morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-30
From: 501 shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter 
Miles today: 15.1

So my entries have been brief since I have done all of this from my phone and in the interest of conserving battery power I have taken most pictures with my camera and kept my updates simple. Today was hot as all get out with temps well into the 80's. We were all up early and folks started to leave the 501 by 6:00 AM. The rocks were only bad from time to time today but we were moving slowly with the heat. We stopped at the Hertlein camp site and partook of the extremely cold stream for water and washing off. We leapfrogged with Snow frog, Darth and Bright Side all day. We were into camp by 2:30, set camp and indulged ourselves in the cold stream neat the shelter.Right now I am in my tent to evade the mosquitos. Tomorrow is our last day on the trail when we hike 9.3 miles into Port Clinton. We will pass the 1,000 mile mark tomorrow which should be a momentous occasion. It will be hot again tomorrow but we should be done before noon.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Eagles Nest Shelter 

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.3

We enjoyed a camp fire last night to mark the end of this trip. Dog Whisperer gathered a whack of dry wood and Darth told me that is was my job to get the fire going.Yesterday was a super hot day and today was going to be worse.Darth and Dog were up and out early as was Bright Side. I could hear them breaking camp and never did get to see them again to say goodbye one more time. Greenie was going to give Darth and Dog a lift to the bus station to head home - but we never saw them again so we had to assume that where they got out so early they must have caught a ride on their own.We hit the trail at 7:00 straight up, and passed Rooser and a couple of NOBO girls on the way out of the shelter. We expected it would take us three hours to hike into Port Clinton, but my feet were really sore with a couple of hot spots on the bottom of my left foot and the heat and humidity was off the chart so we kept the pace slower than usual. The rocks were a bit more prevalent this morning which also slowed us down.We stopped at a vista to try to dry off and take a break but with the humidity there was no getting my socks to dry at all so I just had to push through it.The final climb down into Port Clinton is a really steep one - not a place that you want to slide or fall as you would keep sliding and pick up a great "rash" from the stones and gravel on trail.We pulled into Port Clinton at 11:00 and drove in Greenies car back to the 501 shelter where my car was parked. We showerd at the shelter and headed home.I will have a bit to reflect on this hike in a future entry - but I will leave with this one thought in this entry...PA is a beautiful state and in spite of some sections of rocks, it is wonderful hiking and diverse in terms of things to see and types of areas you pass through. This was the first time I felt like I was really somewhere totally different. Passing through pastures, Fields, farms, forests, massive boulders, long and flat old woods roads and a variety of plant life all added to the experience.
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Crawford Notch

To: Ethan Pond
Miles today: 0.0

So I had a short gap in my section hike of the Whites and wanted to close it up so I would not have a piece of the trail I had not walked. While I am not a "purist", I do feel that I should make every effort to do the entire trail unless safety dictates otherwise. I will probably never go back and hike from the Carabassett River up to the blue blazed side trial to Sugarloaf that Greenie and I bypassed due to high water from Hurricane Issac - and I don't feel obliged to do so...but this section (between Crawford Notch and Mizpah Hut) I felt I had to do.So to start this section, we did the short hike into Ethan Pond to spend the night. In the morning we will retrace our steps back to Crawford Notch where we will cross US 302 and head up Webster Cliffs and eventually to Mizpah Hut.On this hike I am leading an AMC backpack as an extension of our chapter's backpacking series - and for some on the trip this will be the first White Mountain backpack and also their first 4,000 footer to boot.The hike in took much longer than I expected as many of the group have not done a backpack with the roots and rocks of the Whites. We settled into camp for a late lunch and after setting up camp and eating we hung out by the pond and chatted with other hikers as they arrived at the shelter.Our crew (seven of us in total) tent camped on the group platforms, leaving the shelter to those out for extended backpacks. Two section hikers took lodging in the shelter for the night. The caretaker (who plays a mean banjo) and a friend of his also shared the site for the night.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Ethan Pond

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 6.4

We had a spat of rain, thunder and lightening last night but it never rained hard and the thunderstorm was at least two miles from us at any given point so I would classify the night as uneventful. The crew was up before six in the AM and after breaking camp, eating breakfast we hit the trail by 7:30. We would have been out of camp earlier if not for one of the crew having gastric distress which required an extended use of the privy.We made US 302 in about two hours(more respectable for a group this size) and after dumping extra gear (tents, stoves etc) at the cars, we made our way north with lightened loads. As we walked down to 302 we feasted on wild raspberries growing along the roadway.The climb up Webster Cliffs started all nice and gradual, but turned tough the further up we went. I expected some good rock scrambles and the AT obliged with some stiff climbs that tested some members of the crew.I have to say how proud I was of the group (four ladies and three guys) as there were plenty of places where we could have had some serious meltdowns but it never happened.We made the summit of Mt Webster after lunch and then turned north toward Mt Jackson. The trail turned much more kinder and gentler with some minor steep parts but overall the trail gave way to a more reasonable pace.Before passing over some bog bridges we passed a woman drawing, stopped to say hello and kept walking.We reached the hut by 5:15, about an hour or so later than I had expected for a group like this. We found our room which the cru had reserved for us, and dug into a huge turkey dinner with all the fixins for diner!We bedded down for the night before dark knowing that Sunday was to be unfavorable weather and that we would simply hike out via the Mizpah cut-off and Crawford Path.
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

So this morning we were up for breakfast, packed and on our way out to the Highland center and ultimately home.This trip, as difficult as it was, gave the folks I hiked with a real taste of some of the harder stuff the Whites can toss your way - but everyone was buzzing about the trip knowing that they had done more than they thought they could and did it in style.Next up to top off the 2013 hiking season Greenie and I will finish a short section between Caratunk and Monson. We are leaving north of Monson for when we finish the trail - hopefully next year if I can get the time off from work.2013 is sizing up to be a fantastic hiking year with some great miles, great people and some truly bucolic sections of trail.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So my entry today is somewhat of a bummer. Greenie and I were to be heading up to Maine this up coming Sunday to hike between Caratunk and Monson...but I tore some muscles in my right leg water skiing yesterday and am down for the count and the rest of the season as far as backpacking is concerned.I have battled back from injury before, so I take this as only a set back vs. the end of my AT adventure. As always it will take some hard work and mental resolve but if I can come back from a broken ankle, lacerated cornea, broken big toe, Achilles tendon and heel problems...and oh yeah...cardiomyopathy (congestive heart)...I can beat this too. It is all in your attitude and will. Like the trail, the mental is by far more important than the physical. You can always push through the physical - but the mental can be a showstopper for many.Greenie has decided that he will wait for me to heal and will wait to finish this section with me when I am up and running. We have also asked for 12 weeks off next year to finish the trail so that is going to be my focus - providing I can get it off from work. After 20 years working at the same place I would hope they would see their way to give me an extra 8 weeks of unpaid time off in addition to my vacation time but one never knows. If they don't give me the time I will have to regroup and figure out my next steps with what time I do have off.Will keep everyone posted on my status as I progress.
Date: 2013-09-03
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

So the news from the MRI was not as "good" as I would have liked to have received - but then again it could always be worse.Bottom line is that I did in fact tear a part of the hamstring tendons where they attach to the hip bone along with tearing the muscle in my right hamstring. When I do it up, I do it really nice - nothing half baked for this trail stomper!Next step is to see a specialist - but I do not expect that there will be a surgical procedure done and that it will be simply left to heal. I am looking at six or more weeks before resuming any physical (hiking and the like) activity so getting something in during the October period is out.Ultimately I will be able to resume my normal activities and be out there backpacking again next year - and perhaps backpacking and snow shoeing will be in the mix this winter to keep me from getting cabin fever.I am going to owe my wife "Puddles" in epic proportions after this is all said and done.The bright spot (if there is to be one) is that the weather was really raunchy this past weekend and they got about 2" of rain in the Caratunk and Monson areas on Monday so at least I missed out on that "fun".I am still waiting to hear what work will or will not let me do in terms of taking an extended period of time off in 2014 (to finish the trail) and will probably not hear for another few weeks.
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So the news from the Orthopedic surgeon is like the approach of dark and forboding clouds - the indication that something bigger is about to happen.The doctor walked into the room and even before he introduced himself, he asked "so I have scheduled your surgery for Thursday next week assuming that you are OK with that".UGH.It is a really open and shut case - no ambiguity - clear as a high mountain stream - I tore two tendons completely in my hamstring and partially tore the third. The only choice for someone like myself who is active and athletic is to fix it. I have another 1,200 miles still to walk and I am going to finish the trail if I have to crawl the rest of that distance.At least the results of this surgery are, by in large, very successful. He has done this on patients from pro-football players to SWAT team officers with results that allowed them to resume their high level activities with full recovery.So the bad news is I will be out of work for two weeks and have a brace to imobilaize my right leg for a total of six.There is always next year, and I cannot wait to put my boots on and feel the trail under my feet.
Date: 2013-10-14
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

So an update to my injury situation:I had the operation to reattach my hamstring tendons on September 12th. The surgery according to the doctor was textbook and I should see a full recovery within four to six months.As of last week I started putting about 50% weight on the injured leg while using crutches (standing only, not walking) and I can do some isometric exercises to "awaken" my quad muscles - but NOTHING yet with the hamstring.I have had to wear a brace 24 hours a day to restrict the movement of my leg and am now up to 60 degrees of movement at the hip so sitting down is getting easier but still not tolerable for more than a few hours tops. The location and size of the incision is still a major factor to sitting with any comfort.In just over a week I should be able to lose the brace and begin walking on the leg - which I am sure will be a charm given I have not used it in six weeks.Greenie and I have been discussing next year and will make a determination of how much of the AT we will work on once the dust settles a little and I have a better read on my recovery and how much time I can get off from work. Our original plan was to finish the trail, and while we still would like to do that it may not be feasible. We will at a minimum take a good bite out of Virginia and finish back up to Caledonia in PA where we left off on the southern end last year. Time will tell what kind of distance I can put down and the pace I will be able to keep - at least initially. 100 mile weeks are likely out of reach until I get myself fully healed and conditioned.More to come as things proceed.
Date: 2013-11-21
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

So the good news is I am walking now without crutches - but it is going to be a long road for me to get back to my hiking form prior to my injury. Everyday is focusing on the here and now and recognizing the baby steps that will eventually get me to 100%.I can do the following which given where I was just a few weeks ago is a big deal:1) I can now put on my own socks and shoes and tie my own laces.2) If I drop the soap in the shower I no longer have to call for my wife to pick it up - I can actually bend down and get it myself.3) I have 105 degrees of movement at my hip now - which means I can almost reach my toes to trim my own nails.4) I and sit on a regular toilet vs. having to use an elevated potty chairI think you get the idea. Independence in terms of the things we all take for granted until they are gone is a big deal - and the little victories all add up to one big win.I have initiated discussions with work about time off in 2014 in hopes of getting a hike in that is more than ten days or two weeks - but I am not completely confident that I will get what I am looking for (three months). I will be happy with three or four weeks and given that I am not going to resume normal activities until March means I will likely not get on the AT until May. Counting my blessings and advances one day at a time!
Date: 2013-11-30
From: Home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0

So I am officially into week twelve post surgery. Today I ventured out for a (slow) walk near the wildlife management area in my town where the trail is a dirt road that runs in and about corn fields. I walked my first continuous mile today - the first time since August 24th that I have walked any distance. The day before my water skiing accident I banged out a seven mile rolling trail around a nearby reservoir in about two hours. Today my one mile walk took a full thirty minutes. Slow by my standards, but I did it. The funny thing is, I looked at the small changes in elevation today with some apprehension, not wanting to do more than I should. I never looked at going up this way in the past....I always loved going up. It was down that slowed me and gave me caution.I miss the woods, and in one instant as I watched a wind devil swirl across the now harvested corn field and melt into a stand of trees it hit me - how much I miss the woods.I wrote on my calendar at home, numbering each week from the day of my surgery as a mile marker for the time that has passed and the time that I yet have to wait. There are no guarantees that I will be up and hiking the way I did prior to the accident after six months. In fact, while the prognosis is highly favorable, there is no guarantee that I will return to the form I had prior to my injury. All I can do is work at it, watch the weeks move by and be positive.I also started a note book within which to record my daily PT and other physical activities as I work toward returning to long distance hiking and backpacking. Greenie writes every day when we are on the trail - and I think I too will continue this practice after I am better.My hope of finishing the trail in 2014 when I am still 55 is probably not going to happen - but I will adjust as needed. I have set the lofty goal (given my current status) of doing about 260 miles of the AT this year. If my body is willing and heals properly I know I can do it. So it is in my mind more a question of when, not if.
Date: 2014-01-01
From: home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

So today marks a milestone in my recovery from hamstring repair surgery. I am beginning week 17 post operation this Friday and will likely end my PT next week. The focus now is on gaining strength in my injured leg and resuming normal activities. I am up to 11+ miles on the stationary bike and the big news is that today I did 3.3 miles hiking at a 3 mph pace which is a huge step forward for me as it is the longest distance I have walked since tearing my hamstring tendons. I still have a long way to go to my old pace of 4 mph and 18 mile days, but the confidence I am gaining and the strength I am feeling in the injured leg is highly encouraging. I started a trip flow plan yesterday during my lunch hour at work as I prepare to do 220 miles in May with my hiking buddy Greenie. I have been guardedly optimistic on hiking in 2014, but steps like today make me feel that it is a realistic goal to strive toward. I guess all I can say is to keep the faith and keep working at my PT and conditioning. The ordeal has been a test of my faith, mental strength, courage and commitment to hiking the AT. I can say with a clear conscience that I have remained strong and steadfast on all fronts.Happy new year to all!
Date: 2014-01-12
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Each week I continue to show improvement in my hamstring repair recovery. Today the weather was perfect for hiking, and I got out on the local trails. Much of the snow and ice had melted off with the warmer temps and rain yesterday and today was up in the 40s with a good wind, but perfect hiking weather. I had to use my micro spikes in only one short shaded section, otherwise the trail was largely clear of ice and snow.I stretched my hiking distance to 4.4 miles today at a 3.4 MPH pace. This is on top of doing a 14 mile bike ride on the stationary bike yesterday. The strength in my leg has greatly improved and I am testing the hamstring strength with some climbs and a faster pace which is showing promise of coming back to my old form.I took the steep side of Cedar hill from the north, a drumlin that straddles the Northborough and Westborough line. I did shorten my stride, but I kept a respectable pace and topped the summit with little difficulty.My leg did tire as I came within about a half mile of the finish point, but never had any pain or discomfort.All of this is giving me more confidence in my capabilities and encouragement in my physical therapy training regimen at home.I complete week 18 post-op this Thursday and with eight weeks to a full six months post-op, I am still feeling I will be in good shape by the middle of March. Not leaving until early may gives me that additional buffer to finish my rehab and I am planning on doing one low level backpack toward the end of April to give myself one final test before taking on a three week walk. The original plan to finish the AT this year with my injury last August is just not going to happen. I will have to be happy with a shorter walk and focus on 2015 to finish.All is good and I am much encouraged!
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

So today I received my final discharge from Nancy my physical therapist and last week I received the same (with no restrictions) from Dr. Price my Orthopedic surgeon. It has been a long hard road since last August when my ability to walk and hike came to a screeching halt due to tearing (as in detached) my right hamstring tendons. I have gone from not even being able to use my right leg six months ago to hiking 13 miles last weekend over typical New England rolling terrain. My pace has come down a bit (3.7 MPH vs 4+ MPH), but that will come back with time. Greenie commented that some of my hiking friends will be "happy" I have slowed down a bit!I have to thank both Nancy S. at South County PT and Dr. Price at UMass Medical center as for without their skills and help I would not be walking now, never mind hiking. You both now will forever be a part of my AT story and adventure. I cannot thank you both enough. The thought of what you both have done for me brings tears to my eyes as I write this. They are, after all, tears of happiness.So, while I still have work to do to get ready for doing the AT and the LT this year my plans are in place and are firming up. Greenie and I cut down our planned time on the AT to just under two weeks and about 140 miles from the northern end of SNP in VA up to Caledonia State park in PA this May and thirty miles in September between Caratunk and Monson in September.Greenie, Hot Wire and I will also finish the final northern 50 miles of the Long trail up to Journeys End in early July. We would not have been able to complete the AT this year, but at least we will finish the Long Trail!I also want to thank Haystack for providing me with highly valuable information on his hike through SNP and north. Guidebooks are great as are maps, but first hand knowledge and experience is even better. Thanks Haystack! I know we will see each other again both on and off of the trail. Don't forget the Gathering in the fall.There will be more to come as I get closer to May and hitting the trail. This year will be the most special of them all and I cannot wait to get out there. The old adage that you don't know what you have until you don't have it any longer could never be more true. Walking is something we all take for granted. I am eternally grateful for having my ability to do so back!
Date: 2014-04-26
From: In the Berkshires

To: My tent at the Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

I set foot on the AT this past weekend for the first time since last May. I have been working hard at my recovery and preparing for a 140 mile section hike I will start in a few weeks. This was the third year I have been an instructor for the AMC Worcester Chapter's backpacking program, and the hike this past weekend was the first overnight trail experience for a number of folks that participated in the workshop.For me it was the first steps I had taken on the AT since my hamstring repair last September - and I felt like Neil Armstrong stepping on the moon!The section is one of my all time favorites in Massachusetts, and the Tom Leonard Shelter is by far my favorite in the entire state.As we turned southbound off of the blue blazed trail out of Beartown State Forest, the magnitude of these first steps hit me hard. My eyes filled with tears and I had to choke back my emotions. This trip was my "reality check" to see how my leg handled carrying a full pack for a couple of days. It was a short walk of only around 5.2 miles each way, but it was another big step forward in regaining my mental strength that I could hit the trail and not have issues.We had a mixed bag of weather - from rain to sun to cold to sleet - it was all good. The trip out took much longer than I would have like to seen it take, but given that I had several folks that were new to backpacking the slow pace was to be expected.We put into camp mid-afternoon and the sun was out in its full glory. It was strange pitching my tent as I had not put it up in almost a year. I love this tent, and in a mixed bag of weather it performed beautifully - Thanks Judy for making me such a great tent!I will have another two weeks of training and then will taper my activity level in preparation for my walk beginning on the 18th of May. There is much to do yet, but I am so looking forward to placing my feet on trail that I have yet to walk...and officially in the south to boot!