morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-10-28
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: No place
Miles today: 0.0

From my email to family:Uncle Johnny¢s Hostel  mile 1847    miles hiked 010-28Hi!Happy Friday everyone! Hmmm. I don't have much of the trail to report today because I never set foot on it! I stayed at the hostel for a much needed rest. There are big climbs coming up and my legs said "whoa" we need a moment! " I said to my legs "good idea". So, I took the shuttle to the grocery store and got some normal food (bananas, milk, eggs, bacon, etc) and that's about as far as I went. I cooked up my food and ate and napped. Well, I napped and watched a lot of Netflix on my phone! Now I actually feel refreshed and look forward to hiking tomorrow. My friend White Walker is probably now ahead of me, but I'll catch him sometime for sure. I have clean clothes and took 2 showers. I know - exciting! Many more hikers came in today and there is a little tent city in the tenting area. I have met some of them on the trail. Some of the hikers picked up food boxes that they had mailed here. It looks like a grocery store explosion! I broke down and bought a cap with a visor, basically a baseball cap, it has the AT logo on it. Its all that was available. The sun is at such a low angle that it always seems to be in my eyes no matter what direction I am going. I am a squinting insect lately. This should help with that problem. Have a wonderful evening everyone! (insect)
Date: 2015-08-31
To: Prep plans 1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The decision to do a thru-hike probably happened years ago on some secluded trail watching sun- rise or -set. But my opportunity will be here in 2016. I do foresee issues created by "A Walk in the Woods." It'll be interesting to see what happens at the traditional starting locations, Springer, Katahdin, Harper's Ferry. Therefore I'll be arranging a SOBO leapfrog thru-hike. I'll start about 01 May somewhere in New England. And now that it's in writing I am committed to the goal.
Date: 2015-11-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The first of the pre-trip hikes was completed a couple of weeks ago. The hammock wins; the under quilt was also a winner, but weight may change that to a"bubble wrap" sheet. The dehydrator has arrived, may the sales on veggies and fruit begin. Recipes are already assembled. Spent most of today trying to calculate mail drops. And they aren't as simple to determine as I initially thought. Some mailing addresses, not part offices, won't be open when I first s start, others will be closed at, or toward the end, of my hike. The other notable item: I've checked average weather along my route, it remains relatively constant. There will be a very limited window of switching out to lighter, summer, gear. Basically I'll carry the same great, same weight, throughput the entire hike. And I've done a great check with the"B-man." He didn't find much unnecessary, removed one fleece layer, and remember to switch to Bic lighters. And a switch from headlamp to a string of mini lights.But Thanksgiving is this week, the family will all be here, and there is much to be thankful for. There is a time for every season so I'll take the time to spend with family before they leave for remote places and their lives.
Date: 2015-12-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

ATC voluntary registration completed today. One more step toward the goal. In the meantime I've turned the kitchen into a hazard zone, it should have caution flags and flashing lights.   Dehydrator and vacuum sealer cover counter, bags on floor and table. And that doesn't count the large box of gear in the living room. But thankfully my wife has tolerated my current life style. I actually believe she understands this goal (obsession?). I'm ready for the next step. Training starts this week, hopefully I can manage to continue through Christmas. Still pondering mail drops. And thinking of mail, my new "toy" arrived, a battery that generates a charge through kinetic energy. Now trying to find the best way to get it to charge, apparently I don't walk with the "bounce" required. Functions fine at a jog. I don't think I'll be jogging the AT.
Date: 2016-01-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The new year has arrived. The old book has been written, edited, and completed. It's not a new chapter of my life; it is the beginning of a new life. Retirement - "...my life has been returned to me..." Obviously not an original thought, though I need to research to whom I should give credit, I do believe it's someone related to the AT. I must do that before I start. And for the first time in years my wife and I went out f for the New Year's celebration. If the photo uploaded correctly, the key card is quite telling. First, it's of hikers, backpackers specifically. Secondly, the arrow is pointing the opposite direction of the hikers - very true of a SOBO hike. And last, the arrow seems to match the comment, the party is t this way... Also true of SOBO.Is this supposed to be telling me something? Is there really a "trail magic" that occurs even in preparation for such a venture?At this point, still several months before I even leave I can only but believe that only time will tell.
Date: 2016-03-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The countdown truly begins. 39 days and I'm off. The 01 May date was a great original idea. BUT, it would put me at Katahdin on 01 July, with a climb the next day. BUT, somehow I missed the significance of that weekend, oops it's 4th of July. So, back to the drawing board, or in this case, calendar. Stay a week earlier. So far, not a major issue-everything still moving ahead smoothly, food is drying, training continues, and life of the trail goes forward. Plans to step off the grid are slowly taking shape - pay off all credit and debt, pay bills in advance; leave no distractions. In the "still to do" column, there's a reunion of sorts in SC first week of April. And with luck a shakedown trip to Harpers Ferry during the "Flip Flop Kickoff." And there's bagging individual meals from the bulk dried food I've been creating. That starts by the end of this week. Nothing more to be gained by putting it in print. Much still needs to be accomplished and time waits for no one.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

ATC held the Flip Flop Festival this weekend. I'd originally planned to attend as part of a "shakedown" hike. But you can't plan for everything. Needed to complete retirement issues on Friday. So... Anyway, did attend the "festival." I met a number of the hikers leaving NOBO for the first half of their journey. Few had trail names, in fact I can only remember one, Wolf, whose outstanding characteristic is a 5-pound base weight. He basically carries a daypack. While very small, the festival was very informative. There were presentations on relevant topics, trail ettiquette, hiking the AT, something for everyone, thru or section hiker, or just someone interested in the trail. Most remarkable from the trail ettiquette talk were the facts that apparently hikers are not welcome in laundromats in CT and the "jail" hostel closed in PA. I still don't really believe hikers find it acceptable behavior to wear only their underwear while they do laundry. Nor can I truly believe hiker behavior so bad they are no longer welcome in a location that houses persons with bad behavior - how criminal do you have to be to be unwanted in a jail? I realize the "jail" was not really used as such, but it does give a different meaning to the term, "criminal behavior."Not many vendors. Most likely as a second year effort it hasn't attracted enough attendance to warrant vendors traveling. But those attending I spoke with thought the event worth the time and effort. Maybe it will grow, as well as the number of alternative route hikers.The weather is so nice I almost wished I was leaving with the group. But I completed no shakedown hike. I did get time on the trail and a night out. I also had a pack shakedown on Sunday. Blissful took a long time checking my gear, questioning durability, some selection, and placement in the pack. As the flip flop hikers group had left at 0900, we were able to spend about an hour in discussion. Without a doubt, time well spent. Having accomplished all I think possible in an abbreviated weekend, I've returned home to put the finishing touches on mail drops and equipment.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Route 2, Williamstown, MA

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1: So the building at the bottom of this grade was marked "Greylock Community Club." Little did I realize I really wasn't hiking up Greylock. With the exeruberance of youth, which I'm not, and pent up energy of months of planning, I started up Phelps Avenue from Route 2.And continued up, and up, and up... It took about half an hour before I heard the group in front and realized that my pace was way too fast for day 1. In fact, it was probably too fast for day 3, 4, 5, or 6. For the next half hour I and the group tried to let me pass; it took all of 30 minutes and 2 attempts. They were all under 21, but a little disfunctional and hiked accordion style. They moved, I stopped, started, and started again. Finally a pace, of sorts,and I finally reach a view where I learn I'd reached Mt. Prospect. On I go thinking that my trail guide, back in Pittsburgh, is probably chuckling about starting me here. Shortly, another view, oops, Mt. Williams. I meet a trail maintenence crew here and realize all the pruning that I had passed. Day 1 and thankful for help already. But on to Mt. Greylock. Not surprisingly the trail goes down before it goes up, and it always goes up. Seemingly, straight up. The views from the summit were worth the climb. I encountered 2 issues on the summit, the wind and the blazes. The wind was so stiff I needed a stop at Thunderbolt Shelter to add clothing. Fortunately someone put it there for me. Then the summit for viewing. After 20 minutes I decided I needed another layer of clothing. Then off down the trail. The blazes, however, took me around the summit to the shelter. I found the missing blaze on the second loop. Obviously the blazes favor the NOBOs. And I've probably given new meaning to the phrase "9 before 9" I covered a little over 9 miles before 2100. Actually with just enough time to set up, eat, and get the food bag to the bear box before dark.And the first day is behind me. A chilly night but I'm well-prepared. The memorial was the treat of the day, Thunderbolt Shelter second; reminders of those whose actions allow me the privilege to be here. I don't think it was B-man's intent; it works for me.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday on the way into the shelter I noticed my toes tapping the front of my boots. Feet must have swelled;I'd bought the boots a full size bigger than normal. I'd worn boots every day for work for over 30 years. I'd worn these every other day for months, even taking them on a shake down hike. No problems - not until today. Up out of the shelter was okay, but the majority of the hike into Cheshire was downhill. And my toes pounded the front of the boots. I'd always believed it was a gradual thing. It's not; toes into front of boot, attempt to alleviate that simply added stress to the knees. Take the stress from the knees with the trekking poles. And I'm really uncomfortable in 5 miles. It's Sunday, a stop at church is in order, but the doors to the house of God are locked. We have a conversation anyway. The boot problem will be fixed tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Cheshire

To: Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Okay, so a zero day 2 days into a thru hike is either discouraging, disheartening, or disappointment in the wings. But really, the boot issue needed to be fixed. There was another option, but this one gives me an extra day with my wife and a visit with daughter Melissa, maybe the last of summer with her schedule. Lincoln, NH, is where they were staying so there too am I. Monday is unique but I find boots at Lahouts. Melissa finds a dress pair of boots for herself and we're off to an early dinner which occurs at Schilling in Littleton. Food and brew. Then a stop on the return to see the "Old Man of the Mountain" and back to the room. Melissa gets a nap and then off to Providence. But not before maintenance needs to jump a dead battery. Me, I get an extra night's sleep in a bed.
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Lincoln, NH

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite 
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

So, Tuesday I awaken to snow, just a little but the forecast calls for 1 to 3 inches and the way it's snowing I bet they get all 3. I need to be back on the trail so off we go. Up over the top where the White Mountain National Park sign confirms the name. It is white, as is everything else. The weather does get better going south. Snow, then sleet, then hail, then rain. When we arrive in Cheshire a drizzle. Lunch in Cheshire doesn't seem possible, maybe all business is seasonal. It ends as a Dunkin' Donuts coffee and sandwich. I need to get on the trail. The drizzle stops and I repack gear. Surprisingly, or maybe not so, I have difficulty getting everything in the pack. I almost forget pot and stove. But finally it all fits, just. Down the trail I go for a night at Crystal Mountain. And the new boots are just fine.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite 

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was very chilly. I Just couldn't get warm. There was an air pocket (tunnel) between hammock and UQ. While trying to get motivated I remember conversation with Einstein, NOBO thru, from the other day. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Well, it wasn't going to happen lying in a hammock. Got motivated and off to Dalton for lunch. Soup, burger, coffee - just couldn't have a cold beer; seems I'm living in a constant chill. Did try to return Walter's call, no answer, didn't go to voice mail. Once in at Kay Wood, I get to read about her; she is a very interesting lady. I have my beef stew for dinner and to bed.
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

It started as a Really cold morning. I couldn't even get the alcohol stove to light. Two tries and I've no idea how much time it takes to have it "bloom." This is a reminder to switch stoves soon. It did finally work. I could make Upper Goose Pond Cabin but October Mountain is more realistic this early in this journey. I arrive at October Mountain about 1500, and need to clean privy before use; 38 years later and still pulling latrine detail.Indications are work crew is coming, probably on the weekend; lumber stacked in shelter and at the last road crossing. Maybe there will be a work crew at UGP.Of special note, the only 4-legged animals I've seen have been 1 squirrel and 2 chipmunks. I've probably spooked 4 or 5 grouse and a half dozen hawks. Two of the hawks were real close today riding thermals at Mason Summit. Yesterday either a very large hawk or turkey vulture - all I could see was the shadow while walking out of Dalton. Passed 3 NOBO section hikers today. Must be getting close to black fly season; they are very, very annoying.
Date: 2016-04-29
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start today - 0900. Just can't get motivated. Alcohol stove is just too slow. The Pocket Rocket is at home; remember to have it sent. 9.3 miles to UGP. Passed 4 hikers in pairs this morning. Last pair claimed 02 March start. I met them near County Road Bald Top. Their average daily miles just "felt" extraordinary. I calculated it as 26.34 miles per day - every day for 58 days. Well, it would be extraordinary. Passed another 8 hikers today, all NOBO. Does anyone hike SOBO? Later I saw very clearly a single SOBO footprint, but only that one. Upper Goose Pond Cabin is a half mile on a side trail. Nice views, pleasant side trail; hope my body remembers this in morning when I have to hike back to the AT.No work crew, no indication anyone is coming this weekend. Thermometer reads 52 F, and a breeze off the pond keeps the chill. Dinner gets burnt, a little; I didn't think I could burn food with the stove I'm using under these conditions, but... The seasoning packet covers the taste of charcoal fairly well. Alone again tonight. Just me and wildlife I haven't seen. I hear them. Tonight owl and coyote. The coyote stops early. If the sound of the owl is any indication of its size I can understand why the coyote became quiet. And maybe that's why I haven't seen a goose. The owl must be the size of a Sikorsky aircraft.Finally sleep. It was overcast when I feel asleep. In the middle of the night I awoke; it took a couple of seconds to orient myself. That huge spotlight... The sky had cleared, if only briefly, and the moon was huge. The added effect was the moonlight reflected off the pond. I have a long day planned tomorrow and as soon as the clouds close I force myself back to sleep.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Mt. Wilcox South
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Out for longest day yet. Should make Mt. Wilcox South. This about doubles my longest days to date. Fortunately an early start under cloudy skies. And I'm still trying to match perspiration against evaporation - try to keep the chill factor down and avoid extra clothes, which then adds to the problem. I just haven't found that pace - yet.It's Saturday, so multiple dayhikers. Met 3 section hikers, 3 thru hikers (Yoda, Bill Nye, Guardian), and just those out for an afternoon. Got in quite late, dragging. It's upper body, not legs, that seems the issue. Maybe the shoulder straps are hitting pressure points. Hopefully tonight's dinner will be better than last night's. In the end however, it's an extra quart of water and I decide I'm not hungry enough for food.
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Mt. Wilcox South

To: Lake Buel Trailhead
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

I awaken to tap-tap-tap of raindrops. While considering whether to jump out and hurry, the rain increases slightly.But I don't have far to go. Melody will be at the trailhead waiting. I meet a section hiker at the older shelter. I've no idea from where he came; I didn't see either person or gear when I retrieved my food bag from the bear box. His story doesn't quite make sense: He over-nighted in Barrington with the thru hikers I met yesterday, spent longer at the hotel and didn't get back to the trailhead until 1 o'clock (my presumption is 1300 hours). The longer trip would have been 4.2 miles... But, he wasn't in that shelter 30 minutes before I left...I hurry off, but not without care; everything is wet and I dislike wet leaves far more than I dislike piles of dry leaves and I'm not fond of those. I make judicious use of trekking poles and take care to assure my footing is solid. But you can't always be... So, a "rice crispy" morning; one short slip with my right foot which conveniently kicked out the right pole sent me at 32.2 ft/(secsec) toward the pile of sloping rocks. At less than 6 feet it does not take long. Dad always said, "It's not the fall..., it's the sudden stop." I remember trying to land on the pack (softer than me and protects the head) and sensing "snap, crackle, pop." Now laying on my side I remember a 1st Responder Course I was required for employment. Time for assessment: I can't see blood, or feel warm spots; no pain at head or neck; my toes wiggle, knees, hips, shoulders and elbows move okay. Fingers flex, at least on my left hand; right fingers, hmm, both hands are gloved. Left chest, again, hmm.Off with gloves; little finger is bent at unusual angle; nothing protrudes, angle is at the knuckle; dislocated. I remember that course, oh yes, I can do this (and did). Although it may not have been that course, just something I studied from wilderness medicine or some similar reference material. In any case, it worked quite well. I unbuttoned the shirt for closer inspection - no discoloration, no deformation. Diagnosis: cracked, or bruised. Total time for doctor's visit; less than 10 minutes. I'll take another 20 minutes rest time, just to make sure I didn't mis-diagnose or just miss something. Nothing unusual develops and I'm back hiking. The uphills are a little more difficult closer to the trailhead. I can feel the left side but an ache as opposed to a sharp or stabbing pain. I think I convince Melody that I'm okay. Anyway we have a great lunch at the Barrington Brewery and I'm out for a zero.
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Lake Buel Trailhead

To: Pocono Mountains, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday on the trip here I reflected on my trail name/call sign. Viper, yep, I should have slithered down those rocks.No really, from the movie. Viper advises Maverick that a good pilot is called upon to constantly assess his situation, or something similar. Okay, a good hiker must constantly assess...The little finger of my right hand is swollen, not broken - it will go away. My left side is uncomfortable, not painful, not swollen, not deformed, not discolored...The left knee hurts. Again it is not discolored, deformed, or swollen...Assessment: I can walk, therefore I can hike.Do I want to continue? Absolutely! Thus ends this evaluation. Now I just need to wait for the pack frame to arrive.Have I mentioned my support team? They are an awesome group of people who are literally beyond description. My immediate family without question - absolutely - but the extended support...Some of these I know only as my family's friends and yet others apparently extend from there. Drew's response on hearing of my slip/fall: Most of the doctors in the Berkshires are my clients. My pack frame is sent through the efforts of my wife's friend, Monica. Neither are immediate family but feel so in times like these. I don't think I have more than a handful of personal contacts I could rely upon to this extent at moment's notice. The other 4, no, there are 5 M's, are different and exceptionally fortunate. Hopefully life after retirement may change my perspective.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Pocono Mountains, PA

To: Same
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day waiting for pack frame to arrive. Also, another day of R&R wouldn't hurt either. In any case I'm not going to complain about it.In the "good hiker constantly evaluates" category: I carefully assessed equipment today. This is relatively simple. Turn the bag upside down. Open all pockets; all contents end in one big pile on the floor. Assign 3 spots for inventory.Pile 1, assigned the sofa. Everything I used every day. Pile 2, assigned floor space near a television. The stuff I used only once in a week, a smaller pile.And pile 3, assigned the living room table. Anything unused throughout the week.Step 1: Remove emergency equipment from piles 2 and 3. Exempt, such equipment is returned to my pack.Step 2: Anything left in pile 3 is set aside for other use. Items may be later re-evaluated for use later this trip, or another trip, but right now I'm not carrying any of these items further.Step 3: Assess items in pile 2. The only relevant factors are necessity and comfort. When in doubt about the difference for any particular item, be a little ruthless with 'the comfort thou.' (Paraphrase C. Fletcher)Step 4: Repack.On the personal side the finger is still swollen, the left side uncomfortable (but only under stress - laugh, cough, sneeze). I've done some stretching for back and legs. Everything seems fine.