 480. I realized that if I took 2288 X 1712, it will store approximately 523 pictures, while 1600 X 1200 will store approximately 1,000 pictures and 640 X 480 will store approximately 5,300 pictures. So, I realized that upload pictures to trailjournal would be much better if using 640 X 480. If choosing this resolution of 2280 X 1712, I would have hard time looking for one favorite picture out of 5,000 pictures, it is like needle in the haystick. Finally, I come to determine that purchasing the 512MB card was a bad decision. I will have to go out and buy 6 - 16 MB cards, which can hold up to 120 pictures on 640 X 480 resolution. I believe that I will just need 6 - 16MB memory cards for south part of Appalachian Trail and buy 6 more when I reached north part of Appalachian Trail. Next week, when I receive my 2nd paycheck, I will buy Appalachian Trail maps, that contains elevation map and 2 sleeping bags. I also am thinking of getting one disposable 35mm camera for some pictures so that I can develop a poster and some enlargements for the memory of my thru-hike. Still counting days until April 1st departure.
Date: 2005-03-05
To: Still Shopping
Miles today: 0.0

My shopping list is getting shorter now. I purchased Superfeet for my hiking boots.   I ordered Waldies (sandals), sleeping bag, replacement water filters and bundle of AT maps from ATC.   I will just need to buy one more sleeping bag for the summer, and maybe snakeproof gaiters. I have problem figuring out if I SHOULD buy snake proof gaiters because they are 16 1/2 inches in height. I don't want that. All I need is a gaiters that can stop snakebites. I already had my flight ticket ready from Phoenix to New Orleans. I will stay in New Orleans for 3 nights, then get Greyhound bus from New Orleans to Gainesville. I am look forward to my April 11 start!So far, my job with Pointe South Mountain goes wonderful. The staff there treat me very nice. I see some cute girls working there that sure keep my mind busy. Chef Jay is very good person and really happy working for him. I had worked for many different jobs and many different bosses. Despite less than 2 months working at Pointe, I would rate Chef Jay top 10 great bosses to work with. I still don't know how to approach him with two weeks notice because its hard to tell to person that you enjoy working with. Chef Jay got his aide, Sous Chef Kurt who also is great person to work with. From time to time, I talked with Scott "One Leg" Rogers. I was thrilled to learn that He will be giving presentation of his hiking experience during Trail Days Festival. I will definitely be going there and hear his story. Am looking forward to live in the wilderness again....