morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Monson, ME

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Cell good.Today was another zero day as I prepare for the final challenge. I was able to dry out my tent, sleeping bag, boots, and rain suit in the sun. I also laid out the food that was sent here, and adjusted it for the next part of the journey. The remainder of the day was spent resting and relaxing.Tomorrow will also be another zero in which I hope to rest some more and possibly get a nap. With all the gear tended to, I won't have that to attend to, so that means more free time. The final thing I need to do is set up a tentative itinerary for the next week's hiking. That way I'll have a basic idea where to start, I'll then deviate as the mileage starts to flow.Sue read some Trail Journals from some friends I've made out here. Gumby and Coyotebec are already feeling the separation feelings of leaving the trail. They had the opportunity to get off the trail for a week, and they got a sample of what it will be like once it's over. Because I'm still out here, those thoughts haven't crossed my mind. I hope I don't suffer from Post Traumatic Trail Syndrome [PTTS] once I'm off the trail. I probably will have some, but I'm certain it won't take long to adjust. When I returned from Desert Storm, I remember feeling a little strange at first, but settled in quickly. I plan on continuing my Trail Journal when I return home to share those feelings and thoughts. I also want to talk about my gear, food, aches, pains, and anything I feel would help a future hiker in planning a thru-hike. There will be a slight delay from the time I leave the trail and my adding those comments though. I intend to take some time with Sue and family before starting that project. In the mean time, there is one more week of hiking to read about and numerous pictures to post.Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Monson, ME

To: Wilson Valley Lean-to
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: 0

Well I'm finally out of Monson and in The Hundred Mile Wilderness by 10 miles. There is a sign that warns hikers they are entering the wilderness and ensure they have adequit supplies for it. My morning started with another Shaws breakfast. When they are ready to serve you your asked how much do you want. You order by the numbers a 1by is 1 egg, 1 pancake, 1 sausage, 1 bacon, and 1 scoop of home fries. You can say 2by, 3by, 4by and the quantity increases by the number. By eating this breakfast 3 days in a row I now have a food reserve to tap into.After breakfast I finished packing and took a few excess items to the Post Office. I trimmed 2 pounds from my pack by sending home battery chargers, a shirt, nail clippers, etc. Every little bit helps and even though I carried them from Georgia I can't use them anymore out here so they're on the way home.I have always believed in Devine Intervention and today I think I became an instrument of it. I left Monson in the second car and there was a pack of hikers ahead of me from the first car. Sometime in the first hour I hiked up on Bill a fellow I met at Shaws. He was hiking alone and looked kind like he needed a hiking partner. Something told me I should stay with him so that is what I did. As we were hiking Bill told me I was an answer to his prayers. Sometime before I came along he had prayed for someone to come along and be his hiking partner. He must have thanked me a hundred times for hiking with him. I'm glad I met the call and was the instrument of Gods work.We had two river fords to do, one was a very wide river so the difficulty level there was high. Bill held his own all day and was very happy to have me there. He thought his buddy John was one shelter beyond where we were heading tonight. When we reached the shelter John was here, Bill was relieved when he saw him. They'll be hiking back to Monson together tomorrow and I'll be moving on to Katahdin.After I typed that last night Bill told of some of the things he did while at Shaws. He told of a young hiker who needed new hiking shoes and some gaiters. Bill had a car so he drove him to the next town where there was an outfitter. The guy bought some new shoes and Bill gave him some gaiters to complete his need. The second thing he talked about was two young girls who he met when he first got to Shaws. He said they were so happy to be hiking and were just a bunch of joy. He said they went to make a phone call home and when they returned they were sad and had to pack up and go home. He asked them where home was and was told, "We don't have one." He doesn't know what that meant but again he assisted them in getting transportation. Bill truely is a Trail Angel and it comes naturally to him. He's quite a guy and I feel better having to having to have known him.Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Chair Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 15.6

Today I poured on some hard miles to get a jump on the Hundred Mile Wilderness. My morning started with an uphill climb to go over the Barren Chairback Range specifically Barren Mountain. About noon I reached the Barren Ledges where I was treated to an excellent view of the forest around me. I stopped for lunch and to take in some heat from the sunshine.From lunch on I had to either climb up or down peaks. I went over Fourth Mountain, Third Mountain, and Columbus Mountain before reaching the Lean-to. The Lean-to was filled to capacity [6 people] when I arrived so that meant I had to set up my tent. This really wasn't a problem as that is what I prefer anyway. It wasn't hard finding a good spot and the nightly chores went well.I called Sue after dinner and we had a decent conversation. This is my second night in the "Wilderness" where I had a good signal and I was able to "Phone Home". We had prepared ourselves for not being able to talk once I went into the wilderness, these calls are a welcome surprise. I don't know how many nights we'll be able to do this but each one is a present to us. We have a saying out here, "Take what the trail gives you". I'm happy for what it has given me. Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to,ME

To: Logan Brook Lean-to,ME
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: 0

Today I hooked up with my summit partners, Energizer Bunny, and Cookie. We're three seasoned hikers, no young kids, I'm the youngest. We left the last shelter at the same time and then proceeded hike together all day. We found that we all hiked at a similar pace and were comfortable staying together. Also we also realized that we would be summiting on Monday so it was an easy decision to stick together.We hiked a number of peaks today that really kicked our butts. On the last peak we saw a sign pointing to a view spot. We went over and were treated to our first look at Katahdin. I've been hiking since March 15th and now I can see the end of the line. The summit of Katahdin is only 71.4 miles from here and I'm ready to do it. I don't want to quit but I do want the hike to end. I'll be ready to drive away from Katahdin with Sue and Chris on Monday. I don't know how I'll feel a few days after that but I know I'm ready to go home.This sounds too much like complaining and I don't have much more to say so goodnight. Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Logan Brook Lean-to,ME

To: Antlers Campsite,ME
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: 0

cell goodLast night was quite cold and I was very glad to have my winter sleeping bag. I wouldn't have thought it would get that cold in August but it certainly did. I think we went into the 40's last night, the elevation we're at helped bring it down.Today the hiking was quite good, in fact most of the day was pretty easy. The only obsticle we faced was Boardman Mountain which wasn't that bad. Tomorrow we climb Potaywadjo Mountain and it looks about the same as Boardman, we shouldn't have much trouble.We're at a campsite right on the Lower Jo-Mary Lake. The site juts out onto a peninsula so you get a real good view of the lake. I'm hoping this will be the place to see a moose. They say they can be found near the water in the evening and early morning.I had good cell phone reception again tonight, another gift I'll take from the trail.Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Antlers Campsite,ME

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to,ME
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: 0

Sleep tentCell noneI don't know if I mentioned this yesterday but we stopped at the Antlers Campground because we didn't feel we'd reach our destination of Pataywadjo Spring Lean-to before dark. As it turned out we had a very nice campsite and we slept well there. This morning we were treated with the nicest Privy on the AT. It had windows with curtains, and a wash bason sink that made it look classy. It's a sign you've been out too long when you get excited about a privy.The first thing we arrived at was the Pataywadjo Spring Lean-to. We had heard about the spring and had to see it for ourselves. The spring is an artesian well 15 feet in diameter. It has a sandy bottom and the water flows away in a creek.Not too long after leaving the spring we came across a sign that said "View of Katahdin". We followed the arrow and soon reached the edge of the Pemadumcook Lake and to our left was Katahdin. It was bigger and clearer than any other time I've seen it. We took in the sight for a little while, took a few pictures and moved on. We've hiked 5 1/2 months to get here and the end is in sight.We hiked another 3 miles and came to a side trail to White House Landing. This is a wayside for hikers on the other side of the Pemadumcook Lake. We hiked a blue blaze trail to a dock where we used an airhorn to request a ride to the other side. We then got a ride across to the place. Once we were there we ordered their famous 1 pound cheeseburger. I washed mine down with two sodas and had a few snacks for the sweet tooth. One of the reasons we had to go over there was Energizer Bunny had to buy more food supplies, the burgers were a bonus.We were given a ride back to the AT side of the P, oh you know the name, Lake. We resumed the hike and were happily on our way with full stomachs. When we reached the Nahmakanta Lake we were surprised to see big tents and tarps there. This site is popular with car campers and there were quite a few. One lady struck up a conversation with us and offered us some Capri Suns. Who said there was no trail magic in The Hundred Mile Wilderness. The rest of the hike was uneventful and we even reached our destination at about 5:30 pm, a very reasonable hour.Only 38.2 miles left of this thru-hike, in 72 hours I should be heading home. I will no longer be a thru-hiker, I will then be through hiking. Tomorrow we hope to do 19.6 miles and have 13.6 to do Sunday. That will put us at the base of Katahdin ready to climb it on Monday. I'm praying for good weather so that we can climb it and go home.I plan on sending these last days entries as soon as I can and then there will be a few days delay in future entries. I also plan to continue making post hike entries which will deal with my re-entry back into the world. I also plan to write about gear, places I stayed at, favorite things I saw, and numerous subjects I've been writing about. I hope to leave enough information for future thru-hikers so that they start their journey well informed on what to expect. Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to,ME

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to,ME
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: 0

cell fairWe only had two mountains to climb all day. At the top of Nesuntabunt Mountain we were treated to another view of Katahdin. We reached there fairly early this morning so that set the tone for our day.We passed many ponds and streams today, on one there must have been 5 boats and two canoes sitting on the shore. I guess these are left there by the owners and they visit the pond frequently.I kept looking for moose in the ponds but have not seen any yet. I did see one in Rangley but I'd like to see one out here. I've talked about white blazes, blue blazes, and today we pink ribbon blazed. We went through a recent relocation and the trail crew hasn't painted new white blazes yet. The trail is marked with pink survayor ribbon instead. I was warned about it a few days ago by a southbounder so I wasn't surprised by it, we kept right on going and didn't miss a step. Word travels up and down the trail of what to expect, some of it is useful some not, today it was useful.The final climb of the day was up Rainbow Ledges, they are bare rocks near the top of the mountain. This wasn't too long before we reached this lean-to. Again we got a view of Katahdin and this time there was a trail sign informing us we were 20.5 miles from Baxter Peak on Katahdin. Baxter Peak is the end of the AT for northbounders.It's both hard to believe I'm 18.6 miles to completion, and yet it seems so far away. Luckily Sue is enroute here and we'll be rejoined for good tomorrow. I can't wait to see her and to be able to go home for good. Old Goat
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to,ME

To: Katahdin Stream Campground,ME
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: 0

cell noneThe hiking today started with a little over 3 miles to Abol Bridge. This is a one lane bridge that goes over the Penobscot River. From this bridge is an excellent view of Katadhin, I took a few pictures that hopefully will be posted in the future.On the other side of the river was the mother of thru-hiker Salt with Trail Magic. She treated us to soda, cookies, and fruit. Thank you Salt's mom for a much appreciated treat.When we left the Abol Bridge area we entered Baxter State Park. We had to sign in before entering the park and then we moved on. We soon found ourselves following the east bank of the Penobscot River which was fairly smooth and easy to move fast. Eventually that changed and it got progressivly harder the deeper into the park we went. At one point we turned to follow the Nesowadnechuck Stream. We had two fords and lots of elevation to climb from there on. Well as all stories go we eventually reached Katahdin Stream Campground where we were greated by my wife Sue and son Chris. They had been here about an hour already and had our tent site all set up.Also the thru-hikers who summited today were all still here or were still coming down. We got to see how excited they were and are now looking forward th feeling that same elation tomorrow.We had a big feast for all the thru-hikers who'll be summiting tomorrow. Sue brought hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, and soda for them and we invited them over to our site for dinner. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and left here full.Just as we were rapping things up it started to rain. Right now it is raining very hard just as the weather forcast called for. We're hoping this doesn't cause a problem tomorrow but we can't control the weather so we just have to wait ans see. If it does delay us we'll wait till Tuesday and go up safely.It is good to be sleeping next to Sue again and I am so happy she is here.Well that's it for now, i need my sleep for tomorrow. Old Goat
Date: 2006-10-20
To: Tips and Tricks
Miles today: 0.0

A few tricks I discovered while thru-hiking were:Carry a small packet of baby wipes, preferably unscented, with you as you hike. These have many multi-purpose uses as well.Save those little complimentary soap bars, shampoo and lotion bottles when you stay at a hotel. You can then refill them with a small quantity of your favorite shampoo, lotion or whatever you need. Little bottles and jars at the outfitter are expensive, these are free and you won¢t feel bad about tossing them when empty. I didn¢t like the shampoo provided by the hotels and hostels so I had some sent to me in my maildrops. I¢m not usually fussy about this either, I guess it just signified a little normalcy from home. It was nice to have my favorite shampoo sent to me in those little bottles. Have a body lotion sent to you as needed in the bottles when needed, I avoided chaffing by applying lotion regularly. The little bottles were convenient and lightweight. Some hikers mentioned using Desitin or A&D Ointment, another mentioned waterproof sunscreen for this purpose. I like using Nivea Body lotion as a good all purpose cream, a little dab on some TP works wonders.Have a few cotton swabs sent to you with each mail drop. It felt good to clean inside my ears after a shower.Have a small bag of laundry powder, one load worth, sent to you when receiving a maildrop in Franklin, Damascus, Pearisburg, Duncannon, Manchester Center and Stratton. Carry your Duct Tape on your hiking poles by winding some on each pole just below the handle. By doing this you¢ll never have to dig in your pack to find it.Scarf up condiment packets, ketchup, mayo, mustard, etc., when you can and add them to your maildrops. It takes many months to get a good quantity by doing it this way.
Date: 2007-01-04
To: Farewell 2006
Miles today: 0.0

I waited many years to get to 2006 the year I would retire and hike the Appalachian Trail. I am proud to say it came, I hiked, and I fulfilled a dream. Now that it's no longer here I find myself dreaming of new adventures. Other trails seem inviting but I don't seem to have the fire in me like I did for the AT. I'll probably do another AT thru-hike sometime in the future. The next time I'll take a little more time to smell the roses. There were times I regretted not spending more time at an overlook or some beautiful spot. Now that I know I can do this I'll hike with more confidence and enjoy it even more. Don't get me wrong I honestly did enjoy my thru-hike. A number of people told me I had the biggest smile on the trail, I loved it.I learned a lot from other hikers and I observed their hiking style. Posey Picker was an inspiration to me with his shelter journal entries. He left such possitive messages every time he left one and ended each with the signature "Peace, Joy, Love" Posey Picker.I reaffirmed the notion that "It's the journey that counts, not the destination" from Slow Walker. He turned a thru-hike from 2004 into a multi-year section hike. When I me him he was in Maine and very content with his progress.And then Gator Goat who returned to the trail after a trail injury a few years back only to reinjure herself again this year. She too had such a positive attitude and a friendly smile. I have no doubt she will someday reach the 2000-miler status.Hopefully I'll have something to do with the AT this year. I'll probably drive to a trailhead and meet hikers and swap stories with them. Good luck on your adventure.
Date: 2007-01-09
To: Person of the Year
Miles today: 0.0

I am so happy Time Magazine has recognized me as their Person of the Year for 2006. I would like to thank Pocketmail and Trailjournals for their help in my being able to control my trail information with the world. I would also like to thank my wife Sue and my son Chris for keeping the data current during my hike and for correcting my grammar and spelling,because of that editing I didn't sound like an idiot. Without their help this journal would not have been the product you see today.I look forward to reading about all the new adventures that will be happening on the trail.Old GoatHi All,Chris here... I thought I'd share some videos of Old Goats Journey. This top one he made, the bottom one I made, enjoy!Hiking the Appalachian Trail - Following a Dream Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 90 Seconds!!
Date: 2007-08-28
To: One year anniversary
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the one year anniversary of my completing my dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Energizer Bunny and I reached the north terminus (The Katahdin Sign) a little after 1PM one year ago today. People ask me if I had thoughts of quitting and if I was having fun as I hiked. In the 5 12 months I hiked I never considered quitting, I had a goal and I was going to reach it. Was I having fun, now that has a little more complicated answer. There were times when it wasn¢t fun and I was either cold or wet, hiking in the rain is a chore for me. I pushed through knowing that progress had to be made, I also told myself tomorrow will be better and it usually was.When we reached the sign we were both overcome with emotion, I was crying as I walked up to it. We then spent some time celebrating with a champagne toast, whooping and hollering, and posing for many photographs. I was honored to share that moment with my wife Sue and Son Chris as well as Bunny. Having them there to see us complete a dream was great. Sue and I have been back to the AT a few times this year, we hiked a few miles in New Hampshire and even shared two shelters with this years hikers. We are now hoping to hike a couples thru-hike in a few years. It will be great for me to be out there hiking again and even better to share the experience with Sue.As time passes and we firm up our plans we¢ll let everyone know when it will happen.
Date: 2008-11-19
To: How to find the 2009 Journal
Miles today: 0.0

I don't know why the direct link of www.trailjournals.com/chipsadventure does not go directly to the 2009 journal. To get to the 2009 Old Goat and Check 6 (Chip & Sue's) page use the Blue "2009AT" tab on the left.Thanks for following our journal.
Date: 2005-08-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My wife Kim and I have been planning our hike since 1999.Call me Old School,Kim will be know as New Day.We, well I, am so looking forward to this thats it is on my mind all the time.Right now we are trying to get our gear together.I have got a couple of things off of ebay.but the inportant stuff [tent,sleeping bags,clothes]will have to be seen in person.Putting our lives on hold for about 6 months is no small task.It takes a lot of planning,saving,will power to make this happen.It sure looks like everything is going to fall into place in March of 2006.Hopefully thats when we step foot on the 8.8 mile trail that will take us to the top of Springer.Then that's when the real walk will begin.Thats when I guit talking the talk,and start walking the walk.Thats the day,that is the day I so look forward to.We have no doubt the trip will be the hardest thing that we have ever done,maybe the hardest thing that we will ever do.We will do our best.We are committed,we can only hope that it will be enough.   A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS STILL A DAY ON THE TRAIL
Date: 2005-09-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Six months and 21 days will find us on the TRAIL,on springer looking north! Still getting our gear together.have our packs,stove,and some other small things. Still need to get a tent,sleeping bags,and lots of the little things.Going to keep my pack at about 30 pounds max.We will try to keep Kims pack at about 20 pounds,we'll see how that works out. as we are starting to buy our gear,its really starting to hit me.My wife and I are going to live out side for six months!!!! NOT ONLY ARE WE GOING TO LIVE OUT SIDE FOR SIX MONTHS WE'RE GOING TO WALK 2100 MILES WHILE WE'RE DOING IT!!!DAMN MY WIFE LOVES ME!!!!! billy&kim old school & new day
Date: 2005-09-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still preparing for the trip of our lives.Got the tent now,it weights in at 3 pounds 10 ozs.My pack is at about 3.5 pounds Kims pack is at 3 pounds.Both of our sleeping bags is at 2.6 pounds.We are really trying to keep our packs weight as low as we can.Preparing for us being away for up to six months is no walk on the trail.We have bills to pay off{I hate credit cards}and then we have more bills to pay off.Packing things up into storage.Man I could go on for days about the things that have to be done,just to leave for a awhile.THE RATRACE.I sometimes think back to when I was a kid,I would think that when I grew up that I wasn't going to become part of THE RATRACE.But then time goes by until one day here I am.But now I get to leave it,if only for awhile.   I AM LOOKING FOR A COOL SPRING DAY      OLD SCHOOL&NEW DAY
Date: 2005-09-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well things are still moving toward that cool spring day that will find us on the trail.We now have our packs and sleeping bags and tent.We are almost ready for our first shakedown hike.We are lucky to live only a couple of hours away from the AT.Our plan is to get all our gear together,drive to the trail and hike in two days and hike back.After that I'm sure we will have a much better understanding of our gear and what we will really need.