morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-14
From: 1228.5 Footbridge Camp

To: Day 93 - Footbridge Camp to Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 17.4

Heavy rain last night. The Big Agnes three man is leaking at the fly seams. Clearly not happy with this tent. First the body, now the fly. Mike used his rain jacket to stop the leak. Fortunately there was no wind with the rain.We hiked out in the damp fog and found that we are definitely in North Pa. Rocks. Rocks. Rocks. On a sunny day it wouldn't be too bad, but it's like they've been sprayed with oil when they're wet. Very slow going.Nat needs a zero. She's very tired. I'm glad she's here so I can use her for an excuse; I need a zero too. We had talked about taking two days off at the half way mark but never did. The only zero was for my injured leg and M and N ran around all day getting supplies and seeing Andi and Yvanna off to D.C. We need to get to town early, do our business and then do nothing for a day. Feet up, sipping cold beverages.Back to today's hike. We climbed to Dan's Pulpit for an excellent view of clouds and continued on to Rte. 309 where we got some water. We met VooDoo on the way who has been hiking with Chip the last few days. They're trying to make Palmerton today. There was rain in the air so we made for Bake Oven Knob Shelter hoping to keep somewhat dry. We didn't make it. The storm caught us on a section of trail called the Knife's Edge, a boulder field too precarious to be climbed in the rain. We had no choice but to pick our way slowly over the sharply angled boulders. We stayed together to help each other over the more difficult parts. Every one of us had a near miss. It was a dangerous game in the rain.After the Edge there was a short climb, more boulders and more rain before we made it to the shelter. Daddy Long Legs was there with Chip. Chip said Voodoo had set up before the rain. We must have passed her and not seen her. M and N are staying in the shelter, I'm more comfortable in the tent. I'm calling the Administrator for a chat and then to sleep.Good NightP.S. No pictures today, too wet and too dangerous.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Day 94 - Bake Oven Shelter to Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 8.0

Natalie was up early and said she didn't feel well so we packed up quickly and hiked eight miles into Palmerton. Water has been scarce, even with the rain, and we were glad to find some trail magic as we headed for town. Water, food and supplies from an angel. Thank you.   We crossed the Leighigh River a mile out of town where the local Lutheran Minister offered us a ride to the town center. Natalie and Mike walked to the local hospital to see if they could diagnose the problem while I took all our gear to the laundry to wash.I figured I'd be there for a bit and I was; five hours. It appears that Natalie has an infection that they'll treat with antibiotics and rest. We'll take a zero here Wednesday and see how she's doing. Fighting the infection, along with the high miles and tough terrain, really tired her out.Meanwhile, back at the laundry, I'm starvin'! Some of the other thrus are in town staying at the hostel. Fonz, Chip, VooDoo the Maine Sistahs and J Rex all came in to wash clothes. We took turns watching each others gear while we went out for food. Not that there's much to worry about in this town. Everyone seems genuinely friendly toward hikers.I went next door to Bert's. I grabbed a quick sandwich and soda. Good food. Nice people. I went back later for a chocolate milkshake. Yum! When the kids got back from the hospital they were hungry, so we all went there for dinner. I'm three for three.After dinner we needed to get to the motel about seven miles out of town. We decided to stay there so that Nat would get the rest she needed. There weren't many options to get there besides hitching. The woman who runs Bert's, Tracey, called her husband, J.D., who dropped what he was doing and came out to drive us over. Honestly, I had said last night that the only trail magic in Pa. had come from a fellow hiker from Oregon and a father, John, and his two young sons who had just moved here two weeks ago. Then today, when it was so needed, there it was; on the trail into town, the ride in from the minister, and J.D. and Tracey going out of their way to help. Your kindness won't be forgotten.If anyone reading this is ever in Palmerton, Pa. stop into Bert's for good food, great shakes, and remarkable fellowship. Thank you so much J.D. and Tracey!We settled in at the motel, thanks to the Administrator, and prepared for a day off. Ahh!TTFN
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Palmerton

To: Day 96 - Palmerton to Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Natalie is still not feeling very well.We were lucky enough to get a ride back to the trail from Jerry and Laura whose son, trail name Bud [Jesse], is thru hiking. They've come out from Indiana to do some trail magic and to give Bud and his friends a chance to slack pack. Bud, Turtle and Flea did 25 miles yesterday and are recouping at the motel so Jerry is driving us to Palmerton. Thanks Jerry and Laura!The climb out was steep, as in hand over hand scrambling, but fun. A nice dry day as we took our time picking a safe route to the top. Amazing how a change in the weather and a little rest can change your attitude. The top of the climb used to be a zinc mining operation and they are trying to reclaim the area. Nice views to town and the river. Lots of blueberries and blackberries alond the way.The kids caught up and we took a break. I thought we should go to Wind Gap where there was a clinic open until eight, Mike and Natalie weren't sure they wanted to do the twenty miles. I headed out. The terrain, while rocky wasn't bad. Again, a dry day makes all the difference. around 1:30 I stopped for lunch and M and N came by, but they moved further down the trail to eat. When I caught up to them there was a sign that said Wind Gap was 10 1/2 miles away. I said we could be there by six, but Mike didn't want to push it. They'll come into town tomorrow. I hiked on and got there at 5:30.   I went to a place called the Beer Stein, a pub that allows camping out back on a huge field. After eating and a few beers I set up my tent and walked down to the store. There were a few others camping there. No one I knew. Well time for bed. I'm thinking they'll be adjusting Nat's meds tomorrow, we'll see.Night All.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Wind Gap

To: Day 97 - Wind Gap to Mt. Minsi
Miles today: 13.1

Natalie and Mike got into Wind Gap early and I met them at the clinic. We were there for three hours, but finally got some answers. The lab results from Palmerton showed no Lyme Disease, but a resistant infection that required a stronger antibiotic. We all hope this puts an end to the problem.Because the infection and the cure can be debilitating, Mike and Natalie are going to have to hike at a slower pace while doing less miles. I have a date with the Administrator in New York state on the 25th and 26th where I'll be taking time off. So, the plan is to have me hike ahead to make up for the time I'll be off. Natalie and Mike will take their time and catch up with me and Amy in N.Y.It sounds logical and it is. I'm still sick at the idea of hiking without the kids. I need them to keep me in line. It just makes sense for me to make up the days now while they go slowly. Besides, the way my feet feel they'll probably be waiting for me in N.Y.I started today's hike at noon. I had planned on getting to Delaware Water Gap 15 miles away. By 5:30 I was done. 13 miles was enough. Rocksylvania really beat me up today. The first four or five miles today was boulder field after boulder field. It was like trying to walk on a room full of bowling balls, except the bowling balls here have sharp edges. It seemed like every third step you'd get caught on, trip over, or twisted by a rock you somehow didn't see. Your eyes never leave the ground, scouting for the hidden assassins. Even the new shoes are taking a beating. MY FEET HURT!M and N texted asking about campsites so I started looking and decided if I found one I'd grab it for all of us. It turned out they were further behind than I thought and were getting tired. They'll probably stay just past Kirkridge Shelter. There were a couple of sites near there, but nothing for an hour after.I ended up at Mt. Minsi. A nice little site, but lonely. I ate a bit, had a hot chocolate, and now I'll tend my sore feet. Out of PA. tomorrow, but word is N.J. is just as rocky for quite a way. Gotta bandaid a blister. Night all
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Mt. Minsi

To: Day 98 - Mt. Minsi to Rattlesnake Spring
Miles today: 16.0

16 miles. So much for getting ahead. This isn't a hike it's a MASH unit. The third toe of my left foot [on top, of all places] has a blister that just won't heal. If it wasn't so rocky I'd hike in my flip flops.I got up early and took my time breaking camp. I left at seven for Delaware Water Gap. I figured I'd get breakfast there and pick up a few things at the store, an easy walk in. I got to the diner on Broad Street and had the best blueberry pancakes I've had in along time. A couple of sausages done right, too. Big glass of milk, just right. I went to the store for some edibles and hiked out of town at nine.I hiked over the Delaware River and into N.J. Goodbye PA; I won't miss you.On the climb up out of the Gap I met Frodo, a young man from Conn. He was carrying food that another hiker had forgotten at the hostel. He said the guy, trail name "800," was waiting five miles up the trail. We found him sitting on a log looking a bit hungry, but happy to have his food back. I left the two young men as they traded AT stories.I had been warned that N.J. wasn't any better than PA here in the southern section, and it's true. I kept jamming the toes on my left foot. Just when the right one starts to feel better the left one acts up. It always seems to be the sore foot that gets hit all the time.I stopped at the Mohegan Center, an AMC run place. I had lunch and a drink, and tried to patch up my worsening toe. When I left, I climbed a ridge that led to a fire tower. I would have gone up the tower but some dopes coaxed their dog up the stairs only to have her freeze there. Too scared to come down. The steps were a grate and the dog wasn't going to trust something it could see through. I suggested they put their shirts on the grate to make it look solid. I was ignored. I left before they got down.I followed the trail down to Rattlesnake spring and called it early. The toe is badly swollen. I texted Erin and Amy complaining. My whole left foot is swollen now and the pain is sharp all along the toes. If it's no better tomorrow I'll try to get to a Dr.Night All.
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Rattlesnake Spring

To: Day 99 - Rattlesnake Springs to Branchville
Miles today: 14.9

It's 8:45 a.m. I'm sitting in the waiting room at the Newton Medical Center in Newton N.J. getting my toe checked. I got a ride here from Andrew and his [I'm guessing] four year old daughter, Sarah. They camped near me last night; Sarah's first overnight. They went out of their way to get me here. It's about twenty miles from the trail and I had no idea how I was going to get here. Thank you both so much!Forty-five minutes in the ER. No problem being seen here. I got a prescription for Keflex. The pharmacy was two miles north of the hospital so I started walking. About a mile down the road a man pulled over and asked where I was going. I told him the story and he offered to take me to the Pharmacy, wait for me, and then drive me back to the trail!He was a section-hiking thru-hiker who completed his hike last year after twenty-seven years of sections. It seems he only was able to hike during his spring breaks as a teacher. His trail name is Bead Nik. I thought he said Beat Nik, but when he dropped me off at the trail he gave me a threaded bead for luck. He also gave me his home and cell numbers and told me if I had any problems between here and Conn. to call him. Incredible Trail Magic!! Thanks so much!I knew from texting that M and N were about two hours ahead of me, so I was trying to get on the trail quickly. At the trailhead I was arranging my food from the pharmacy and wondering what to do with the trash when a woman pulled into the lot. I asked if she could take the junk and she said she was there to set up trail magic. WOW x 3!She's Big Shep's wife, a thru-hiker who is ahead of me. She had homemade brownies, homemade peanut brittle [the best], water, and soda. So, half an hour later I hit the trail. The foot was sore, but not terrible to start and I was happy I got to the Dr.New Jersey in the south is still very rocky so I picked my way slowly along trying not to stub my toes. There were some nice views along the way. I kept going trying to catch up to the kids, resting only long enough to change the dressing on my foot and grab a bite to eat. I texted M and N and asked where they wanted to stop and we decided on Branchville. There's a steakhouse just off the trail and I wanted to get some significant calories. I got there at 5:30 and was sore and tired. They were at the restaurant already so I met them there. We got some good food and hitched to a motel down the road where I could clean and dress my foot.Once I took off the hikers, my foot swelled up. It was hot and sore to the touch. It felt like someone was jabbing it with a needle. I hope the antibiotics kick in soon. Trying for 15 tomorrow.Bye for now
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Branchville

To: Day 100 - Branchville to the wooden tower 1333.3
Miles today: 15.3

I took my meds, wrapped my foot, and headed for the trail. We split up to hitch and got rides pretty quickly. We met at Joe's for some breakfast sandwiches. They were very good and reasonably priced. We met Rowdy there who had been off the trail for four days with, guess what, an infection. He's back and doing well. We headed up and out of town over more of N.J. rocks. Supposedly they become less of a problem soon. We made a few climbs, passed a few ponds and lakes below us and were moving along fairly well. We bumped into VooDoo again and climbed a fire tower for some views. There was a place called the Pavillion on top of a ridge. It was close to a parking area and was a nice place to take a break. VooDoo, Rowdy, Oil Can, and Senator were there and we enjoyed hanging out for a bit.Six miles down the trail we stopped at Rutherford Shelter. The ridge runner there told us about an observation tower near the lake with views to High Point State Park. We knew there was a concession stand at the lake so we all headed there. It was a rough hike with lots of rocks and some tough climbs. The stand closes at six; we got there at 5:30. The lady running the place was a sweetheart and kept it open until everyone was fed. Thank you.Another hiker who we had met briefly was at the stand, Conundrum. She had begun a thru-hike last year. She was bitten by a black widow spider in Pa. and had to leave the trail. She's doing a section this year. We all went to the wooden tower and decided it was a fine place to sleep. A nice breeze, beautiful views and good company. We chatted for a while then said good night.TTFN
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Wooden tower 1333.3

To: Day 101 - The wooden Tower to Unionville, N.Y.
Miles today: 7.8

When I got up it was clear that there was more going on with my foot than a simple infection. My foot was swollen up and the redness around my toe was spreading. Everyone on the tower had the same opinion; I needed to see another Dr. We packed up and headed out. I refused to leave without climbing the stone tower at High Point. It marks the highest point in N.J. and also marks the point where N.Y., Pa., and N.J. meet.We thought the door was locked when we got there before eight, but it opened on the second try and we went in. I found the light switch and we climbed the stairs to the top. When we got down the caretakers were coming in and were surprised that we had found it open. No harm, no foul; all was well.I called the Administrator and told her I needed to get to my own doctor. She made plans quickly and said she'd drive out to pick me up in Unionville, four hours from home. She's incredible and has been throughout this whole adventure. We got to the road and I told Mike and Natalie to keep hiking. I went into town to the Wits End Tavern. I wasn't there long when I got a call that the kids were coming into town to keep me company while I waited for Amy.Amy got there at about 7:00 and she got a bite to eat. The kids were going to stay in N.Y. and wait for my call after I saw the Dr. before deciding what to do. I wanted to head home right away and get this taken care of so I could continue the hike. We dropped the kids off at a motel and headed to the camp in Halifax, Ma. I figured it would be quiet there with no distractions. We got there at 2 a.m.
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Halifax, MA

To: Days 102 thru 108 - Zeros (7/23-29)
Miles today: 0.0

I went to the doctor on Wednesday. He took a culture and began treating me for a MRSA infection. He also set up an appointment for Thursday with a podiatrist. On Thursday the podiatrist cleaned the wound and told me to stay off the foot until the swelling was gone. That's what I've done for the last week.Things look better and I think I'll be resuming my hike on the 30th of July. Fingers crossed.
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Zeros (7/23-29) in Halifax, MA

To: Day 110 - Update 7/31
Miles today: 0.0

Quite a lot has happened over the last week. I had to come back to Boston on Tuesday, 7/22 to treat a MRSA infection on my left foot. I saw two doctors, both of whom suggested that I take the time to recover completely before heading back to the trail. I, of course, wanted to ignore them and get back to hiking, but luckily for me I'm surrounded by sane people who kept me in line. It finally looks like the healing is going well so I will be hiking again on Saturday, 8/2.Mike and Natalie had waited for two days in N.Y. to see if I would be able to go back to hiking with them. Once it became clear that my recovery would be at least a week they hiked on. They got two days in, about 37 miles, when Natalie decided she needed to see a doctor herself. She has felt sick for a couple of weeks now and isn't sure if it's due to the infection she had on her heel, or perhaps Lyme Disease. She had a negative test result in Palmerton, PA, but I understand there is a thirty percent chance for a false negative. There is definitely something going on there and we need to find out what it is.Poor Mike has had to deal with this drama all along and has been incredibly supportive. He drove Nat and himself back to Quincy and set up an appointment for her. Now it looks like he'll be heading back to the trail alone on Thursday, 7/31. He has a wedding that requires his presence in mid-September and has to get in some miles. I thought I might be able to go with him, but it was suggested I wait the extra couple of days. Yes, dear.Speaking of yes dear, I need to thank Amy for her unending love and attention. From the day she left work to drive four and a half hours to get me, she has been the foundation that keeps me level and true. When I get crazy, she's sane. When I get stupid, she's smart. When I think I know what's best, she knows better. I wouldn't have the slightest chance of finishing this hike if not for her. Love You!I also need to thank Mary [the kid's Mom] and Erin [my daughter], two incredible nurses, for being there to help lead me in the right direction about getting treatment and following the doctor's orders. It's a wonderful thing to have such knowledgeable and caring people in your life. I talk so much about Trail Magic while hiking, but sometimes I forget all the Magic I receive in my daily life. Thank You!Natalie is going to stay with Mary while she waits for the results from her doctor's visit. When she feels well she'll catch up to Mike and fill in the sections she misses later. I won't be trying to catch Mike. My plan is to let the trail take me to Katahdin. I've been trying to impose my will on this hike; like I often do with a lot of things in my life. Maybe this was one of the lessons I came out here to learn. I don't need to beat it, there's nothing to win, it's the journey. I've read it, heard it and said it myself, but I never understood it. I hope I do now, because letting the trail take me is the only way I'll get where I'm going.TTFNThe pictures show the progression of the infection and the result of the treatment.
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Halifax, MA

To: Day 112 - Unionville, N.Y. to Vernon, N.J. Rte. 94
Miles today: 11.8

My first day back after time off to clear up the infection on my left foot; ten days was too long a break. I'm more apprehensive now than I was when I first started. That's probably because I had no idea what to expect at Springer Mt. Now I know the effort it's going to take. To add to that, I feel lost without my trail family close by. Very lonely.The trail was kind to me today. Lots of flat, lots of grass, and just a few rocks for the full ten miles. I only saw two other thrus today; a young couple taking their time enjoying the scenery at the Wallkill Reserve. I saw more Great Blue Herons in the Wallkill than I've ever seen in one place before. They were camera shy though, flying off whenever I got close enough for a picture.Further on, at Pochuck Creek, there was a boardwalk over a swampy but beautiful area that went on for quite a while. There were lots of day-hikers and families there. At the end of the boardwalk was another of the suspension footbridges that I like.I wasn't sure where to camp and actually tried to begin my tour of Mid-Atlantic hotels, but there was no room to be had. I moved up the trail toward the sound of Bluegrass music in the distance. I could hear it from a long way off and wasn't sure what I'd find up ahead. I came, at last, to an open field that ran across the bottom of a tall rock faced mountain. There were cars parked in one area and tents and RVs set up around the field. Backed up to the trees was a stage under a large tent where a band was playing. It turned out that the man who owned the field, Jamie, held music festivals there on summer week-ends. He invited me to camp there free of charge. I got to listen to some good music, met some nice people who were interested in my hike, and set up my tent for the night. Thanks to Jamie, Jim, Jay, and Clara for their kindness.The bands played until eleven, then everyone sat around a fire pit and sang, smoked, and drank until four in the morning. Not much rest for this tired hiker, but an interesting experience just the same.It rained through the night [which didn't deter the singing] and more is expected over the next few days. I hope their prediction is wrong.Ta.