morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-04
From: Sidney Tappan Springs Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We started the day from a spot just on the down slope of Gulf Hagas Mountain. It was crisp and cold as I really was slow getting out of my sleeping bag. I quickly put on my rain gear to stay warm while packing up my gear.We climbed two small mountains, Weak and Hay, before tackling Whitecap Mountain at 3654 feet. As high as Whitecap was the trail maintenance people had done an excellent job in the preparation of the climb up and down with well placed rocks and large stepping stones.The view from Whitecap Mountain was no less than spectacular in every direction. Mt. Katahdin loomed larged as a backdrop looking north. We could see many ponds and lakes in every direction and the sun was warm as we sat on the boulders and soaked in the breath taking scenery. We could have easily stayed there all day, but we had to move on.We decided to make a few miles today and reach Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to. It was a long 17 plus mile day but we finally got to are destination around 7:00PM. It was crowed with about 25 hikers camped in and around the shelter. There was a stream and waterfalls that filled the air with a constant thunder of crashing water.We ate dinner in the darkness using our headlamps and dove into are tents for sleep.An exhaustive day, but the beast of the 100 Mile Wilderness was turning into a gentle lady for now.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamara
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Cooper Brook Falls

To: Mahar Tote Road (White House)
Miles today: 13.8

We got up early as usual as there was a bustle of hikers packing up and heading out in a steady stream. There were a number of thru-hikers that had started in Springer, Georgia back in March and April that were eager to finish their thru-hike.We were the last to depart the shelter around 8:40AM as we had been informed by thru-hikers Chairman and English Bob that some had departed at 3:30AM enroute to the White House.The White House Landing Wilderness Camp is a place run by Bill and Linda Ware. Hikers take a Blue Blaze trail (side trail) a mile to a dock and blow an air horn which summons Bill in his boat to pick you up. He then shuttles you across the lake (pond) to his establishment. A series of dwelling including a bunkhouse, private cabins and a main campstore and eating area.We made quick work of the 13 plus miles to get there and enjoyed one of there famous one pound burgers and a few cold beers.It was a beautiful setting on the lake and I asked Bill and Linda if they were interested in any free help for the future. Bill politely said he experimented with help in the past and apparently it did not work out. Shucks!!!In the morning we had an AYCE (all you could eat) breakfast and Bill ferried us boat load after boat load back to the trail. Four trips of 4/5 hikers each heading north and south.We wanted to stay another day, but we needed to move north. Rest will come after we climb Mt. Katahdin.Some of the hikers we met at the White House were Chairman, Moosie and his son Goldylocks, Biscuit and her dog Cola, James, Whitey, English Bob and Breaktime again.What a nice and enjoyeable evening. We even had a few games of horseshoes along the lake side.Wish we could have stayed longer.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamara
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Mahar Tote Road (White House)

To: Nahmankanta Lake North End Beach
Miles today: 7.3

In efforts to make Katahdin Campground within four days we decided to do four ten mile days so we could camp at ideal locations along the way and enjoy some of the beautiful Maine scenery.We hiked just a short 7 plus miles today, but as I write this journal I'm sitting on a lake side beach, fire crackling in front of me with a beautiful view of Lake Nahmakanta surrounded by mountains. Large moose foot prints are scattered along the beach and we fully expect to see wander out of the shoreline forest and splash in the lake at any moment. We saw another large moose today as we hiked up the Nahmakanta stream. Some loons were also scattered about the lake and they soon entertained us with their calls.I've not any phone contact for about a week since entering the 100 Mile Wilderness so my journals are somewhat behind at this time. Phone service ahead my also not be available as well until we depart Baxter State Park after climbing Mt. Katahdin.What a wonderful relaxing evening on a wilderness lake beach!NedHamar@pocketmail.com Ned Hamara
Date: 2005-08-07
From: Nahmankanta Lake North End Beach

To: Rainbow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

The loons last night were awesome! They carried on for hours calling back and forth to one another.I crawled out of my tent around 5:00 AM and got the fire started again with little effort as the coals from last night were still hot. It was nice to have a fire in the morning to have an edge against the morning chill. The steam from the lake slowly rose as a distant fisherman could be observed in the middle of the lake trolling for lake trout. He later would approached our campsite to show us a polaroid of a 5 pounder he had caught and released.We headed off the beach and back on the trail knowing we had a mountain to climb. It was not to difficult with a few rock faces to scale. Getting to the top rewarded us with an outstanding view of Lake Nahmakanta as well as Lake Potaywadjo where White House Landing Wilderness Camp is located. We also had another majestic view of Mt. Katahdin in the not to distant north. We were getting closer to the jewel of the north.We hiked for about 4 miles before meeting up with Gatorade and Fishin Fred who were providing trail magic to hiker. They had preformed previous trail magic duties down south on Albert Mountain in Georgia.After partaking in some trail magic food for lunched we moved on so we could reach Rainbow Lake Campsite before dark. The hike took most of the day, but took us by many fast moving streams and picturesque little ponds.We arrived at the campsite which has an outstanding spring with some of the best water I've tasted on the trail. We took a quick dip in the chilly, but crystal clear waters of Rainbow Lake, had dinner around a nice fire and turned in at dark with the loons playing their songs again.We met hiker Mike from Bangor who provided us with some much needed AT info about Baxter State Park regulations and Dreadknot who was headed south bound.Another beautiful day in Maine with the forcast for the same to continue. Two days to the big climb!Nedhamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-08-08
From: Rainbow Springs Campsite

To: Abol Campground
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It was pretty wild last night with all kinds of strange noises in and around the campsite. The loons could be heard from the lake while a few owls threw in a few hoots. Some critter we thought might be a fox was chasing something around the campsite. Probably mice. We also heard what sounded like cyotes howling in the distant mountain.It was another beautiful morning in Maine with cool temps and a clear sky. We were headed today to a campground not far from the base of Mt. Katahdin. We had to sign in on a sheet that would allow us to camp at the Birches Campsite. This is a campsite in Baxter State Park reserved for thru-hikers. Only 12 per night are permitted to stay.It was an 11 mile plus day with not much elevation, but plenty of large roots and rocks to navigate through. There was no such thing as a straight path as the AT wandered through the forest like a snake.We arrived at Abol Campground around 3:00 PM and found a delightful large campsite to set up are tents. We spent the rest of the day planning for the next day's hike to Baxter State Park, are hike up Mt. Katahdin the following day and then are extraction from the park as all hikers are required to leave the park after their climb.It was a great day. Life is good, but the feet still hurt.NedHamara@pocketmail.com Ned Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Abol Campground

To: The Birches Campsite at Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

We slept in a bit knowing we did not have a difficult hike to Katahdin Stream Campground. We continued to buy and eat food purchased at the little camp store. After we left I think they had to resupply their shelves we had eaten so much.Our hike took us by picturesque streams, waterfalls and numerous ponds causing us to stop and take scores of photos; however, we were keen to save plenty of memory card space for the climb up Mt. Katahdin.We arrived at Katahdin Stream Campgroud around 5:00PM and checked into the Ranger Stations for instructions on climbing the mountain and camping at the Birches.There were only two other hikers signed in to climb the mountain the next day with us. We walked a quarter mile up the road to The Birches Campsite, ate some dinner and turned in at dark. We planned on getting up early (3:30AM) in efforts to climb the mountain so we could see the sunrise.It was the first time the entire hike I was able to sleep in my tent with the fly off. It was great! Like sleeping with no tent because in the darkness one can't discern the tent mesh. The stars were shinning bright, but no sleep came as the anticipation of the big climb was difinitely running through our brains.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed HamaraBeatiful Stream
Date: 2005-08-11
From: Baxter Peak, Katahdin at 5367 feet

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Back in Monson, ME where we started the 100 Mile Wilderness 10 days ago. Certainly took us more time than had expected, but we slowed down at the end of the Wilderness to enjoy the scenery and beauty of Maine.Soon I'll be processing photographs taken and will be finally posting them to my journal site. Sorry, it's taken so long.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamara
Date: 2004-12-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi everybody,Welcome to my journal and what I hope will become a document of my successful hike on the Appalachian Trail. I may just be a little more apprehensive about journaling than doing the actual hike because I know people with such diverse beliefs, backgrounds and values and if I'm not careful I can be dumb enough to try and please (or displease) all of them. I guess the best way to do this is to just be myself because that's all I'm good at anyway.I've been preparing for this for about eighteen months and still have two and one-half months to go before I set foot from Springer Mt., Ga. Some of the entries will be posted by a friend and fellow hiker from another website. His trailname is Bitpusher and he is, by unanimous acclaim, the smartest man on that forum. Obviously he is also very generous, because he's helping me, both a Yankee and a stranger (Bit's from Alabama).That's it for today's entry. I'm surprised it's gone this well. Looking about my body I don't see any blood, bumps or bruises, so maybe I'll survive.
Date: 2004-12-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I don't intend to make a daily journal of all my preparations. If they are completely boring to me, what pain must they provoke in a reader? Every now and then should be punishment for all of us. I've been working out quite a bit with my pack on. Yesterday I did 40 minutes climing the stairs at the NW Sports Complex Hockey Arena. Following this I did 200 crunches, with no pack (I added "no pack" because the visual image of doing crunches while wearing a pack made me smile). Next I did an hour on the treadmill, with pack, at 4 mph and an 8% elevation. There were times during both the stair climbing and treadmill that I ran, but not often and not fast. I've been preparing physically for quite some time now and my present attitude isn't so much that I'm going to get that much stronger between now and departure day, but that I don't want to lose what I have so painfully acquired...probably not that much really. I'm hoping that doing the stairs will minimize the risk of ankle sprains and shin splints during the early part of my hike. I intend to add minutes to each of my "timed" activities every day and add repetitions to my crunches as well. I hope to be able to do 1000 crunches on one of those big rubber balls prior to leaving Wisconsin. Why that number? I don't know, except it always helps me to have a goal even though it's not really that important. Significant is the strenth return to my back and abs as I pursue my 1000 crunches. Go ahead, bet against me. I dare you!
Date: 2004-12-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My main prep still consists of working out. The day before yesterday I did the stairs at the hockey arena for 1 hour with pack. Following this I did 200 crunches and then 4 miles on the treadmill at 8% elevation with pack. That evening I was really drained and so I took a zero day yesterday (kind of funny taking zero days long before I even hit the trail. Today I felt great, fixed myself a breakfast of pancakes, coffee and bacon, did the dishes, showered and hit the road for the gym. It was 1 degree this morning. Today I added 5 minutes to each the stair workout and the treadmill. I added 50 crunches for a total of 250. I felt really strong following the workout and this continued for another 4 or 5 hours. I can feel the energy subside now, but then I am a morning person. I think this is the best workout for me until my departure date. If it becomes boring I'll figure out some variations to get over the hump. Note: Some folks seem to think my workout is pretty impressive. It's nice of them, I guess, but you and I know different. This is nothing compared to the trail. I'm just trying to increase the odds of my survival. The Appalachian trail doesn't offer age categories, it's all strictly pass/fail. I intend to pass.I'll be spending the month immediately prior to my hike with my son, Joe, in Richmond, Virginia. He's the head personal trainer at the Gold's Gym on Broad St. and very good at what he does. No doubt he'll have some special training treats for me and I'm sure I'll listen to him about as well as he listened to me when he was a kid (grin). I haven't seen him in well over a year and really miss him. It's the only disadvantage to moving back home to Wisconsin.
Date: 2004-12-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday was another gym prep day. I did 70 minutes climbing stairs, 70 minutes on the treadmill and 300 crunches. There's a bunch of fresh snow on the ground this morning, so if the trail's groomed, I just may go skiing all day. Yesterday, while working out, I found myself thinking about all the other people in the country (world?) who are also prepping for the AT. People I don't know, friends I haven't met. It's kind of cool isn't it? What lessons will I learn from the clashing of our personalities, from their kindnesses and from the hours and days we spend together on the trail? There's an adventure out there and I'm in on it.
Date: 2004-12-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good Morning all,-15F at my house in Trego, Wisconsin this morning...3:30 a.m. Yesterday's workout was an hour and thirty minutes up and down the stairs with pack followed by 400 crunches. Legs feel very strong...brain still creating problems.Headed to the Veteran's Hospital in Minneapolis this morning. Nothing special, just stuff I should have checked out when I retired 12 years ago...a little arthritis and a slipped disc. Nothing that will keep me from the AT, but does require a little evaluation (no, I am not minimizing).Have a good day. The days are getting longer as of today (more than 24 hrs?). Stay warm.
Date: 2004-12-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning,It's Christmas Eve and 24 below zero in Trego, Wisconsin. It's starting to get in the temperature range of my childhood. In the late 50's and early 60's we experienced 20 below practically as routine. I remember a couple of weeks in the early 60's of pretty consistent 40 below and once or twice dipping into 50 below. I know what you're thinking, but the snow wasn't as deep then and I didn't have to walk to school (but it didn't close either). Yesterday's workout was 90 minutes up and down the stairs followed by 500 crunches. I could do 2 hours on the stairs, but I get really sleepy and lazy for the rest of the day as it is right now. I think I need to get there gradually rather than the way I've been doing it. I still have 9 weeks until time to jump off Springer Mountain. No need to rush.Gear is rolling in. Silnylon stuff sacks, Leki Super Makalu hiking poles, rain cover for my pack and, my favorite (drum roll) an 8 oz down jacket made by Western Mountaineering. What I like most about this jacket is that it's made in the USA. Hard to find products made at home these days and I'd be willing to pay more if it were available.That's it for today. Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas.
Date: 2004-12-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Merry Christmas. I'm hoping to get the pipes thawed this morning and celebrate Christmas like a clean, presentable human being. A thought just occured to me, maybe today's hiking prep exercise could be to avoid all contact with personal hygiene. Then again, maybe not. Being on the trail is one thing and being around non-hiking family members is quite another. I hope everyone reading this has a safe and Merry Christmas...especially if you sign the guest log (hint, hint).
Date: 2004-12-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning all. Just starting my 2nd cup of coffee and so the shroud of civil behavior is beginning to envelop me. Long ago when first beginning to raise my kids solo I realized that becoming a morning person was the only way I could survive. It gave me time for myself, a jump on the day and started me out in a proactive, rather than the reactive mode if they were up first. Over the years, as the kids got older, I was the first sent toddling off to bed as it seems my snoring kept them from hearing the t.v. Funny, with all that longevity as a morning person I've never become a "nice" morning person. Let me have my coffee and stumble around the yard checking out the vegetation and the ground to see what manner of wild critters had travelled through during the night. Do not, however, talk to me or ask me to think, for I do not think nice thoughts when confronted with the seeming harshness of life at that hour. All that comes later...much later.Today's workout should be about 2 hours on the stairs and 550 crunches. I've got to get to the bank, shovel snow, and spend some quality time exploring my digital camera. Everyone have the day of your choosing (I sometimes hate it when people say "Have a nice day", it can sound like a mandate and I can feel guilty when I'm not. To say "have the day of your choosing" reminds me that I have some influence over the outcome...not that I'm usually that philosophical), and do something nice for yourself...or not.
Date: 2004-12-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ahh, another glorious day of preparation anxiety. Yesterday started out pretty much the same in this regard, but my journal writing actually helped me walk through it. I was extremely philosophical, eloquent and poetic, writing of my inner demons and my carefully crafted plans to deal with them by doing for the down trodden and impoverished (in other words anyone who doesn't hike). It was so touching I actually wept when writing of the plight of the non-hiking world. There is no doubt you would all be better people for having read it. Unfortunately I hit a wrong key and it instantly vanished before my eyes...(big sigh here). You'd have loved it.Off to the gym. ta-ta.
Date: 2004-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning. Yesterday's scam...err...manipulation...I mean guest book signing promotion of free beer at Pappy's Bar just didn't seem to get the job done. I drove by Pappy's on the way home last night and noticed a lot of cars in the parking lot (this IS Wisconsin after all), but didn't stop in. I'm guessing they drank to much beer and never got around to posting, ha-ha. I wonder who paid for the free beer? I had a great non-training day. A reporter for an area newspaper, the Burnett County Sentinel and Inter-County Leader, had asked to do a story on me. We met at the library in Webster and I did my best to b.s. him with grandiose self-serving stories that would have made any republican politician proud. However, I did forget to tell him about the performance enhancing caffeine that I've been ingesting at Alley Cats Coffee Shop in Spooner on a daily basis. Sans explanation for my obvious bufficity no doubt he thinks I'm on steroids...just kidding here, really. Following our meeting I headed north on SH35 to my old home town of Danbury, stopping in at the Hole in the Wall Casino to put no more than 20 bucks in the slot machine, honest. After plugging in a couple of nickels I won about 700 nickels and then, I hit 3000 nickels and decided to stop right there. The idea of not cooking dinner (most likely a frozen pizza or heating up some venison stew) wasn't especially appealing with all that loose change jingling in my pocket, so I decided to eat at the casino. On my way into the "Loose Change Cafe" I ran into a childhood friend and present day manager of the Casino, Al Bearhart. We had a short visit, lying about how good each other looked, and soon I was on my way into the restaurant. Once I was seated and the waitress took my order she told me Al had said my meal was on the house. I laughed, that's me, Nimblefoot the high roller; the house always comps my meals. My Kansas City Sirloin, baked potato, onion rings and wild rice soup were great. With my winnings I tipped the waitress and cook generously and was soon headed west on SH77 to my home in Trego. There are days when life is just a hoot.
Date: 2004-12-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

At the risk of offending some folks, this is just too funny not to share:I live alone and last night I fell asleep on the couch with the t.v. on, sleeping there all night. Upon awakening this morning I yawned, stretched and...farted. At that precise moment a man on t.v. said "Excuse me?" I'm still laughing and don't ever want to forget it.I think that's enough journaling for today, don't you?
Date: 2005-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning all. This is the month I leave home to eventually end up on Springer Mt on the 5th of March. It's crunch time. My situation is different than some. I've got to close up my house, drain the pipes, turn off and drain the hotwater heater, put rv antifreeze in all the drains, etc. I need to make arrangements for mail pickup, suspend various services like satellite t.v., trash pickup, telephone, internet access, and mostly I need to start making lists because my memory just won't get the job done. An actual departure date must also be established so I have something to work toward. Thus far all I've said is sometime toward the end of January. I should probably also get my truck looked at since it will be carrying me at least to Virginia. What else? My will needs updating and a new executor appointed, copies must be mailed to the key people involved. TAXES, TAXES, TAXES must be filed!! Continuing to workout is also vital. I should also find out which direction I head from on top of Springer Mt...there are 6 choices you know, up, down, north, south, east and west (that was a joke...I hope). Well, I'm outta here. There's a house to clean and a few groceries to buy.
Date: 2005-01-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Folks. Fighting a little cold today, and perhaps a little sloth as well. I never know for sure which it is since I never give my self permission to be sick. Generally I figure it all out after the fact. Today I'm going to start making lists of everything I need to do and start establishing time tables. Being retired and single has allowed me to put this off much longer than you employed folks with families would be allowed. I can pretty much walk out the door anytime I please, but there are things that really ought to be done. Today is the right time to get started.