morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Deep Gap (Franklin)

To: Deep Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up actually feeling good. A package from my wife came. I had figured that since I would be stuck here, I could work on my novel. First though, I had to finish my journal stuff.I ate the last of my cereal for breakfast. I needed something for my lips, which were severely chapped, probably from the anti-histamine. I decided to test my body by walking to Ingle's to buy some Blistex. It was pretty easy. Okay, I was a little winded when I got back, but not bad.At noon, I took a chance and went to the Prime Sirloin Buffet. I got the senior rate. Seven bucks including drink. There was no sirloin at noon, but there was BBQ chicken, veggies including sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and dessert.After lunch, someone knocked on my door. It was Gray Blazer, the hiker formerly known as Bear Bait II. He was driving from Gainesville to Rocky Knob to do some trail magic and had read Tinker's trip report on Whiteblaze, and Ron's subsequent post, that I was resting up at his motel. He wanted to stop by to say Hi.We talked for a while, and found his real name is Jay Willey. When he learned that I was from NH and asked me if I had ever climbed Mt Willey, I stopped. "Are you..?"Yes, indeed. He is related to the tragic family of the Willey disaster in the White Mountains.We took pictures, and had Dave take pictures of the two of us together in front of his gray Chevy Blazer. Hmmm. Any connection there? Yes. That is the reason for his trail name Gray Blazer.I finished my journal, copied the files onto a CD, labeled it, and brought it to the post office. When I got back, I was a little tired. I met Mudflap in the parking lot drying out his tent. Daisy was nearby and we all chatted a bit. I was tired, though, and had to take a nap.I woke up, took my evening pills, and decided to eat again. Living large, baby, living large.I was feeling chippy, so I didn't bother checking to see if there was a shuttle, but decided to walk. Once outside, I realized I wasn't up to the two and a half mile jaunt to where the Burger King/Wendy's/etc were, so I tried the other direction. I passed by the Prime Sirloin Buffet as I didn't want to spend too much money. Half way to a Carl's Jr., I realized that I really wanted a salad, and that I wouldn't spend that much more at the Buffet.So I turned around. The Buffet (senior rate) was $9.50, and included AYCE sirloin steak. I had a steak and baked potato, some carrots, green beans and corn, and a salad. I was offered a second steak, but decided to have a piece of BBQ chicken instead. Some ice cream and a couple cookies and I was done.Toward the end of the meal I saw Mudflap and Daisy in a booth a few feet away. I must have walked right by them and never noticed. AH, well.I came back to my room, put out the DO NOT DISTURB sign, and settled in for the night. Maybe tomorrow I'll feel fine!
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Deep Gap (Franklin)

To: Deep Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 0.0

Another zero day. I felt better today than yesterday again, though the difference was not so pronounced.I went on a long walk up and down the local hills, and although I am still congested as all get-out, I did okay.I would consider leaving for the trail tomorrow, but the forecast is for snow, so I guess Saturday is a better bet. The main thing is whether the shuttle can get me up to Deep Gap or not. The road was pretty treacherous when it was dry.Had breakfast with a big group (including Brains and Brawn, and Solace and Little Easy) this morning at a local diner, and dinner with Ron at Fat Buddies BBQ.Other than that is it was a quiet day. I'm just marking time until Saturday.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Deep Gap (Franklin)

To: Deep Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 0.0

Late this morning I could see snow still up in the mountains and heard there were a few inches at Winding Stair Gap. It didn't bode well for the Forest Service Road which went to Deep Gap. Remember Deep Gap is at 4500 feet. The road is one lane - heaven help the two cars that meet a mile from the top - windy with an extreme drop off.I asked Ron if a shuttle would be possible tomorrow, or would the road be impassible. He waved off the latter with a hand sporting more than two crooked fingers. "Never you mind," he said. "I'll gitchoo us a four wheel drive and we'll make it up. It'll be fun." Fun? I remember him telling me at breakfast how those fingers got broken so badly. He was a professional wrestler and the Iron Sheik and Junkyard Dog (or others of their ilk) were responsible. He wasn't sure exactly who because as he said, "Ah don't rightly remember. I just remember the finger bone stickin' way out the skin raht cheer, it was so white and purty, all shiny and all."Yeah, if he thinks Pro Wrestling is fun, do I really want to have him drive me up that road?Yeah, I guess I do. I just hope the Forest Rangers who find our bodies at the bottom of the huge ravine will notice how pretty my neck bones are sticking out through the skin like that, all white and shiny and all.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wayah Bald (Franklin)
Miles today: 0.0

My left calf hurt a lot this morning, and I couldn't walk without a limp, so I am forced into yet another Zero Day.I have to say this totally sucks. I started my hike early to avoid the big clump of hikers around the most popular start dates, and now the big slug of hikers are starting to reach Franklin and I will be caught up with them. I will be traveling the Smokies with a huge crush of thru-hikers, and that truly sucks.For those that don't know, there are severe restrictions on camping in the Smokies. You can only stay in shelters, or if the shelter is full, camp within 100 feet of a shelter (rumor is that the distance is reduced to 75 feet this year). Rangers are not sympathetic and quick to give out expensive tickets. Camping away from a shelter will get you a ticket and they will escort you from the park and deny you re-entry.Last year, Crutch says he and his hiking partner reached a shelter that was full, and there were a lot of tents. It was late in the afternoon, but two rangers at the shelter told Crutch he had to hike to the next shelter. Crutch said they had hiked 14.2 miles to get there and it was late and they really didn't want to hike to the next shelter. "No problem," said one of the rangers. "Just hang loose for an hour or so with us and we will escort you out of the park." Jerks, huh? Crutch and his friend hiked to the next shelter, which was even more crowded, but there were no rangers around, so they tented there.Dinner was at a Chinese buffet. It was good. Choices were very limited, but the food itself was good.But back to my problem (it's always about me), I'm in Franklin yet another day.I spoke with the doctor again, at the Chinese buffet, and again he asked about my calf, asked if I had a history of blood clots. That surprised me.He said he didn't want to scare me, then proceeded to scare the crap out of me. He said that it could be a blood clot causing me trouble in my calf. He said that when someone has shortness of breath and a runny nose, it is easy to diagnose bronchitis, but in fact the two could be unrelated. He said that if the pain in my calf moved into my thigh, or if I experienced shortness of breath or chest pain, to go to a hospital. I asked if I should go back to the clinic, and he said not to panic, that it likely was a muscle strain, but to not rule out Deep Vein Thrombosis, especially if conditions change.Okay, that sounded serious.So, basically, I should not panic, but if I develop more shortness of breath or if the pain in my calf moves to my thigh, to get to a hospital immediately.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Wayah Bald (Franklin)

To: Wayah Bald (Franklin)
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up this morning with my calf still hurting. I went for a small walk, which loosened it up somewhat.Ron ran another free shuttle to Wayah Bald, and it hurt to watch it leave without me. I had paid thirty dollars for a shuttle two days ago, and yesterday and today the shuttles were free. I suspect that I will be ready to go back on the trail the day after the free shuttles end.After all the hikers left, I got on the internet to look up Deep Vein Thrombosis and it really scared the crap out of me. Except for being dehydrated a couple days ago, though, I didn't seem to fit the profile. Also, I take an aspirin a day so it would be amazing for a clot to form. Still, it seemed serious enough that I¢m taking it seriously.One of the treatments was walking. In fact, inactivity is not only a cause of DVT, but can make it worse. (Another reason why a blood clot doesn't make sense.) So I went for another walk. I can walk fairly well on the flat now, but had major troubles going uphill and downhill, and stairs really hurt.Another treatment for DVT is taking a blood anti-coagulant. I already take that aspirin a day, so I think I am on track in that area. Besides, taking an aspirin a day ought to have helped prevent a clot from occurring in the first place.I don't know. As soon as my leg feels okay, I'm out of here.My bounce box arrived today. Yesterday I called the Hike Inn to tell them I would not be making my reservation, and that I might be coming up to pick up my bounce box if I could get a ride or rent a car. The extended wait in town had caused me to use up all my Lipitor, and that was a medication I needed. The Hike Inn offered to forward the box back to me. It only took one day. Hooray for them for thinking of this and for taking the effort!I did laundry and moped around, wondering why I got sick, and why my calf hurts, and why I can't seem to stay on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Wayah Bald (Franklin)

To: Wayah Bald (Franklin)
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, I'm officially whining now. I am sick and tired of being sick and hurt. Although my chest congestion is much better, my nose is still stuffy (wah wah) and most importantly my calf still hurts. How can I hike if I can't walk up or down hill without hobbling?(boo hoo, poor me)
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, no sense dragging this out day by day. Here's the scoop.I hung around Franklin through the weekend. My leg did not get better. I considered getting treatment there, but first I would have to go to a clinic, who would send me to a hospital for ultrasound or MRI, and then start treatment if needed. It seemed an expensive proposition to do this away from home, so when Tin Can told me he was returning a rental car to Asheville, I hitched a ride with him, rented a car and drove home.I went through a few tests, and finally was told torn calf muscle, no blood clot.This was great news, especially as the muscle was not a complete tear but only partial. (I hope NEVER to get a complete tear, then!!!!!)I started a rehab process which involves gentle stretching, exercising (toe raises), and walking. The stretching is key, as it needs to be enough to keep the muscle elongated, but too much of a stretch will re-tear the muscle.How much it too much? "If you feel a sharp pain and cannot walk, then you did too much." Thanks, Doc.So I do gentle stretches, three sets of 45 seconds, twice a day. I do toe raises (using both feet), and a kind of isometric-dynamic sort of thing in bed where I place the toes of one foot over the other, and flex and contract the foot against resistance. Sort of like a shin splint preventive exercise.I kept walking two-three miles a day. Last weekend, I did my walk in the woods on a level trail. Next day, my shin was tight, but the day after it was fine.I upped the miles to 4-5 miles, and yesterday I did my first hike involving elevation. I had noticed I could walk up and down stairs without limping, so I did a 3-4 mile hike in Pawtuckaway. Did North Mountain from Reservation Road. Up the hill, along the ridge to true summit, then back.It was a bit scary, planting my left leg on steep slabs, and taking deep steps with it, but it all worked out fine. I am going to take a couple days off, then up the mileage to 5-6 miles and hike in the woods.I suffered no ill effects from the hike in that my calf is fine this morning, not even tight. My left hip/leg hurt, but that is my arthritis reminding me that I have paid too much attention to my calf, and have been ignoring my arthritis range of motion exercises.So many pains, so little time. It's hell to get old, but I guess it beats the alternative.I'm not sure now what I should do. I could jump back on the trail in three-four weeks (I was told to rehab 4 - 6 weeks), or I could section hike.Probably I will do the rehab, then do a test hike. Scott of Team NH emailed me about doing the Monadnock Sunapee Trail, and someone else is doing the Northville Placid Trail in mid-May. Both would be great.I'll report back when therapy is over and I figure out what it is I should do.p.s. The doctor told me there is no Thruhiker's Personality, that there is a reason only 10 to 15% of hikers finish, and the reason is that it is tough on the body. Maybe he's right, but I'm not convinced. It seems to me that some folks do long distance hike after long distance hike, and others of us just keep getting hurt.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Welp, I did it. First day back on the AT complete! And it was a big one. I think I did about 15 miles today. I started out completing 5 miles in just over two hours and sat next to a gorgeous glacial pond having lunch and drying out my socks. I, of course, completly submerged my foot in the first stream I crossed. The plan was to do ten miles so I had plenty of daylight left. After the next 5 miles, which ends in a road leading to the Mohican outdoor center, I discovered they charge $12 to camp so I decided to keep going - it was only 4pm. So the place I had decided to camp at was on top of the next mnt. only a half mile away but when I got there a bear was wandering around. I decided since i had already seen a deer, a snake, and now the bear I had better let him have the space and not risk it the first nite out. So, I kept walking. Finally at around 7 I found a beautiful camping spot overlooking a cliff with the sun setting right out my door. I am alone, only saw a few hikers today and they were all going another 3 or 4 miles. Just too much for my first day. I do have to say this, so far it's much easier this time. I already know how to do everything - I didn't burn my dinner, only had a bit of trouble bear bagging my food, and hit the hole dead on when I pooped. Couldn't ask for a better first day. Good nite, Gator
Date: 2006-06-12
From: ??

To: Brinks Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I'm alone agian tonight which really surprises me because I am at Brinks Shelter. It is still early, only 4, but I didn't see another hiker all day. I'm not even sure if there are any hikers anywhere near behind. Such a different experience so far then the one in 2002. When I started the trail four years ago my first shelter had about 25 people at it. And it stayed pretty packed up until NC. This hike certainly is peaceful. Of course, you look forward to seeing the other hikers and hearing the "trail gossip". I'm not sure which I like better yet. Completely alone or at least knowing some hikers around. Even the hikers I do meet will already be in groups and will have been hiking with each other on and off since GA so I will still be alone. I knew this experience would be much different, I just really didn't think about how much different. The only thing that really matters is that I am doing what I love and >what I have been planning on doing for years and the two days out here have >been wonderful. Can't wait for the next 3 months.
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Brinks Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So, I'm a day ahead of schedule. I got to the shelter I was originally going to stay at at 10:30 this morning and thought, "welp, this isn't going to work," so I plowed. Passed up two other shelters and ended up at High Point Shelter. 20 miles and my reward is company. Several other hikers here so I got to talk to people while eating dinner. It was a nice change from the past 2 nights. There are tons of caterpillars. I mean thousands. The past couple of days there were a lot, now I'm picking them off of me left and right. One even bit me! I hope they all become butterflies soon because I'm getting sick of running through their webs. I keep thinking I am losing my hair and then I remember I don't have any. Then I do a jig in the middle of the woods trying to get the silky, sticky strings off of me. Saw two snakes today, that was fun. There are just as many rocks in NJ as PA. Lots of bear. Lots.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

I went into Unionville, NY today to get a mail drop that Mallow and Go-Go sent me. It was full of some very yummy stuff and boy am I excited to try out some of the things they sent. There's chocolate covered sunflower seeds. And dehydrated strawberries! As I was sitting outside the PO a very inqisitive little girl named Amber, age 5, came by to talk. She stayed and helped me pack up my gear, showed me where the trash can was, and even pointed out the pay phone. When I was back in the PO she opened the door to tell me bye. That sums up Unionville right there. The nicest, friendliest people ever. I wish I could have stayed but the next shelter was calling me and rain was iminent. So now I'm and Pochuck Shelter, the skies have gone black, thunder is in the distance and the sounds of rain are actually rain, not caterpillar poop faling from the trees. I am all alone for now but I certainly don't mind. I love a good thunderstorm and love it even better when I stay dry. My feet are blistered enough anyway. Luckily someone left a Time Magzine in here so I won't finish my book while I get sleepy. Life is good, my butt hurts, and I am actually getting a little hiker hobble (already!). NJ has been a very beautiful state to hike thru. Now I know why it is called the "Garden State." There have been tons of fields, vistas, and just lovely terrain, now that most of the rocks are gone. I can't wait to experience the rest of the NE and have y'all experience with me.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 7.0

Very short day, only 7 miles into Vernon, NJ and the church hostel. And >there are actually other hikers that came in. I got to meet new people! >Everyone is a thru-hiker so they totally have that glazed look about them >and I'm just giddy. I think they might hate me. No, seriously, everyone >is really nice and looking at me like I'm a freak when I eat my salad as >compared to their whole pizzas. >The two Nates and their dog Arlo ended up at the shelter last night so I >wasn't alone as I had originally thought I would be. They hiked in fairly >late and proved to be wonderful company. Arlo even snuggled with me in the >middle of the night. They had to push on though so hopefully I'll run into >them again. Well, we have movies so I'm going to go zone out. > >
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Vernon, NJ

To: ??
Miles today: 17.0

So, I left the hostel in Vernon, NJ around 9:30 this morning and decided I >would just see where the trail lead. It lead me, Freeze Out, and Overflow >right down to a creamery with homemade icecream. It was fabulous. And I >figured since I would probably never see those guys again that I should >stop and eat ice cream with them. Then it was only 2 more miles to the >shelter, for a total of 17 or so miles. Fairly easy day except for the >fact that we walked on rocks all day so my feet are killing me. I plan on >doing a short day tomorrow, 14 miles, so my feet will have a rest. I have >been meeting more hikers lately so that's nice and good for the spirit. I >hope I will see them again along the trail.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: ??

To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

So I did a 20 mile day today but got to go swimming after 16 of those >miles. Just 3/10 of a mile off the trail was a "beach" and fresh water >lake that was kinda dirty but very cool after the very humid day. And >right before that there was trail magic in the form of Paddy-O who then met >us (Pond water, Snickers, and Freeze-Out) down at the lake and made us >stromboli's. Very cool guy that has just sorta made trail angeling his >life as of late. He even played us some Frank Sinatra. When we got to the >shelter Buttercup was there and Overflow even showed up. Very good group I >have found. Unfortunately I doubt I'll be keeping up with them for much >longer. They all have aspirations of finishing the trail in early to mid >august. But the good news is Pod members will be joining me in just a few >days. Just as soon as I get to Connecticut! So, I got to go swimming, >staying with fun people, and I'm hiking. My feet are pretty banged up >right now but my miles will slow down. Until that happens, I will hike >what I can and make new friends. >
Date: 2006-06-18
To: The Friary
Miles today: 16.0

Boy, is it hot! Okay, first of all, happy father's day! I love you Daddy >and Papa Brent. Here's a virtual hug. Now, for today. I went through >Bear Mountain State Park, NY and it was a mad house. There were people >everywhere, music, food cooking, I mean insanity. So of course Overflow, >Buttercup, and I stayed for hours waiting for the heat of the day to pass. >When we finally made it out the heat had subsided just a little and there >was a 7 mile hike to the friary to complete our 16 mile day. The three of >us hiked it together so it went fairly fast and we knew there was a cold >shower waiting for us. And boy was it cold. Buttercup said it was so cold >he could stick a q-tip in his ear and touch his balls. Plus there was a >resident spider that was like 4 inches long. But it was dark so I didn't >have to look at it while I danced in and out of the cold water. The >important thing is that I got clean. The bugs are so bad here Buttercup >rigged my tent up inside the pavillion so I could sleep without the >misquitoes biting me. I'm going to have to invite him inside because I >know he will be eatin alive sleeping on a picnic table. Glad there was a >shower. That would be a stinky night otherwise. So, let me get this hairy >hiker boy named Buttercup in here. Night. >
Date: 2006-06-19
From: The Friary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: haze

It was another scorcher. And high mileage at that. My butt got chaffed. >I also fell in a stream and got all muddy and trying to get out of the >stream fell into bushes and got stickers all in my hands and arms. It was >definately the low point of the day. But I washed myself off, pulled the >thorns out, and continued north. Overflow and I were teased by a lake all >afternoon that we couldn't swim in and Buttercup laughed at us. And >finally, after 18 miles we got to RPH shelter. You can order pizza from >here, which we did, which Excitable Boy paid for. Good stuff. Freeze-Out >also showed back up but he'll be gone ahead tomorrow. We left all sorts of >pizza outside - I hope bears don't decide to come rummaging around. I'm on >the top bunk so I should be okay but all the boys are down below. I'm not >really sure why Overflow and I ended up on top, they're like 7 feet off the >ground. Getting up on these things is a hysterical site. Just like guys, >always wanting the girl on top. I'm sure we will here Overflow falling >down when she has to go the bathroom. Watch me have to go too, I'll >definately kill myself. Alright, let me get the bugs off my pillow, >they're currently dive bombing my head lamp and landing all over my >bedding. >