morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-24
To: R&R
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

(Entry by ZipLoc): He lives and breathes!Hawk is fine, as this picture shows. He has cleaned up well, had his booboo attended to, and is ready to head (no pun intended) back to the trail.It seems as if the message got out that, instead of a small wound to the head, that Hawk had been hit in the head with the dull side of an axe and was very seriously wounded. A call was made (from off the trail) that he needed help, and aproximately 50 people arrived almost instantaneously.Many thanks to all of the people who responded. Hawk and AlleyCat were amazed by the responsiveness and thoroughness of all of the teams who turned out and were glad that a trail evacuation were not needed.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-05-27
From: R&R

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

(Entry by ZipLoc): Great news off the trail!AlleyCat's sister has finished school. YAY!AlleyCat was delighted to come off the trail for a few days to witness the last of the clan's high school graduation. And to let her feet recover a little. And see how real clothes feel!A beautiful day at LV, with Perry being certainly the prettiest, smartest, and most well-rounded grad. Also a sad day for friends, faculty, and family, as Perry is the last LV student in the family (at least for this generation).Hawk was able to join the family for a quick dinner before he and AlleyCat headed back to the trail. 15 miles a day from now on - at least that's the plan.XOXOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Home

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

(Entry by ZipLoc): Another Day Another State!AlleyCat TM'ed tonight to say that not only had she and Hawk returned to the trail but they made their way clear up to Maryland! Sixteen miles (the 26 reported above is just to get the totals back on track) is really fantastic, considering that this is the first day back.They've been planning to do around 15 miles a day, possibly more, so they will have some latitude when they hit the northern states. As I understand it, Maryland through Massachusetts is pretty flat and straight-forward (other than the heat and bugs). Once they hit Vermont, and especially New Hampshire, the daily miles will drop down to 10 or so. At the same time, the chance for injury and exhaustion will be much higher. The more miles that they can do in a safe and enjoyable fashion now the better.No stops home are planned from here on out. But they're always welcome!Watch those footfalls.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Trail or no trail?
Miles today: 0.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Trail or no trail?AlleyCat called in yesterday, having just returned to the trail. She drove down to HF with Hawk after Perry's graduation. Perhaps the return to the other world triggered some thinking. Maybe it was Hawk's problems with his pack, or AlleyCat's foot pain. Or something else got her thinking. Either way, she said she was planning to return home and end her time on the trail.Harpers Ferry is a major accomplishment for her. It's the half-way point, represents getting through Virginia, and completes three months on the trail.Every day - every single footstep - is more time than most of the population probably spends in the wilderness. There is a stake in the ground at Springer Mountain and another one in Maine, but they are artificial markings that humans place, not life or death goals that MUST be met. One day on the trail is 1-30 miles. One month is around 350 miles. A hike can start and end whenever one wants it to.Fortunately, no medical or trauma exists that appears to be at issue here. Hawk's head injury seems to have already passed into history and is a funny story about a misinterpreted emergency. I think that the issue here is one of what does one AlleyCat want to do. If she wants to hike another day, or month, or 75 days to Maine that's all great. The trail should not be about a goal as much as a journey. Journeys change and, after some thinking, one should not force oneself to do that which is no longer fun and desired.We welcome her opening herself to this possibility and support her decision to place another foot northward or homeward. She will sleep on it and let us know her thoughts tomorrow.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-05-31
To: Pennsylvania
Miles today: 60.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Welcome to Pennsylvania!AlleyCat and Hawk have returned to the trail, figured out that the trail is the right place to be today, and have marched on to PA.AlleyCat reports that she's doing well and is continuing on the trail for the time being. Perry will be joining them next week, which will be great fun for all.They did 15, 4, 17, and 17 miles over the last 4 days, which is terrific and puts them right on schedule. The weather has been nice and the trail is flattening out for the next 400 miles or so.AlleyCat had her trademark smile back in her voice tonight, which is always a treat to hear. No reports of bulls, bear, or other issues. Just good hiking days.Cheers!ZipLoc
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

(Entry by ZipLoc): They have arriven indeed!AlleyCat called in this morning to report that she and Hawk had passed the actual halfway point sign for the AT and were motoring ahead just fine. The picture that accompanies this entry was taken by Riels and pasted by ZipLoc with thanks and hopes Riels doesn't mind. There are no pictures from the valiant hikers this week, so this will have to do!This week has proven to be a 120 miler. They stopped yesterday to swim in a little lake in PA, probably looking as odd to the locals who were swimming as the locals looked to them. Yesterday also included what is apparently an AT tradition: matching the walking to the halfway point with eating a half gallon of ice cream. Several other hikers accomplished this life affirming goal, but AlleyCat barely finished 1/2 of the 1/2. Hawk knew better and skipped the whole thing. The day included a little rumbling tummy for AlleyCat from that point on. AlleyCat is excited about the next four states: NJ, NY, CT, and MA should all pass in rather quick succession. AlleyCat's sister Perry is planning to join them this week, and their dad is trying to reprioritize his life to have time to spend a day (or longer) with them. He reports that it's way too easy to let business and volunteer obligations clutter an otherwise easy schedule to go hiking. Or is it that he's afraid of ticks and blisters? Time will tell!Next stop Duncannon, where AlleyCat will hopefully report in herself, buy new shoes (was that Port Clinton?) and carry onward and Northward.Hoping that each step opens more horizons and fewer blisters!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Mile 1141

To: Mile 1160
Miles today: 22.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Turbo Time!AlleyCat and Hawk are motoring through the beautiful state of Pennsylvania, having done 23 miles yesterday and 22 today.There's a big reunion planned for this weekend, as AlleyCat's sister and dad joins the fearless duo. Perry will be with them for several days (weeks?) (months?) and her dad will be just doing a trial run for two short nights. He assures everyone that it's only because he's really busy and not because he's a wimp .Hopefully more pix will be posted next week.And take care of your feet, they're what're helping you turbo on.XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-06-16
To: Blairstown, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): 881.9 to go!AlleyCat arrived in Blairstown, NJ today. She looks great and happy. She came off the trail to spend a few days with her family, which is great. It's her gift for Father's Day and her dad's birthday.A few scrapes here and there but in great health and no blisters.Happy Dad's Day!ZipLoc
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! I can't believe I made it back to my home state. PA was a real accomplishment. Those crazy rocks were really a pleasure to finish. Hawk and I did some pretty good miles through the state and are honestly feeling pretty beat up. The trail ahead is exciting, however, and we are determined to push on! From sore feet to my extremely sore knees, our bodies have really been pushed, and while I love this trip dearly and always will, I look forward to getting enough rest after Maine to resume my normal joints and muscles. The next four states should zoom by, and Hawk and I feel good about finishing before school begins. I am just SO GLAD to be done with PA! A lot of people started to lose it in the farmland state. We saw people hitching, getting off the trail period, blue-blazing, getting really stuck in towns, getting off for a few weeks and being generally very, very unhappy. As Mt Cameron noted in a register - "PA Blues are much worse!". In VA, its important to make it to Harpers and get half-way. The views are amazing and the terrain is smooth and gentle. In PA, you make it half-way, you have proven you can walk for a long, long time, there are a million roads, insane rocks that have been sprinkled to aggravate your feet and take your mind's attention, and one gets to wondering what the heck they are trying to prove. No matter - it's over now! When we look at the AT map now, it really looks like we've made some serious progress and that most of the trail is behind us, as it is! Hawk and I both had moments when we were down, and really tried hard to lift each other up to make it though another day. There were so many road crossings it became hard to avoid constant town stops and meals, which really distracted us from the Trail, even when they tasted soooo delicious! We may not be the fastest cats on the trail (many of our Feb friends are wayyy up north), but we are consistent. Hawk and I made a deal a long time ago: No matter what, we hike together, and we don't skip. That way we have a great feeling about the character of our trip, and it motivates us to keep going because we have literally walked every mile! After all we've been through, it would be a shame to stop now. Also, if (god-forbid) we have to get off per injury, we know that we have nowhere else to make up, and we have no regrets. Once you skip, it seems, you have a tendency to continue to skip. We have taken two days to heal and rest. We are both EXHAUSTED and really beat. It's great to be at home, clean, and able to take care of freshman forms.
Date: 2007-06-23
To: Greenwood Lake, NJ
Miles today: 77.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Back in the home state - but not for long!AlleyCat has been cranking out 20 mile days thru NJ, collecting berries on the way and playing her new guitar.It's amazing to think of how "new" hikers pack their backpacks compared to thru-hikers, but I doubt any new hiker would find enough room in their pack (a medium sized pack at that) to fit a guitar INSIDE the pack and still have room for food, water, a sleeping bag, thermarest, and (some) clothes. Amazing.AlleyCat bought a small guitar last weekend, when she visited home for Fathers Day. The week has been spent in hiking and playing the guitar, which she sadly gave up this weekend in exchange for 6 bagels.She's doing well, with just a hint or two of poison ivy, continued sore feet and knees but no blisters. She describes the soreness as simply having walked too much, not because anything is really wrong. Smiling from ear to ear.Today AlleyCat's sister and dad visited her and Hawk near Greenwood Lake, NY, which is just over the border from NJ. Lunch was had at a funny diner that seemed to be out of about half the things they wanted, but neverthess satisfying.Next stop is Bear Mountain park and then across the Hudson River into the "other" part of New York State as they head towards CT and MA.Cheers!ZipLoc
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Greenwood Lake, NJ

To: North of William Bryan Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Marching onwards!AlleyCat called today a couple of times to say "hi." She's in great spirits and her feet are behaving themselves quite well.Yesterday was a 19.5 mile day, with good weather. Same expected today, although she'd "only" done 12 miles by 3pm. She expects to hike until about 7-8pm tonight. 20 milers seem particularly important now, as she needs to "bank" some extra miles before hitting New Hampshire, where the days might be 10 miles.She says that the New York hills are rolling along, with some steep climbs and something known as "the lemon squeeze." Sounds tasty, but I doubt it is.The water has definately headed downhill. Where water was once clean, fast running, and higher-altitude spring-based, it's now stagnant and muddy. Some "trail angels" have been leaving water in jugs for the hikers, but otherwise it's time for the old water pump AND purification pills.And, yes, she's munching down on the bagels from yesterday.XOXOX, AlleyCat!
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Bear Mountain

To: Hudson River - and then some!
Miles today: 0.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Crossing the Hudson and crossing 1-4-0-0!Fourteen hundred miles down! Wow, what an accomplishment. Not much to report except for speculation on the net worth of J.K. Rowling. Sounds like everyone's beginning to focus on the release of the next Harry Potter!Congrats!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-06-27
To: Connecticut here she comes!
Miles today: 0.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): New York weren't that big, eh?AlleyCat reports in that she and Hawk are just about to reach Connecicut, sore feet and 95F temperatures notwithstanding. She says it's been "two super hot days" and "sores on feet." Not positive, but a significant break in the weather is just about to hit, with rains tonight and much lower temps on Friday.Mind them feet, AlleyCat!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-07-01
To: Pawling, NY
Miles today: 73.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): Connecticut here she comes!AlleyCat stopped by home for Friday night a little unexpectedly. After taking care of some logistics, she was back on the road (trail, I mean!) and is currently just entering Connecticut.She's been doing great mileage and remains on schedule as she prepares for New Hampshire.She described New York as "PUDS" - pointless ups and downs. It doesn't sound like there were lots of tough hills, just lots of hills.Aside from a tiny bit of poison ivy, she's in fine shape and marching onwards and northwards.Cheers to all!ZipLoc
Date: 2007-07-03
To: Onward to Massachusetts
Miles today: 47.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): AlleyCat to hit MA!(Not her ma, MA - as in Massachusetts).19 miles on Sunday, around Kent, CT. 25 miles yesterday to Fall Village, CT. Today should be 26 miles!She's doing great, with cool weather in the area and fast trails. She's happy and seems very pleased with her progress. Possible zero day tomorrow or Thursday to rest and avoid what might be a lot of rain.Keep an eye on those steps, AlleyCat!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-07-05
To: Belton, MA
Miles today: 28.0

(Entry by ZipLoc): 28 miles ain't "motoring along" - it's racing!AlleyCat and Hawk are almost to Vermont, having done several 20+ mile days. Today was 28 miles of racing!AlleyCat reports an injury to one of her toes, with what sounds like a bite or bone irritation. Stay tuned.Otherwise, all's well with the dynamic duo!XOXOXZipLoc
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Bennington, VT

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, my dear friends, this entry I write bittersweetly. I have returned home after making it to Bennington, VT, having decided to retire this journey for the time being. My dream of becoming a 'thru-hiker' will not be realized, though I fully intend to finish hiking the trail, probably over the next summers. We hit our Vermont cabin outside of Bennington, and I have felt unable to go on with peace in my heart. I'm returning to society and college, and will seek the wilderness again soon as I need it. Hakan "Hawk" has been so supportive and loving, and I want to just thank him for all of his goodness and grace. I love you!! 1600 miles. A million memories. A journey for the future. I really have no excuses. I have just had enough for this go, and have had enough for a good many miles. I do still love,need, and adore hiking and can't wait to see the beautiful north of the Trail(!), when I am in a place to enjoy it more. Thank you so much for your support and love. Congrats to Fedex, guthook and the good fellas,and to everyone who walks with purpose. "Content I walk the open road."The AlleycatAlice Hodgkins
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Friends of the Trail, Hello, after a long gap! This Alleycat here, and as I type I am surrounded by many books, boxes and suitcases that are being hauled off to college... TODAY! Wow. After leaving the Trail last month, I have had a very interesting time of it. I have really struggled to adjust to society and have also had many problems with my body, most of them involving my knees. I have been pretty much unable to run or walk for long amounts of time, and will take to swimming/biking/yoga in college to try and let them build back up. So... how do I feel about leaving the trail? Well, looking back now I feel sad that I didn't get to Maine, but I made it so darn far that I feel that I really got to know the trail and trail community. I was so beat when I left, and in need of family and rest that I do not regret, but only wonder sometimes. The obsession has left me, and been replaced with an odd sort of wisdom. I grew up a lot on that old pathway, and what the AT experience gave me I will never forget - a new take on life, God, family, love, and this world. So many of you were so supportive when I got off, and I have found gratefulness in the smallest of experiences - especially my bed, a/c, and no bugs. I did get stung by a bee on my porch yesterday, but no matter! Since I am heading to college in CT, I will try to hit the trail as often as possible, and work away at those last 550 miles I did not walk from Bennington to Mt. Katahdin. I've learned that plans seldom work out as you expect them to. :0) I am at peace about the AT, and when I left I had little left to give. Now I have more, and have rested deeply, and though I won't know what the AT has totally meant for maybe years to come, I am thankful for the love I have found and the peace I have come to know... 'tis a gift to be simple - 'tis a gift to be free. I will always hold "Alleycat" in my heart as a testament to this fact.My prayer is that God walk with all of you and give each of you what your hearts desire.Peace,Alice-Your DevotedAlleycat
Date: 2008-05-15
From: New Haven, CT

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hello again, Trailjournals! I am back online after my first year of college and a year away from the trail! I have decided to finish my thru-hike and will be starting in Vermont and working my way up North. Yahoo!! I can't wait to see what adventures this new trip will bring. My emotions are restored, my knees feel a lot better, and I have a new motivation to get back out there! I'll be taking it nice and easy, and will be looking forward to hitting the beach at the end of thie trip. Lots of hugs and love to those back home!!Thanks to everyone who is supporting me and this trip... see the rest of you out there!
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Kilington, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Dear friends!Hello from Rutland Vermont!! After a full week of hiking, Hawk and I have made it here safely. It's been pretty rainy/muddy/cold/damp but my spirits couldn't be higher. I'm so excited to be out here in the mountains, and we've been taking it nice and comfortably intense enough to really enjoy every moment. We've climbed Goddard, Stratton, Kilington, and countless other hills and mountains, stayed at the ski patrol hut on top of Bromley Mountain near the ski lift, and have really been having a heck of a time out here! The trail is really empty, but it's nice to be out here in the backcountry feeling isolated after a full year of college and all of its excitment. It's rained everyday here in Vermont, as some freak weather storm system makes its way up the East Coast. Our next stop is Hanover in about 5 days or so... I can't wait to be out of Vermont... it just feels like I'll never leave, especially after getting off both the LT and AT in 06 and 07 here. Today we woke up at 4 am to hike to Kilington's PO before 12, and made it in really great time. Very happy to have showered at the 12 tribes hostel, and we're getting back on the trail tonight. It is so nice to wake up on the trail. We might do a "nero" (near-zero) tomorrow to let our bodies catch up with us. We are in great shape, and it feels so healthy to be out of urban New Haven. Mentally and physically we are feeling cleansed. Hoping to get to see some family in Maine and New Hampshire, but we'll see! Lots of hugs to all in NC, CA, NJ and everywhere you might be... hope to update soon!
Date: 2008-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello from MAINE!!!!!We have finally crossed the threshold into the final state of our long trip. Ashley "Bama" Zeiger has joined us for the past 6 days and 33 miles through the Mahoosucs and the infamous Notch. After a few rainy days and insanely complex rock formations that we scrambled our way through, we made it to Bethel Maine in one piece. We can see the end of the trail approaching in 270 miles, and every step seems precious. The wilderness up here is unlike any wilderness in the whole trail... pure, untouched land, no tourists, and lots peace of mind up here. The flies aren't great, but the views and majestic landscapes make everything worth it. Katahdin here we come!!!Love to all family and friends.Alice
Date: 2008-05-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello from Stratton, ME! Currently at the Stratton Motel waiting for my aunt to join us on the trail for 9 days to Monson, ME! We are FINALLY under 200 miles to go. Very exciting. We had a terrible heatwave this week over the near Andover section, especially over Old Blue/Moody Mtn, that finally broke with a long rain. We went into town in Rangely for dinner and met a neat hiker named Chef who is hiking for "hope" to inspire and raise money for chemo patients. Check out his site at www.hike4hope.net! Then we had a most lovely day over Saddleback, The Horn, and Saddleback Jr. Thought we could see Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin at the same time, but we just aren't sure if it was both of them! All is well here and I'm enjoying a Maine Moxie root beer drink. Lots of love to all friends and family!
Date: 2008-05-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear friends and family, Hello again from the comforts this time (finally!!! home!!!) of New Jersey. With three days to go until another departure, I wanted to wrap up the trail journey of Summer 2008 with some final comments. After saying goodbye to my dear aunt in Monson, after she hiked with us for over 70 miles in 7 days - totally hardcore, Hawk and I watched Monson fireworks at their summer festival and had a great night's sleep at Shaw's lodging. We entered the hundred mile wilderness in disbelief that so much of the summer had finally gone by. After many days and weeks and months of hiking, we were there! In the last stretch. The mood was surreal. We met tons and tons of ripe southbounders who eagerly looked ahead to the months before them. I felt the weight of the trail and all I had learned pressing up against me when I looked in their eyes and recognized that same eagerness in myself. In the end, Hawk and I decided, carefully, to leave the trail at the Gulf Hagas point, about 50 miles before the end of the official AT. Who knows if we will be back or not?? Wrapping it all up just seemed too simple, to uncomplicated, to cover all that we had learned and been and known on that footpath. It wasn't the right time to end this neverending journey of learning. Katahdin is still the mystery it has been for all these years. I want to thank all my family and friends and supporters for helping me to walk these miles, in my own way, and in my own time. You all have been crucial to this journey. And, of course, my love and supporter - Hakan - you are an embodiment of what I have grown to understand on this trail. Thank you. May you walk in love with God's mercy and faith before you all. Peace!!Signing out, The Alleycat