morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-11
To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A beautiful day -- Definitely too hot and humid for my liking, but none the less, beautiful. J. R. R. Tolkien could not have created a more beautiful wooded area with tall trees creating a canopy in the sky, brooks and streams gently splashing over moss-covered rocks, and multiple shades of trillium, running up and down the mountain sides as far as the eye could see. Absolutely lovely day!I am now sitting at the Rod Hollow Shelter. There is a covered picnic table, the shelter, a shower at the spring (very, very brisk), and of course, the staple privy. The terrain was lovely today and somewhat -- dare I say it? --EASY. We are hiking ¢The Rollercoaster¢ tomorrow. It is a section that covers 15-20 miles of continuous 500 - 1,000 ft. climbs and drops -- hence, the name.This shelter is blessed with its very own black snake (non poisonous) and a giant spider. I had ¢Captain Hook¢ all talked into getting really close to the spider for a photo op., but as he neared, the spider darted off. I did capture the snake on film, but unfortunately it, as usual, will appear quite small to the folks back home. Believe me -- it was no garter snake . . . I know -- it sounds like some fishing tale . . . where each time I tell the story my hands adjust to a different length. Each time they are farther and farther apart. Not this time . . . it is not a tall tale, my friends.Amongst all of the beauty that I find in this life and have described, in this journal I am very sad and disturbed to have to mention this. Yesterday, Red Dog, Bones and Mark found a dead body on the AT just north of Tom Floyd Wayside. The gentleman appears to have just missed my mother and me as we crossed a gap, because he was found an hour after we had passed through the section where he had chosen to commit suicide. He was apparently in his 20s and had shot himself in the temple with a 9 mm. The young men who found the body were obviously shaken. The person¢s car had a Harvard University sticker on it. Tons of possible questions. Such a tragedy. May his soul rest and may he find happiness. In a world full of evil violence, it is amazing how coming into the wilderness has helped even me find myself at peace. I am sorry for this young person who has missed a life, that could possibly have seen a better day. From this I have taken a bigger sense of gratitude for each day I have on the trail, for each friend and family member that I have back home, and eternal gratitude for a life worth living!I love many people in this life, and I hope that they all find themselves also with a life worth living!On that note -- I will write to friends and family. Love to all
Date: 2004-05-15
To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Mom went home. I guess this is all I can say. I don¢t really know how to react to this new development on my trip. She hurt her leg sometime during ¢The Rollercoaster,¢ and hasn¢t been able to walk well since. My dad and brother immediately came and picked her up. So sad. This brings to light so many things. I am now sitting here atop the Washington Memorial. It is a hazy day and it goes along with my mood.I am not afraid to hike alone, but I am scared/nervous/anxious about spending a long time alone. It is not one of my strong points. I could easily have gone home with the family, but the truth is: I set a goal for myself, knowing that this could happen. Knowing this is probably my last chance at the AT. But the main reason I am staying is -- Because I want to be out here, in the woods hiking. Hiking the less traveled path. The challenge is big, but I can do it! If I don¢t, it will be because I am injured or can¢t possibly go/hike any further. I will not just quit . . . not an option.Honestly -- I am nervous and am hoping to find the inner strength that I know I have. I need this strength to make it to Maine.. . . I can do this . . . So it is later on in the afternoon now, and I have pulled it together. I admit that as mom/dad and Pat pulled away and mom was yelling ¢good-bye honey!¢ out the window, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I did what I do and walked into the woods. Now I am perched at Annapolis Rocks. Wow -- who knew Maryland was such a pretty state? So I am happy. Not happy to be alone in the woods, but happy to still be in the woods. Friends and family, a warm and cozy bed and more all called my name this morning. It would have been so easy to quit. But I prevailed and I am happy about that!Side Note: Wow what an NBA game last night with New Jersey against Detroit. My brother and I were in the hotel room yelling at the TV. Gee -- civilization has its perks too, I guess. Well I think I am going to hike a few more miles today and call it quits. Thanks for the support y¢all. Later . . . Semi JoyMay 15 evening . . . did good miles today. hopefully things will continue to be okay. I met a guy named ¢Walk On¢ today, who is from Kentucky. He¢s great. He reminds me of my brother's friend Steve -- looks wise and personality. So it is okay without mom tonight. I am staying at the Ensign Cowall shelter.I decided that I am going to try and do Pennsylvania by the time my family comes and visits. That would knock off some good mileage by the time that they come. Plus, it would somehow seem that I deserved a 5-day vacation from the trail. I thought that I would only be to Pine Grove, PA, but I¢ll be past it -- yes!I am tired and got only 3 hours of sleep due to nerves last night, so I am off to sleep. Goodnight all.Semi-Joy
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 9.6

Hiked 9.6 in Fayetteville today. Looked like rain all day, but not a drop, much to my satisfaction. Made phone calls home to family and friend. Wow . . . it was great to ¢dish¢ with the kids back home. Plus, I found out that my sister-in-law, Mia, is pregnant with her second child. Congratulations!I miss my friends back home so much. I had the opportunity to talk to my friend for two seconds between softball games and all he could muster after not seeing me for a month was ¢yeah, so Kate . . .your non-boyfriend hasn¢t invited me over yet to drink any of your fine home brew beer.¢ Okay -- I haven¢t seen this kid in a month (at least) and all he has to say is --where¢s my beer? Thanks buddy . . . men are so thoughtful! Gotta love it!
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Fayetteville, PA

To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

We hiked 20 miles today to Ironmasters Mansion Hostel. This is by far the coolest hostel on the AT that I have encountered yet. It is a hugh old mansion that was owned by different families since it was built. The owners of the house also would own the local iron business. Oh -- the buildings are in the Pine Grove State Park. The half way point on the Appalachian Trail. It is 1087 miles to Katahdin and 1087 miles to Springer Mountain. Awesome. Moving on!   So . . .This mansion is great. Lots of history and stories have been told. The house used to be a part of the Underground Railroad. There is a room that connects through the floor in the closet on the main floor. The slaves weren¢t permitted to come into the house, but there are two tunnels that lead in and out of the small room. I took a picture, but it was very dark -- so we¢ll see if it turns out. It was spooky down there . . . Yikes . . .felt like I was in the movie ¢The Blair Witch Project.¢ Had to wear my head lamp down the ladder and into the very small room. Obviously -- I was the only one in the room for a few minutes before the ¢heebie-jeebies¢ set in and I went back up the ladder.We -- Didi -- Brad (the Hostel Manager), another guest and I all ate baked ziti leftovers from the weekend . . . mmmm tasty . . . I also scored some dehydrated cabbage and spinach and a packet of salmon. Dinner should be interesting tomorrow.Ghost stories or ¢Paranormal Phenomena¢ were next on the agenda for the night. Dun Dun Dun . . . (that¢s the spooky background piano effect). Apparently, the last two owners of the house, who are long ¢gone¢ are still very present in this house. Brad says that he experiences things about the house a lot. For example. the attic door on the third floor locks and unlocks its deadbolt, and can be heard doing so on a regular basis. The glassed in fire alarm at the house goes off by itself in the middle of the night with no explanation. When the girls dorm on the second floor is full with big groups, on five or six separate occasions, a reported knocking has been heard at night on the door. When answered, no one is there. These are just a few of the stories I was told tonight. And for a girl -- who I am ashamed to admit -- is already deathly afraid of the dark -- I know -- so pathetic -- those stories have made me feel a bit unsettled.I mean it people -- there is a framed picture above the mantle in the piano room that literally follows you as you cross the room. Not the eyes or just the heads, but the torso, too -- spooky -- more tales tomorrow from the Crypt Keeper.'Til next time . . .
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

Hello again... it is Kate live from the trail! sorry that i have been so poor about getting my journals updated. i am taking a zero day today and will make sure to mail that out. The trail has been great and this hotel is "awesome." it reminds me of places back home... its a total dive and we spent the night in here last night with a live band and the bar was crowded with locals. Boos Goos, Early Bird, Didi and I all lit the place the up. I think I went to bed at 1:30. It was the latest I have stayed up the entire time that I have been on the trail. Surprising because I hiked my biggest day of 26 miles yesterday. That's right... it sounds impressive, but the truth is that my knees hurt, my feet have some funky stuff going on the bottom of the them, and lets not even begin talking about the bug bites from yesterday. The biggest funniest part of this is that I was more worried about the frenzy of bugs than anything else... almost fell over the edge of a cliff because of swatting the bugs. The feet were screaming for the last four miles, but Didi and I wanted to get to the hotel. When we got to the hotel it was all that a hiker could imagine. more later
Date: 2004-10-10
To: To and from work
Miles today: 35.0

so today is another day at the office for me. I have just started a new job at Bosgraaf Homes. It is a real 9 to 5 job and it is going to take some getting used to. I am sad to say that the last entry was written the day after my last day on the trail. The funny thing about my experience on the trail is that somedays were truly love-hate days. There was always some pain and there was always something that made it so worth while. I know that I am not finished hiking that trail. I do feel that it is an adventure that I have not left behind for the remainder of my life. I will return when I have another chance and will always keep living my life with new challengees and adventures. I will keep updating the journal as much as possible.To all those who I hiked with I had a terrific time with you all and hope to see you on down the trail come some rainy day. I will write more later. Love to All - Semi-joy - Kate Heyboer
Date: 2004-01-17
To: Things Happen
Miles today: 0.0

I received a small gift from a co-worker who was retiring. On his wall was a picture of a wise old owl with the following quote below it:"There are three kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened."As he took down the picture from the wall he handed it to me and said, "One day you may need this." I took the picture because I liked the saying, not knowing that in four months these words would be coming down from my office wall. 22 years ago I began a career working for a system of values that protected the lives and property of individuals. I was a dedicated employee who gave blood, sweat, and tears and sacrificed countless hours away from my personal and family life. I watched things happen as the same system I was working for turned on me through politics and deceit (it is amazing how those two words flow together) that left a scar embedded in my belief of the system. I then realized that it was time to make things happen, to get back my lost personal time, to get back to the things that are truly important. The love and support of my wife and family, to feel the wind in my hair, the rain on my face, sunbeams dancing along side me and to watch, in a continuous interval of time, mother nature at work. I want to once again become the student and learn the fundamental, simplistic way of life with mother earth. Like John Muir and Colin Fletcher, I too belong to two worlds, one of the world of nature and the other in the human or civilized world. Make things happen - It is said that the Appalachian Trail is a gentle and patient teacher who will teach you what you need to learn. I will follow that boyhood dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail, and in March 2004, I will begin my journey, sending you the lessons I learn through my Journal.I will watch things happen along creek beds, on mountain summits and all the points in-between, including minimal stays in the civilized world."And those who wonder what happened?" They are still working in the system waiting for the ax to fall¢¦KrispyKritter
Date: 2004-01-19
To: The Plan
Miles today: 0.0

"Out of intense complexities intense simplicities emerge." Winston ChurchillOnce the decision was made to walk over 5 millions steps northward, a whole new world emerged of schedules and questions. Having a dream for so long become a reality set off a tidal wave of emotions and thoughts. Ideas, views and images would rapidly enter into my head to be quickly replaced by another. I was stumbling down the trail and I'm not even on the AT yet. "STOP!" I yelled to myself. I placed my mental walking stick firmly on the ground halting my forward slide. I took several deep breaths, meditated and cleared my mind. Emerging from the calm, I realized my simplistic needs for survival: mental attitude, shelter, food and water, needed to be coordinated. I could hear my wife saying to me, "be organized and write everything down. That way you won't forget." I now carry a spiral notebook, writing notes of "things-to-do" to myself as well as writing, re-writing the gear lists to meet my needs for survival. All I have to do is remember where I placed the darn notebook.As a member of the search and rescue community, we are trained to have a positive mental attitude. You learn to adapt, improvise and overcome obstacles. Throughout the lessons of my life, I have learned negativity is like a cancer, a malignant growth that eats away confidence. Certainly a bad hombre to have around as a companion in survival mode.My days are quite full preparing equipment and supplies to fulfill my needs. I am sewing a tarp-tent and making cooking equipment. However, I must remember the other member of this team, my wife Jacquie, or as everyone calls her "Jax". March 15th is approaching fast and time is very important for us to share. Once I am on the trail, Jax will transcribe and enter photographs for my journal. And so, as they say at the start of the Olympics, "Let the games begin!"
Date: 2004-02-20
To: Sewing 101
Miles today: 0.0

Since my last entry I have been busy making my own equipment. I did this for two reasons. First, I couldn't find a stove or tent that I liked that was light weight and functional to my needs. Second, I was so antsy to begin this adventure I felt this would be a good distraction to past the time. The first thing I did was used the internet to research each of my projects. For the stove I began with the cat stove and ended with the pepsi can stove. My brother-in-law, Dale and I made several stoves to perfect the quality and functionality of the stove. In the contest, Dale's Pepsi can stove won.Searching for a shelter, there were many different types to consider: involving shape, weight, and options for different types of weather conditions that would be encountered. My final decision was a Bilgy tarp tent from Quest Outfitters. After seven nerve racking days of sewing, advice from my wife, and the wonderful help from Kay and Kim at Quest Outfitters, the tarp tent was completed. I used 1.1 Silnylon for the tarp, no-see-um netting for the walls and 2.2 rip stop nylon for the floor. All together with poles and stakes the two person tarp tent weighed in at 3 pounds. When the tarp tent was erected in the back yard for the first time I was in awe at its simplistic lines and beauty. I was amazed at the outcome of the tarp tent construction and can say proudly that it exceeds my expectations. Even though I am confident in its construction, deep in the recesses of my mind I wonder how the tarp tent will hold up against stormy, windy weather and six months of use. We will all know the answer to that question somewhere along the trail. I keep a positive attitude that the tarp tent will survive the adventure and continue to be useful as a shelter even after Katahdin. I have started to visit family and friends to let them know of my intentions and, like everyone before me who has decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, I am answering many questions. As I run out of breath from my excited narrative of preparing for a thru hike and explaining what is a thru hike, the first response is, "Are you crazy?" Then they realize who they are talking to and answer their own question. The next question, "Who is going with you?" is answered, "me myself and I" re-affirms the first question, "Are you crazy?" And so it goes! My days are now filled packing and re-packing my backpack, pouring over the computer reading and re-reading accounts of fellow 2004 hikers, setting up mail drops to help supply my needs when I reach various towns along the AT.   Anticipation is setting in! Until the first white blaze! KrispyKritter
Date: 2004-03-10
To: Premonition
Miles today: 0.0

My initial intention was to prepare early so that I could spend quality time with my wife before leaving. I didn¢t want to run around the last few days like the cartoon character, Tasmanian Devil, trying to accomplish a long list of things to do in a whirl wind of gear, food, clothing and what to do for the home front before leaving. Everything was going according to plan until ¢Murphy¢ of Murphy¢s Law paid me a visit last week.After several elimination rounds of playing the reality game ¢What Is In Your Backpack?¢ I was satisfied with my choice of equipment and clothing with a few luxury items. Adding 1 liter of water and food for 4 days my total weight was 28 pounds. Sweet! Pleased at this outcome, I decided to load up and walk for several miles to adjust the load and get acquainted with the new pack. Around the 2 mile mark I feel a tug (Hello Murphy what¢s up?) and the left shoulder strap loosens. My thought was the pack is adjusting to the sway of the walk so I tighten the strap to a comfortable ride. The rest of the walk is uneventful and I am delighted in the pack¢s performance.I go over the pack at home and suddenly stare in horror and disbelief at the remains of a load lifter strap dangling from the seam. OH, MY GOD! I am leaving in two weeks, now what? As in any critical situation, I took several deep breaths and relaxed before making a decision. As I breathe, three words come to mind. Adapt, overcome and improvise. Adapt ¢ find another pack. Improvise - I could make the repairs myself, voiding the warranty, or, Overcome ¢ call the company who made the pack, explain what happened and see how good the warranty is. If Overcome fails I have the two other plans.I called Brian from Ultralight Adventure Equipment (ULA) and explained Murphy¢s visit. In a reassuring voice, Brian came up with several solutions. Each solution would make this customer happy and I made my choice. Within a week I had my original pack repaired and returned to continue my final preparations for the AT. You rock Brian!During the time my pack went on vacation to Utah, I started thinking was this a premonition of things to come. Was the Great Spirit sending me a message to re-think what I am about to do? After several more deep breaths and a clear mind I realized the events of my backpack were lessons to teach and prepare me for my sojourn with Mother Nature. I am a visitor in her home and in that communion I must adapt, overcome and improvise to her laws in order to succeed. Thank you Great Spirit for the lesson learned.
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Amicolola Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

From Springer Mt. to Stover Creek Sheltertotal miles on the AT 2.5With new found friends from Florida, we met at the visitor center, signed in, weighed packs and said good bye to love ones. The day was here at last and each of us was going to be on a journey of epic perportions. Left the visitor center at 9:30 in a drizzle. It stopped raining shortly after and stayed cloudy rest of day. We hiked the 8.8 miles to Springer Mt. on the approach trail. Less than 3 miles out came across a backpack sitting on the trail with no one around. Later learned the owner quit, left the pack on the trail and hiked back down the mountain. Made Springer Mt. at 2:00, had lunch and continued to the next shelter. Feeling good for doing a total of 11.3 miles for the first day. It is awesome to be out here living the simple life. It is pure joy and excitement.Currently hiking with Brian from Clewiston, FL and having a blast ribbing each other. This guy walks around the campsite in a Hawaiian shirt and threatens to pull out his kilt when it gets warmer. Not only that, at camp he has a blow-up flamingo by his tent. This could be an interesting adventure.Note from Jacquie: If you notice the discrepancy between Krispy's total miles and the journal's, it is because he is being a "purest" and not counting the 8.8 mile hike from the Amicolola approach trail - but WE'RE counting it, aren't we?! It's all part of the Adventure....
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Left stover creek shelterArrived at Justus Creekmileage today 11.3total miles 13.8Woke up to rain and a soggy morning. Rain stopped around 8am, broke camp and headed north in fog. By noon the day turned sunny. Feet and legs are healthy so far. Heard the army rangers practicing with rapid small arms fire and the heavy, deep sound of disciplined machine gun fire echoing through the mountains. Stopped for lunch at Hawk Mt. shelter. Folks still there from the night before said there were 21 tents around the shelter and 14 inside the shelter. Brian said the camp must have looked liked "Mushroom City". Went over Sassafras Mt. with little trouble. With all the hikers from Hawk Mt. shelter heading north decided not to camp at Gooch Mt. shelter. Instead there are several of us camped at Justus Creek.Thoughts for the day:On first day and next morning Mother Nature cried tears of rains for those who also cried when leaving their loved ones. Felt Mother Nature's sweet breath caress us as wind, as if saying "Now you are my loved ones¢.   And, felt the warmth of Mother Nature as the sun warmed our bodies. What an experience.Then as I climb Sassafras Mt. it occurred to me how my fears in the civilized world have now changed on the trail. Weeks before leaving I was afraid to drive, work an electric saw while building a patio and other activities that could harm me and keep me from the AT.   Now, the fears encompass where to step, the weather, a slip or fall, eating the wrong food, water and so much more, all in an instant, that might keep one from completing the trail. So, as I step lightly through the mountains and sleep in Mother Nature's arm, I say "Good Night civilized world. Tomorrow is a new adventure."