morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: William Douglas Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was Story Spring Shelter to William Douglas Shelter. Total miles was 15.3. It was an uneventful hike with no memorable sightings. Sunday I will travel into Manchester Center, VT.to replace my shoes. They are in bad condition. For three nights I have experienced difficultly breathing and a tightness in my chest. I'm a little concerned and would seek medical attention in town. I don't think they have a hospital or doctor.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: William douglas Shelter

To: Green Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I have made arrangements to be picked up by Joe when I reach VT11/30. He will carry me into town. Its about 6.6 miles to the road from my campsite. It was mostly downhill. I felt bad and it took 3 1/2 hours to reach the road. I met up with Joe and he took me to the Outfitter. After I purchased my shoes and ate lunch, I met one of the hikers. He was staying at the Green Mountain Hostel. I decided to join him and resume my hike in the morning.
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Green Mountain Hostel

To: Rutland Regional Medical Center
Miles today: 0.0

I stayed at the Green Mountain Hostel. The owner, Jeff, is a really fine person and I enjoyed our conversations. He carried two of us to the trailhead this morning. I had some difficulty making the 800' assent climb to Bromley Shelter. I called Jeff and he came to the trailhead to take me back to the hostel.I will travel to Rutland, Vermont and get checked out at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. At the hospital ER Room they connected me to an EKG machine, did a lung x-ray and did blood work. The EKG did not indicate a problem. The lung x-ray was fine. The blood work indicated no heart malfunction but did indicate low levels of calcium, magnesium and red blood cells. The liver function test was a bit high. ER Doctor suggested I be tested for Lyme disease due to tick bites. The final diagnosis was electrolyte imbalance, I was encouraged. The doctor suggested that fatigue and nutrition were the likely causes of my difficulty. I was given an IV and released at 5PM.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Rutland Regional Medical Center

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 2.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I stayed at the Comfort Inn last night and made preparations to resume my hike. The metro bus would take me to the trailhead and I would resume my hike. I was a little apprehensive as I resumed my hike but I tried to look at the positive aspects of yesterday's hospital visit. Within minutes, I realized my problem was still with me. I reached the first shelter and stopped for a rest. The forecast was for rain this afternoon. Soon the rain began and I made the decision to stay at this shelter tonight. I was later joined by Greg, the Green Mountain Club ridge runner. He was a fine young man and we had a great discussion. The ATC is holding it's annual conference nearby and many of the people are taking day hikes. I met around 40 people and they have been a lot of fun to talk with.
Date: 2009-07-22
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Rutland, Vermont
Miles today: 0.0

It is apparent there is a problem and I need to find some answers. I have decided to return home and seek the advise of my physician, Dr. Justice. I have the utmost confidence in him. Linda is making travel arrangement while I make my way off this mountain. I will return to Rutland, VT and fly home tomorrow. Today, I could only wonder what has happened and what are the implications. I've been in an unsettled state of mind most of the day.
Date: 2009-07-23
From: Rutland, Vermont

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm not a good flier and it doesn't help to fly in a small prop plane, but I did fine. The flight from Rutland to Boston was in a twin prop. From Boston to Charlotte and the final leg from Charlotte to Ft. Walton was on a US Airways Jet and a much better flight. I arrived in Ft Walton at 9:22 and Linda was there. My return is overshadowed by air travel and uncertainty about my condition. I have an appointment with Dr. Justice in the morning.
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Home

To: Dr. Justice Office
Miles today: 0.0

I slept well last night and I am looking forward to my visit with Dr. Justice this morning. Dr. Justice is such an upbeat person it was his assurance that the problem would be determined and I would be returning to the trail soon. That lifted my spirits. For several days, I have been depressed and bewildered by such an abrupt and dramatic change in my condition. Dr Justice reviewed the test results from Rutland Regional Medical Center then ordered new blood work, a lung performance test and a 24 hour holster EKG Test. Monday, I will get the blood work then in the afternoon I will take the lung performance test and finally I will be outfitted with the Holster monitor. Wednesday we will meet and review the results.
Date: 2009-07-28
From: Dr. Justice Office

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday morning with the holster monitor attached I took a walk and made an effort to stress the heart by jogging up and down a steep hill. Then I walked around the neighborhood until it looked like rain. I hoped this would replicate load condition I encountered on the mountain trails with a 40 lb backpack. This afternoon I went back to the Dr. Office and they removed the holster monitor and downloaded the data.
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Home

To: Dr. Justice Office
Miles today: 0.0

At 1:45, Dr. Justice entered the exam room and said he was glad I had returned home from the AT. My blood work was much better, my lungs were performing well, but I did not do so well on the holster monitor. There was clear evidence of heart arrhythmia and in his upbeat manner he said a pacemaker would fix the problem. His office scheduled an appointment with Dr. Katzenstein for Thursday, tomorrow. Dr. Katzenstein is a cardiologist with an outstanding reputation.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Dr. Justice Office

To: Dr. Katzenstein
Miles today: 0.0

Today I had a consultation with Dr. Katzenstein. We reviewed the results of the echo cardiogram, EKG, stress test, chest X-ray and blood work. It is his opinion that a pacemaker will be necessary, if I wish to live an active life. A less active more sedentary life may not require a pacemaker at this time. I informed Dr. Katz I wished to resume a vigorous lifestyle with a strong emphasis on athletic training. He was of the opinion that a regular pacemaker may not allow rigorous training and activities. He suggested a Biventricular pacemaker would be more suitable. I have been referred to Dr. Sumit Verma who is more familiar with this type of pacemaker. Once Dr. Verma releases me, Dr. Katz will conduct follow up stress test and re-program the pacemaker if necessary.
Date: 2009-08-20
To: Final Diagnosis- Lyme Disease Carditis
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday August 12, 2009, I met with Dr. Sumit Verma, a Pensacola based cardiologist specializing in pacemakers. We had a discussion that covered pacemaker selection, rehab time-line, life quality and other topics. I mentioned my concern regarding the necessity of a pacemaker and that a Lyme disease test had been performed but that the test results were not expected until August 17. Dr. Verma had experience with Lyme disease and based on the narrative, symptoms and time-line he expressed his opinion that he was 99% sure I had Lyme disease. He then referred me to Dr. Erickson, an Infectious disease specialist. We concluded our discussion and as I drove home it occurred to me that Dr. Verma displayed all the qualities I look for in a physician. Friday, August 14, 2009- I received a call from Dr. Justice office. The Lyme disease test results were in and he would like to conference with both Linda and myself. I had tested positive for Lyme disease. This is generally news that is not warmly received, but in my case it was. The diagnosis is Lyme Disease Carditis and from my research fits time-line, symptoms and circumstances extremely well. The consensus of the primary care physician (Justice) primary cardiologist (Katz) and consulting infectious disease specialist(Anastasio) is that after a 28 day antibiotic treatment of Rucephin 2gm IV, I will be restored and no further treatment or care will be needed. They are certain and confident. I am encouraged and hopeful. August 17, I started IV treatment at Twin Cities Hospital outpatient clinic. I have reset my watch to central time, I have unpacked my backpack and extinguished any hope that I would resume and complete my hike this year. In as much as my hike is concluded and all that remains is the conclusion of the medical saga, I have decided this will be my last journal entry. I wish to mention that I am preparing to resume or restart my hike next year. I hope these journal entries have been useful. Best wishes to all of you.Farewell,Rob Holloway"Mr. H"
Date: 2009-01-14
To: NEVER SAY NEVER
Miles today: 0.0

NEVER SAY NEVER! I Thru-Hiked the AT in 2006 with Daisy and swore at that time I wouldn't hike again.Well I guess time heals old wounds.I got the idea to hike again after a couple month's or so.Even though I thru-hiked,I felt I missed out on something.All though I will always cherish that trip .I had a rough time on and off in 06.At the end I was drained at all levels.At Katahdin I was ready to go home.I didn't let myself appreciate what we had done on this adventure.I hope I didn't ruin Daisy and Sizzles accomplishments on this Trip.They both were strong hikers throughout the trip.If it were not for Daisy dream I would have never hiked.THANK YOU.In the thru hikers handbook Wingfoot talks about when you turn into a "HIKING MACHINE".I sure as hell never became a hiking Machine.The only thing I became was a "EATING MACHINE".I think I was a eating machine before I ever stepped on the trail.I became A "SUPER CHARGED EATING MACHINE". IT looks like I still am a eating machine.I'm very happy Railroad and Critter are hiking again.I see that the Minnesota Smith is hiking this year.I still have a lot to do to prepare for this hike.See ya on the trail. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-01-17
To: GET IT TOGETHER MUDFLAP
Miles today: 0.0

It looks like I'm going to try and leave at the end of febuary.I'm already way behind in getting prepared for this thru hike.Like most hikers I'm changing most of my old gear to lighter gear.I wanted to start off in much better shape this time. Thats become a big joke!I will do the best I can with the time left.I'm still buying my gear and clothing also.SEE YA ON THE TRAIL.MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-01-19
To: FORTUNATE IN MANY WAYS
Miles today: 0.0

I'm fortunate in many ways to be able to stop working and hike.Some people thought I was crazy the first time I thru hiked in 06. I was way overweight and way out of shape.I hiked from Amicalola Falls to Neels Gap in 05.Thats about 40 miles of constant up and downs.I read several times if you can hike that stretch you can physically hike the whole trail.(except for a major injury of course)I'm fortunate to have worked the last 14+ years with a great company.Hiking would not be a option without the money I have made over the years.THANKS KENAN.I think my father is the biggest reason for me completing the trail in 06.His work ethic,strong values,and a little bit of stuborness has rubbed off on me.He use to say "I may not be able to out think the next guy , but I can sure try to out work him".I learned a great deal from his examples over the years.THANKS DAD!My girlfriend has been very supportive and helpful. THANKS JJ! Thank you to all the family and friends who supported me in 06 with packages and moral support.THANKS MYRA FOR THE JOURNAL WORK!(LOVED THE COMICS/ARTICLES AND GOODIES)The support means a lot THANK YOU!People I didn't even know sent support to me.In 06 we hiked for a charity and it was a lot of work. This year I would like to mention two good charities in my area.Metropolitian Ministries and Habitat for Humanity. These are thier web sites for more info: www.metromin.orgwww.habitat-hernando.com
Date: 2009-01-24
To: SHOPPING FOR MY NEW HIKING DUDS
Miles today: 0.0

I put shopping off until I was in better shape.That was a big joke I'm in about the same shape I was in 2006.I hope I will loose a little more before I leave.My girl friend and I went to Travel Country Outdoors in Altamonte Springs to do some shopping.I wanted to hit all the small outfitters in my area ,but I was running out of time.I will still get all the last minute things from them.Travel Country Outdoors just has more selection of the top gear choice's .They were very helpful as soon as we walked in the door.On this trip I had three people helping me.I bought a couple general gear items with one employee's help.I also recieved help from KRISPY KRITTER FORMER THRU HIKER.He pointed me in the right direction for clothing options.I was looking at the clothing when KABOOSEY a former thru hiker asked if we needed help.I must have looked like a deer in the headlights with so many changes since 06.I told her what gear items I needed and she showed me all the clothing selections.I'm not a easy fit' lets say I'm at the top of the hiking clothing sizes.Thats a nice way to say I'm fat.KABOOSEY was checking in the back room for other sizes and colors.She was a great help and went out of her way to help me. I got everything I needed except a Down jacket.The down jackets TCO. had were not going to work.It was like trying to squeeze a watermelon into a coke can.Believe thats not a pretty sight.I almost fit into a synthetic jacket, but not quite.KABOOSEY told me I could order a larger down jacket and pick it up.I told her I was going to research it and figure something out.The shopping day was a big success over all.Thanks Travel Country Outdoors for all your help.I have always had good service from outfitters overall.Until my next journal take care.   MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-02-05
To: I THINK I AM READY
Miles today: 0.0

I have been trying to get all my gear selections made.The only piece of major gear I am waitting to show up is my down jacket.I decided on the MOUNTAIN HARDWARE NITROUS jacket. It's a 800 fill goose down that weigh's 12 oz(med.).I talked with several outfitters about my problem with getting a lightweight down jacket to fit me.MOUNTAIN HARDWARE seams to be the best choice to fit my chiseled physique.LOL.My Girlfriend came up with a idea to solve the problem if the jacket does not fit.Make a custom piece of material to bridge the gap between the two zippers.Thats a good idea in theory.I'm sure I would have a new trail name by the second shelter.I would be the comedy relief for weary hikers for month's on the trail.I will get into that jacket one way or another .I found a small outfiffer in Hyde Park area in Tampa.TAMPA BAY OUTFITTERS is a great local store.Egan was very helpful with ordering me a new watch and my down jacket.He informed that due to the ice storms in Kentucky the jacket will be delayed a little bit.We are confident it will show before I leave to hike.I will be able to get any thing I may have forgot here. UNTIL NEXT TIME HYOH. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-02-23
To: 4 DAYS TO GO
Miles today: 0.0

Well I turned in my keys to my place. I sold most of my furniture on craigslist. Most of my possessions are in a 5x8 storage building. I have all my gear excluding a couple add-on items and changes. The jacket I ordered came in Friday thanks to Egan at Tampa Bay Outfitters and Mountain Hardware. They both rock!! This week has been crazy trying to get everything done. JJ has been helping me get all my chores done. I put myself in a hole and she has pulled me out. Thanks, Babe!!! I usually don¢t get behind the 8-ball like this. I'm in terrible shape to hike. I'm only 10 pounds lighter than I was in ¢06. I started to walk daily, but that didn't last long. Either I was busy working or preparing for the hike, and put some laziness in there, too. The sad thing is I get winded going up and down stairs. I'm now 40 years old. I hope I don¢t have a heart attack on the approach trail. That would be embarrassing on many levels. No worries; I have a strong heart. I would like to thank all my family and friends for their support and understanding. I think most people thought I was crazy and I wouldn't last a week out there. Until my next entry, take care and HYOH. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-02-26
To: Pre-hike, Amicalola Falls, here I come!
Miles today: 0.0

Thank you to Dad and Myra for being my support crew while I'm on the trail. Thank you, Russ and Kitty, for getting me to the trail. Thank you, JJ, for putting up with all the craziness and I'm sorry. We left at 6:00 a.m. for Amicalola Falls Park. We arrived at 2:30 p.m. with no problems. I weighed my pack at 39 pounds. That¢s about 5 pounds too heavy. Railroad, Critter, and Chainsaw showed up around 5:00 p.m. It's great seeing them all. We had some beer and dinner and heard some great old stories. We celebrated Laura¢s (Chainsaw¢s girlfriend) birthday. It was a good time for all. I also got to see Walkabout before he goes by me like a rocketship. I think he is going to hike as far as he can until mid-May. He will be hiking with his dog. MOST HIKERS LOVE TO SEE DOGS ON THE TRAIL. It's time to go to bed and get some rest for hiking in the morning. Good luck to all the thru hikers in ¢09. Remember: hike your own hike (HYOH). MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-02-27
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: moderate rain

Title "COLD AND RAINEY START" I started off about 9:30 with Railroad and Critter. Chainsaw was going to catch up to us. We had to turn around and get the fuel I brought for RXR. It was raining and cold when we left and it wasn't going stop. This is normal hiking for the trail. I should have got a extra lung before I left. I was sucking air like crazy. I'm so out of shape, but this will get me in shape or kill me. Chainsaw caught us in no time. He is the fastest of the four of us. I was the first to go down in the mud. That¢s why they call me MUDFLAP. We actually did 10.4 miles today. You don¢t count the approach trail on the AT as miles. We stopped at the plaque to take pictures. Walkabout, Toby(dog), and Joe showed up before we left. We all decided to go to Stover Creek Shelter. We had several hikers at the shelter: RXR, CRITTER, CHAINSAW, WALKABOUT, JOE, TOBY, BLONDIE, JOE, JEFF. We had a great time. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-02-28
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Moutain Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: moderate rain

We had another rainy day on the trail. We planned to have lunch at Hawk Mountain Shelter. The rain started up again before we got there. This shelter was full last night and most of the hikers were only going to the next shelter. We knew there was more wet weather coming so we decided to stay here. The shelter is full with people sleeping on the floor and even under the shelter. There are also 8 to 10 tents up. Cold weather will be here tomorrow. Miles are usually slow in the beginning. Everything is good so far. Thanks for checking out my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-01
From: Hawk Moutain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

The rain stopped before sunrise this morning. We left the shelter when some of the other hikers cleared out. It was packed last night. We had a couple of decent climbs today. They wore me out, I'm so out of shape. The wind started up and the temperature was dropping. It started to snow, light at first. We planned to go further than the next shelter, but there was still room, so we stayed. The snow is heavy now and the temps. are dropping. More hikers showed up + a big group of college students came in. The picnic table was moved so people could get out of the weather. It was comical to watch the students put up a tent without the right poles. Tonight it's going to be in the teens, maybe in the single digits. I will be warm in my sleeping bag. The snow is beautiful in the trees and on the ground. Tomorrow should be clear. Until next time. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Title: Cold and windy When I got up this morning it was 9 degrees. That¢s cold when you¢re out in the woods. Everyone¢s boots and water bottles were frozen. It was quite a chore to put frozen boots on. After awhile they loosened up. It was beautiful hiking in a winter wonderland. I felt very tired today. I became separated from RAILROAD & Critter. I ended up camping by myself. Until next time . . . MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

"ZERO DAY" After a cold night I got up and went down to get some water for the day. On the way down to get water I talked to a hiker who was there when I arrived last night. He told me he was ill and was not feeling well. His name is Steve and he is thru hiking. We would hike together to Neels Gap. The hike was not bad to the top of the Blood Mtn. When we got to the shelter I checked the register, but no entry from RR/Critter. I did not think they would hike down in the dark. As we headed down there were sections where the trail was solid ice. We made it down with no problem. Steve got some Gatorade and checked in to the hostile. I checked my phone for a message from RXR. They had a cabin. They actually started to stay at the shelter, but decided it was too cold so they hiked down in the dark. I bought a microwave burger, candy bar, and a Gatorade. Hiking makes you hungry. I did my shopping at Mountain Crossings. We all went to the office and paid for my portion and bought some spaghetti and sauce for dinner. I have seen many hikers from ¢06. Feng Shui & Burner were out for 5 days. Walkabout is out here until rafting season starts. Chainsaw brought RXR & Critter out. He hiked for 3 days. I ran into Long Island Ice Tea at Gooch Mtn. Shelter. Squirrel works at Mountain Crossings. I also talked to Alpine, who did my pack shakedown in ¢06. I saw Lone Wolf, who seems to be all over the trail. I have also met a lot of hikers that are new to me. I'm not good at remembering names, plus there are too many to mention. I am alive and well. Thanks for checking out my journal. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

"Good Day out of Neels" We packed up this morning and left our warm and cozy cabin. We got on the trail about 9 a.m. after some last minute chores. Usually out of a gap you go right to climbing. Today was no different. We had several slow climbs to do today. Our packs were loaded with several days of food. The snow was starting to melt in some places. The only problem is it's still going to freeze overnight. The trail also gets muddy from all the snow melting. Today was the best hiking day so far. We had several climbs and we had good miles out of town. It's hiker midnight: Time to go to bed. MUDFLAP