morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Immediately north of the lean-to today was a climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain (1520'). This was nearly 1000' above the shelter. The trail was steep at times and wove between rock faces.   At one point I lost the trail since I had my head down and followed what I thought was the most beaten ground. I stopped when I couldn't see any white blazes and turned around. Instead of crossing a small mountain trickle, the trail went up the trickle. The view from the top of Nesuntabunt had the lake right in front. It was definitely picture worthy.At the base of Nesuntabunt was a pond with a canoe and a rowboat on the shore, followed by an outlet stream that the trail paralleled. The trail actually crossed the outlet stream by postponing until intersecting a road. The trail used the bridge which was rare for Maine trail standards. I walked up the banks of another stream until I reached Rainbow Stream Lean-to. There were a group of boy scouts at the shelter. I sat on a log in front and ate tuna and peanut butter. That isn't the perfect combination but putting protein into my stomach really suppresses any hunger. There was a fair bit of mud hiking out of Rainbow Stream Lean-to.   Southbounders whined about it in shelter registers but it really wasn't that bad.   They are in for a rude awakening for the next 400 miles of their trip. For eight miles the AT follows Rainbow Lake. This must be one of my least favorite sections of the entire trail because it is so boring. The trail is 100 feet or more from the lake so you really don't have any views. There is a high density of mosquitoes in the area, the brush is overgrown for miles, and planks are in terrible condition. I had to stop at one point to bandage three toes on my right foot. Where my boot creases was rubbing against my skin and it got so raw that it was bleeding. Finally removed from the lake, I hiked up to the Rainbow Ledges. The top of the hill was basically all rock and Katahdin was just to the left of the crest. The clouds thickened all afternoon and on my way down it began to rain. I made it to Hurd Lean-to at 3 and just relaxed all afternoon. There is at least 20 other hikers here tonight. It was fun to talk with all of them.   Two more days until Katahdin!
Date: 2008-11-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this quest has been dreamt about and even attempted for 20 years! In 1989 I found out a little about the AT and even met a number of thru hikers. In 1995 I made my first attempt with the trail name: Mr. Procrastinator. I had a great time and spent lots of money with my credit cards. But I only hiked around 700 miles. In 2004 I tried again. This time with the trail name: Vagrant and with very little money and no credit cards. I only hiked about 600 miles and another 100 mile canoe trip on the Shenandoah River. Again I had a great time, but in both attempts I did not hike the 2000 plus miles in one trip. Will the third attempt be the one that gets me there? Chances are good this will be my final attempt, but life is a mystery. It is probably a good thing we can not see what is in our future. Of all of my adventures, this is the first time I have actually started "training" for the big day. I have actually made some concrete weights to put in my pack while I walk around. Today I put in around 5-6 miles with some ups and downs through the adjoining neighborhood. Though this part of Missouri is not known for it's "mountains". What am I going to do for gear? Well, I still have some very functional gear from 2004. I am sure I will add a few pieces as March gets closer. But I am still going through my stuff to figure out what I really have to work with. More later
Date: 2008-12-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

well, thought I would get a couple journal entries in so that I can be posted and start keeping in touch with interested friends, family and aquaintences. Originally I had wanted to try to collect some contributions to charities for miles walked on the AT this time. But I never followed through with my intended publicity of this venture. I am going to benefit greatly from this adventure. It would have been a nice thing if some worthwhile charities could have benefitted from my walk as well. But my personal life has become a bit complicated. I find that my focus is mostly one sided at this time. I have not even put in the effort to prepare for this hike that I had intended. True, the completion of this hike will fulfill a 20 year dream of mine and give me many memories for the rest of my life. But the outcome of the next couple of months will determine many things about what happens after this 7 month hike. The past couple of years has found me experiencing incredible feelings to a degree way beyond anything I have felt in my previous 47 years. Though these feelings may be misunderstood by some, I believe they will have great bearing on the rest of my lifetime, no matter the outcome of the possible relationship involved. And just the fact that a relationship finally exists at all is a true blessing! One not unlike the amazing events as experienced on a long distance walk like I will soon be undertaking once again.
Date: 2008-12-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Gear choices are not going to be much of an issue at this point. So far my lowes internal frame pack seems to be funtioning adequately. I really need to upgrade my thermarest as my current 3/4 length is 13 years old and does not self inflate at all. My sleeping bag is almost 18 years old. Again should probably be upgraded. My water filter is probably good if I buy a new filter cartridge for it. I want to make an alcohol stove for the trip. I need a new nalgene bottle. And most likely a new spoon. Clothing may be pretty well covered with the exception of socks and boots. I would love to upgrade my camera. I need to order the 2009 data book and maybe a thru hiker's handbook. I need to pick up at least one more bandana. My tent seems like it will be okay. Definitely need to field test it before I start hiking. Have not selected the start date, but will be shooting for the 7th - 16th of March. This will give me some time to spend at my Mom's in Ga. I may even be able to talk her into a quick trip to REI before my start date. Well, need to get some packing done as I am moving in just about 2 weeks. This is actually a very good thing!
Date: 2008-12-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yay! "Happy Birthday to Me!" Now to get this hike done with before I hit 50! Not that I won't want to come back and spend some quality time with my favorite mountain range when this is all over. Just not sure I want to do the 6-7 month thing again. Okay I probably will want to... but doubt that I will do it again. So here I am at 49 and wanting to make the most of this year! Some memories of 1989 when I found myself struggling to walk the 14 or so miles of the AT in an unexpected, but very awakening experience. I know that as far as thru-hikers and long distance hikers go, I am still fairly young chronologically, but I need to create some tangible goals for when this dream has been completed. I have too much to give to just be putting in time until my next big adventure! Looking forward to the new year and this new chance.
Date: 2009-01-01
To: a new life
Miles today: 0.0

Yay! 2009 is here at last! Now I just have to get through the last 6 1/2 weeks of work so I can move on to the final stages of my hiking prep. Getting to Georgia!!! There I will take all my equipment for a last test run for functionality, weight and pack storage. Then I will replace anything not working correctly, remove anything not being used, and add the finishing touches (FOOD). Here's wishing everyone out there a healthy and prosperous New Year! I hope you all get the opportunity to follow your dreams as I am. And always remember... it really is all about the JOURNEY!
Date: 2009-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, was able to take an extra day off work and get on the internet. Caught up on a few postings. It is a good thing time is going so quickly. Yes I still have a lot to do. Yes some things are very much up in the air. But I have such a grand adventure waiting just around the corner. No I am not afraid! (common question I get right now) Yes I am really going to try to walk 2175 miles and yes I do plan to take at least 6 months to do so! At this time I have no idea where I will live when I get done. I don't even know the exact day I will be going onto the AT but I know it will be early March 2009. I have no idea what I will do for work when I get done, but I have lots of saleable abilities that I can use and a great work ethic, even though I do put my life before any job. But if you cannot put your life first, why would you do a good job? And shouldn't the job you do just be an extension of that life, and not a life in itself?Too many life questions could be asked and debated on these pages. I have my own opinions as I am sure you (the reader of this journal) do. But you are not here to solve my questions or even all of lifes questions. You are here to participate in my new adventure. Please feel free to peruse my photos. Not every entry will contain one. And not every picture will be attached to an entry. And though it is somewhat incomplete, I would invite you all to go to my 2004 journal and to look at the photos there as well. The URL is: http://www.trailjournals.com/vagrant
Date: 2009-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still coming up with more concrete plans for the beginning of my hike. I have decided to NOT go to my 30th High School reunion. A tough decision as I would like to support all the hard work the reunion committee has done. But for me, the logistics and money have heavily outweighed my desire to again show up at this event. So instead, I will be spending one extra week working at Home Depot. My official last day of work will be Friday, February 20. That will give me 8 days to get to Georgia. While at my mother's home in Cleveland, Ga, I will be doing some gear testing and backpack "stuffing" in order to make sure all the final items are aboard and functioning. I will also spend a night or two out in my tent for comfort and dryness testing. It should be fun having a couple days of not walking anywhere just before the big event. More later
Date: 2009-01-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Lots of things on my mind! Many unanswered questions and unaddressed topics. But I do not think I will get the answers anytime before I leave for Georgia. When I think of all that still needs to be done, I realize that I should still call myself by my original trailname: Mr. Procrastinator! But I have improved a bit. My future is coming through in bits and pieces. It will take a lot more hard work than I have done in all my past to accomplish the goals I am beginning to set for myself, but the end result will be well worth the labor and sacrifice I will be making. I would like to report that it all ends with a "happy ending", but life has it's own plans. My desires seldom come to bear on the reality that we call "life". Is there ever true happiness? We can have glimses of true happiness, and we can change our attitude, but I doubt we ever really have any control. I have been trying to say some important things here, but realize this is probably not the right place to do it. I am just trying to give you a verbal picture of where I am right now, just weeks before I take my first step of this incredible journey I have planned. Life has truly blessed me in the past couple of years with some very important lessons I very much needed to learn. I hope everyone has the opportunity to gain some of the insights that have been presented to me.
Date: 2009-01-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

While posting photos, I noticed a group of pictures drawn by Roadster and the date they were photographed (4/24/2004) was while we were at the Brown Gap feast just north of the Smoky Mountains. The Rat Pack treated us royally while giving us every reason a real hiker needs to delay their hike... massive amounts of food!!! There was so much wonderful food, I am suprised any of us went on to hike. I hope I run into Rat again this year! Though if I make trail days, I am sure he will be there as will the rest of the blue blazers/trail "devils" who took part in that feast and stayed at hobo central! Great memories. I have just recieved a lot of emails as a response from my mass email yesterday. I still have a lot to send out, but getting great response from many of my past/future contacts.
Date: 2009-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I just finished rereading the Celestine Prophesy. All I can say is WOW! Think I got more from it the second time around. Still getting stuff done so that the beginning of my trip will be without many glitches. I want to make sure everything is where it should be and that I have access to whatever I may need. This is really getting exciting. I will be seeing friends and family that I have not seen in years. And I will be back in an environment that I have begun to think of as "home". More later
Date: 2009-02-03
To: Sister's Birthday
Miles today: 0.0

Family has always been a source of strength for me. Even when I am miles away, there is always a strong connection. And the bonds of love are felt accross the many miles. Luckily here in Missouri, I am blessed to be physically close to my "baby" sister who today is celebrating her birthday. Well, okay, she is actually taking her final exams in class tonight while I was hoping to help her celebrate the occasion. But some priorities take precedence over celebration. After all, we will do plenty of celebrating before I leave for Georgia! Lots of wine to consume!!! Happy Birthday Jacque.
Date: 2009-02-10
To: Reaching Out
Miles today: 0.0

A quick hello to everyone who is taking the time to read my journal entries. I hope these entries are interesting for you. Please feel free to comment. I also hope my upcoming entries keep you entertained, and that the pictures do some justice to the incredible beauty I am about to experience. I am still learning some important lessons that will enhance my upcoming adventure. It is amazing the experiences that present themselves when you open yourself to all possibilities. Information at just the right time can impact everything in your daily life. This is what I am currently experiencing, and it's an amazing awakening moment. This journey is taking some incredible turns. But those turns are already making some very positive changes in both the hiking experience, and my life after the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2009-02-26
To: In Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, I am here just 25 miles from Amicolola Falls, the approach trail to Springer Mountain. I am currently staying with my mom and plan to start my hike in just under one week. So my actual start date will be March 4th. That is on a Wednesday. Please pray for good weather. I would like to get some good pictures from Springer and of the Falls at Amicolola. Preparations are going slowly. But I will definitely be moving along once I get on the trail. I hope to make posts once a week or so within the first couple of months. Pictures should start appearing within the first month as I need to send them to Missouri before they get posted. Hope everyone is doing well. Please feel free to sign my guest book.
Date: 2009-03-02
To: last prep entry?
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I head out on Wednesday. Visit with mom has been great and too long overdue. But I must get my feet moving! Thank you all for the well wishes and encouragement. Yes I know that I am crazy, but that has nothing to do with my hike. Probably one of the most sane decisions I have ever made! My next entries will be from the trail and I hope I can keep this interesting for you all. I may get a little long winded at times so bear with me, but I think the facts and figures will help me later when I try to compile my memories into a possible book form for myself and some of my friends/family. I did get a few last minute gear items: water filter; new stove; new thermarest mattress; boots; jacket. Guess I will get to try them all out on the AT.
Date: 2009-03-03
To: Amicolola Falls
Miles today: 0.0

Heading to Amicolola Falls today to start hiking tomorrow. Last minute details are so time consuming for a chronic procrastinator like me. And distractions are wat too forthcoming when you are in the middle of packing something important, or getting things organized. But I should be ready to go in about a week. Too bad I don't have that much time! I must say that I truly appreciate the library systems of this country for thier free internet access. This has been very helpful! I also have great appreciation for the people who run this website! I will surely make a contribution when I return to having funds to do so. At this point I am very thankful for many things! Friends who continue to help and encourage me toward the culmination of this 20 year dream. Family for thier love and support in so many ways! Strangers who have become friends showing an interest in my "crazy" antics and aspirations. The excitement I feel is multiplied when it is mirrored in the eyes of those who will sit and listen to my adventures. The beautiful blue sunny skies that have appeared in the last 2 days allowing for some last minute gear checks. My good health and strong legs which I will need to do the brunt of the work on this 7 month adventure. Need I say ... way too many blessings to count upon the pages of this journal. When next I write, there will be mileage charts attached so you can see how far I have come (literally) along the trail.
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Amicolola Falls

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

Hiked the approach trail 8.8 miles plus the AT 2.8 miles giving me a total of 11.6 for my first day. The Approach Trail started off beautifully as it followed the stream right up to and in front of the falls. The steps were gruelling on my legs as I carried my 50 LB pack up 700 of those 4 letter words. Have to admit I probably wasn't thinking the word step each time. After an hour of that, the trail began to take on more moderate climbs. Though the view wasn't nearly as breath taking. Or was that just the effect of all of those steps??? Hiked most of the day alone, but met a few hikers as they passed me on the uphill grades. When I got to Springer Mountain and the first white blaze, I took pictures and talked to the few people around me. "Many Sleeps", the ridgerunner for this section of the trail had finished his thru-hike at the age of 67. That was 11 years ago. Now he plans a Continental Divide Trail hike in July of this year at age 78! He gave me a matchbook proclaiming the "Leave no Trace" philosophy for which I strive to abide. This I can hand to a clerk at the Walasi Yi center at Neels Gap (30 miles from here, and the only building that the AT goes through) to recieve a "Leave no Trace" bandana. Today was clear and beautiful. A great start!
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Second night out, decided to slow down a bit. Another good hiking day. Last night was still cold, but stayed warmer in my tent. The Long Creek Falls were beautiful today! Just as I remember them. Was a great place to stop for a break. Took a late lunch break in a field. Layed in the sun for a little while to warm up. Mike showed up after I had been there a bit and we talked for a little while. We are both planning to stay at the Hawk Mountain Shelter. I got in early enough to set up my tent and cook an early dinner. One other tent at shelter tonight. That is Ron and Merryll Burr from New Zealand (the Mad Kiwis). They are a really nice couple. They hiked North from Springer today. Mike (who I met at Amicolola Falls) also stayed here.
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Still going steady. Got a later start today. About 9:45 out of camp. Ron and Merryll didn't leave until about 9:15 making me the last in camp. Ron got a bit lost looking for water after bad directions from another hiker. He made it back alright, but was gone about 2 hours. Last night the wind made a horrible noise with sheet metal from under the shelter. Kept waking me. But I still seem to have gotten enough sleep. Must be the early sunset (about 7:00 pm) and late sunrise (about 7:00 am). With the great weather, this really was the perfect week to start.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Yay! Heading into hostel. Foggy on top of Blood Mountain. Patrick and I hiked together much of the way. We discussed a possible trail name for him, but I don't think he will take it. The hike up to Blood Mountain shelter is much easier than I remember from 2004. But I remember how I almost got lost going down off the mountain. I will be more careful this time.
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Actually hiked 4.4 up to Blood Mountain again for some pictures and back. Mom came up to see me and bring some of my resupply. She also brought lunch. It was good to see her. I did the hike back up to Blood Mountain because it was beautiful today and I didn't want to just sit around all day long. Saw Ron and Merryll today. They met mom and spent time in the outfitter for some gear adjustments. Mike left today. Doubt I will see him on the trail again.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

After a great stay with Gary and Lennie, I went back out just after the rain became a trickle. I enjoyed my breakfast both days, and getting to visit with them. A few of us went to church where we were greeted openly by the congregation. Eric, (Google of 2007) was awesome shuttling hikers and helping sort out a variety of problems we encountered during our first 75 miles. He even let us use his computer to do a little internet stuff since the library was closed all weekend. This is why my entries for the first 10 days were so brief. I will fill them out in due time as I get caught up and have more time on the internet. Hiking so far has been completely wonderful. As most I have the occaisional pain I have to deal with and work out, but I know that this is just my body in transition from out of shape non hiker to supreme walking machine! Colonel Mustard has left the hostel with me. He is doing much better since I first met him in Neels Gap. Padre was at the shelter as I pulled in talking to a section hiker named Fire Dog. Karunamiel, the ridgerunner I also met at Neels Gap, who had section hiked the entire AT then went on to thru-hike it, was still out doing some of her section clean-up with her gear in the top section of the shelter. We had a fun chat and relaxing evening before we all crashed for the night. This is the common ritual at the shelters. That is why I so enjoy staying there even when I set up my tent.