morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-31
To: back at School
Miles today: 0.0

(sorry for the seemingly erratic nature of my writing but they are my thoughts as they come. don't worry I speak a bit more fluently. So please do engage in conversation with me on the trail. Also my eldest brother who is better at putting thoughts into the written language has been recruited for transcriber of my trail posts. This may mean he¢ll edit as well.)I've returned to Capital University for my final semester. A truly amazing sensation to have the end in sight, though many of my academic desires are squelched by my yearning to begin the trail. I'm trying to keep my focus on "Supply & Demand" but really does International Econ matter?I still haven¢t processed the impact of my resent trip to South Africa.   Hopefully the light schedule at school we'll give me freedom to reflect.How does the AT fit into school? For one Capital is a great place to work out. ¢they just completed a new athletics facility last year -- Also I'm taking to the bicycle for most local travels. Riding my bike should a) save me money b)help me get in shape c)'slow [me] down to the speed of life' d) allow for mental and physical stress management. What a great deal.Some problems that have arisen from going to school e.g. currently I'm disconnected from the internet at home. This means no more endless researching of gear or reading of others journals But Maybe I'll finally figure out a rough itinerary for my hike.I gave up a great weekend of backpacking to go to a jazzfest in Chicago. I've seen Branford Marsalis, Jeff 'tain' Watts, Curtis Fuller, Elvin Jones, Dave Holland and tonight I'll see McCoy Tyner (and many others). To keep cost down I've been staying with at friend at Valparaiso University. Because of campus policy concerning gender, I slept in my car one night. Last night another friend (Ben) and I stealth camped amongst some tree on repsective sleeping pads. I'll get on a trail somewhere near me later this month. I look forward to trying some of my new gear (hammock, backpack, stove (I¢ve built several more).)I was losing the anticipation for the trail two weeks ago as my heart was heavy with the seeming near, but DISTANT future. So, I read a book. "On the Beaten Path" was all I needed to revive my longing for the trail. I refueled again today by reading !jackie 's journal entries.That is it for now.Peace in Christ- just had an idea, maybe an entry on my gear selection, production, evolution of thought on the topic gear ¢ wait am I repeating myself. I guess I need to revisit my journal entries.
Date: 2003-10-05
To: 'hair up my butt'
Miles today: 0.0

I was sharing in mid September my plan to thru-hike with one Vaughan Weister. Let me share some about Vaughan. He is in his mid 60s and is a bandleader in Columbus. He toured some with Woody Herman's band. Also he is an amazing arranger and composer. Vaughan is one of my musical inspirations and mentors.He said, "man that's great[ referring to my planned AT hike]. when you got a hair up you butt to do something like that you better do it while your young."ha.School. I am struck how quickly the end of my tenure at Capital University is approaching. This amazement simple pools my anticipation for the trail. I'm pumped. After a few weekends out on trails in September, I continue to look forward to the pilgrimage that awaits me. But what should I do after the trail?As for now I'm still try to work on some service-work or other employment in a Spanish speaking country. not because I know Spanish but because I'd like to learn it. As for now not having anything planned does not bother me. I don't think being 'unprepared' for Sept. 2004 would detract from my trail experience. I¢m confident my God will provide, because what else can I get?I'm still in the search for trekking poles (MSR vs. Komperdal), trail shoes (just any running shoe, or beefier ones.), in camp warmth (vest, jacket, make my own?).Well. I'll keep you posted. But, by not having my data book or handbook at school, I¢m hoping to stay a little more focused on the tasks at hand. The discipline is deteriorating quickly. So updates will be sporadic. Yours in Christ's communion,IV, "wise wind", unknown (not yet given), 'running fool'
Date: 2003-10-07
To: a mental gear inventory -- typed for others 
Miles today: 0.0

I'm just going to go through what i'm thinking. so it is recorded for me to reference later and maybe help someone else later too.Big Three,BAG: Marmot 'Helium' -- concerns of condensation and body moisture affecting performanceBACKPACK: www.moonbowgear.com "gearskin" -- concerned about the hipbelt not being tight, when - assuming- i lose weight on my thru-hikeSHELTER: Hennessy Hammock -- ¢backpacker¢ with snakeskins.        --- should I still take a tarp / ground cloth for shelters & bivy opt of HH?        --- what type and how many stakes will I need to bring        --- can the ground cloth be my pack cover too (maybe just a $0.99 poncho?!?)        --- is there any way I can make my HH lighter?STOVE: made my own brasslite turbo I. --- should I go lighter, ¢cat stove¢POT & COZY: my cook pot is a pain to clean, my cozy is in sambles--- should I change to the freezer bag meals and make a Cozy envelope? What about added cost of Ziplocs and increased solid waste?FOOTWEAR: I have a comfortable pair of LaSportiva ¢trekking¢ boots. I wore them last winter in the smokies. And havd no problems. I¢ve worn running shoes on two different weekends this fall. Very comfortable, fast, light. What about in the cold? what do I do with trekking shoes through the snow or a stream when the temps are near freezing? Should I wear ¢superfeet¢ or just keep whatever is in the shoe?In camp should I bring a change of footwear. ¢Waldies¢, or insole-thongs?CLOTHING: What type of clothing should I have for the cold days. I have mid-weights. Will I need / want expedition weight top or bottoms? How about a vest or jacket should it be down or synthetic?TREKKING POLES: I like MRS ¢overland Carbon¢ but $$$ L maybe komperdell¢s carbon (actually the same?), but after special ordering them form Canada will there be any cost savings. Who has a better quality and comfortable grip and hand strap?Well these are the questions for me to research at the moment. I probablly won¢t keep you posted but I¢m sure you see the end result.God's Blessings IV
Date: 2003-11-05
To: FYI:
Miles today: 0.0

Thank you all for enduring my grammar and ranting thus far.Just a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTI will finish my undergraduate classes one month from today. Then a few days of finals. There are two exams, two significant papers, one significant research project, and one insignificant paper between me and my completion.AFTER COMPLETION:I will try to spend more time keeping this journal up to date with thoughts and concerns. Also, I will focus on presenting information in a logical and clear manner.In His Service
Date: 2003-12-09
To: It 's nearly over
Miles today: 0.0

I have taken finals, writen papers and prepared my research for review. I'll be done sometime this afternoon after some last minute edits to research.I think the end has be a let down. Why? well I was already done when I started this sememster. So there has been little new emotional or mental euphoria for me to gleen from the final day. Also leaving many friends, aquantinces, mentors, teachers, and enemies (some who I was just getting to know - ha) has been a negative feedback loop to this time.I haven't been on a trail in two months. Quit a bummer. This realization is my only peace for enduring the lack of motivation for planning the AT. Other culprites was the pesky school taking me away from forums, gear research and the likes.Today I edited my former post trying to clarify and solidify my grammar. My approach to writing is always effective on its first attempt. I try to write as I would speak. yet all the pauses, emphasis and transitional words don't quit cut it for writing. Plus when I speak I don't notice clip off the 'ed or 's that I sometime loss to the next sentence I'm thinking of writing.So hopefully my first several post will be more appreciated. I enjoyed reading them again. I surprise myself.
Date: 2003-12-09
To: gear -- part II
Miles today: 0.0

Hello gear junkies, and people who wonder how I plan to survive in the woods.Trekking Poles: My eldest brother and I are considering making our own poles. The process (describe by Bozeman gear) doesn't seem complicated. But gathering the parts will not be an easy task. Plus they'll be of a fix length. This make the decision of where I want to rest my arms very important. ah -- i don't know if I can handle the pressure. [ note: sometimes perfectionist qualities percolate from my personality]Cook POT: I think I'll be using the "Antigravity gear 3 cup pot" & cozy. This pot doesn't have a built in handle and hence a smooth inside. This will hopefully make cleaning easier.
Date: 2003-12-16
To: Done with Undergrad; back to Sylvania
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings,After finals, plenty of time with friends and then commencement, I've returned to my geographic origin of Sylvania, OH. Truthfully not much is happening here, but that was to be expected. More friends should be rolling in as the days approach the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth.Since Sunday, I've spent several hours unpacking and rearranging my 'things.' [note to self: don't keep buying 'things']. Tonight I hope to update and inventory my camping gear. Wooo who, lets hope I don't next build more storehouses for my gear and get called to judgement tonight. I ran numbers today on my projected Real (income adjust for taxs, tithe, and rent contribution) cash flow. From what I've figured I will be okay for the anticipated AT expenses. But I am considering going to Rome, Italy for week to support local missionaries. That would cut into my funding. My income comes from working for my father's plumbing company. As a perk, working outdoors in NW Ohio winter temperatures hopefully will acclimate me to trail life some. Much gear streamlining will need to be done after the giving and receiving of gifts in celebration of Christ's birth. My 'desire list' - compiled from my mother and grandma - is littered with functional backpacking gear.Well for now I'm heading over to the couch.
Date: 2004-01-04
To: Mental Resupply
Miles today: 0.0

Last evening I went to Meijers (a midwest store that is a bit like Wal-mart).I went shopping in my head. Slowing perusing the isles to see what might make a good trail meal. Being in such a mental state, made me quite eager to be on the trail.The Celebration of Christ's Birth back in Decemember was a fruitful time. Along with recieving a few gifts for the trail, I also was gifted some money for graduating.My inventory now includes (look for my gearlist to be complete soon): a New Hat, bag liner, databook, three pairs of hiking socks, nalgene containers, I used a wal-mart gift card to buy a digital scale, a 24" wide sleeping pad, a down vest and a brasslite tubro I. I've ordered a windshirt from Montane, camp shoes, and a new cook pot.I have made a decision to make my own trekking poles, hiking skirt and to buy an equinox extended poncho.Also my friend Katie R. gave me a wonderful gift with which I'll be able to keep a journal while on the trail. I know have a water proof pen and two journals to use. Thank You Katie.The enormity of this undertaking is beginning to become clear in my mind.   Here is one of my sobering thoughts, the amount of time I'll be hiking will nearly be 1.5 times the length of my senior year at Capital University.Here is my game plan until March 28. JANUARY: aquire all gear for the trip that I can afford to now and make final decisions on everything elseFEBRUARY: put all maildrops in order, and map for my parents highlighting where I'll be. Also study a trailguide or two, and brush up on any first aid.MARCH: start a light cardio routine to remind my body what exercise isRest to all in God, Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Date: 2004-03-15
To: Gear list
Miles today: 0.0

Sleep system and packMoonbow ¢ gearskin 1.9 ripstop        Hipbelt pouchHennessy Hammock ---        2 tree hugger        2 snake skins        6 stakes (for bivy options)        Kelty ¢ triptease ropeSleeping PadMarmot Helium ¢ sleeping bag        stuff sack        2 trash bagsEquinox Poncho ClothingAlfwear- Kuhl dry bush hat        Mosquito HoodManzella Baclava3 BandanasPatagonia Mid-weight (M) ¢ topDuofold 2 layer (L) ¢ topMontane Aero Smock (M)Cabella¢s Down Vest (L)Patagonia Mid-wieght (M) ¢ bottomsMarmot ¢ precip pantsUmbro ShortsManzella glove liners2 Pairs socks1 pair sock linerOR Rocky Mountain Lows (L)Stuff sack        2 trash bagsLa Sportiva ¢ Trekking BootVentilated Comfort ClogTrekking poles (yes I wear them ¢ ha)Hydration, CookingMSR   4 L Dromlite        Hydration HoseNalgene 1 L CanteneAqua MiraMomma¢s 3 cup cook pot        Cozy        Grabbers        spoonBrasslite ¢ turbo I        Lighter        Windscreen        Heat Reflector        Fuel BottleMiscellaneousMiscellaneous Stuff SackToothbrushToothpasteChapstick Body GlideDr. Bronners SoapSunscreenDeet2 Princeton tec ¢ eclipseFirst AidRepair ¢ duct tape / super glueOlympus D560 Zoom2 64 MB xD Picture cards2 AA Lithium BatteriesSwiss Army ClassicTweezersFox 40 WhistleToilet PaperLemon Container (water dip / hummus holder)Food Bag        Ziplock bag        Databook        Phone numbers list        Maildrops (& Possible Maildrop) listNew Testament (NKJV)Journal PagesPenPencilDrivers LicenseInsurance CardMaster CardNational City ATM
Date: 2004-03-18
To: Goodbye World, hello Alternate Reality
Miles today: 0.0

[Preparation Summary --- Mental Reflections --- Goodbyes / Thanks ]So reader (just for you V.), I am hours away from leaving Sylvania, OH for who knows how long. I am still planning to start and finish the trail but God does bring surprises to the faithful.As I type these final remarks, next to me on the floor lie three maildrops and my start food., my bed is unmade, and I still need to vacuum the stairs. Even though I posted a final gear list on a prior page, I continue to add, subtract, and reconsider.   But gear is easy in my opinion, the details of maildrops and other contact information for my parents still looms over me. So over the next week, I¢ll be putting a list of possible maildrops together (oh, by the way I¢m not leaving for the trail directly, my family is going on a vacation and will drop me off in GA on the return drive). I have the map set and guide to the two southern most sections of the AT to study. There have been many fears and anxiety flowing in me. No moment was so impressive as when I purchased my final piece of gear yesterday. As I picked up my trekking poles, I realized the path that was before me.Have you ever had the odd sensation of wanting to jump into a pool on a summer day but thinking, uh.... then I¢ll be all wet. Sure, hindsight reveals the water is fun and refreshing. Similarly I am standing on the edge of the AT just about to jump. I believe it will be fun and refreshing, yet still do I want to get all wet?Thank you to my brothers and sisters in Christ at OLIVET LUTHERAN CHURCH. Especially I give thanks to the goofy group of kids that gather each Wednesday night. I have learned much and I hope you will all continue to fight the good fight of faith (1 TI 6:12).My friends at Capital University and from my days in High School, I am glad to have had these final days with you. I ask you all for a dose of forgiveness for I have fallen short of being faithful to each of you.God¢s richest blessing, deepest yearnings, most bountiful fruits and overwhelm Love, Joy and Peace to all of you.
Date: 2004-03-19
To: Introducing Yellow Jacket
Miles today: 0.0

Casey is no longer in charge of *HIS* journal. I am. I'll be your friendly transcriber for the rest of this journey. Hopefully, I can read his hand writting.For those that don't know, I'm Casey's oldest brother (by 13 years). Casey and I have gone on several backpacking trips over the last year, including a 4-day trip to Trail Days 2003. Which is when the attached photo was taken.As Casey (trail name to be determined) sends me notes, I'll enter them as quickly as possible. I'll put editoral comments in brackets [ed: I can't read that last word]. But I'm sure all of you are smart enought to figure that out on your own.I'll also be your photo editor for this journal as well. Casey will be sending me his flash media whenever it gets full. I'll upload them here as time and space permit. I might even attach them to journal entires (like I did to this entry) if it is obvious which entry a particular photo belongs to. We'll see.That't it for now,Yellow Jacket.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Home

To: Amicalola Falls Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Goodbyes to Mom and Dad, after a hap-hazared packing. It isdark and people are in bed, I am not tired at the moment. I plan to stay upsome, write, read, pray.Oh, some last minute additions to my pack includeAntigravitygear Southern AT bandana and small book [more later].I don¢t feel afraid or worried, or excited; I¢m just here. May I always be listening to and for the Divine and obeying.
Date: 2004-03-28
To: He is on his way...
Miles today: 0.0

Just got off the phone with our parents. Casey was dropped off on 27-Mar around 8pm. Which means today (28-Mar) should be his first day on the trail. The weather looked great, so I'm sure he had a great time.Our mother mentioned that there were quite a few folks "signing in" and otherwise hanging around the shop/store which is located in the GA state park at the base of Katahdin. So, he won't be alone. In fact, this week and next week are suppose to be the busiest starting weeks for folks that do thru-hikes. Which ought to put all of Casey's "mothers" at ease a bit. While it might be called a walk in the woods, it is more like a walk in a city park for the first few weeks until the crowds thin out a bit.And to answer a couple of jounal entries, yes the two girls in the photo with Casey are my (Yellow Jacket) two oldest daughters.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Amicalola Falls Shelter

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

Happy birthday Katherin K.My shelter last night [?] was a creaky, chicken wire non-support, hyper extended knee place to stay. Did I sleep? Picture with me a human in a chicken coop. Apparently the shelter was constructed in memory of a retired poultry farmer. Well now I sympathize, just a bit, with animal activists.I¢ve reach spring mtn after 5.5 hours. I have plenty of time to press no but certain parts of my body are voting for a break. The loudest is my knee, then buttocks, and balls of my feet. These all were given a voice and I listened. So I¢m planning to hang, near the Springer shelter.This morning¢s walk began straight out the back of the visitor center, up a steep climb. As I walked, the trail began to glisten, in the mostly sunny day, from the Formica in the dirt. My eyes took in a small lizard skittering across a log, then some fresh daisies [1], squirrels were plentiful and finally I saw two young deer hidden amongst the trees. Great is the creatorAtop spring mtn I met Phil ¢ a day hiker ¢ who took my photo and recommending not staying at the plaque because of a high activity of bears in the area. At the shelter tonight there are bear hooks for food bags.Being in awe of God¢s presence has been slow going. A hiker, no matter how close to Eden, if they are a Christian, they are still a stranger here.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

40¢s windy and overcastI awake with a desire to relieve myself of liquid waste, but the stories from Glen, the care taker, told of bears kept me in the shelter where I had ended after he I abolished my hammock site. Approximately 14 individuals stayed in and around the Springer shelter & water source. Oh plus a dog ¢ yes Jamey ¢ that was carrying his own gear.I was up at six to Laura¢s alarm. I packed and read to go. MK1:1 the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Amen.My morning path took me into a group of pines, all still youths struggling towards maturity. I entered a ¢green tunnel¢ for a bit. The brisk morning and moderate/strong gusts of wind on the ridge kept the birds quiet in their nests. Any eerie sound did pronounce itself slowly(?). I followed the trail down into gaps and valleys. The sound of creaking trees is not the most pleasant to mediate to as one reads, rests or writes. Is it going to hit me?I¢m on lunch at the moment next to Laurel Falls ¢ thx SGT Rock, great recommendation. After a fridged dip into the cleansing waters, ate jerky, trail mix and some cheese that was gifted to me by brian.(?)Sad note ¢B¢ ¢ I passed my first returning attemptor. He said his name was 44. The presence of defeat hung around him as he passed. Oh, what I would have liked to give him, to strengthen him to set forth on his pilgrimage again. I said nothing, but gave thanks and recognition to the Author of Life.I setup to hang tonight at Hawk mtn Shelter. My main concern is how to adequately protect my gear from am water based element of weather. So far 14 and a dog. Now the weather is warm with a constant breeze.I¢m coming to realize my mind and body are still in the suburbs. This isn¢t an inherently problem, but I interrupt this perception to mean that I am not fully here. Time will help me disconnect more from my former way of life.Tomorrow will be my first attempt at a full day of silence. I think this will be exciting. But I¢m concerned that others will think I¢m rude. Ah well, step on.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Smack! I duck. Sting! I step with a shuffle to the side¢¦Where am I going only darkness shines before me casting shadows of fear. Another branch, another thorn ¢ I thought there was a foot path between me and the shelter. I stumble, kicking roots or rocks. My mind is racing, my eyes straining. The outline emerges as I slow myself. Oh and I¢m getting wet.I went to bed, taking some time to accommodate myself in the HH. As I close my eyes to a comfortable bed of ripstop nylon, the poncho covering me begins to massage my ears with sounds of rain drops. Sleep.I¢m awake; it is early, a bit of mist splashes my face. Ah, my one concern that my poncho wouldn¢t cover me well. I wonder how may bag is? I reach and follow my hand along the right edge of my sleeping pad as I lay in anxiety upon my back. Worry. The sense that carried itself up my finger tips as they encountered greater condensation that n I desired. Panic. My hand slides down the smooth reflector of my pad towards my bottom, the lowest point in the HH.Now the next few actions seem a blur to my memory, but in the moment nothing went fast enough. My next thought, actually words carried frustration ¢ ¢Oh shit¢. A small pool had collected. Crap! How? Shit! Now what?Certainly I must rid the HH of water, but how do I limit collateral damage? Arching my back, weight n my feet and neck I push down my bag of feathers over the puddle. Slowly I descend into the trap Mother Nature made; as I relaxed my body into the cool¢¦cool pool, my back and shorts not wet.Surprise world! I burst through the escape hatch, pull my bag and pad out. Other items follow, I stand, cover my bag with my pad¢s(?). Begin the trek you read at the beginning. I made it to the shelter and tripped back to grab my clothes and some other items from the muddy carpet.After drying my pad with(?) my clothes, I lay to sleep with a racing heart and the words of Mr. Stender ¢See, I told yah¢¦.I told yah¢ as he laughed at my down situation.I taken the day to Gooch gap, as my left knee continues to alert me to is presence with a quiet cry of pain. By 9:33am start the skies were rain free all day. The terrain today was pleasant; hills, switchbacks, hills. My day of silence, pointing towards a day of stillness (Ps 46:10), had a few fumbles. So far I slipped about five times and a few mumbles. Now at Gooch my silence has percolated a few times as point of jesting.In Him we live, move and have our being. (Acts 17:28)