morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Stratton-Arlington Rd

To: Old Rootville Rd, Prospect Rock
Miles today: 12.6

I got a call for Fahmah today as he was resting at Prospect Rock. They had hiked early. They weather had made a big turn-around and had become very hot. A major heat wave and humidity was headed our way for the next few days. With the truck, they can increase miles because they can slack pack most days, but for the next couple days, with the heat, they will only do short hikes, real early in the morning, trying to finish up before the major heat of the day. They were greeted this morning with some trail magic from Doat. Much thanks for what you do for the hikers."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Old Rootville Rd, Prospect Rock

To: USFS10, Danby VT
Miles today: 22.7

I hadn't heard from Fahmah for a couple of days. I called him Wednesday and he told me that they had stayed at a motel for a couple of days with the terribly hot weather. Their hikes were real short each day and done real early in the morning. The motel had a pool and they were sure to partake of the convenience. We just talked for a moment. I talked a little with Klip and with Jack. Klip is feeling better and Jack is Jack. I told Jack about how Pretty Girl, his little Jack Russell Terrier that is staying with me, just recognized his vehicle that is parked in our driveway. It was quite evident that she recognized it and walked up to it expecting Jack to jump out and take her for a ride!! She is great company for me and such a sweet dog.Today is actually Friday and it has now been two days since I have heard from Fahmah so there isn't anything new to report. Will update when I hear from him again."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-07-11
From: USFS10, Danby VT

To: US4, Rutland, VT
Miles today: 32.0

There were another couple days with very bad cell service. Also some bad weather forcasts along with the heat & humidity. These all reasons for less calls from Fahmah and foul moods when we did talk. The hikers stayed for 2 nights at the Killington/Pico Motel. It was a great deal for them. $59 to sleep 3 with an extra bed. Dinner was at the Long Trail Inn. There was a pool and a great hot tub at the motel that they enjoyed! The sore feet and ankles loved it when kept in front of the jets. They saw Boo & Scout again, the couple they saw in Adams that Fahmah brought to the Pittsfield hospital for the bite that turned out to be from a deer tick. He seems to be fine & getting through the treatment.The hike up Killington & Pico was a long day but being able to top it off at the Long Trail Inn with a nice, cold one made it okay. Life is good!"FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-07-14
From: US4, Rutland, VT

To: Woodstock Stage Rd, Pomfret, VT
Miles today: 25.2

The hikers have been staying at the Gifford Woods State Park while hiking day trips with the truck. 7/12 from Rutland to River Rd.7/13 from River Rd. to Chateauguay Rd.7/14 from Chateauguay Rd. to Woodstock Stage Rd.It has been a relief on the hips & knees being able to slack pack during the days using the truck for transportation. Jack & Klip usually walk together and Fahmah walks the opposite direction after dropping them off. Then Klip reads the map and directs Jack back to where to pick up Fahmah. Jack has decided to head back south once they reach Glencliff, NH. He has no interest in tackling the Kinsman Mts or Moosilauke again!! I think he had enough of them in '07! I will miss my little friend at my house when she goes back to being a "rebel". I've been training her to be a "yankee" and she's learnin' fast. I plan a trip up to Hanover, NH when they get there on Friday. I will bring Pretty Girl with me to see her Daddy!!I haven't heard from them yet tonight, but they got a late start this morning. It was still raining from overnight. Will update tomorrow with details."FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Woodstock Stage Rd, Pomfret, VT

To: NH 10, Hanover, NH
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well, after talking with Fahmah on Wednesday (13th) it was determined I would head up on Thursday instead of Friday. I hustled to get an apple pie ready for them and packed up Pretty Girl and headed up to meet them by 5pm. I made reservations at a motel near White River Junction, at the intersections of Rt 91 & Rt 89. They walked 9 miles that day and were at the motel waiting when I arrived. We had a great visit and lots to eat. Dinner at AJ's Steak House, breakfast at Dana's at the Gorge (Quechee Gorge on Rt 4), then we found Crossroads Family Restaurant...both dinner and breakfast there. Not only was the food good, but it was plentiful and the price was right! Their homemade rolls & bread were delicious. While at the Gorge, we walked over the bridge and took some photos. It is really beautiful and awesome. The photos won't do it justice, but it was so deep, a long way below the bridge! We didn't take the hike down the foot path, but it would have been nice to do. Weather threatened severe thunderstorms for Friday so the hikers took the day off and repacked. Klip had to replace his pack since a mishap with the truck running over his old one broke the frame. Fahmah felt terrible for that!! We owe you a new pack, Klip!! Pretty Girl enjoyed her time with her Daddy!! She wasn't thrilled to get back in the car for the trip back to Templeton, but she did.I left early on Saturday morning and they guys planned their hike for the day. A call from Fahmah last night confirmed that they have arrived in New Hampshire. Hanover, just over the border, the home of Baltimore Jack. It just happened that they stopped in at his favorite watering hole, and found him there. They were staying at his compound last night and were being treated to a nice chicken dinner. Jack & Klip were camping, and Fahmah stayed in the truck.Klip met hikers on the trail yesterday that he had hiked with in 1997. They are also meeting southbounders daily.Will update when I hear from Fahmah again. Thanks to all of you who are keeping up with their travels. "FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2010-08-04
From: NH 10, Hanover, NH

To: Three Mile Road
Miles today: 8.4

It is with a heavy heart that we report that the Tres Amigos have called an end to the hike. The three determined that they would all stop the hike when Klip suffered another attack of vertigo. Klip felt the need to go back home to have it checked out. He needed to be with his family and they all agreed. His family was worried and they wanted him home. As for Fahmah, he felt that there were many forces against him completing this hike right from the start. The severe winter weather he survived in the first months of the hike was not the least of these. He now has a patchwork of hiking to make up to complete the whole hike, the Smokies, Tennessee and Virginia and now New Hampshire to Maine. Klip also has New Hampshire to Maine to finish to complete a 4th hike of the AT. Fahmah plans to make up the miles he missed in the south over the next year or so, but he will wait to finish New Hampshire and Maine until Klip can come over again and they can hike it together. They might be 90 and 87 respectively, but they will hike it together again one day (God willing). They want to experience the Mama K High that hikers get when it is truly the final summit and the completion of the 2178-mile trek.Fahmah and Klip and Jack want to thank all of you who have supported and followed their journey in 2010. Congratulations to all the hikers they met along the way that finished (some of you in amazing time & with awesome perserverence. A special thank you to the Trail Angels and Trail Maintenance crews that made the trek possible. And another special "thank you" to Stumpknocker, Mrs Gorp, Chief and X-mas who helped kick it off on 2/1/2010 from Springer. And most importantly, thank you, Klip, for coming all the way over here again to celebrate Fahmah's 70th birthday with him on the AT. We will see you all on the Trail.   "FOR YOU JIM"
Date: 2011-06-23
From: Three Mile Road

To: home for now
Miles today: 0.0

Well, we received confirmation that Klip is heading back over to the States. Fahmah has made the decision to leave his garden in my hands for this year to water and harvest and get back on the AT with Klip. Because they will be in New England and within a day trip to me at most times, his thirst for the trail and because Klip is coming back, he made his decision and I will again help him in any way that I can. So, check back regularly. I will be updating the journal again with his news from the Trail.
Date: 2011-07-23
From: home for now

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Plans are final!! Fahmah has had some very bad news and delays, but Klipspringer has arrived in USA and is staying with us at our house. He arrived on Thursday.Bob,Fahmah's life-long friend, has just passed away, not unexpectedly, but much sooner than we anticipated, after an illness. We are dealing with this sad news as best we can.But Fahmah and Klip will start their hike at Three Mile Rd outside of Hanover NH on Wednesday, July 27th. This is a bit of a delay but necessary. Sorry there hasn't been an update in so long, but once they start, we will be updating regularly. Wish them luck on their travels. Perhaps the two of them will meet up with Cimmaron along the way.Will update soon.Ma Fahmah
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Three Mile Road

To: Trapper John's Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: broken clouds

We got the guys on the trail a little before 10 a.m. Their packs were heavy as they started out. They said there were huge climbs and a huge down-hill. The shelter was .3 mile off the trail. Received call around 7:30 p.m. surprised they had cell service there. Just time to fix their supper and get set up before dark. I was proud of them for their mileage on the first day. Yay!!!FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Trapper John's Shelter

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I finally received a call from Fahmah. Verizon cell phone coverage has not been available. This morning from Mt Cube only AT&T has service. Klip used his phone to call. They are doing well and on the schedule they had planned. On Thursday night they stayed on top of Smarts Mtn at the Fire Warden's Cabin, traveling 6.7 miles for the day. Last night they stayed at Hexacuba Shelter (5.3 mi). The shelter is a hexagon and the privy is a pentagon shape...Fahmah thought that was kind of intriguing. They have seen lots of other hikers. A man and a woman with two vehicles hiking together. They are heading north but hike south back to their vehicle each day. Also met a northbounder yesterday, Crooked Tree, and a southbounder (forgot the name!) Each night they feel tired and sore but are awaking re-generated. Klip is looking for a l lb rib eye when I meet them at Rt 93!! Fahmah wants me to bring all 3 pair of his spare hiking boots and all the inserts I can find.....mmmmmmm....are his feet bothering him a little? They are hoping to get a ride in to Glencliff, but with the phone service so sketchy....they might spend tonight at another shelter. We will see with next contact.FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-07-31
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Glencliff-NH 25
Miles today: 14.6

Fahmah and Klip got in to Glencliff last night. Today they are slack packing to hike Mt Moosilauke, southbound today. I believe they are starting at Kinsman Notch, NH 112. Miss Janet is at Glencliff and gave Fahmah & Klip the ride in. Fahmah described a close call will a couple of horses that walked out into Miss Janet's path...she did a great job avoiding a catastrophe! They were in Woodstock this morning when I received the call. This will be the last time I will hear from them for a couple of days. The cell phone coverage has been nearly non-existent in this area. The plan is to do Moosilauke today, do Eliza Brook campsite on Monday night, then South and North Kinsman on Tuesday. I am planning to meet them late on Tuesday at Rt. 93. I will be bringing all the supplies they will need after they get through the Whites. We will travel over to Gorham, leave all the heavy stuff out of their packs that they won't need in the Whites. We have made reservations for huts for the 3rd thru the 8th thru the Whites. In Gorham there is a little fish shop on a corner (I don't even know the address) in an old gas station building. He steams his own lobster and makes the most delicious chowder and lobster rolls (just chuck full of sweet lobster meat). He puts them on a grinder roll not a toasted, buttered hot dog roll! This was the biggest draw for me to go to Gorham!!! Klip introduced me to these lobster rolls in 2007 when I met them there on their hike. It is definitely worth going back again! The following morning I will drop them back on the trail at Rt. 93 and they will begin their hike through one of the most beautiful sections of the AT, the magnificent Whites. I may not have updates for a few days but will update as soon as I get news. Pray for the "old hikers!"FOR YOU JIM
Date: 2011-08-01
From: Glencliff-NH 25

To: NH 112, Kinsman Notch (headed south)
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Our hikers took a zero today. It wasn't in their schedule and I am unsure what they will be doing to make up the mileage. But Fahmah woke up and his knee was blown out. He was unable to hike and I believe that Klip welcomed the time off too. They picked a tough area to start their hike this year. There is a lot of up and down real quick, giving little time to earn their hiking legs and get them in shape. But it will come. Yesterday they hiked Moosilauke as planned. It was a very tough hike and they didn't get back to the hostel until late. I am going to meet them at Glencliff tomorrow as early as I can get there. They will keep their schedule in the Whites as planned as far as I know. When I spoke to them, they were preparing their dinner, grilled steaks at the Hostel and looking forward to them with relish. Fahmah is becoming a bit of a celebrity with his "red neck sleeping drawers"!! We'll have to share that one around the campfire at Sebago! I really hope I can get Miss Janet to send me a copy of that one!   I received a call from Quicktoez tonight and he is coordinating his trip to meet the guys on the 7th of August around Carter Notch Hut and hike with them for a while. We will call him back tomorrow to make arrangements.FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-02
From: NH 112, Kinsman Notch (headed south)

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0

A lot happened in a short amount of time. I got up on Tuesday (8/2) and headed up to Glencliff, NH to the Hiker's Welcome Hostel where Fahmah & Klip had stayed the last 2 nights. Fahmah's knee was already better and they were both feeling good after a little r&r. They showed me around and I got to meet Miss Janet and others at the hostel. We took some photos and headed off to Gorham. We took the scenic route through the Kangamagus HWY because we had to stop at Pinkham Notch to check the reservations at the Huts. They were all set except NO reservations at Lake of the Clouds and only 1 reservation at Madison. The weather had been unpredictable all day, sunny and bright one moment, then clouds and a burst of rain the next, then sun again!! But very pleasant most of the time. And what gorgeous scenery all around us, even the ride up to Glencliff was very pleasant for me. I arrived around 11 a.m. When we arrived at Pinkham Notch visitor center, it began to pour! By the time we came out, the sun was shining brightly again. But there had been no change in the reservations but they did come up with a Plan B. We headed over to Gorham, NH to Hiker's Paradise where Bruno was going to let the guys leave the heavy stuff from their packs while they hiked the Whites. Their plan is to return there on the 9th when they are through. They went in to register for the evening. It was around 4 p.m. Fahmah met Book Worm inside. Book Worm is a thru hiker, Class of 2000 who works Hard Core with Bob Peoples every year. Fahmah had met her a couple of times. There was no possible way we would have said no to her request. She had arrived at the hostel today and for some reason was changing her hiking plans. She was hiking with a friend (who was still on the trail) whose vehicle was at Grafton Notch. Her own vehicle was at East B Hill over in Andover Maine (over an hour away). She needed a ride to her vehicle and offered to fill our tank if we would take her over. We said of course!! Left Klip in his room to sort his pack and headed off to Andover. While we were in the area we wanted to stop in at The Cabin (Honey & Bear's Hostel) where they plan to stay once they are in to Maine. It was a short distance from East B Hill so we went over. They were just sitting down to dinner with 2 hikers they had there when we stopped. We didn't stay long, but we made the connection so they know Fahmah and Klip will be calling. It was sunny when we went in, but pouring rain when we came out. We ran back to the car and headed back to Gorham to have our supper. Oh, and you know those Lobster Rolls I have been drooling about?? Well, we found out the owner passed away and the shop is up for lease!!! NO LOBSTER ROLL FOR ME! I guess he has an excuse..... ;(We arrived back at the hotel around 7 p.m. and headed for supper. Then the hikers sorted out their packs, made their plans for the following days and we got a fine night's sleep. We were all very tired. It had been one long day!FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-03
From: I 93, Franconia Notch

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 6.4

The alarm went off at 6:30! Bruno starts serving breakfast at 7:30. The coffee was nice and strong and never ending....they kept bringing a fresh thermos before the current one was empty. I had pancakes, eggs and sausage (could only eat half of it), Fahmah had his normal hash and eggs when he goes out for breakfast. Klip had bacon and eggs and Bruno even remembered the Worcestershire Sauce without being asked! Book Worm was sitting across from us. She had told us she would see us at breakfast. She is now going to hike a few 4000's...just for sport! The ride back to Franconia Notch was much shorter than the trip the day before from Glencliff to Gorham, via Pinkham Notch. We had the hikers at the trailhead by 10 a.m. They are off, now, through the Whites, staying Hut to Hut. I don't expect to hear too much from them over the next week. The cell phone coverage is very spotty. But, this morning (today is the 4th) Fahmah did have a signal on top of LaFayette after climbing up from the Hut. I had taken a photo of a rock ledge from a parking lot we had stopped at where we saw a couple of guys putting on their rock climbing gear. Fahmah said that ledge was right across from them where he was calling from. Tonight they will be staying at Galehead Hut. PTL, keep them safe.FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-04
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Fahmah had phone service (Verizon) from Galehead Hut and was able to call me this morning. They said it was a tough hike for the two of them. They are feeling their age. There was a father from Houston with 3 little girls, 10 and under, that started off at the same time they did. About a mile before the hut, the young ladies passed the two old hikers and beat them to the hut!! Man, they both really felt old! I reminded them....."Age is an Attitude." Still no break in reservations for Lake of the Clouds or Madison. If only Fahmah had brought his "redneck knickers" Klip could have signed him up as entertainment...Work for Stay! "Happy Birthday to Just Jack on the 3rd!! And thanks for checking in with Ma" from Fahmah & Klip. And thanks for the prayers...they can use all the help they can get!FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.1

Fahmah called and had to make it quick before we lost contact. Got in to Mizpah Spring Hut. Both are doing ok. There was a group of kids there from St Lawrence University, one even worked there, and he was trying to remember my neice and nephew that go there...Rob & Cara Sibley. I told him to get some names of the students so we could tell the kids, but I bet he will forget!! I told him I was going to have to go up to see him again at Gorham on the 9th. The insurance company is requiring his signature on some forms. He said "Good!" So I will head up again on Tuesday.FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-07
From: Mizpah Spring Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: fog

They arrived at Lake of the Clouds hut this afternoon. I got a call around 3 p.m. that they got in. They hadn't had reservations there, but apparently the weather was so crappy that space opened up. It was bad weather all day. The phone coverage was again spotty and he kept cutting out. He did tell me that Klip had fallen and broken one of his poles. I asked if Klip was hurt and he said he didn't think so. He got up and walked on like nothing was bothering him. He might be sore tomorrow. They still only have one reservation for Madison Hut so unless something opens up, the plan is for Klip to go down to Pinkham Notch and catch a ride to Gorham and stay at Bruno's. If something opens up at Madison, they will go on together and go to Gorham after that. We were about to discuss what I should bring for supplies or if they needed anything, when we lost contact. I tried to call back but it went directly to voice mail. I'll await a call tomorrow. FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-10
From: Pinkham Notch Visitor Center

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0

Had a good breakfast at Bruno's with plenty of coffee. Spent the day hanging around, made 2 trips to Walmart for resupply and went to Labonville, Inc, the sporting goods/clothing store across the street. All the hikers found new clothing; zip-off pants and hiking shirts that were, best yet, on sale!! Klip introduced me to a new favorite...Amarula Cream Liqueur, a product of South Africa. Bailey's got major competition for me now!! Plans were discussed for the next 3 days and packs were sorted out and restocked and a bag left for Bruno to hold for 3 days until they return again. We all had simple dinner followed by more pie....I still ended up bringing some home! Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. when Bruno opens the door then off to Pinkham Notch to hike Wildcat!!! 6 miles of major elevation!!!! Tough spot for Quicktoez to start. Good they have had a day or two of rest.FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-11
From: Pinkham Notch Visitor Center

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: fog

We got up at 6:30 a.m. as planned, showered and packed up. Breakfast as soon as the doors opened at Bruno's. We were off by 8:30 a.m. I off-loaded the hikers at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and watched as they crossed the highway to the Trail.I was home early afternoon. I was tired from a sleepless night and the long ride home. Checked on Fahmah's garden and found a basket full of summer squash, cucumbers, zucchini and broccoli shoots. We had plenty of rain so no watering was necessary (Good!!!)Received a call from Fahmah around 3:30 p.m. They still had 3 miles to go to get to the Hut, but the hardest part was over. They had been climbing steadily since I dropped them off. He was calling from the gondola workman's cottage atop Wildcat.   FOR YOU JIM.
Date: 2011-08-12
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Imp Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The 3 hikers got in to the Hut after dinner had been served, but the crew graciously heated meals for them. They rested after a tough day of hiking for all of them. They headed out this morning thinking the hike would be relatively easy to the Imp Shelter. Fahmah had forgotten about one section heading down that was very steep and dangerous. They really took their time going down. Quicktoez went ahead, but the two pensioners took it very carefully and got in to camp just before dark. Another tough day of hiking but safe for the night.FOR YOU JIM.