morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-25
To: The Woodlands, TX
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Journal Entry: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 5:49PMOK, so I'm in Seattle working and Phoenix hits the trail starting out from Spinger Mountain on March 5th. Of course, I know I'm not going to hear from him for perhaps a week or so and to tell you the truth I was gut wrenched in suspense! I followed the weather reports and the weather was darn right nasty! I could only imagine the difficulties Phoenix was facing his first week on the trail. No training just all that info he had acquired through his readings, AT seminars, and conversations with Mickey-One-Sock. I had just finished Model-T's book, Walking on the Happy Side of Misery, when I got an email from Phoenix. After one week he had hiked much farther than I anticipated he would during the first week. Hence, now came the first hurdle! In his preparations for the AT, every hiker knows they have to hike their own hike and not try keeping up with others who out pace them. We'll, it's my belief, Phoenix got caught up in the excitement of the start and attempted to do just that. He had kept pace with the younger generation the first week. Big mistake!Phoenix's email informed me the downhills were killing his knee's and he was concerned he had severe damage in both knee's. He had to have MRI's done on both knee's before going any further. OK, I'm not buying any gear yet as my fears were about to come true.I patiently waited for the MRI results as did Phoenix. Was his dream coming to an end just after one week on the AT? I hoped not. I knew Phoenix was not going home unless he had two broken legs!! We'll, the word finally came. Knee's were severely swollen and sore, but no real permanent damage. Absent not much cartilage at all ( old folks syndrome), he was given the green light to continue hiking north after a few days of needed rest. Whew! His newly found motto was I think I need to hike my own hike, what a revelation!!!! Common sense does pervail when you get to stop and ponder a while.OK, first scare over and perhaps I needed to start thinking about gear just in case Phoenix prevails in his AT dream endeavors.
Date: 2005-05-02
To: The Woodlands, TX
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Journal Entry: Monday May 02, 2005Alright, now that I survived Phoenix's first trail ending scare, I had to focus my attention on buying gear in preparation for me to meet Phoenix somewhere on the AT. Fortunately, Phoenix had provided me with all his research over the years regarding gear and all the other "stuff." So at least, I was afforded the benefit of his time consuming efforts of identifying the key components of ultralight backpacking on the AT.I had to buy equipment for the core weight meaning the shelter, sleeping, and backpack systems. Phoenix always told me you need to buy the furniture before you buy the house. So given his advice, I did just that!Having spent 5 weeks in Seattle working, I was now back home in Texas where I dedicated myself to equipment research and purchasing the gear I thought was best to meet the challenge of the AT. I accepted Phoenix's suggestions; however, being my own independent self and stubborn, I said to myself there has to better and lighter gear out there for the taking.I was discovering all this neat stuff I thought would be the cat's meow to use on the AT. New equipment was surfacing from every website and each was claiming to the best of the best of gear. What a quagmire had I emersed myself into. Why can't this be plain and simple. Go lite and buy right!In-any-event, I started to make decisions on gear (right or wrong) and the UPS and FedX guys became my new best friends. The boxes started rolling in and I began to amass all this "stuff" on my pool table. Soon it became a mountain of products all testing my patients to determine what goes where and with what goes with what!!!! I had not heard much from Phoenix who was now back heading north on the trail. I thought no news was good news and Phoenix must be back in form. I received sporatic emails from him saying he was here headed for there. I checked my Data Book so I knew exactly where he was and the difficulties he faced. Good, my gear purchases so far are not for nothing. I'm still in the game!!!!!!Ned@NedHamara.com
Date: 2005-05-09
To: The Woodlands, TX
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Journal Entry: Monday May 9, 2005Now that I'm halfway through purchasing my gear for the AT, I get a call from Phoenix. He made it to Hot Springs, N.C. which is located at the 270 mile mark from Springer. Good news or at least I thought so. Phoenix said his right foot was swollen, very painful and that he was headed to see the doctor. While I waited for the results, the demons in my headed started to play their games. Was my upcoming AT trek over before it started? Was I going to have to sell my gear on Ebay?Phoenix got a preliminary diagnosis that he had broken a bone in his right foot, but he had to travel to Ashville, N.C. to see a specialist. Now the demons really started to take control. No way Phoenix could continue to hike north with a broken foot!Several days later Phoenix called me with the results. Yes, he had broken a metatarsal in his right foot; however, the doctor in Ashville gave Phoenix the go-ahead to continue his hike if he would rest several weeks in a boot cast. The plan now was for Phoenix to take several weeks off, attend Trail Days in Damascus, VA., then start hiking SOUTH to cover some of the AT that he had skipped. Going SOUTH was to avoid all the Trail Days hikers that would be headed north after the festival. Phoenix would also continue his hike still wearing the boot cast!! Go figure how that was going to work out.During the next two weeks off, Phoenix did not want to return home to Arizona for fear of getting complacent. So he traveled to Erwin, TN., to help out Miss Janet. Miss Janet runs a hostel for thru-hikers. Phoenix spent a week shuttling hikers from the AT to Miss Janets and back to the AT. He said he drove over 1000 miles that week. His comments regarding Miss Janet and her famous assistance to thru-hikers was no less than inspiring. He described her a saint of the AT!After a week at Miss Janet's and resting his broken foot, Phoenix's wife Betty arrived in Hot Springs for a week's visit. Betty is basically the backbone of Phoenix's journey along the AT. She takes care of the home, pays the bills, and sends Phoenix re-supply items as needed. Since I'm not married, I would have to rely on friends and neighbors to assist me in my AT endeavors. Ned@NedHamara.comNedHamara@pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-15
To: The Woodlands, TX
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Journal Entry: May 15, 2005, 10:14AMAll my gear has arrived and it's exactly three weeks until I hit the trail. My old college roommate Phoenix spent the weekend at Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia. Now that his foot is on the mend he begins hiking again with cousin Chris. Phoenix will back track to Hot Springs, N.C. and cover some ground that he skipped because of his injury to his right foot.I will leave Houston George Bush Airport on Sunday June 4th and fly to Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Tennessee via Charlotte, N.C. From there I will hop on a shuttle provided by Mt. Rogers Outfitters operated out of Damascus and travel to that city. There I will meet up with Phoenix and we will begin hiking north.I know the first several weeks will really be tough on me. I believe the hardest thing for me will be attempting to sleep at night. I'm a very light sleeper and Phoenix said it took him about a month on the trail to adjust where he was able to sleep soundly.My attempt at hiking the AT is not spiritually motivated but rather the challenge of the mental and physical aspects of the endeavor. I think a passage by Mark Twain best explains my motivation to go hike.          A SHIP IN THE HARBOR IS SAFE, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT SHIPS          WERE BUILT FOR. TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE         DISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS YOU DID NOT DO THAN THE ONES         YOU DID. SO CAST OFF THE BOW LINES, GET INTO THE WIND         AND SAIL AWAY FROM SAFE HARBOR. CATCH THE TRADE WINDS          IN YOUR SAILS. EXPLORE. DREAM! [Mark Twain]Since retiring from the FBI four years ago I've been in safe harbor. It's time for me to set sail and explore and dream!!!!!!!!Ned@NedHamara.comNedHamara@pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-05-29
To: The Woodlands, TX
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Journey Entry: Sunday May 29, 2005 11:05AMWe'll, I'm all set and ready to go! My bounce box was sent to Mt. Rogers Outfitters(MRO) in Damascus, Virginia last week and it should be there upon by arrival. Besides re-supply stuff I sent all gear items that can't fly. My pack is weighing in around 36 lbs with 4 days of food and 2 liters of waterI leave Houston Intercontinental airport a week from today on June 5th and fly to TriCities Regional airport near Johnson City, TN via Charlotte, N.C. I will then take a shuttle furnished by MRO to Damascus and meet up with Phoenix at some designated place (hopes it a beer joint). I have a reservation at the Hiker Inn; however, Phoenix and I may camp out in someone's backyard. A person who has befriended Phoenix in recent weeks during Trail Days.June 6th (D-Day) is my birthday and June 8th is Phoenix's birthday. We may celebrate by taking a day to do the Virginia Creeper. The Virginia Creeper is a 17 mile bike ride down a mountain near Damsacus. Might be a good way to start off my hike as long as I don't run into a tree on the way down.My next journal entry will come from the trail some place north of Damascus. jpg> Katahdin Sign                     Life is not a journey to the grave with the                     intention of arriving safely in a pretty and                     well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in                     sideways, thoroughly worn out shouting....                        HOLY $H!T...... WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!!                              LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN                  NedHamara@pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Bear Tree Gap

To: Whitetop Mountain
Miles today: 9.5

Hey everyone! Airlines lost my backpack while traveling to Damascus on Sunday June 5th, but I finally got it on Tuesday after some anxiuos moments thinking my hike was over before it began. Stayed for two nights at the Hikers Inn in Damascus along with hiking buddy Phoenix. The Hikers Inn is a converted garage that has two bunk beds that sleep four. It's run by a great lady, Suzanne, who fixed a great send off breakfast on Tuesday morning. Blueberry pancakes, bacon, fresh friut and home made muffins.After sending our resupply boxes ahead at the post office, we caught a Mt. Rogers Outfitters shuttle to Bear Tree Gap where I would start my hike north on the AT with Phoenix.Phoenix suggested that since it was my first day on the trail that we take it easy and do a short hike to Lost Mountain Shelter (4.2miles). Not knowing the terrain and elevation changes, I said fine let's see how it goes.We traversed the 4.2 miles to Lost Mt. Shelter rather easily as the terrain was up and down, but not bad at all. It was noon and I suggested we challenge the next leg to Whitetop Mountain. Whitetop was ONLY 5 miles away and I thought no problem right-Wrong big time!Whitetop is the second biggest mountain in Virginia standing at 5400 feet in elevation. We started our assent on Whitetop with little concern, however, I did not know the next 5 miles would be straight up the friggin mountain.When you walk the paths of AT they can consist of a quagmire of roots, rocks of all sizes, mud, streaming water coming down the path, blowdowns, and just about any imaginable obstacle.I lost sight of Phoenix early on while I began to struggle with my stamina. My heart rate was running between 140 and 160 and I was sweating like a long endurance racer. I was becoming dehydrated even though I had consumed about 3 liters of water that day. Bottom line is I hit the wall and ran plum out of gas. I was getting a little worried I would not make the top before dark. The last final mile I had to literally hike up the steep, rock and root strewn trail 10 to 20 yards at a time and then catch my breath. My quads and hip flexor muscles were on fire and cramping quickly.I finally crawled up the steep grass hill to Buzzards Rock where Phoenix was and had been for over an hour waiting for me. I did not think I could manage the remaining .6 miles to Whitetop, but somehow I reached down deep and arrived at our destination a piped spring water source.Just as we arrived a hugh montrous thunderstorm appeared out of nowhere and we had to pitch our tents before the storm hit. It took every ounce of leftover energy (and there was none) to set up my tent. A two minute operation took me about 5 and I dove into the tent before the storm erupted and boy what an explosion. We were on an exposed bald and the lightning was crashing all over us. It was no less amazing that we survived any insult.After about 90 minutes of crash, boom, and terrential rain we emerged from our tents to witness a great rainbow.What a first day on the trail and I hurt and ached in places I did not know I had.I was hoping I could walk the next!
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Whitetop Mountain

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

Got up early the next morning not having slept a wink. Everything was wet, but I packed up before Phoenix. He said to go ahead and start towards TKS. I went ahead and saw some large deer tracks on the trail, but no deer. Saw a few other tents that had made it just before the big storm last night. For not sleeping the night before, I felt surprising good. After about 5 miles of ups and downs I took a break and waited for Phoenix. He arrived about 30 mintes later and we went off to Thomas Knob Shelter arriving around noon. Nice short day!!!Phoenix decided to stay in the mice infested shelter while I opted to tent. I rested and tried to dry out some clothes and gear. A few other hikers Phoenix knew arrived and settled in.Longhaul, a friend of Phoenix and someone I had dinner with arrived. He started 11 miles behind us on the same day and caught us. This guy is doing some big mileage daily and thus moved on.We all had dinner and I retreated to get things organized and hopefully some sleep. Organization happened but no sleep again. Rats!!They say no sleep no hike so I need to work on this big time.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 15.7

I awoke early this morning around 5:30AM only to feel the clouds and mist rolling through my tent. I was hoping to pack up before Phoenix and get a head start, but Phoenix appeared out of the mist as I was packing the last item in the tent. He sailed off and I was pissed he got ahead start. Todays hike would take us through Rhododendren Gap (5440') and then Grayson Highlands State Park where the wild ponies live.I made good time considering suffering from sleep deprivation. Seems the trail gets me going. Rhododendren Gap was beautiful with everything in near bloom. I entered the valley of the wild ponies with some apprehension as shelter journals had reported some of the ponies kicking some hikers. One incident the day before caused a hiker a broken arm. So I opted for a few photos and moved on. Caught up to Phoenix at Wise Shelter as he was taking a privy break. We moved on and I quickly lost Phoenix in the ups. My legs and stamina are still no match for Phoenix even though he still suffers from his broken foot.We reached Old Orchard Shelter around 1:50PM our destination for the day, but Phoenix suggested we move on to the next shelter some 4 miles away. I had some foot repair work to do as I was developing some hot spots that needed taping. After taking care of my feet we moved on towards Hurricane Shelter some 4 miles away. Little did I know we had to hike up about 900 feet.We began our assent on Hurricane Mountain Shelter as the rain started to trickle. Soon we were in a full thunderstorm again. The uphill hike was killing me and I was too fagged to put on my rain cover (bad mistake).Phoenix sailed away while I struggled to keep on trucken. I finally, after what I thought was an eternity, reached Hurricane Shelter with not a drop of energy remaining. Third day out and we did about 15 miles. Way too much this early on. We tried to dry clothes and gear out with little success. We spent the night in the new shelter with three other hikers with no incident.My feet were killing me!!!!!
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Campsite past Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Phoenix and I started out after packing up our wet gear and putting on are wet dripping hiking shoes. Toady was suppose to be a easy 10 mile day.I headed out first with Phoenix following close behind. We passed a beautiful waterfall at Comers Creek and I reached Virgina Highway 650/16 before Phoenix, which I thought strange as we had some substantial ups and Phoenix usually over takes me on those everytime.I signed the Hiker's Registery which one signs frequently so you can be found if needed by the Forest Service. As I was walking up the mountain from the highway I heard Phoenix call me to come down. I knew then something was seriously wrong! I retraced my steps to fine Phoenix setting on a fence. He said he right foot was killing him and he had sharp pains in his upper back near his neck.He told me he had to leave the trail and was hitching into Marion, VA. He said he was considering going home to Arizona and leaving the AT for now. What was I to do? Leave the AT and go home after four days on the trail afterspending so much on gear? I pondered a while and said I'm going ahead. He said he would let me know in several days as we had scheduled to spend a night in Atkins, Va.As a result of all my emotions, I missed the Trimpi Shelter, my next stop, and continued hiking. I soon realized I was out of water and needed to fine some fast. I was very fatigued and angonized over possibly losing my hiking buddy. I finally found some water and a campsite in the middle of nowhere. It will be very lonely tonight!I hiked another 14.1 miles today making my last two day total near 30 miles. Wow and my body is speaking loudly to me tonight!Short day tomorrow (7.3 miles) to Partnership Shelter and the Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters. Lots to ponder!!!!!!!
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Campsite past Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

I woke up to wet campsite, but surprising got a little sleep. Everything I had hanging to dry was still wet, so I packed up my wet gear and put on my shoes still dripping wet and headed toward Partnership Shelter just about 7 miles ahead.Today's hike would be short compared to the last two where I managed to hike 14 miles each day, much to my amazement. I was also eager to learn the fate of Phoenix who left me the day before because of his ailing foot.The trek to Partnership Shelter was uneventful and I was the first to arrive around 11:30AM. This shelter has a shower, is a double decker and is located several hundred yards from the Mt. Rogers National Recreational Association (NRA) Headquarters. The NRA has a pay phone with a town six miles away that delivers pizza and beer. Wow!I walked up to the NRA and transmitted my first four trail journals using my pocketmail. Returned to the shelter and took a cold shower, but it was great anyway.Soon Snake and Caesar arrived and we settled in for a half day of rest. Snake offered to hitch into town and buy food for a cookout. Snake, going beyond the call of duty, returned with steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, a 12 pack of beer and more. What a dinner! Kudos to Snake.While we were cooking dinner, Buzzsaw, Mike the Hike, and Butterscotch Bob arrived. They ordered pizza and we all had a grand dinner. Ah, life on the trail!
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, Va.
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a late start out of Partnership Shelter leaving around 9:40AM. It was raining and the wind was howling. Some of the others were staying waiting to see what the weather was going to do.I was anxious to get to Aktins to find out the status of Phoenix. The wind howled for several hours like a major storm was about to erupt, but the sun finally peeked it's head and the rest of the day was good. Today was the easiest hiking day this week and I arrived at the Relax Inn about 3:00 PM.The Relax Inn clerk gave me a message from Phoenix to check my email. I checked in for my first night off the trail and checked my email messages. Phoenix was now back in Damascus and reported he was being treated for pneumonia and awaiting x-rays of his right foot. Bottom line was the doctor told him to get off the trail for at least several months. Phoenix's AT hike is OVER for now.Buzzsaw slept on my motel room floor, while Texas Dreamer, Easy Going, and Virtual Eddie were in neighboring rooms. Buzzsaw and I went to Rhonda's Country Restaurant for dinner. We were all sitting around outside our motel rooms drinking a few cold ones when Phoenix drove up in the MRO van. He had someone to picked in Marion and stopped by to say goodbye.My plan now is to head north and hike to Harpers Ferry which is one quarter of the AT being about 560 miles. If I manage that goal, I'll decide on my next step.I figure Virginia might take me about 40-50 days.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, Va.

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a Zero Day meaning no hiking. I hung around the Relax Inn in Atkins,VA., waiting for my food resupply box which finally arrive at 6:00PM. Needlessto say I had a few beers with the other hikers who were taking a day off.Nice to rest the body and feet as it was an interesting and tough first week. What will week two bring????Nice to have clean and DRY clothes for a change.Ned Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, Va.

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail Journal Entry: June 14, 2005Trail Day 8Starting Location: Atkins, VADestination: Knot Maul Branch ShelterToady's mileag: 13.9Trip mileage: 71.6Departed the Relax Inn around 7:00AM after some coffee. It was foggy as thearea was expecting a record high 95 degree day.The hike began through wet waist high field grass that promptly fill my shoeswith water. Always nice to start the day with saturated shoes and socks. Makesfor a long day.Grass fields finally gave was to the forest canopy and I quickly arrived atDavis Path Shelter which was vacant except for the infestation of knats. Iquickly signed the register and called my transcriber Linda Hamilton of TheWoddlands, TX., to make sure she was receiving my trail journals. She said shewas ans was in the process of getting the first journals posted.It was a real good climb going over several mountains withe the highest beingTilson Gap at 3500 feet. I ran into Mike the Hike T then North Fork of theHolston River where he was finishing up lunch. Mike is about 75 years old andhas hiked nearly every trail there is to hike. We took some pictures of afamily of minks that put on a show for our cameras.We continued on toward Knot Maul Branch Shelter and I quickly lost sight of Mikeas he surged ahead.We traveled through more grass fields and forests. I arrived at the sheltershortly after Mike around 3:00 PM. We started a fire and retrieved water from astream down the hill. The fire helped ease our tired mind and bodies.Baltimore Jack and later Glory Bound arrived and we all had hot dinners aroundthe fire.I set up my tent and was looking forward to possibly sleeping without the tentfly; however, as soon as I crawled into my tent the clouds began to flicker andI knew a storm was imminent. Some the thunder arrived with the rain, but Islept somewhat decent.Tomorrow was to be a killer climb to 4400 feet up nine miles.NedHamara@pocketmail.comwww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara