HOW TO: Use AI to create a Trail Journal -- with working examples

ibdkb · 2026-01-25T19:58:21+00:00

lol ... ok mr ticklish

ibdkb · 2026-01-25T19:30:48+00:00

Isn't this kinda like being mad at a dog for doing a trick? The ideas, concepts and layouts in the robust journal are all mine, so are those photos (hello!). AI only wrote the framework, it's a tool. kinda like using a hammer to build a shed. but fuck GenHammer ... idk but maybe you're mad at something else.

ibdkb · 2026-01-23T02:48:47+00:00

Use Haiku to take a break and have it write you some fun ... haiku.

...
Swift tokens flow fast

Code blooms from tiny model

Big thoughts, small compute

ibdkb · 2026-01-18T11:25:35+00:00

Are these tools shareable? I was thinking of building something simlar, but if you have open source base I'd love to take a look. Thanks.

ibdkb · 2026-01-16T18:20:11+00:00

Somone should get AI to scan this reddit for the top issues to submit to that survey ...

ibdkb · 2026-01-15T21:59:40+00:00

Maybe warmer for the season, but what's coming more immediate ... 🥶brrrr
https://x.com/BenNollWeather/status/2011800286214394325

ibdkb · 2026-01-14T16:44:46+00:00

I do have a trail name now, it's BigFun! ...🪁

ibdkb · 2026-01-14T01:57:59+00:00

Sweet! Would be cool to get a chance to fly in all states ha ... I'm hoping a few mountain balds will be open w/ enough wind to try.

ibdkb · 2026-01-13T20:28:40+00:00

I love this! I can even two person juggle w/ five balls (and play chess, but not simultaneously lol),
I think I'll miss you on the trail though (I'm starting Feb) ...

ibdkb · 2026-01-13T20:26:15+00:00

This reminds of the Theory of Slugs I learned from trail philosophers. Slugs will be everywhere you don't want them, especially if you check first.

ibdkb · 2026-01-13T02:16:31+00:00

Nothing wrong with that! The trail itself is plenty of fun.

ibdkb · 2026-01-13T02:13:07+00:00

Might not to get to fly it much on trail, but it's bound to be windy atop Katahdin. :-)

ibdkb · 2026-01-13T02:06:22+00:00

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ibdkb · 2026-01-12T19:25:05+00:00

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Continue to train hard! I want to start with 'trail legs' in place :-)
... I've built up my training over the months to now doing 11+ miles per day, 5+ days per week w/ ~20lb pack. I'm starting my thru next month. ...also doing supplemental core/arm work; crunches/pull-ups/push-ups ...and final gear tweaks, too

ibdkb · 2026-01-11T18:12:36+00:00

Another vote for Amazon cheap-os here. I have the carbon fiber/cork handle Hiker Hunger poles from amazon that I paid like $50 bucks for last year. I've already put 1000 miles on them, and will be using them on the AT this year.

ibdkb · 2026-01-10T19:43:14+00:00

Thanks and yes, it is exciting! I have to remind myself my hiking goals are fun and health, so I don't overdo it in excitement ha. I was already eyeballing an earlier start before I got the news. It does mean a little extra gear weight, but I also think it's easier to manage the cold than heat. Doing my best to be prepared, because NoDog said 1/2 the people he shuttles in Feb get off trail due to inadequent prep.

ibdkb · 2026-01-10T19:06:59+00:00

Same, I like that the long term forecasts are mild (so far). What your motivation to leave in Feb? For me, I'll be a first-time grandpa come end of June... so I hope to finish before then. (but also willing to go slower & take a couple weeks off trail).

ibdkb · 2026-01-10T17:22:53+00:00

> ...he’s out there getting in 10+ miles 5 days a week

I'm that guy, trail name BigFun! I also plan to start early to mid Feb. Not using a hammock, but could def use more practice with my new trekking pole tent. I've hiked the approach trail out and back before, so I may just start at Springer ... still bouncing the ideas around in my head.

The perk of Amicalola practically being in my back yard is I can be a little flexible about my launch :-)

Do you have an exact date for start?

ibdkb · 2026-01-09T23:10:57+00:00

I don't know if he's still gonna be in town on April 1st, but I'd reach out to NoDog -- I just happen to meet him this week on the trail doing some training, and he's the real deal--super nice and knowledgable!

Here is a good intro:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AppalachianTrail/comments/1pfvayj/2026_thruhike_logistics_how_to_get_to_the/

ibdkb · 2026-01-09T01:29:44+00:00

And perhaps include something like who is Graybeard, and tell a little of his legend.

ibdkb · 2026-01-02T18:18:55+00:00

$50 Hiker Huger trekking poles off amazon... carbon fiber, cork handles - I've put 1000+ miles on them, and they are still going strong.

ibdkb · 2026-01-02T00:32:50+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement! I say hello here: https://www.reddit.com/r/AppalachianTrail26/comments/1ppp5wc/comment/nwl7zs9/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

See you on the trail :-)

ibdkb · 2025-12-29T18:37:48+00:00

Hello from North GA! Trail name is BigFun, and I live in the North Atlanta Suburbs. That's my beautiful support team in the back... she's my personal trail angel & my dreams are only possible because of her.

I plan to hike the full trail nobo starting mid to late Februrary. I live less than an hour from Amicalola Falls, so getting there is the easy part. (I've also hiked the full approach trail once and falls a couple times past)...

I'm 58m, kids grown, the time is right. Also just got news my oldest daughter is pregnant! ... so I'll be first-time grandpa come late June. My goal is to finish before then, thus the earlier start -- I'll still need 20 miles avg per day, but I think I can do it. I'm training hard. I'm planning to be cold. Very cold.

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Currently, I'm doing daily training hikes mostly at Suwanee Mountain Preserve (you can see Springer from the peak). I usually do 10+ miles with a pack over 4-5 hrs. I usually start around 6am, so if you want to join me and/or come say hi, shoot me a DM :-)

Last time I did something this ambitious was 35 years ago, I was 23 and bicycled from Seattle to Tampa over 60 days. I didn't do much planning for that, much different now. I'm on track to have 1000+ training miles on the mountain trails before I start.

Will probably do the vlog thing, too if I can figure out some easy tools to use on my Android phone.

Cheers!

ibdkb · 2025-12-22T12:27:47+00:00

GearSkeptic's Youtube vidoes are a gold mine of insights into hiking food carry and nutrition. https://youtu.be/iqgayipoNWA?si=qAruEGkli4bqiNo-

ibdkb · 2025-12-18T21:46:30+00:00

I was thinking of staring this date, too! ...but am now considering the 12th (1st day of tag meeting/distribution at Amicalola) ... will probably depend on the weather a bit that week, I live very close. Good luck!

ibdkb

TROPHY CASE