morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-09-06
To: Sleeping out
Miles today: 0.0

So for the labor day weekend we decided to try out the tent on the back deck. Good test for the pads and sleeping bags as well. I wish I could take alonge my regular pillow! That pile of clothing just isn't the same thing. Otherwise we managed to fit into the tent together and the pads are...alright. We still need a few small things to complete our gear. The sales have been amazing this year and I think we only paid full price on 1 or 2 items. Got an icebreaker performance tee in marino wool that I love. Might have to pick up another. The Marmot Pecip full zipper rain pants are on sale at rei for 29.95 if you get the flint color in xl (which I am). Happy days!B-
Date: 2009-09-16
To: royal robbins skirt
Miles today: 0.0

Gals and any of you guys who are interested.I tried on a royal robbins "discovery" skirt yesterday at REI - it was $55 bucks.It was a bit stretchy, khaki colored, rode on my hips, and I had no problem in stretching in it. Length was just above my knees - same length as my hiking pants when I unzip them at the knee.I didnt buy it. I then went home to the royal robbins site and it was around @$37.I can see it being very "airy" on the hot days and not having to deal with any seams which could cause rubbing burns. If I need to put on some long "Woolies" all I have to do is pull them over the boots and all will be well. With shorts I would have to take off the shorts and then put on woolies and put shorts back on. It will make going to the bathroom much easier on the trail. I think I like the concept of the skirt, but am gonna think on it for another day or two.I need my gear to be multi purpose and this might do it - for formal occasions in towns and wearing on the trail. Also I could bathe in it and walk it dry. HmmSee you out thereHam
Date: 2009-09-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been following Kayak Karl's journey since he left Springer on Dec. 28th of last year and knew I would have to meet the man behind the journal! So lunch it was on top of Mt Moosilauke for him and the 4 other sobos that were there that day. Thanks to you all for sharing your time and allowing me to hike back down with you. I wish you all the best!
Date: 2009-10-03
To: food for thought
Miles today: 0.0

We just attended a safety preparedness course at the local REI and got a few tidbits out of the class that we thought were pretty good. One of the big hang ups we've had is about food. What and how muck exactly and we have not been too impressed with the selection of dehydrated offerings. We learned that rei carries the brand MaryJanes Farm and gave it a shot for our lunch today. Really good tasting organic stuff! I checked out her website at maryjanesoutpost.org and found that she carries bulk quantities for short money and there is a good chance we might stock up on some of her goodies! Thank god we won't be stuck with just mac and cheese and couscous for 6 months! Next thing I think we need is a dehydrator and a good jerky recipe!Brian
Date: 2009-10-09
To: Changing our lives
Miles today: 0.0

I have noticed a lot of this years hikers have been talking about how much the trail has changed them. Most say that it is a permanent change for the better. I realize that this is the very reason that I want to thru hike next year. I want that sense of profound change. I want to feel "different" and be forever inspired by what happens to us when we are out on the trail and experiencing what it offers. It is you, next years thru hikers, journal readers, and trail angels, you that are going to help me transform into this new version of me that I so desperately need to experience. Not that I don't already like the me of now, I just know that the new version, post trail, will be even more amazing! I wonder how long it will take?B-
Date: 2009-10-10
To: wordsworth poem - I wondered lonely as a cloud
Miles today: 0.0

I wandered lonely as a cloudThat floats on high o'er vales and hills,When all at once I saw a crowd,A host, of golden daffodils;Beside the lake, beneath the trees,Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.Continuous as the stars that shineAnd twinkle on the milky way,They stretched in never-ending lineAlong the margin of a bay:Ten thousand saw I at a glance,Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.The waves beside them danced, but theyOut-did the sparkling leaves in glee;A poet could not be but gay,In such a jocund company!I gazed¢and gazed¢but little thoughtWhat wealth the show to me had brought:For oft, when on my couch I lieIn vacant or in pensive mood,They flash upon that inward eyeWhich is the bliss of solitude;And then my heart with pleasure fills,And dances with the daffodils.
Date: 2009-10-12
To: what I want
Miles today: 0.0

I want to be inspired by natures beauty and the good that humanity is capable of. I no longer want to be the person standing in the way of the guy behind me in line. The good person inside of me needs to feel connected to this world once more in a meaningful way. I want back the innocence that I felt as a child. As a teenager I didn't fit in and was never part of any clic. As an adult I want my wife and I to become part of something bigger than ourselves and to feel connected to a community. I want the simplicity of living on the trail so that the trappings of life don't stand between us and our happiness in the world. Most of all, I want to lively freely and happily without the constaints of a full time job and I want to join my wife as she fullfils one of her lifes dreams, sharing in every wonderful experience along the way. I want to Thru-Hike the AT!B-
Date: 2009-11-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

ooks that Ned The Fed Read before his hike - just thought I would pass this on to any of you who might be interested and who have not read his journal.   FIXING YOUR FEET by John Vonhof. Great book for people who push the limits of their feet - runners, walkers, hikers, adventure racers, climbers, soldiers and dancers. Talks about all kinds of products, different tapes and what the experts do to prep their feet for an upcoming endeavor.   MOUNTAIN WEATHER by Jeff Renner. Backcountry forcasting and weather safety for hikers, campers, climbers, skiers and snowboarders. Good book with nice illustrations.   APPALACHIAN WILDFLOWERS by Thomas Hemmerly. Nice descriptive book; however, the photos of the flowers could be larger.   WILDFLOWERS OF THE BLUE RIDGE AND GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS by Leonard Adkins and photos by Joe Cook. Great photos of wildflowers and where your likely to find them on the AT.   THE HANDBOOK OF KNOTS by Des Pawson and THE MORROW GUIDE TO KNOTS by Mario Bigon and Guido Regazzoni. Gotta learn those special knots for the trail.   THE SIBLEY FIELD GUIDE TO BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA by David Sibley. Nice guide to bird identification.
Date: 2009-11-26
To: The countdown continues.
Miles today: 0.0

I just love the internet. Nothing else makes it so easy to obsess ever something like the number of days until we hit the trail. I have a link to a countdown timer at timeanddate.com and I keep checking it a few times a day. Today marks 108 days remaining until March 15th. Did you know that leaves about 8 1/2 million seconds until I find myself on Springer Mountain? Gotta love it. The best part is that I will stop working in only 94 days. Heck that's really only 3 months until I am in full trail mode!Yeah!!!B-
Date: 2009-11-29
To: why not.
Miles today: 0.0

Its funny how everytime we tell someone about our upcoming adventure they almost always have the same reaction. All of you through hikers past and future know how it goes:Them: You want to do what?Me: Hike the Appalachian Trail.Them: How long does it take?Me: 5 to 7 months. We are thinking 7 months so we don't have to hurry.Them: (said with a bit of whininess and disbelief) WHY?Me: Well it's something I have been thinking about for a long time. I always wanted to do it and the timing seems right.Them: Are you going to take a gun?Me: No, actually, I thought if I got into trouble I could always throw my wife in harms way and make my getaway......Wife: Hey, why me. Our friend Rachel is coming, we can throw her!
Date: 2009-12-09
To: 95 reasons why I want to hike the trail
Miles today: 0.0

First let me qualify the 95 reasons named above. If you do a little math you will see it is only 95 days until we hit the trail on March 15th. That's it. Now for the reasons - one a day until we hike....From an earlier journal entry:reason #95: Because it has always been a dream of my wife to hike the trail and I can't let her go it alone.
Date: 2009-12-10
From: 95 reasons why I want to hike the trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Daniel Boone Quote:"I was happy in the midst of dangers and inconveniences"..I have had much in my life in the way of material things and I am sure there is little I shall miss while on the trail....as I sit here and think of what these are, nothing comes to mind. My hubby is the best of what will come with me on the trail. He offers so much of himself in the life we share here, that I cannot possibly think that he would be any different on the trail. I hope many of you will get the chance to meet him as he is bright , funny, and caring....and soooooooooooooooooooo clever.Looking forward to the challenges ahead and to meeting a lot of you "tenners" - be you trail angels, townspeople, or hikers.Best to you and stay well.Ham
Date: 2009-12-18
To: Number 88
Miles today: 0.0

Double eight needs some special thought. . . . . . I have always prefered the Spring season over all others. It represents new life and the prospect of another year. I love the vitality of the fresh young leaves and the light green color as they bud out. The smell of the woods as they warm with the springtime sun. So number 88 definately goes to Spring.
Date: 2009-12-19
To: Number eightysix
Miles today: 0.0

After some thought I have decided that reason number 86 for hiking the AT is the freedom from my job. 6 months of not having to get up at 5 am and trudge off to a job that, as of late, has not been very rewarding and leaves me feeling under appreciated. People will have to learn to do things for themselves while I am away.....
Date: 2009-12-20
To: eighty-five
Miles today: 0.0

I am starting to wonder how many of these I can actually come up with.. reason 85 is inspired by the fact that I haven't traveled much in my life. I really am looking forward to seeing a different part of our country. I don't mean geographically, more culturally. When we visit a place, I like to go to a small town and really spend time in a limited area. I love to get to know the local people, terrain and history. And considering that we will probably max out at 20 miles a day, I think we can really get to know the region around the trail.
Date: 2009-12-21
To: Reason # 84
Miles today: 0.0

I am a self professed gadget nut. That and I love when I can make something really cool that works well and costs little to nothing. For instance, those little pepsi can alcohol stoves. Some people put a lot of thought into their designs and came up with an amazingly useful and lightweight stove. That and the caldera cone wind screen. Well thought out. I have made a dozen of each with a few small modifications to make them my own. So Reason #84 for hiking the trail is the cool new gear that is available.Btw, if you need a stove or windscreen, drop me a line. I have a few to spare and will gladly mail you one. :-)
Date: 2009-12-22
To: Goose bumps today.
Miles today: 0.0

I opened up TJ this am and there was a quote from another journal that really gave me chills. It was really just about how soon this hike is going to be here. It is less then 3 months away and I leave work in only 65 days. Wow! Once we get through the holidays, it will be a quick few weeks to our day!B-
Date: 2009-12-22
To: Number 83
Miles today: 0.0

I am a carpenter and woodworker by trade and I really enjoy the texture, smell and look of wood as I work with it. It goes without saying (yet I am saying it) that wood has such great organic properties. It is warm to the touch, strong but soft and flexible and can last for centuries. I can't help but stand and look at some grand old tree in a forest and wonder at the time that has gone by in its lifetime. What things a tree must see! Reason #83 is because I love trees.
Date: 2009-12-23
To: All smiles
Miles today: 0.0

Yes that's right, I am all smiles today. I looked at my countdown this morning to see that we have 81 days left until we are on trail! It is funny how excited I get as the clock ticks down. I love the milestone numbers (90, 80, etc) and get a little too giddy as we aproach each one. My Christmas present to my slef is less than 80 days on Christmas day! Meanwhile, reason number 82 for hinking the trail is upon us. When we lived in our last house, and we were there for 29 years I think, we had beautiful gardens around the property. My wife (in her other life) owned a green house business and has an amazing green thumb. She had the yard so nicely done and one of my favorites were the Rhododendrons. They are great weather indicators, if you don't know, because their leaves curl as the weather drops. I used to wake up on cold winter mornings and dress for the cold based on the amount of curl in the Rhody leaves. A slight curl meant mid twenties. A heavier curl would be lower twenties and if they looked like darts, you wore every warm bit of winter clothing you had in the closet. We moved 4 1/2 years ago and haven't had an oppertunity to put in any Rhododendrons yet so reason #82 fore hiking the AT is the Rhodies.B-
Date: 2009-12-24
To: number 80
Miles today: 0.0

I keep thinking about many different reasons for this hike and have to decide what order I want to put them. Today marks 80 days until we hit the trail and I got a call today from Kayak Karl (Sectioned 09)wishing me a merry Christmas! I met Kayak Karl at the top of Moosilaukee (see sept entry) and served him up some trail magic lunch along with 4 other sobos. It was really a great experience to help out a thru on his way south. Reason Number 80 for hiking the trail is our trail angels and all that they do for us. Thanks to you whoever you may be for the lending hand that you offer us this spring!
Date: 2009-12-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Merry Christmas to all of you hikers and non hikers alike! We had such a great day here in the northeast and the two of us kept the spirit of our impending hike in mind as we shared our gifts today. Lots of great hiking stuff to get us on our way in March. Today marks reason number 79 for hiking the AT and I am thinking about music on the trail. I am not the kind of person who plugs in and tunes out with an Ipod but I have taken up the banjo in the last few years. I am in the process of building a travel version 5 string banjo that can take a little abuse while out on the trail and hope to bring it along. I am looking forward to having the freedom and time to play whenever I want and so reason #79 goes out to unlimited banjo playing! Sorry for those of you who have to listen in on it. Remember, I just started playing a few years ago........
Date: 2009-12-26
To: 78
Miles today: 0.0

We have a little getaway up in the White Mountains that sits on the side of a hill and has only modest conveniences. A wood stove, a real bed in the corner, a solar panel for lights and a privy. Our little slice of heaven. Once we started building it, we began spending more time up there on the off seasons. In NH the summer lasts for 10 weeks and then you have 8 1/2 months of winter. In between we manage about a month of Mud season and 20 minutes of Fall. Up here, when the weather warms above 40 degrees, the black flies come out. I think the southern equivalent are gnats. If you have ever experienced them, you know that they can inflict a lot of damage to a hikers body. They are hungry bastards and I think there often can be enough of them to carry away a medium sized child! But more importantly, the warm weather brings out thew spring flowers. I never knew there was such a variety of them or how extensively they could fill a forest. So reason number 78 is the flowers of spring that I have yet to see.
Date: 2009-12-27
To: number seventyseven
Miles today: 0.0

I feel sorry for whomever actually reads these! I know that some of these are almost repetitive but sometimes I need to really zero in on some aspect of the trail experience because I feel so stronge about a particular topic. For instance, reason number 83 was for the trees. Well I have to delve further into this topic for reason number 77. I am especially fond of Pine trees. Maybe it is because they are used as Christmas trees, or perhaps it is just because they keep their color all year long but mostly I love the fragrance of a pine forest and the openess of a mature stand. I find them to be just magical and for that, they hold reason number 77 for hiking the trail.
Date: 2009-12-28
To: 76
Miles today: 0.0

I really enjoy my wifes company.So much so that I decided to take thgis hike with her. She has a great sense of humor and is a half decent (although not beter than me) scrabble player. One of the reasons that I am going is because this is her dream of hers but the best thing about this whole idea is that I will get to spend 6 months with her with no interuptions and with any luck, we can get in a game or two of scrabble. So reason number 76 for hiking the AT is the time I will get to spend with my Mrs.
Date: 2009-12-29
To: #75
Miles today: 0.0

Any time I get to hike in the Mountains of New Hampshire is a good one. I grew up hiking there with my family and I have nothing but fond memories of those days. Those of you that have never been to the Whites are in for a treat if you ever do as they offer some of the most beautiful country out there. They are the reason that I knew that hiking the AT was the right decision for me and they are going down as reason number 75 for hiking the AT.
Date: 2009-12-30
To: 74
Miles today: 0.0

I have mentioned that I am a creative person and that I am enjoying making some of our own gear, specifically the alcohol stove and wind screens. But I haven't brought up the more artistic side of my personality. This creative being within is looking forward to make his first milestone marker out of moose poop up in New England. Don't ask me why but I think this will be a hoot and rated well enough to be reason number 74 for hiking the AT!
Date: 2009-12-31
To: number 73
Miles today: 0.0

First of all I want to wish everyone a happy new year as our calendar turns to 2010. The best thing about 2010 for us is, of course, hiking the trail. But, we can't forget about about our friends and neighbors who are still struggling with unemployment and mounting debt due to the bad economy. One of the positive things to come out of my hike this year is my ability to add to the economic recovery with our wanton spending while out on the trail. Even more importantly, I am taking myself out of the labor pool for 6 months and opening up a job for someone else to fill and therefore doing double duty with the Through Hiker Economic Recovery Act! THERA for short... so reason #73 for hiking the AT is the creation of THERA!
Date: 2010-01-01
To: seventy-two and counting
Miles today: 0.0

I don't know how many of you have are familiar with the sensation but, there is an indescribable feeling of freedom that comes from being closer to nature. I can think of only one thing that can get us more in touch with our surroundings than our upcoming through hike. I believe that, to really appreciate the full experience, you need to participate in reason #72 for hiking the AT. Naked Hiking Day - June 21st!
Date: 2010-01-02
To: number 71
Miles today: 0.0

We have both been feeling a little nervous about our gear as the cold weather progresses this winter. Do we have enough stuff to keep us comfortable if the weathers really eats it in the beginning of our hike? We are planning to get together with madmike and attroll to look at each other gear before we all start. We are also in negotiations with shimmy ga>me 09 about getting together for a little recent thru hikers input. We both are anxious to see how we are doing. But, all that aside, I am sitting here watching the snow come down in the northeast and thinking how beautiful the woods are going to be all covered in a blanket of white and decided that reason #71 for hiking the AT will be the view of the forest under a fresh coat of snow!
Date: 2010-01-03
To: 70
Miles today: 0.0

I want someone to give me a trail name early in the hike. I don't want to have to go by my thru hiker number that I am given at the top of Springer for too long as it will seem so impersonal. "Hi, I'm thru hiker #357 nice to meet you Skippy" I do have a request if one of you reading this is the one to give me my name. I really would like my trail name to be long. Not supercalifragalisticexpialodocious long. I want a sentence for my name. "Hi, I'm walks with a limp because my wife and our friend Rachel think that I am a pack mule and have forced me to carry all of their crap" long. So, reason number 70 for hiking the AT is my trail name.Comment from my wife- Excuse me, but I have to carry my own stuff, so he says-
Date: 2010-01-04
To: 69
Miles today: 0.0

I have never stayed in a hostel. I have, however, stayed in the huts in The White Mountains of NH so I know what to expect there. But what about those hostels? I get the feeling that there is a lot of camaraderie between all the people and I can't wait to stay in my first one. I guess that make this reason number 69 for hiking the AT.
Date: 2010-01-05
To: 68
Miles today: 0.0

I have never been in a hot tub in my 45 years. Not once, and I have been told by so many people that I am really missing out on something. So I am happily looking forward to Hot Springs after being on the trail for a few weeks and plan on taking full advantage of the things they offer there. Reason Number 68 for hiking the trail is Hot Springs NC and the Massage I am sure will follow my hour long soak in the hot water......
Date: 2010-01-07
To: 66
Miles today: 0.0

Why would I want to put myself and you readers through the top 95 reasons to hike the AT anyway? Its a question I can't answer, it is just something I have to do to keep my sanity. Speaking of sanity, I think we all need a little departure from our "normal" lives to help us stay in touch with ourselves and doesn't this hike in the woods qualify as a little departure? We all have our stories. Mine is about doctors appointments and ambulance rides over the last 2 years. The best news is that there isn't a thing wronge with me except...I need less stress in my life. Well I have found the cure for that and it all started coming to fruition when the idea of hiking the trail became real. Suddenly I am so less stressful. My favorite part of this is, and I am sorry to you Jeff (my boss), when something isn't going as planned at work I now find myself turning to whomever is working with me and saying "I don't care, in 48 days I won't be here and it won't matter" Talk about unstressed! The funny thing is, I have been with the company 20 years and am second only to the owner of the Company. I am still doing my job as if I were going to be there another 20, and I do plan on returning when we finish, so the quality is still there. I just don't feel the stress of it any more. Ha. So I guess that means reason number 66 for hiking the AT is NO STRESS!