morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 22.0

Though the woman in the shelter was delightful, she is an awful shelter-mate. She tossed and turned like nobody I have ever known, and did so more loudly than three large men would have had they turned in unison. It was truly impressive that such a small woman could make so much noise in one single turn. I did not sleep well.But at least I was up early. When the sun was up enough for me to see, I got my gear together (quietly!) and was close to leaving when she asked me what time it was. I supposed it was about 6:00am because "The sun is always still this golden color before 7:00." I impressed myself that I'd learned that. Mornings and I have not known each other well before, but knowing this is one thing I recognize as new in my experience here!So I was out of the shelter nice and early for a 22 mile day into Mt. Algo shelter. The entire hike was just lovely. Very pleasant. I managed to hitch a ride into Pawling for some food resupply and coffee from a very nice man who actually waited at the gas station and took me back to the trail. He works on a horse ranch in the area, so we talked horses and listened to country music to fill this Texan's nostalgic side.I stopped for lunch at Ten Mile River, and found a couple of rocks perfectly contoured to my butt, back, and feet. I sat as close to the rushing water as I could because where it was more still, closer to the river bank, mosquitos were thick clouds of biting blackness. Mosquitos do not prefer the rushing water. I do. It worked out beautifully.I took off my shoes and socks to soak my feet, then propped two rocks just so, and they served as bumpers to keep my bottle of Gatorade in place so that it could cool in the cold water. My lunch (left over rice) was one of the best I've had so far just because of the experience and rest! So nice.One section of this trail took me through towering pine trees. They were all so close together, and so tall, that when the wind blew them, they swayed side to side, bumping into each other and made the most beautiful crashing sound.Coming down that stretch brought me to a road crossing where I turned right off the trail for two reasons: one was to see Bull's Bridge, an 1800s covered bridge, and two was to stop at the quick mart to get a cold drink and to wait out the coming storm! As I waited, a raucous man left the store and stated that he would give me a ride into Kent, if I wanted. I did, very much. I did not want to hike in the rain!! What a whimp. He drove me into town, talking about recent deaths in the family, poor health, and smoking. What a character! Nice guy though. Kent sucks. I feel scorn from every one here. I feel like scum just because of the way they look at me. I am trying to stay at a local church for the night because it is still raining, but so far have been unsucessful in locating the pastor. We'll see.Off to face judgement...
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Sages Ravine Brook Campsite
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I saw something I'd hoped to NOT see on this trip: My breath. It poured and poured all night last night and this morning. I would have hiked early because I was up, were it not for that rain! I am a wimp, I know. But I did finally get going, and at 6 miles, had a big breakfast and coffee at Mountainside Cafe. Perfect. Once I arrived at Salisbury, I decided to not stay as I'd planned. It didn't feel right paying a whopping $30 to stay at some woman's house when I could just go a little further to a shelter or tent area. So, I got my mail drop, had more coffee and sat a while with The Goodfellas (nice guys) as they each ate an entire chicken. Uugh! I mailed Fruitfly's sunglasses on ahead since he'd left them in Vernon.I am now in the tent, hoping it does not rain and hoping bears or other animals don't discover the food I hung in the privy... Yes. In the privy. There are signs all over this campsite, warning me of the aggressive bears in the area. Each sign insists we use the bear boxes, but I looked and looked and looked, and found no bear boxes. Since my bagging cord has disappeared, I decided the privy was the best bet. Better than me snuggling with the food, anyway.In Massachusetts now. Hooray.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Sages Ravine Brook Campsite

To: MA23/Great Barrington
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Such a difficult morning for me! It didn't rain much last night, but it sure did as soon as the sun began to come up. Since I was in the tent and it was raining, I dragged and dragged. I could not convince myself to get up, stand in the rain, pack up a wet tent, and hike in the rain. I did check the time at 10am. Then stayed even longer. Cold and wet. Yuck.The reason for my eventual motivation to move was the loud college backpacking group who rolled noisily into the camp. There were at least 30 of them. They convinced me that peace and quiet was worth braving cold rain and a wet tent.Ran into FedEx. He wanted to chit-chat as we hiked I could tell, but I was in no mood to talk. Grumpy. Wet. Cold. Just wanted to hike alone!I put in my headphones and found some energy, even in the rain. I hiked in my tanktop and shorts because I do not have rain gear... Stupid. And I did not want my fleece to get more wet than it already was!The day's hike took me across two notable climbs: Race Mountain at 2430' and Mt. Everett at 2602' elevation. I crossed both in VERY wet, cloudy, icy cold, windy conditions. Both were rocky and would have had beautiful views had I been able to see anything beyond 10' in front of my eyes. Though each climb was pretty miserable in that weather and I was frozen, I felt pretty proud even so. But, by the time I arrived to the first shelter, I decided I was too frozen and wet to stop to eat. If I stopped, I would get much colder. I hiked until I hit US7 and thought about hitching into town. But I forced myself onward until I at least got to MA23, where I told myself I'd allow...myself... the option of going to a hotel then. I was cold and miserable. So, by MA23, my body was convinced and before I knew I'd decided to, I was in a hot hotel shower. It surprised me! The road just took control and made my numb fingers dial the hotel to get me. Alas. Wimp.So, HOT shower, gear got to dry out, warm dinner, and a comfortable bed. What luxury.FYI: Bear-bagging in the privy worked, and I believe provided a funny conversation for those college kids.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: MA23/Great Barrington

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Uugh... LONG day.The rain kept me in bed just a little while, but I found some determination within, probably thanks to the shower last night and time to defrost. I ate my leftover dinner for breakfast, went to the grocery store for coffee, then got a ride back to the trail.This hike was nice at the beginning, but then the later part felt strange. The trail felt very new, and not rich with years of hiker feet forming it. It felt like the suburbs.Lots of spongy, wet areas to hike across today. Apparently they haven't figured out NJ'S boardwalk system just yet... Nice ponds, though. I like hiking by waters.Only 3 days left to hike. Sad. The weather should (finally!) be nice though so I think I will enjoy these days. I am now at Upper Goose Pond Cabin and loving it. The caretakers are wonderful. They brought their dog, so of course I am enjoying being around a dog. I hauled 12 gallons of water uphill from the canoe, using two sticks, each with 3 gallons on it. Then I imagined a pulley sustem to make that chore easier and more efficient! If only I had supreme design control over this world...The cabin is a great set up. Definitely makes my top 10 list. And, after good conversation with the caretakers, a nice sit by myself at the pond, cooking on a real stove in a real pot, drinking hot tea, there are still PANCAKES and HOT COFFEE in the morning to look forward to! I think a zero in the woods will be an important thing for me to do some time soon... It is too easy to get caught up in "miles" and to forget to experience the woods quietly. Good vibes at this cabin.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom Levardi's house/Dalton, Ma.
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke to the sweet, sweet smell of coffee! Well, I actually awoke to Missy (the dog) dashing across the floor when Pat got up, but I went back to sleep and HAPPILY awoke when I knew coffee was a-brewin'! The other 2 hikers who showed up when I was already in bed were downstairs, and the caretakers were eating their breakfast. Since they were busy and the batter was already made, I made the pancakes. It was actually my evil ploy to get me closer to the fresh, hot elixer of life. Sweet goodness. Coffee.After cooking, I ate 4 pancakes and had 2.5 cups of coffee, and left shortly after many thanks to the caretakers.The hike was very cold. I think I saw a beaver's den, several gnawed trees beavers had worked on, a well-fed slug, a tree standing on its tippy-toes to get out of standing in water, and a very strangly shaped tree. Lots of Red Efts, too! (Cute little orange lizards who are everywhere after a rain.)The sun finally came out around 1:00 or so. Happy! But I still had a hard time hiking. I just wanted to sit and listen. I ran into two other hikers today who, when I saw them, struck a memory. I'd seen them before. They recognized me, too, so we stopped in our paths to talk. Hansel and Grettel, from Germany are section-slacking the trail. They are a neat couple. I remember the first time I hiked by her, I thought about her beautiful hair for miles and miles! We didn't even talk that time, but her hair stuck with me as I hiked. I am now at Tom Levardi's house. What an amazing guy! Groovasaurus (And dog, Hugo) is here as well, and Tom made us dinner: pasta, fresh muchrooms, salad, ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate and apple pie. He let me shower, and even has stacks of clean cotton clothing for hikers to put on after a shower. Cotton feels so nice after wearing Polypro for so long. He then took us to the grocery store, and I am now sleeping on a couch in his house. Wow. Tomorrow, he will take us both to Williamstown, Ma. and Groovasaurus will hike North from where he left off, and I will slack SOBO and end up back here to spend another night. Very clever set up, Tom! This way, we get two nights in his house of luxury!And sadly, he will take me to the bus station the next day. I could not work out a ride from Bluebird, so I had to figure out a bus option.
Date: 2006-02-01
To: Bummin at me casa
Miles today: 0.0

Feb-March 2006- age 43: Left knee pain beyond tolerance. I seek advice from an orthopedic surgeon. I¢m scheduled in for a MRI. Results not pretty; most of the patella cartilage gone. Patella tendon heavily damaged with lots of scar tissue. I decide to have the surgery and go with cartilage replacement (internally harvested and ¢sown¢ back into the bone where it is missing, grows back over many weeks) and it is scheduled in two weeks time. When I wake the deed is done. No weight bearing for twelve weeks.
Date: 2006-02-04
To: House of Pain
Miles today: 0.0

April-May 2006- still 43: I¢m determined to do the exercises and get fit again and return to the basketball court, ultimate field of honor and just maybe a walk off homer at Fenway¢you get the picture. My wife thinks I¢m crazy and walking is just fine. Dental disaster also going on in my mouth for the last six years and I¢d lost numerous teeth to some serious periodontal action. I opt for dental implants and go with the surgery as well. My wife tries to have me committed...I start AT dreaming.
Date: 2006-06-06
To: Dreaming & Scheming
Miles today: 0.0

June-July 2006 ¢ I am getting strong and walking quite a bit. I purchased a lateral thigh trainer and worked it hard. I also purchased the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers¢ Companion and began secretly reading it (again). We decide to go to Maine for a few weeks of vacation to enjoy the big outdoors. I purchase two hiking books: 50 Hikes in the Maine Mountains: Day Hikes and Overnights from the Rangeley Lakes to Baxter State Park, Third Edition by Cloe Chunn (Paperback - Feb 2002) and 50 Hikes in Southern & Coastal Maine (Fifty Hikes Series) by John Gibson (Paperback - Sep 1996). We also plan to take the family to Snowdonia National Park in Wales for the school term break in October. Climbing Snowdon will be my first test
Date: 2006-08-15
To: In Maine
Miles today: 0.0

August 2006 ¢ We all fly to Boston and my wife is detained by US Customs (she is an Irish citizen). As a permanent resident of the US she has not been living in the States but the UK because of my job with the Army. I explain the situation and get a bit hot under the old collar. We get more detention and are sent to see the boss of the day. He is somewhat understanding and we get off lightly with a warning and a shit load of paperwork to read and a website to visit. Off to get the rental van to haul the six of us North. Much joy found in Maine. Geary's Lobster Ale is just the elixer. No trails hiked as knee develops mind of its own and is sore on a daily basis, jaws feeling ok.
Date: 2006-09-30
To: Not the best season
Miles today: 0.0

September 2006 ¢ Return to the UK after a great holiday in Maine and begin a strict walking/jogging regime. Make a huge return to the Ultimate Frisbee team, too slow to be effective on defense, but my right arm is a howitzer. Opposition figures on my limited game and I¢m shut down. I decide to run and jump again on offensive drives. Zen develops in my game. The Red Sox are not going to the World Series.
Date: 2006-10-01
To: It seemed like a good idea
Miles today: 0.0

October 2006 - I¢m asked to partake in a bi-annual event here in the UK called Tough Guy UK on Jan 28, 2007 (www.toughguy.co.uk). It seems absolutely unlikely and I begin to think of joining the French Foreign Legion instead of following through with the event. I¢m secretly made Captain of the team and the paperwork is put through the slot. I start talking with resolve about hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2006-12-07
To: It might not be possible
Miles today: 0.0

December 2006 ¢ Great game of Ultimate Frisbee unfolding with two strong sides in the Dome (an old aircraft hanger). Disaster strikes me in the form of tangled legs and I¢m down making pain angels on the concrete. TG 007 and AT seem lost. Much self medicating ensues. I still talk about thru-hiking over the holidays and capture the imagination of my friends and family.
Date: 2007-01-01
To: Where is my gear?
Miles today: 0.0

I start talking with two friends Todd and Doug (big time mountain climbers) about the necessary gear for the journey. I read Iron Toothpick¢s account of his thru-hike and begin in earnest collecting gear. I like REI (from a visit to the Washington store in the 80¢s). The website is good and very informative and interactive. I ask for time off at work and am beaten with the ¢you are kidding right?¢ stick. After much verbal banjo mockery and other salacious innuendo, I get the green light. My wife is very supportive but I don¢t think she thought I would get the time off work. Reality starts to bite.I buy a copy of "We're Off To See The Wilderness, The Wonderful Wilderness of Awes." by M.E. "Postcard" Hughes. What a tremendous account of his 2004 thru-hike. His observational technique and insight makes for satisfying reading. Postcard really communicates the essence of making the hike your own and enjoying it. There is also a great chapter on gear. I¢m driven to renew my efforts.
Date: 2007-01-29
To: Failure is not a option
Miles today: 0.0

Jan 2007 ¢ TG 007 quickly approaching, I¢m panicking. My wife senses unease in me and sez if I can¢t complete Tough Guy then AT is out of the question. Just the motivational gap I needed. I declare unequivocally that I will do TG and will take on the AT in April 2007. My team the ¢One-Off¢s¢ complete the TG challenge and live to talk boldly about it. My dream to attempt a thru-hike of the AT is getting close....The Patriots go out of the playoffs in ignominious fashion to the Colts. The Red Sox spend an obscene amount of money on a number one pitcher to make Patriot pain go away. I decide to buy a little radio for the AT to follow the Sox and help me sleep at night.
Date: 2007-01-30
To: The gear comes raining down
Miles today: 0.0

I'm 44 this month. My gear is starting to trickle in via the US Mail. I'm getting in some long hikes with friends and family. The entire AT map series from the ATC arrives. I contact an old friend in South Carolina and talk about comms for the trip. Troy does some leg work and gets me a phone package--I owe him big time. Good news is he's gonna meet me on Springer Mountain and walk the first week with me.
Date: 2007-03-07
To: Time is no longer on my side
Miles today: 0.0

My oldest son has issues at school and announces he is quitting school and joining the UK work force. My wife and I are in shock. AT seems lost. After two weeks of semi-hell that only ones' children can deliver, we get the boy wonder back in school (a different one). During this time my wife did not waver with her support for my expedition.My good bud Mike ¢Big¢ J. springs the cash for a web domain and sets up the site www.mikeslongwalkAT2007.com for me and provides sponsorship and time. He has a sideline hobby that hopefully one day will make him rich. Visit www.thesandwich.com -- An Action Guys' Guide to Gourmet Living. He is also the master mind maker of Smokin' RhinoTM brand hot sauces. Yes he is crazy. Claims he wants to do the AT with me, but in an RV.Another milestone; a good friend of mine Jeff is returning to the States after a long run in Europe supporting NATO. We have spent many happy nights seeing some of the best Blues gigs in the UK. I will miss him. We plan to meet up 1 June 2007 to see Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa in Maryland.I¢ve been trying to get my head around the mail drop concept. Right now it just seems so distant and abstract. However, I do get it and understand that a little detergent, some homemade foodstuffs and a few essentials can save time and money on a town stop. I¢m thinking about putting old T-shirts in each box as well so I can have a bit of home while washing clothes and resupplying.The question I am most often asked is what charity is the walk for? I explain that the walk is for me and you should see the quizzical looks I get. Seems the media has influenced the masses into thinking expeditions are only for charity. I do contact the charity Orbis (Advocates for Sight) and offer my services as a fundraiser. The team at Orbis is delighted and offer great support. Please give if you can @ www.orbis.org/seemikehike and try to get a few friends to support as well. Thanks.The muscles are getting used to the pack on the back and the miles are adding up. I know it will be a very different tale when I step up to the vertical.I bought a Hennessy Hammock and after three times getting it out and setting it up, I decide to go with it on the journey. It is really cool and half the weight of my chosen tent.
Date: 2007-03-25
To: Clocks "Springer" ahead
Miles today: 0.0

I¢ve been trying to get my head around the mail drop concept. Right now it just seems so distant and abstract. However, I do "get it" and understand that a little detergent, some homemade foodstuffs and a few essentials can save time and money on a town stop. I¢m thinking about putting old T-shirts in each box as well so I can have a bit of home while washing clothes and resupplying.The question I am most often asked is what charity is the walk for? I explain that the walk is for me and you should see the quizzical looks I get. Seems the media has influenced the masses into thinking expeditions are only for charity. I do contact the charity Orbis (Advocates for Sight) and offer my services as a fundraiser. The team at Orbis are delighted and offer great support. Please give if you can @ www.orbis.org/raincheck and try to get a few friends to support as well. Thanks.The muscles are getting use to the pack on the back and the miles are adding up. I know it will be a very different tale when I step up to the vertical.I bought a Hennessy Hammock and after three times getting it out and setting it up, I decide to go with it on the journey. It is really cool and half the weight of my chosen tent.One week to go...and I'm cloud hidden--whereabouts unknown.
Date: 2007-03-30
To: Send off
Miles today: 0.0

Caitriona threw a going away party and many friends came and wished me a successful journey. The next afternoon I dropped off Caitriona and our four children for a school trip to Italy. I got bored in the house alone and decided to go to a few blues gigs in London before flying out. Really nice.3 April and I board the plane for Chicago, all is well. At O'Hareflight delays are announced first an hour, then three. I panic as I've got no way to contact my cousin John in Atlanta...try making a payphone call in the States these days. I call my grandfather collect in RI and ask him to pass the message (I bet it was cheaper as well). Upon arrival in Atlanta we are delayed at the gate as the skygate is broke. Come on AA (a few bonus miles will make me smile).John picks me up almost four hours past my original time (thank you!) and it is good to see him. He has some Van Morrison loaded into the CD player and away we go. Pick up a little chicken at Zs and head for the house. John offers me a nice single malt night cap. On the trail for real tomorrow...
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Goose Creek

To: Hawk
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

4 April-Atlanta and I'm up like a shot. John presents me with a new Rex Sox jersey for camp wear. We are off to Amicalola Falls State Park (105 miles) with his son Evan to sign in and meet my good friend Troy. Bad news and another rain check- Troy's Mother in-law is seriously ill and he can not make the first week of the trip with me. But he still drove 150 miles to give me some communications gear-respect. So another rain check and I'll take that as my tail name. Best wishes. Thanks for the brownies and gear! John and Evan go to Springer with me, walk a few miles and depart. John's grandma is in hospital as well. I head to Hawk Shelter no problems (7.6mi) and set up my hammock. I have finally started my walk into Spring. There are about 20 folks in the shelter and tents. I eat a little tuna and share the brownies by the fire. The temperature was mid 60s-70s during the day but is dropping fast. I head to my hammock and get settled and manage to fall through the seam- disaster. Good thing the shelter is not full but it is seriously cold. I now know why cold is associated with 'The Hawk'. The wind blew all night and sounded like serious shore break on a big wave day at the beach. I miss you all. It was a great day out in America's backyard!MLK-RIP
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Hawk Mt.

To: Gooch Mt.
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It is seriously cold overnight... 27F. I struggle to get my gear in the pack and move out-my fingers are blue from the cold and wind. It is 0745 and I'm off. The day is clear but windy. I'm still cold at noon and am worried about the weather as I've got no tent and another night in the shelter freezing with Olympic snoring does not appeal. I arrive at Gooch Mt shelter and am happy to see it is fairly new and nice and no one is there.However, the arrivals come thick and fast but I've got a good spot and start a fire. The hawk has followed me...I eat a good meal and settle down for some sleep with my little radio blocking out the snoring and wind.