morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-16
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 18.9

I experienced revolting developement today. I turned a sweet flat 18.9 mile day into probablay a 21-22 miles day by getting mixed up on the trail and hiking backwards for about 25-30 minutes, one way. Came up to a pond and with a couple sharp trail turns, got mixed up and off the trail. When I loacated my position where I got away from the blazes, and back on the trail, I hiked backwards, over just where I had been, for at least a couple miles, maybe one out and one back. Didn't recognize the trail hiking the other way, which I had just been. I was moving along southbound and came across a road with a house close and it looked familiar. Then, looking down, I saw a couple pieces of litter also looking familiar. My heart sank as I realized what I had done. Nothing more to do than turn around and rehike the same piece of trail for the third time. I was angry at myself for what I had done. Got over it after a couple hours, but still a dumb move. All these learning experiences....In New Jersey (and later to learn in NY), much of the trail runs through very low elevations and to keep us out of the swamps, the trail crews have built "puncheons" over these wet, gushy, and unhikeable areas, and lots of them. These puncheons are (various sizes I'm sure) like two 2" x 10" x 10' boards/planks supported with a cross frame that raise them about the swamp7 wetlands. They make for good timing while hiking especially if many are one after another. Then, closer to Vernon, there was an at least two-mile continuous deck than ran over a swamp, cutting off a few miles of "go around it" trail. I notice many folks out just for an "out and back" walk on the deck. Made for an easy finish althrough my doggies were really barkin' as I walked over the hard wood (but better than rocks or snake pits).So today ended up a bit longer than planned with extremely tired feet. I did make it into Vernon before the Post Office closed and was able to retrieve a mail food drop. A guy named Jack Anderson gave me a 2 mile ride into town and took me to the post office and to the St Thomas Epsicopal Church hostel. Thanks Jack.Nice hostel in the basement of St Thomas. Rafi was already there having arrived a couple two-three hours earlier (no duh!) The church offered a shower and laundry and a carptered floor to sleep on, and kitchen, for a nominal donation request. Rafi had resupplied already at the A&P Fresh supermarket (none of those around here anymore)so he ate in the church. I went out and around the corner was a VFW Post. I asked if they would serve me, a veteran, and one of the patrons was gracious to "sponsor" me as a guest. So I had a couple cold ones and pizza for dinner, and was introduced to a few patrons and what they did in the various branches of the armed forces.Got to bed late as preparation chores for the next day kept me up a while. What a day!
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wild Cat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out of Vernon 7:30 or so after a bacon and egg breakfast nearby. Hitched a ride in the back of a pick-up back out to the trail. Thanks, didn't catch his name. On the way down the busy highway, a wild large wild turkey bolted in front of an opposite dirction vehicle and unfortunately, got hit head on. I didn't see it happen but Rafi said not a pretty sight as feathers flew everywhere. I think the driver of the vehicle just held on and took the hit.This was no fun day on the trail as we crossed into NY state. The first couple days in NY were very unfriendly with rock clims up over knobs, vistas, and pinnacle. All these trial terms mean rocky and sometime treacheous climbs. So we arrived at the Wild Cat Shelter just beat to death by early NY, happy the day was over and grumbling about the severity of the first part of NY.. rocky, high, and deep into the woods... seemed like the ridges just kept going on for ever, and continuous up and down, too.Tonight we met Carlos, from Israel (yes, Carlos, a Latino name!) He was in his 50's, tall and lean and on a deadline to catch a plane back to Israel (zero and nero days were not in his plan). Carlos had been on the trail from May 5, doing like 30-35 miles per day. Nice fellow, he was up before dawn, and out of there right at 5:45 when I got up. Didn't think I'd see him again but I did. He said the trial was harder than he thought it would be.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Wild Cat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today's plan was 14.4 to Fingerboard Shelter near Lake Tiorate, NY. Rafi is meeting up with his brother tomorrow to spend Father's day with him on Sunday so he is hiking another 5.6 miles to the next shelter to cut his Satuday hike very short. I will not see him again. Again, a truly nice guy, fun to be with.Two major climbs (and downs) today but the day was not without trail angels and lots of magic. A few miles out from the shelter a guy from an outfitter, Campmor, in NJ, was in a parking lot with cold Pepsi's, oranges, and some energy gel. So I took my time and rested a while before pushing on to Fingerboard. I met this guy 4 years ago at an ATC convention and bought my first tent from his store as he did a tent demo at the convention with offered discount coupons at his store. The rest was good as my doggies and legs were tired but still had a few miles to go, uphill.Fingerboard was near Lake Tiorati, one half mile downhill, which was the water source for the shelter. So another mile to retrieve water and I was beat when I got there. I rested a few and make my way to the lake side, through a bunch of brush. Watered up and took another bandana bath, then back up to the shelter.I was the only one in the shelter with a couple of tenters nearby but never met them. A short time after that, a group of 7-8 young people had made the hike up from the lake area up to the shelter area for a one-night out party/camp. Two of the guys were carrying open beers. They arrived with everyone carrying a little something to tent, eat, and enjoy the fellowhip of the evening. They were very nice kids and we all chatted for a while. They offered me some pop or water and I declined but, did ask if they could spare a beer. Without hesitation, one guy reached into his cooler and gave me TWO cold beers. I couldn't believe their generocity, and they insisted I take both. Wow, cold beers in the shelter, that was a first for me. They went down a short hill to a large camp site where I could still see them and began their somewhat noisy gathering. I crushed the cans and packed them out. There was trash all over the shelter area (always trash around where shelters are close to a road) so I started a small fire and burnt what I could including some of my own burnable trash accumulated over the past couple days.Getting to the shelter was a tough day as I experienced the Lemon Squeezer rock formation for which I had to take off my pack to squeeze through. At another rock climb, a ladder was provide to scale up a school bus size boulder to get over it. Tough hiking today. I found myself hobbling around the shelter but ususally, a night rest put me back to walking without discomfort.Tomorrow's hike will to be through a portion of the well known Bear Mountain State Park and Bear Mountain, NY.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Hemlock Campsite

To: Canopus Lake State Park
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

My overnight plan for today was Canopus Lake State Park and campground which was .8 mile off the AT. I met a guy a couple miles out (he gave me a cold Coke)on the trail from the park who told me about the swimming area, concessions, and the camp ground. He said the concession close at 5:00 on Sundays and I was 1.7 out at about 3:45. Figured I could get there by 5 without much of a push. Arrived at the highway with a little time to spare to do the .8 miles. There were two guys there about ready to get into their car but they were full with two others on the way. Darn! They did offer me a couple fresh strawberries from their cooler. Best strawberries I've ever had in my life. So I hitched into the lake area and got there with only two minutes to spare before closing. Had my usual Seirra Mist (2-I took one with me to the camping area) and a Blue Bunny ice cream sandwich. Visited with a couple folks while enjoying the treats and also met a couple young hikers who had gotten there in time for a swim.The campground was a short walk up an access road and across the highway. Everything (offices) was closed up so I pick a site close to the shower and set up with no problems. Got a shower, rinsed my hiking clothes in the sink with a little camp soap, and hung them out to dry in a nice warm breeze. Local crittes were a cat and a mama turkey with one chick. Wasn't bothered all night. Slept well and was up at 5:30 for my final day on the trail.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Canopus Lake State Park

To: NY Hwy state 52 into Wingdale ny
Miles today: 12.1

Today's plan was for 16.9 miles to a shelter, then tomorrow, a long 17.9 miles into Wingdale NY for resupply and maybe a zero day. I wouldn't make it.My legs were aching and each downhill step hurt, especially with my left leg. Coming up a mile or so from a major highway, I met a couple out on a day hike, Mark and Terri. Mark has spend many miles on the trail and I shared with him my difficulties at this time. He offered me a ride into Wingdale from a local pizza joint just up the road from the next road crossing a mile away. Was lucky to run into him.By the time I got to the pizza place, I could hardly walk and I thought if I took a couple days off, maybe it would be enough to rest and get back on. Mark took me into town showing me where to eat. We stopped for a beer at the local tavern (hobbled in and out), and he dropped me at the motel. A guy named Charlie at the hotel helped me into the room and I was once again hobbling from pieces of furiture to furniture just to move around. That evening, another couple staying there who were a bit older than me, and doing day hikes, invited me to join them for dinner and that was very pleasant as this guy had done some research with a couple of grants at OSU over the years.Woke up very early the next morning and decided I was done. I arranged a one-way rental from Hertz from a nearby town in CT and was on the road home at 9:30. Rest room and gas breaks were a challenge as I had to lean on one of my poles while taking painful baby steps.Got to the doctor on Thursday early and he said another stress fracture. He politely called my exploits "extreme" and said my body was not cooperating with my brain. So, a few weeks on crutches and non-weight bearing activity on the leg for faster healing, and I should be back to normal. Sounds familiar to last year's results but was able to stay out longer this year having completed 478 miles.I'm encouraged by many not to give up the idea of completing the trail. Every suggestion was to take a couple more years to do the remaing 750 miles or so. Sounds like good advice to split it up over time vs. all at once. I will take this lesson more seriously vs. before.Thanks to all for your encouragement and best wishes. I'm fine with attitude and moving slowly. It is good to be back home. I've met some wonderful people this trip and have some great stories to tell. Time to forget about the trail for a while but not forever.Tom
Date: 2010-06-22
To: Home, off the trail, stress fracture tibia
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks for reading my journals. I hope you enjoyed them. I'm home and recovering.Until next year........PS to Fussy Mary: Please send me your email. tomkluesener@gmail.com Thanks Fussymary, got it.Follow up: The doc, without an MRI and that's fine with me, diagnosed another stress fracture but this time the left tibia vs. right last year. He called my hiking activity to the degree of the AT "most extreme" and either I cut down the days or the miles per day in order to stay out longer. My bones are just not that strong in my young, but senior years. It's hard to get into a shelter or campsite very early in the p.m. and quit hiking for the day, even if 12-13 miles in(hey, what's another 5 miles in 3-4 hours!). I need to leard to do that next time out... cut my miles per day.So the treatment is nothing more than: no weight bearing activity and two crutches. Hard to do, believe me. But, I do need to focus on that direction. If no improvement in 2-3 weeks, then we'll do an MRI as he said the area of most pain is also where knee problems. Actually, both my lower legs are swollen, and feet too, but the left is painful if not handled properly and have tingling in both feet. Two crutches, amd give it some time.Just as a coincidence, my 24 year old daughter has moved back in with me due to a relationship break-up. Tough on her emotionally (but she handling well) but good for me as she's a great help. My friends and family helped move her back over the weekend so time to settle down into rest and feet up most of the time.
Date: 2010-07-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all, thanks for tuning in.Amanda from Blacksburg: Thanks for the note and again, thanks for the ride into town. Didn't see your email. If you care to send, can keep in touch. Good luck with your studies. RepackIt's been 4 weeks, two days ago since I hobbled off the trail. I'm healing quite rapidly. Off the crutches now but not doing anything to aggravate the injury or hopefully slow the recovery process.I'm thinking about getting back on the trail in three weeks or so, and stay out until the first of September. This time, no deadline to be somewhere at a certain date, and no more than 11-12 miles per day. Have written to my doctor about my recovery and thought process. If he says I shouldn't, I wont. If it's up to me, then I wait and see how I feel the beginning of the month. I'd like to do it, maybe tack on 200-250 miles to this years miles. Would also replan my visit into Boston out of Dalton. Hope I can do it.
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Rt 52 road crossing, NY

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday, I drove to Patterson, NY via one-way Hertz. Took a taxi to the trail today, just a few miles from Patterson.At 9:00, just before stepping into the woods, I met NB thru-hiker Duffy. He told me just on the other side of the road was trail magic, coolers of beverages and snacks. I checked it out but just having breakfast, took only a quick Gatorade, passing by cold beer (what!) It didn't feel right taking a break without one step on the trail, and I was full anyway.Took a break at the first shelter, Morgan Stewart Shelter, only 3.9 miles out, arrived at 11:00. Nice shelter with a well and water pump. Met T-Rex and Stefanie. Wont see T-Rex again as he does 25 a day. Stefanie was out of money and was hoping to get some work at a garden store in Pawling, NY to support her continuing. As it were, I saw here the next day and she was waiting on her mother to pick her up. No work available so she's done for this trip. Too bad.The next shelter was another 7.8 miles and 11:00 was just too early to quit even with my first day back. I made it without any stress on my legs but was exhausted. I had to pack in a couple extra liters of water as I heard from other hikers, the water source was dry. Did ok for the first day back, cross into CT tomorrow. Wohoo, another state behind me.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Lean-To
Miles today: 12.7

For the record, lean-to's in New England are the same as shelters south of here, not structural difference. No fires allowed in Connecticut.Had a tough time sleeping on the hard lean-to flooring. Took some meds and got some sleep although a horrendous thunder storm blew threw about 4:00 with torrential rain. Glad I was in the shelter. Some of those in tents ended up in the shelter...serious storm. Good for the water supply though, as the dried up stream leading into the shelter had some puddles in the morning. One of the other hikers in the shelter was from Reynoldsburg when he was a kid. His family now lives in Granville, and has for many years.Didn't get out of there until 8:00 due to the storm (no more rain the rest of the day). Was in no hurry so took a boots off break at a shelter 7.5 miles up the trail. Took a quick nap on a picnic table and watered up for the rest of the day. Trail magic again today with a cooler of ice water and some candy treats. It's hot out here and I'm drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. Am watching this closely.Tonight I'm at Ten Mile Lean-to having crossed into CT. Rive near by and a water pump at the shelter made for a pleasant evening. Spent the night with a gentleman from CT just out for a few days. Three thru-hikes came in and watered up for another 8 miles into Kent. It was 6:00 and they were going for another 8 miles.... wow!I feel much better today after a long mid-day break. No leg problems.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Ten Miles River Lean-To

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 8.7

More rain last night, heavy but no thunder. Tough sleeping with a tin roof.An easy day (so I thought) into Kent for overnight, nero and various errands. It was a seriously tough hike. Had a 1300' climb within two miles. Not to bad going up but coming down was slow and rocky, shades of PA. Plus, am having some blister problems which I had to stop a few times to try and remedy, slowing me down even more. Water was somewhat abundant from slow moving streams.Got into Kent about 1:30 and there was a jazz festival going on so no rooms (very expensive anyway). So I tented in the back yard of an Episcopal Church with a restroom next door in their school. Met up with the three guys I mentioned in the last journal. They didn't make it by dark and had to hike in the dark with only one headlamp between them. They were not very well prepared, and slow with the tough hike up and down the mountain.So, had some refreshment right away, did laundry, and resupplied at the local IGA. Took a sink bath in the church's rest room. Met a guy named Freeman who's been here for a week (camping in the church yard) with a stress fracture in his foot. He's a thru-hiker and doesn't want to give it up yet. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast together. He'll give in three more days and make a decision on what to then, he said.It's now Saturday morning and I decided to get to the library to journal and get a late start for a 10 mile day. I will continue to journal when I can but there may be a few days in-between.I'm fine, no leg problems, and I think I've addressed the blisters. Until next time....
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Kent, CT

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

I am off the trail now for two plus weeks as I write this journal. I'm apologize to my friend who have been keeping up with me for taking so long to complete... just sort of lost the spirit to write. Please read on to 8/9's journal for explanation.Left Kent about 11:45 after a relaxing morning packing up and some time at the library. Nice older couple from Hartford gave me a .5 mile ride back to the trail. They read about the jazz festival on the Internet.Freeman had warned me about the trial out (north) of Kent with a couple serious climbs but and even more serious downhill after the second climb (but he also said a nice long flat along a river). Another downhill for the "worthy of comment" department. One mile, 1300' downhill, seemed like a boulder/rock desent all the way steeply down, just treacherous. I recall saying to myself before starting the down there was no hurry and watch every step. Whew! Made it down and looked back up to an unbelieveable sight of boulders, rocks and roots that seemed almost staight up. More reminders of Pennsylvania.But after that, there was a nice 3-4 mile stretch of very flat and good trail along the Red River; lots of people around for the nice walk and enjoying the shallow and clear section of this wide river. I received two pieces of trail magic, a Gatorade, and an ice cold Pepsi. The end of the day was another steep but decent trail climb to Siver Hill Campsite.This campsite took the prize for best yet. It featured a pavillion, water pump that worked, deck with an overgrown view, a new swing, and grassy tenting that was not tree covered so great sky view... very nice. Spent the night with 3 other hikers. We dined together on the deck. One hiker had some Jack Daniels he shared. The pump worked after about 50 pumps to get it primed and started. Some pumps along the way didn't work, so I was told from southbound hikers. I positioned my tent with a view of the open sky and was able to look out of the mesh entry with a view of the stars.Somewhere along the trail that day, I stubbed my big right toe badly and it was hurting a bit that evening. Must admit, another injury was soon to be part of the reasons for getting off earlier than planned.
Date: 2010-08-08
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Got an early start out of camp for an up and down, and hot day on the trail. I took a long 2 hour break at Pine Swamp Lean-to for water and a nap during the hottest part of the day. Retrieved water from a swampy area .2 mile behind the shelter. The shelter was full when I arrived with other hikers resting and out of the heat. I found a shady spot and rested on my mat. Had to pack extra water from here to the campsite as water availabiltiy was uncertain along the next 6 miles and at Belter's. It was a hot day and my toe was sore (legs were fine). Was packing 2 extra liters of water in case the campsite was dry.Arrived at the site ahead of other hikers from back at Pine Swamp. There was water there.. an underground fed small pool about 2' by 3' and only 3-4 inches deep. It was cool and clear with a family of small frogs along the banks.The campsite was big with lettered and numbered sections. It was a pine forest with a soft bed of pine needles all over, and a privy open toilet. So I found another spot opened to the sky. Had to hurry to get the tent set up as a brief shower hit soon after arrival (didn't last, just got things wet for a while).Before turning in, I repatched up a couple blister spots that were tolerable with the bandaging and noticed my big toe nail was loose from the bed (I know, gross!) and draining. No wonder it was sore all day. So, worried about infection and tired of the heat and with the water situation unreliable, I planned on getting off the trail the next day.
Date: 2010-08-09
To: Salisbury CT and home
Miles today: 0.4
Weather: clear sky

Peaceful night in my tent with no more rain. Got out of camp early to do only .4 of a mile to intersection of Rt. 7 and rt 112 where I found a pop machine that worked. I hitched into Salibury, an 8 mile ride. I was planning on staying in Salisbury afte a 10 mile hike but the toe was red, inflamed, and hurting. So I went in from another direction.After checking on a couple inns to stay, I called Maria McCabe who is in the guide book for putting up hikers in her home and she welcomed me to come over. Very nice lady with a lovely Connecticut home. We visited for a while with a cup of coffee disucussing my need to see a doctor. After a shower and a call to Hertz, a guy named Jazzy dropped in with 5 hiker packs for others who planned to stay the night. I asked if he could schuttle me to a town where I could get a Hertz one way.. he said yes. So I made a Hertz reservation and he took me into Poughkeepsi, NY. It would have been nice to take the day and rest and visit but the opportunity was there for me to head out and get home.Long drive, got me home about 11:00 p.m. I was able to get to the doctors the next day where he did some minor surgery on my toe and removed the nail. He said I was lucky I didn't break it as with an injury like mine, it was often the case.Thanks to all my family and friends who kept tabs on me regularly via Trail Journals. I'm sorry for taking so long to close myself out, so to speak, and keep you all informed. My toe is healing and new growth now occurring. I will be back next year, Lord willing, and will plan a shorter hike in New England with may pal Don from Atlanta. Until then.....