morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Manchester, VT, Zero day

To: Manchester, VT, Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take another zero per doc¢s advice. Jim gave us a ride to town to the PO and dropped us off. Sent packages home and ran some errands. Knees feeling better but will find out in the morning if the downtime was effective. Not good to hang out near towns. Spend too much money and easy to get out of the hiking mindset. Nice of Mike to hang out w/ me. It is beneficial to pair up so we can split costs of stuff.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Manchester, VT, Zero day

To: Peru Peak Sh.
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Pack is heavy after stocking enough food for 4-5 days. I¢m trying to eat enough to help maintain my weight. John, (motel owner) and his companion had a fire going in the pit near our room last evening so I went out and sat down and chatted with them. Must have been a couple hours because it was 2300 when I got back to my room. John is from the UK and so is his girl friend. He built the Red Sled Motel over 40 yrs ago. Real nice guy and will do anything for you. Has been giving hikers reduced rates for years. Same cost all year round. Mike and I walked to ¢Bob¢s Diner¢ just up the road for b-fast. This was our fourth visit there. Good food and staff. I had banana nut pancakes and eggs. The best I¢ve ever eaten. Walnuts and bananas w/ maple syrup. A good trail meal! Went back to settle up w/ John then he took us back to the trail head. Started walking North ~1000. Not too tough today and only 10 miles planned. The elevation is getting higher now as the mountains are bigger. At one spot today the path came to a clearing which I thought was a gas pipeline. Nope, it was a ski slope and the path went up to the top where the ski lift was. This is a nice shelter also. A flowing stream ~15 yards in front.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Peru Peak Sh.

To: Greenwall Sh.
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Cool this morning and great for hiking. Thought we were gong to have a nice trail by the elevation profile but it was all rocks and roots, which gives the legs and feet a workout. Knees burning all day even with Advil. Been seeing moose scat the last couple weeks but they are elusive. Got to the shelter ~1730 and the skeeters wanted to taste new blood right away. Set up my tent in the shelter. It¢s not much bigger than my sleeping bag, but no one else in here anyway. Mike¢s daughter and her friend are coming up to visit. So we plan to do an 8 mi. day and meet up with them at VT 103. Will go into Rutland then.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Greenwall Sh.

To: Rutland, VT.
Miles today: 7.8

Peaceful night inside my tent netting. Wind picked up early which usually means a front is moving in. In this case after ~ 12 hour of walking the rain started. Trail not bad and made it to the road by noon. Guide mentions the Whistle Stop Restaurant only 0.5 mi. from the A.T. so we go there and a lady is welcoming us as we approach. She started welcoming hikers last year and enjoys having us there. Both Mike and I order the ¢Hiker¢s Breakfast¢, 2 eggs, meat, home fries, 3 pcs french toast w/ maple syrup, coffee. Then had dessert afterwards. Had ~ a 3 hr. wait for Mike¢s daughter (Selina) to arrive and the restaurant closed at 1500, but the owner said we could hang out on the deck and left the bathroom on the deck unlocked. Asked that we lock it when we leave. Arrived at a motel in Rutland ~ 1830.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Rutland, VT.

To: Rutland, VT. Zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Pouring outside. I¢ve been browsing the web for more info on my knees and looks like I probably have bursitis. So I decided to hang out in the room today to rest and ice the knees. Also ordered a light weight sleeping bag. Will be here tomorrow. It¢s a 35 degree and weighs only 18 oz.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Upper Cold River Road

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Had a lot to do this morning. Selina took us to the P.O. so I could pick up my package from Dee. The new phone I ordered and also the new tent. Tent is a tarp-tent and weighs 28 oz. So with the tent and sleeping bag I reduced my base weight by ~2 12 lbs. Also got my new phone. Not sure if I mentioned it before, but I dropped mine over a week ago and shattered the face. Could still use it, but hard to see much. Mike¢s daughter and Evan then went home. So it was a short day today. Cooper Lodge Sh. is a stone building built by the US Forest Service years ago, but it is trashed now, so we tented nearby. Did have a small clearing that I could see the sun set in the west.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Gifford Woods S.P.
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

We decided to climb up to Killington Peak which is 0.2 from our tents. It is a tough climb, but the view was all but 360 degrees. I¢m sure we saw the mtns we came from and the ones we will hike. Forecast calling for t-storm so we met up with 3 thrus and split the $30 cost for a shelter in the park. Hot showers, ordered pizza. Was a good choice.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Gifford Woods S.P.

To: Wintturi Sh.
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Very nice shelter. Did rain most of the night. The other 3 were a family. The father ¢ Beyonce¢, mom ¢ Frito, and daughter ¢ Sweet Roll.Some tough climbs early and difficult trail conditions, but the 1st sh. was too close so we pushed on to Wintturi Sh.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Thistle Hill Sh.

To: Happy Hill Sh.
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Rained all night and got cool. Was not in a hurry to leave, in fact didn't leave until ~ 1400 when the rain finally slowed up. Didn't matter since the trees drip for hours after the rain stops. Just enough room for Better than Expected and I in the shelter. Beyonce', Frito,Sweet Roll and another guy here. I prepare my spot up in the loft with the other guy. Rained all night - most shelters have metal roofs so it can get loud, but I usually wear ear plugs regardless in shelters.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Happy Hill Sh.

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 5.9

Up ~ 0700 and take off my dry night clothes and put on my wet clothes from yesterday for the trek to Hanover, NH. Excited to get out of VT. As I come out of the woods and onto the paved road there were two homes that had trail magic waiting for hikers out at the ends of their driveways. One had a container with a big jar of animal crackers and sodas. The other had sliced watermelon and a dish of home made banana nut and chocolate chip bread. This last place had a log book for us to sign. So 'BTE' and I signed it with our thanks. The white blazes took us for a 3.5 road walk through the town of Norwich, VT then across the bridge and border into NH to the town of Hanover, NH. This town is noted for the Dartmouth University. Both of these towns are ATC trail Communities. This means they welcome hikers and do their best to accommodate them. We weren't disappointed! We first went to Ramuntos Brick Oven Pizza for lunch and were immediately handed a large slice of pizza. (Later at Lou's Restaurant was handed a large doughnut). After lunch we headed for the co-op market to re-supply and a couple other places. Was getting late and we knew the next shelter would be full, after talking to fellow hikers, so went to the community center and they gave us a list of 'trail angels' that take hikers in. I called Betsy and she said she will pick us up at 1900 after we grabbed something to eat. Turns out it was her house that had the trail magic and the log book. She picked us up, took us to her home and had us put on clothes she had for hikers so we could take showers while she washed our clothes. Her son (who is currently hiking the PCT, had foot issues a couple years ago while hiking the A.T. down south and 'trail angels' took care of him for a week while he healed. So Betsy is 'paying it forward' by taking in hikers. There are ~ 15 'angels on the list in near Hanover and they all know each other. Love this trail community! BTW; the Dartmouth Outing Club 'DOC' maintains over 70 miles of the A.T.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Hanover, NH

To: Velvet Rocks Sh.
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Great night of sleep at Betsy's, aka: Short-n-Sweet. Her husband, aka: Gray Beard, took us back to Hanover ~ 0730. At the bus stop we waited to catch the bus to West Lebanon so I could go to the Urgent Care to have my left knee checked out. X-ray was neg. Doc thinks either bursitis or a meniscus tear. So, back on the trail with pain as my guide. We head up the trail to the first sh. As you can see, I broke my record for the shortest day hiking. But they were positive miles. Nice evening so we both tent tonight.
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Velvet Rocks Sh.

To: Moose Mtn Sh.
Miles today: 9.5

Trying to keep miles down if I can. Tried to take Tylenol to offset the effects of Advil but didn't do anything, So continue advil and watch for the side effects. Skeeters at the shelter are bad so we get a camp fire going ... soon they leave. Carpenter here tonight, met him in Hanover. He said Beyonce' had and issue with an infection on his leg so bad that he is in the hospital. Hoping that it isn't too bad.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Moose Mtn Sh.

To: Fire Wardens Cabin
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Right shin started hurting after leaving Moose Sh. Was real bad going down the mtn. not sure what it could be. Noticed a bruise on my shin but didn't hit it. Feels like someone is kicking it with every step. Rough climb up to the cabin. Went from 880' to 3240'. 5 of us here in the cabin ... Carpenter, Swamp Fox are here. As many more are tenting nearby. This cabin sits on top of Smarts mtn.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Fire Wardens Cabin

To: NH 25 - Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 10.3

Had intentions to make it to a campsite ~ 12 mi but the pain on my shin got worse and my leg was swelling. Tried putting my leg in a stream to help reduce the swelling but didn't help. Decided to make it to Rt. 25 and hitch into Glencliff, NH to the 'hikers welcome hostel', which would have been my destination tomorrow. After ~ 10 min a car pulls over. A woman is driving and a man in the passenger seat drinking a beer. Within 2 min he hands me one. Had 2 by the time I got dropped off at the hostel. After checking in I was handed a cold pack and a tray of cookies. Bunks were full inside so I sleep in an enclosed canopy tonight. Tomorrow will move to a bunk inside.Mike (BTE) decided to continue to the campsite. He'll make his way here tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: NH 25 - Glencliff, NH

To: Glencliff, NH - Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Some hikers left this morning. Stripper, Swamp Fox, Rebel Yell and I are staying another night. 'Packrat' drove us to a small market at lunch time so we could grab lunch and some supplies. Packrat is the owner of the hostel. He has had it for 15 yrs. 'Odie', along with 'Neema' are here doing the 'Hikers Yearbook' for 2015. They travel up and down the trail and take pics and assist hikers as needed, etc. I asked Odie if he had time to take me to the hospital so I could get my leg checked. He took me to the nearest hosp. ~ 1/2 hr away, then waited until I was done. He did not accept any payment - just said to 'pay it forward'. I was diagnosed with a tibia fracture - stress fx. They put my leg in a semi-cast and given crutches. Was to follow up with an ortho doc for an MRI. After some thought, I decided to just come back home and see the doc's here since I knew I'd be off trail for at least a couple weeks. I contacted Dee and since she did not work tonight, she drove up here. Got here ~ 0945 Monday and we left for home ~ 1000. Back in PA at 1900. Was a bit 'out of sorts' for a while.
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Home 

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sorry for the lack of entries. Been mostly resting my legs. Cat scan on my right leg showed no fracture, only soft tissue damage - pre fracture. So that is healing fine. Left knee is still painful going up and down. X ray showed nothing remarkable (arthritis), so doc gave it a cortisone injection and some exercises to do. Shot is supposed to last 4 -6 months ... hoping! Right now I'm waiting for it to take effect. Then I'll start getting back in shape, as I've been a bit lazy these last two weeks. Hoping to get back on the trail in ~ 2 weeks. The pic above shows the tapping system they are using to get the sap to a central location. The smaller green/blue Teflon tubing is attached to many trees, then there is a larger diameter black tube that they are attached to. The black tubing will run down the mountain to a central container. This all works by gravity. They were not hooked up now as the trees produce the sap in the cold months.
Date: 2015-09-03
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi folks, finally have something to share. The shot on 7-6 did not work so on 7-17 doc said an MRI is needed to see deeper. Duh! A couple days later doc office called and said the MRI will only get approved if I do 30 days PT first. Am pissed! I called my insurance co and questioned the need for PT. They told me that the MRI was indeed approved without PT. Not sharing my thoughts here ....MRI done on 7-24. results appointment not until 8-3 ... which confirmed a femur condyle stress fracture. Three options: crutches, cane or adjustable hinged knee brace. Opted for the brace as I already have crutches and they're dangerous. Meanwhile I felt the need for a second opinion after this crap. That appt. was 8-17 - they confirmed the results. So, knee brace came in on 8-20 and looks like another 4 - 6 weeks to recover. This whole ordeal has been at the least frustrating. All the appointments were at their convenience since this injury is not an emergency and apparently they didn't think urgent. Even though I had been walking untreated for a couple months. Anyway, can walk on flat surfaces w/o pain. Still some going up and down.The pic above is the front view and shows the dark areas as good bone and the white half of the condyle indicates bone marrow edema seeping through the fracture lines. Still hoping to jump back on this year yet to do kick up some dust down south.
Date: 2015-04-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After having completed 2 South to North thru-hikes 7 years apart, I got the itch to start a third hike 7 years after my last one. This hike will only be a South to North hike beginning in PA about 4 miles from my house near 501 shelter to the Northern terminus at Katahdin in Maine. For those of you that are not familiar with the location of the 501 shelter, it's approximately 100 miles North of the AT halfway point. I started section hiking back in the 80's. I enjoyed the physical challenge, being in nature, and always wondered where the next blaze would take me. In 2001, the opportunity to take six months off became a reality.
Date: 2015-04-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

I was 53 on my first thru hike in 2001. That thru hike was fast paced, only taking 5 zero days, and the goal was to finish as quickly as possible as I was still working at the time and had clients waiting for me to start jobs on my return. I finished a couple of days short of 5 months. I lost about 45 lbs. Did I enjoy it? Yes and no. I enjoyed the fact that I could say I finished, but I regretted not taking the time to enjoy just the beauty of the trail. In 2-3 years I began to get the urge to do it again, and this time slower. It took me another 4 years to make that dream possible again. In 2007, I again started at Springer Mtn in Georgia. As I mentioned in the "about me" section, this was not to be the year for another thru-hike. As soon as I got home though, coming back in 2008 was already on my mind.
Date: 2015-04-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

In 2008, I decided to try for another thru-hike. I like to complete what I start, so it was not acceptable to do anything but finish another thru hike, from beginning to end. For the first time, I started with a hiking partner. As many will find out, different paces and different hiking styles make it very difficult to stay together. You will naturally end up hiking with others that have the same pace and same goals and that is not necessarily the person you start with. This thru-hike, I took more time to enjoy each day and took 6 months to complete. I hiked with different groups along the way, but I met Lil'Mak 30 miles from the start at Neels Gap. We had the same pace and naturally ended up at a lot of the same places each night and got to know each other well. Eventually our hiking partners in our group parted for one reason or other, and we were left walking together. We finished the trail together and continue our life journey together still. After finishing the trail, we felt like we wanted to give back to the trail in some way. A year and a half later, the caretaker position came open at 501 shelter. We jumped at the chance and got the position. We remained for 3 years and got to see a lot more of what it takes to maintain the trail and became active with the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club (BMECC) that maintains roughly 62 miles of the AT in PA. I am currently the shelter chairman and Lil'Mak and I maintain a 2 1/2 mile side trail and 1 1/2 mile section of the AT. Overall it has been a great experience and we have a new appreciation for all the volunteer time and hard work that goes into just making the trail possible.
Date: 2015-04-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

The nice thing about having done this before is that I know what works for me and what doesn't. I only bought a few new items for this hike, a new sleeping bag, a new Jet Boil, and a new sleeping pad. I also decided to try a new method of water treatment. My pack weighs roughly 28 lbs with 4 days of food and 2 liters of water. I'm starting out with a new pair of Merrill boots, a model that I also wore in 2008. It works great for me and I am lucky they still make it. I have seen so many foot problems from improper shoes. It is one of the most important pieces of gear.As for getting in shape, I will let the trail do that for me. I plan to start out slow and steady and in 2-3 weeks your body will adjust.
Date: 2015-04-20
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

The original plan was to start on April 20th but since the weather was not cooperating, the start is now Tuesday the 21st. My friend Thorny from the 2008 AT hike came up to start with me and was going to spend a night out but instead we ended up getting a good breakfast, follow by shopping at Cabela's. I bought another pair of Merrill boots for later in the trip if I need it. The rest of the day was spent reminiscing about past hikes.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Rt 501

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out with another great breakfast at the Midway (gotta fuel up) and Thorny and I drove to Rt 501 around 7 am. I was expecting the trai to be a swamp after all the rain yesterday but it wasn't really that bad. Aahh, the familiar rocks...Having done this section hundreds of times (since it is around the area the 501 caretakers are required to keep clean) there weren't any surprises. We made Hertlein campsite around 11 a.m. Thorny had to get home, so at this point he wished me luck and turned around to hike back to his car (a 12 mile round trip for him). He hopes to meet me in Maine and do the 100 mile wilderness with me. We did this together in July 2013. I went trudging on by myself. It was around 1 pm when I crossed Rt 183 and decided to have lunch. Too early to stop at the campsites in that area, I decided to continue to Eagle's Nest shelter. I did not see anyone today until I got to the shelter. There was a couple from TN doing a section hike, and a guy who was carrying way too much! His pack weighed 100 lbs. He was carrying a bow and arrows among who knows what else. He was planning to go to Georgia, but after discussing options, decided to head back home. I set up my tent at one of the campsites and had a good night sleep until I heard rain drops somewhere around 3 am. Luckily it was just a quick shower. All in all a good 1st day...
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Eagles Nest

To: Home
Miles today: 9.3

Woke at daylight and made breakfast (danish and instant breakfast shake) and tea. I was not in a rush as the plan was to make it to Port Clinton and be picked up by Lil'Mak for a night at home. The terrain was nice and made good time. I only stopped to fend off a huge black snake guarding the trail. I was almost down the mountain when unfortunately it started to pour. I quickly donned my rain gear and pack cover and ran for the PC Hotel. Oh yes, a beer was waiting for me (bought by my fellow hiker with the 100 lb pack). Then I got to hang out at the pavilion to wait for Lil'Mak to pick me up after work. Now I'm snug as a bug and very comfy after a nice hot shower, some pizza and tiramisu. Wow, the hiker hunger doesn't take long to hit. Off to PC in the morning with the goal of Eckville in mind.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Home

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Got an early start from Port Clinton as Lil'Mak dropped me off on her way to work. Cold start for this time of year. Pocahantas spring was really flowing. Started to notice white flakes and looked around trying to find where the dogwood trees were...only to realize they were snowflakes. It continued all day. Happily nothing stuck to the ground. Made pulpit rock where I ran into 2 day-walkers. They are the only ones I saw while hiking. I stopped at the Pinnacle to take in the nice view while eating lunch. Made the last 7 miles to the shelter by 2pm. Caretaker Mick and I shot the breeze for a while in the house giving me a chance to warm up. By about 5pm Walk About Man showed up. He was my age and made good company for the night (going South so I won't see him again). It was another cold night but it was great to have 4 walls and no wind.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Rt 309 Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at first light knowing I would be in a warm bed tonight. The goal was to meet Lil'Mak somewhere around 1 or so at the Blue Mountain Summit B&B and Restaurant. It was a cold walk up Hawk Mountain first thing in the morning. The view from Pulpit Rock made it worthwhile though. Hiked through the boulder fields they call the trail. I took a short break at Allentown shelter. I didn't see anyone today until the last 4 miles when I met a lot of weekenders heading out. From there to the road it was a pretty easy 4 miles but pushed probably the last 2 miles to try to make it by 1 for Lil'Mak. We have been in this area quite a few times before but this was the first time the restaurant was actually open (they are only open from Thurs - Sun). We decided to have lunch before heading home. There was only one other couple that walked in at the same time we did. We sat in adjoining booths. I ordered a cheeseburger and beer but stopped after about 3 bites due to extreme tiredness and neusea. Lil'Mak was getting nervous as I never stop in the middle of a meal and not finish it. I leaned against the wall in the booth and the next thing I know I was laying on the floor wondering how I got there. I was told that I just went limp (lost consciousness) for about 2 minutes. The guy in the next booth slid me to the floor thinking I was having a seizure. The owner called 911 and Lil'Mak filled them in on what happened. Once the ambulance showed up they started asking me questions, and I was still going in and out. They decided I should go to the hospital as my blood pressure was extremely low (somewhere around 70/30). Long story short, after a side trip of about 6 hours, I was declared free to go home. Diagnosis---dehydration. I guess the cold weather, pushing it more than I maybe should have all played a part. You just don't think about drinking much when it's cold. This is the last trip home before I am out of range for Lil'Mak to have a chance to bring me home for a night.