morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-23
From: Katahdin

To: Hudson, Florida
Miles today: 0.0

Well here it is September 23/07 and 12 days since I summited MT Katahdin thus ending my through hike of the Appalachian Trail.I still have the hiker shuffle to a degree and no doubt will soon be back to normal in no time, I have already started back at the gym in the hope of not losing too much of my fitness, I plan to do some of the Florida trail this season, although it's hard to imagine hiking on flat ground with no rocks or elevations, just imagine that.I have had time to reflect on the past 6 months and wondered what I would change if I could, I have decided I would not change a thing about it at all, if I did, it would not have been the wonderful journey or experience that it truely was, the trail hike alone would not have been what it was, if it weren't for the wonderful people I had the good fortune to meet along the way, I will forever be greatful and awstruck by the generosity, friendliness and the willingness of these American people to go out of their way to help the hikers, it is something I have not experienced anywhere but here in the US, Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, also the support I got from some wonderful friends here in Florida. and special thanks to my wonderful Daughters Karen and Kylie back home in Australia, it realy did make the world of difference having you both on my side, thank you for your support, confidence and pride in your old mum. If anybody wants or needs any advice about the trail or my journey on the trail, please contact me via the guest book, I will come to the site and read my guest book from time to time and will answer you personaly if you leave some contact for me.There is a final thought I'd like to leave you all with, it is something I read when I got back from the trail and thought it was appropriate to the feeling that is left after completing the AT.Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave in a well preserved body, but to skid in sideways totaly worn out shouting , HOLY SHIT WHAT A RIDE.
Date: 2005-10-18
To: The Right Path
Miles today: 0.0

I have chosen the name of this narrative as ¢Taking the Right Path¢. This could be interpreted simply as ¢hiking your own hike¢, the commonly used Appalachian Trail motto. Or, it could mean staying on the trail, hopefully, and not getting lost. However, I choose to define it related not only to the smaller world I am about to enter, but rather to life as a whole. We make many choices about the paths we follow in life, some put us on the right path and some send us down paths that are filled with danger. Truly, there are many paths that diverge in the wilderness and some of the best are those that are ¢the less traveled¢ ones. We all make a decision regarding the principal driving force in our life. Do we believe in a higher power? Is there a God? Do we choose to live our lives believing in that God and being directed by His will? Many years ago, I answered yes to all of these questions. One of the reasons I have chosen to hike this trail is that I fully expect to see God in many places along the trail. Whether this is in a magnificent sunset, mountain, rainbow, or just in the trees, rocks and solitude of a day on the trail, or in the face of a trail angel, I am sure I will see the face of God. (Note to non-hikers: Trail angels are people along the trail that make a special effort to perform unexpected acts of kindness to thru-hikers. This might include rides to town, cold drinks and snacks along the trail or just a kind word of encouragement.)Sometimes, the path we travel is not of our own choosing. It may be a consequence of a bad choice. It may be forced on us by someone else. It might simply be an unlucky turn in life that proves the statement that bad things can and do happen to good people. Ten years ago my path led through the valley of the shadow of death, from which I emerged alone. However, then the path led back into the light guided by the love of a wonderful lady.God never gives us more than we can handle. I believe that the proper mental attitude is important for a successful hike. I also believe that the path my life has taken has helped to prepare me mentally for this trip.For me, the right path at this point in time leads to Springer Mountain, Georgia and then North along the Appalachian Trail. My goal is to finish the entire trail. If not this year, then I will finish it next year, or the following year. I am sure I will make many choices regarding this path and I hope I can look back and say with conviction ¢I DID take the right path¢. Even it that path leads off the trail.
Date: 2005-10-30
To: The Beginning
Miles today: 0.0

This journal really begins many years ago. The Appalachian Trail has been in the back of my mind for many years. I first heard about it as a boy scout and then later from my brother, Richard, as he accompanied youth groups and scouts from the Indianapolis area during their hikes in the Smoky Mountains. I have crossed its North/South path numerous times when I have traveled to the Eastern United States. And every time I noticed a sign along the highway that said Appalachian Trail crossing, something deep inside me would get excited. I have walked on small portions of it at various times. I have fantasized on many occasions about walking its length. However due to the many circumstances of life, it never seemed more than a fantasy. I remember mentioning it to Brittany, my step daughter, shortly after Ris« and I were married. She exclaimed in horror, ¢Why would you walk in the woods where there are no bathrooms and there are animals that will EAT you!¢   But it stayed in my mind. This past summer, our path led us to walk down the Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park. This was a tough 8.5 mile trail that had an elevation drop of over 3200 ft from Glacier Point into Yosemite Valley. This was the longest hike I have done in several years, but we made it. It was truly a soul stirring hike in God¢s wonderful world. We experienced many sights and feelings that we could not have seen or felt if we had not left the roads of our modern world. We learned an important lesson that often the pain of the more difficult path is often outweighed by the value obtained along that path. Then this past year, Ris« (my wife) recorded and produced a wonderful CD that had always been a life-long dream for her. I pondered the importance of having such a dream and then completing it.In October of 2005, as we journeyed south for the winter, we made our customary stop in Gatlinburg, TN, hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains, and made our normal stops in the various hiking shops in Gatlinburg. I have made numerous stops in Gatlinburg each year for over thirty years and each time I have felt the need to hike in the mountains and visit these stores and just absorb the atmosphere dedicated to hiking in the wilderness. I have hiked in the Smokies well over 100 times. However, on this trip the pull was stronger. The mountains seemed to be calling to me like never before. Continuing South, we stopped in Hiawassee, GA to visit friends. While in Georgia, we drove to the top of Brasstown Bald Mountain. In the gift shop, I purchased a couple of books about the Appalachian Trail that I just had to buy. I really mean ¢ I had to buy them!! (Note: this included "Walking With Spring" the story of Earl Shaffer, the first person to walk the complete trail) I also found myself looking at the wall maps on display and instead of just my normal curiosity about our surrounding area. I found an unbelievable feeling when I also looked at the line that represented the AT path through Georgia. As one author described the feeling as a fever, all of my suppressed ideas of hiking the Trail headed toward the surface.
Date: 2005-12-05
To: The Decision
Miles today: 0.0

For the next two months, I found myself reading my new books and driven to continually research the Appalachian Trail on the internet. It is hard to describe the feeling, much less write it down. But it was almost like an addiction. I just had to do it. During this time, I begin to wonder if I should carry this fantasy to the next level. In early December, I shared my thoughts with Ris«. She understood!!! She had just completed one her dreams and more than anyone else, she understood this urge. Without hesitation, she said, ¢I think you should do it and do it now!!!¢ With those words of encouragement, these desires broke through to the surface and it really became something I just have to do and now is the time. I cannot just dream and say someday. We never know what tomorrow will bring. I have survived the death of a spouse. I have had cancer. I have gone through surgery. I have gone through radiation. I am approaching my 60th birthday. I have the health to do it now, I have the time to do it now and I have this all consuming desire to do it now. I have now shared my plans with numerous other people and I have observed that their responses fall into just a few categories. First are those that ask why and I can tell by the look on each face that NO amount of explaining on my part will ever answer the question. Second are those that just say ¢OK¢. They accept what I want to do because they accept me as part of their life in some form. Third is the group that have pursued their dream and they understand and support my pursuit of my dream. Last are those who immediately understand ¢why¢ without an explanation on my part. And what separates them from the third group is that they also get a far away, wistful look on their face that says ¢We understand and we wish we were going with you¢. This story is dedicated to those that are in this last group ¢ come walk with me and experience my adventure along this path I have chosen.
Date: 2006-01-01
To: Christmas
Miles today: 0.0

As Christmas approached, I shared these feelings and plans with my children, Karen & Jeff. Karen¢s reaction was in the third group --- she understood the call of the mountains and her dad¢s desire to make this hike. Jeff understood even more. He didn¢t even say ¢I wish I was going with you¢. He immediately started making plans to join me for portions of the hike! Now, how¢s that for support?When I was buying Christmas presents through Amazon.com, I ordered a copy of ¢White Blaze Fever¢. We had returned to Indiana for the holidays and were visiting our friends and family. So the only chance I had to read was early morning and late nights. This book is almost three hundred pages and I completed it in only three days! I was totally fascinated by William Schuette¢s tale of his thru-hike. I felt like I was own the trail with him. I can hardly wait to begin my own hike.Then things got funny, Karen went Christmas shopping and decided to buy me hiking presents from our grandchildren. At Christmas, the grandchildren could not contain their laughter. Their gifts included a small plastic trowel (used to dig potty holes) and toilet paper. Katie, our young granddaughter, then explained in great detail the uses of both of these items.
Date: 2006-01-22
To: The Preparation Begins
Miles today: 0.0

It is now mid-January, I have established a basic plan for my hike. On May 18th, I will begin my Appalachian Trail hike at the Southern terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia. The initial plan is that Jeff will join me for the first three days and then I will continue on my own. Ris« will provide logistic support from our motorhome which we will move north every two weeks or so. This late departure date was made after lots of serious thought. I know that this leaves only five months before Katahdin and Baxter State Park close for the winter. This will force me into making decisions about the end of my hike. But more important, I also know that the odds of staying on the trail through the early weeks will be greatly improved by hiking in the warmer weather rather than the snow and ice of March and April. This decision is definitely part of the right path for me.I am now doing the preparation work. This includes walking a minimum of three miles per day and making longer hikes when I miss a day. So far that includes two seven mile days and a six mile day at a local park. In the future, I will spend more time at the local parks carrying my pack and using my hiking poles.I spend hours each day on the internet researching the proper equipment, nutrition and clothing for the trail. Much of the time is just spent reading journals from the many people that have hiked the entire trail. In terms of equipment, I have set a goal to carry no more than 30 lbs in my pack. That means I must find the lightest equipment available while tempering my purchases to a reasonable budget. Many times that is very difficult. I was totally amazed by the sheer number of sleeping bags that are available. I read more reviews than you can possibly imagine and I searched countless web-sites for the best sale prices. I also have gone to numerous stores to actually examine some of the various pieces of equipment and buy items that a priced near internet prices.So far, I have bought a 2 lb tent and a 2 lb backpack. I just ordered my sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear and water purification equipment. These will total just over 10 pounds. The most luxurious item I have allowed myself is one of the best sleeping pads available within my weight restraints. (For you non-campers, the pad goes under the sleeping bag and provides insulation as well as a softer surface to sleep on.) Notice I said softer surface not a soft surface. The ground is going to be hard regardless of what I do. I figured that at my age, I need to insure myself a good nights sleep or I will be a wreck on the trail.
Date: 2006-02-01
To: Changing Plans
Miles today: 0.0

Now a potential change in my basic plan has occurred. Dennie Henley, one of our best friends here in Florida is seriously considering joining me for some or all of the hike. Dennie would be a great hiking partner. Our general plan is to remain close enough to meet for meals and nights. We would also be able to help each other, if needed, while still hiking our own hike as much as possible. Over the next weeks and months, Dennie will make his final decision.Yesterday an unusual thing happened, I have been ordering and receiving gear for several weeks. The water purification system arrived. Like I have said, I already have my tent, sleeping bag, pack and other major items. It is easy to put on the pack and do short day hikes in my area. I can set up the tent in a yard and think about being on the trail. I can do the same with the sleeping bag.   BUT, here in my hands is a serious water purification system. The ONLY reason I will use it is when I am so far from civilization that I cannot simply fill my water bottles from a faucet. A strange sensation hit me - I am really going to do this hike. My path is going to take me far away from civilization and all of our modern conveniences.   It is going to happen. Today, while I was hiking alone along a 6 mile trail in central Florida, I saw a very large alligator. He was over 8 foot long and he was only 15 to 20 feet away. Well now that¢s one animal I won¢t be seeing along the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2006-02-05
To: God
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Recently, I was reading ¢From the Editor¢ in the latest issue of AT Journeys. Martin Bartels¢ 5 12-year-old daughter asks ¢Daddy, how did God make all of this?¢ I hope that when I hike the trail I never lose that level of awe and wonder. More important ¢ I hope that after I have completed the trail, I will spend more time talking about what I have seen and learned to answer that question and less time talking about what I have accomplished by walking the trail. I need to keep the proper perspective ¢ the hike I am taking is not near as important or amazing as the God that created all of what I will be hiking through.
Date: 2006-02-09
To: More Changes
Miles today: 0.0

Plans are progressing nicely. Dennie has decided that he will join me for most of the first month. And Jeff has decided that he will delay hiking with me until I reach the northern sections of the trail. Jeff has only limited vacation time and he has frequently hiked to numerous vistas around this country and other countries. After reading about the southern portion of the trail, we believe there will be more open vistas above the tree line in New Hampshire rather than in the long green tunnel of the southern sections. So, we shall see. Dennie and I are now preparing in earnest. I have nearly all of the gear I believe I will need. Dennie is in the process of obtaining his. We are seriously working at our conditioning. Last week, I hiked over 35 miles while carrying a 15-20 pound pack. We have hiked in the rain to test our rain gear. It worked. We stayed mostly dry. Our packs were dry. Yea!!!! We plan to experiment setting up and tearing down our tent in the rain as well. I even took my sleeping bag and pad out on the driveway one evening when the temperature dropped to near freezing. I was toasty warm. Yea!!!! That may have made the neighbors wonder whether or not Ris« had thrown me out of the house or whether I was just crazy. We have yet to test the alcohol stove and the water purifier. I made the decision to carry a filter rather than use tablets or drops. I don¢t like the wait time before the water is safe to drink with drops. I plan to carry less water and frequently stop at springs and mountain streams to obtain additional drinking water. The filter weighs less than 16 oz which means if I can regularly carry only 1 pint less water, I will be ahead. I have also decided I will purify all of my water. Hopefully that will reduce the chances of getting sick.
Date: 2006-02-10
To: Food - Hints on the Internet
Miles today: 0.0

I have been reading numerous trail journals and many other trip stories with the goal being to obtain additional hints to help along this pathway. A good example is that one of the most common trail meals consists of some type of pasta dinner. I had been trying to come up with a method of draining the pasta before finishing the meal. THEN, I read a suggestion to just add a package of instant mashed potatoes. They will soak up the extra water and add additional carbs to the meal. Sounds like a plan.   I will write more on food later.
Date: 2006-02-13
To: Trouble & Pain
Miles today: 0.0

The first potentially serious problem has arisen. I pulled a muscle in my back. I was jumping across a stream while wearing my pack on one of our hikes. I am tooooooo old to do that. I have been down for several days. It makes me wonder what I would do if this happened on the trail. How would I get out of the mountains and to a place to recuperate? I can remember many years ago when others had back problems, I thought it was just a matter of a little pain and just get over it.   Back then I soon learned how incapacitating back problems can be. I will intensify my back exercises and hopefully strengthen it to a point that this will not be a problem. As with any exercise regiment, the hardest part will be to do them daily and not quit when the pain is gone and my back seems better.
Date: 2006-02-18
To: Is Flip Flopping "The Right Path" ??
Miles today: 0.0

Recently, I have been seriously thinking about the entire trip and trying to decide what plans I should make to compensate for my late departure. I have also read some suggestions that older hikers should consider flip-flopping into New England after hiking the southern portion of the trail. The main reasons given are that that puts us at Katahdin and the White Mountains when we are in our peak hiking condition. This leaves some of the easier sections of the trail to hike when an older hikers strength might be waining. The biggest negative given to this approach is that you miss the thrill of hiking the last and hardest mountain as the big finish to your trail experience. Obviously, there are many pros and cons to this whole question. I am sure the answer would not be the same for everyone. I also have another very important factor to consider. Brittany is currently in Grad school in Boston. Her current plans are that in January of 2007, she will move to Los Angles to complete her schooling. Ris« would like the opportunity to visit with Brittany before she moves to LA where distance could be a limiting factor for future visits. If I flip-flop into New England in early July and start south, Ris« will be much closer to Brittany and they should be able to visit several times before the fall term starts. At this point in time, based on the information I currently have, this seems like the right path for me to take. So, unless things change, we will head toward New England around the first of July and I will begin hiking south. This sounds like the right path for me. I will plan in this direction and make a final decision after the first month on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-25
To: 300 miles
Miles today: 0.0

Things are going well. My back is still a little tender but it is getting strong every day and not causing me any trouble.I have just passed two interesting milestones. First, yesterday I passed the three hundred mile mark on my conditioning hikes. We were walking on a section of the Florida Trail. It is only 15 minutes from where I live during the winter and it provides a alternative to walking the paved streets in our RV park. The Florida trail follows a large creek for about 1.5 miles and then heads cross country to a lake. We can then follow the lakeshore for approx. another mile before heading cross country once more to a sandy road that leads back to the car. This totals about 9 miles and gives a chance to condition our bodies and toughen our feet. We also have a chance to see more wildlife, mostly alligators and armadillos. We also have the possibility of a 12 mile and a twenty mile hike in this area.Second milestone, we fired up our alcohol stove and fixed our first meal of pasta and instant potatoes. Not bad, we could easily eat this type of food on the trail. I made a mistake and tried to burn 91% isopropanol rubbing alcohol. It produces way toooooooo much soot. I had read that denatured alcohol was preferred but I was hoping that rubbing alcohol with 91% isopropanol instead of the usual 70% would work. I was afraid that this would happen, but I wanted to try it anyway. Now I will switch to denatured alcohol. It is supposed to burn cleaner.That is why these shake downs are so important.