morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Update on Troutbum's Condition

To: Current News on Troutbum's Condition: NO SURGERY?
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Friends:BIG MAHALO to so many of you for asking about Troutbum's health since he's had to come back to Ohio for medical attention. I'm posting to bring everyone up-to-date on the latest info that we have at this point, even though it's not complete, so everything is still pretty much up in the air. However, I do want to give you the latest & greatest info, such as it is, so here goes... On Monday, TB saw the hernia doc, who referred him for a CAT-scan. The doc called & said that he does not think it's a hernia in TB's leg, but rather lymph tissue, which may be brought down by taking celebrex (?). Of course, I had immediately jumped to the worst possible conclusion & assumed TB was dying; and TB had assumed it was merely a muscle/tendon issue & he could get back on the Trail asap. So, we are both working on being in the Not Knowing zone & being okay with it. Today (Wednesday) TB saw a podiatrist, who confirmed prior docs' diagnoses of Plantar Fasciitis; concurred with recommendations to use orthotics, soak the feet & stretch to relieve tension & inflammation; and said TB didn't need x-rays (to look for a bone spur or other major problem?). Hallelujah!TB sees the hernia doc again tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the lymph problem & see if there is a more specific diagnosis & if he needs to do anything more than just taking celebrex. The end result of all this, so far, is that if TB gets the doc's go-ahead tomorrow (Thursday), he will NOT be having surgery on Friday AND he WILL be returning to the Trail on Saturday near Bear Mountain, NY, where he last left the Trail. TB is REALLY hoping to be back on the Trail this weekend; he's been going nuts just going to doc's appointments & lying around trying to get better.I'm bummed that I don't get to spend more time w/my sweetie, b/c I was so scared & I've been missing him something awful; but we are both very relieved that this could end up being only inconveniences, and not major health/illness crises, and that he may well get to finish the Ttrail on time & with the very good friends whom he has made along the way thus far! I have calmed down significantly from the abject panic with which I first responded to the news about the non-hernia/lymph problem. TB is feeling better now that his feet hurt less & he believes/knows that might be back on the Trail in a few days.We thank you for your thoughts, prayers, understanding & encouragement!!!Love & Aloha,Holly (Troutbum's girlfriend)"Dare to hula. Leave your shame at home." - Hawaiian proverb
Date: 2008-07-23
To: Update from Troutbum's girlfriend
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Friends:BIG MAHALO to so many of you for asking about Troutbum's health since he's had to come back to Ohio for medical attention. I'm posting to bring everyone up-to-date on the latest info that we have at this point, even though it's not complete, so everything is still pretty much up in the air. However, I do want to give you the latest & greatest info, such as it is, so here goes... On Monday, TB saw the hernia doc, who referred him for a CAT-scan. The doc called & said that he does not think it's a hernia in TB's leg, but rather lymph tissue, which may be brought down by taking celebrex (?). Of course, I had immediately jumped to the worst possible conclusion & assumed TB was dying; and TB had assumed it was merely a muscle/tendon issue & he could get back on the Trail asap. So, we are both working on being in the Not Knowing zone & being okay with it. Today (Wednesday) TB saw a podiatrist, who confirmed prior docs' diagnoses of Plantar Fasciitis; concurred with recommendations to use orthotics, soak the feet & stretch to relieve tension & inflammation; and said TB didn't need x-rays (to look for a bone spur or other major problem?). Hallelujah!TB sees the hernia doc again tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss the lymph problem & see if there is a more specific diagnosis & if he needs to do anything more than just taking celebrex. The end result of all this, so far, is that if TB gets the doc's go-ahead tomorrow (Thursday), he will NOT be having surgery on Friday AND he WILL be returning to the Trail on Saturday near Bear Mountain, NY, where he last left the Trail. TB is REALLY hoping to be back on the Trail this weekend; he's been going nuts just going to doc's appointments & lying around trying to get better.I'm bummed that I don't get to spend more time w/my sweetie, b/c I was so scared & I've been missing him something awful; but we are both very relieved that this could end up being only inconveniences, and not major health/illness crises, and that he may well get to finish the Ttrail on time & with the very good friends whom he has made along the way thus far! I have calmed down significantly from the abject panic with which I first responded to the news about the non-hernia/lymph problem. TB is feeling better now that his feet hurt less & he believes/knows that might be back on the Trail in a few days.We thank you for your thoughts, prayers, understanding & encouragement!!!Much Aloha,Troutbum's girlfriend"Dare to hula. Leave your shame at home." - Hawaiian proverb
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Update from Troutbum's girlfriend

To: TROUTBUM IS BACK!
Miles today: 0.0

Hey Everybody! Good news: I am headed back to the trail tomorrow. I fly to New York tomorrow, and with the help of my cousin Bob, I should be hiking on Saturday. I am only planning on doing about 5 miles to start--wanna see how I feel.I am kinda feeling weirded out. I was told by doctors in NY and OH that I had a femoral hernia. but the surgeon looked at it and said he wasn't sure, and ordered a CT scan. The CT scan showed that I do not have a hernia. The only thing he could figure out was swollen lymph nodes. Weird. I saw a foot doctor, and that was worthless, because he just wanted to sell me orthotics, which I already have. I also had a colonoscopy done. With all the intestinal problems, it seemed to be warranted. [n.b.: TMI!]I have now been off of the trail for 3 weeks, and not much has changed. My feet have had a rest, so we will see how they respond. The groin pain is still there--I just have to hike through it. And I have the cleanest colon in the world--what more could I ask for. [n.b.: Again, TMI!] I am gonna start out slow, but I have to get moving to finish in time. They close down Baxter State Park to campers on October 15. The 15th is around the time the first snow hits, which can close down the mountain that I need to finish on. It is all going to get really interesting.I appreciate all your support, especially through this break in the action. I am looking forward to posting more e-mails about the journey, because it means I am headed in the right direction. I have put on some weight, which is good. [n.b. He was down 55# from when he started, with no fat to burn through the hard sections of the Trail in NH & Maine!]Troutbum
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Bear Mountain Bridge - Ft. Montgomery NY

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center - Franciscan Way
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: broken clouds

Troutbum started back on the Trail after his time off for medical care in NY and OH. He planned a short day for Saturday, stopping at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center to camp & hopefully to see friends Buttercup & Duck. Tomorrow he plans a slightly longer hike; and then on to RPH! He's very glad to be back on the Trail. ~ Aloha, TB's girlfriend
Date: 2008-07-27
From: Greymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: NY 301, Canopus Lake, Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: moderate rain

Troutbum called about mid-afternoon today. He'd gotten a late start & it was raining like crazy. He'd set up tent partway to his destination & crawled in to rest while it was pouring down rain. The hiss of the rain on the tent made him drowsy & he took a nap. Nice way to spend part of the second day back on the Trail after being afraid he wouldn't get to finish the thru-hike this year. ~ Aloha, TB's g.f.
Date: 2008-07-30
From: NY 22, Pawling NY / Metro North RR

To: Mt. Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 20.0

Troutbum phoned & said he's heading into Kent, CT, tomorrow. It rained today (?) & might rain tomorrow. Troutbum & Just Mike & Duck & Buttercup are kicking up the miles! Meanwhile, the good news is that Jon (Duck) & Steph (Buttercup) are engaged to be married! Congrats!!!! ~ Aloha, T's g.f.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Mt. Algo Lean-to

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 12:34 PMHey everybody! I am now in my tenth state, CT. Feet still hurt - they slow me down, but I refuse to be 'defeeted'. Blisters from the new shoes and the groin thing still hurts, but not too bad. Now that I know it is not a hernia, I feel a little better. I have done a 17 and an 18 mile day - just going a lot slower.I want to give a big shout out to Sasquatch, a trail volunteer who weed-whacked on the trail for a couple of miles. Looked great and kept the ticks off of us. He also took us into town to resupply and get pizza. Thanks again.I hooked back up with Duck and Buttercup, a couple that started the same day that I did back in March. It is good to be hiking with them again. I am sorry that they had to go through some physical problems also. I am also hiking with Tailgate, another guy I met early on. His girlfriend dropped out and he is now finishing up alone. The four of us stayed at a garden center close to the trail. It seemed like an ideal spot - the owner allowed us to use the shower and camp on the front porch. We changed our minds during the middle of the night. We were sandwiched between a busy train track and a busy highway. It also had a guard dog and a bunch of free range chickens.The rooster went to work at 4:50 in the morning and would not stop. The sprinklers also went to work and required us to move tents out of the way. Gotta look on the bright side - at least we got to shower.Well, I have to get back to the trail. I am in Kent, CT, and need to do ten miles today to get to the next campground. At this point, everyone is camping in tents to avoid the mosquitoes. The little vampires really do suck (sorry Mom, the word does fit). Looks like rain today - Oh well.Again, thanks for your support.Troutbum[N.B. Troutbum enjoyed a spaghetti dinner at Silver Hill Campsite. He thinks the foot problem is Morton's Neuroma.]
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Salisbury, CT

To: The Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 14.2

Troutbum called from the top of Mt. Everett on the way to The Hemlocks. He said it was gorgeous, but weird, b/c it was raining on one side & not on the other, half clouds & half blue sky. Said the climb today was a pretty intense "welcome to Massachusetts" and mentioned slippery rocks b/c of rain. ~ T's g.f.
Date: 2008-08-06
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Troutbum had a great time at Upper Goose Pond last night & enjoyed a big pancake breakfast this morning. Eating a lot more now & hoping to make it to Dalton, then "nero" tomorrow. Low on mobile-phone minutes, but close to Interstate-82 so hoping for more reliable signal. ~ Aloha, T's g.f.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Bennington, VT

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter - "Nero" Day
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Everyone was whupped after the long muddy hike into Bennington. They shared a hotel room, did laundry, showered, etc. last night. Today, they hit bad weather almost immediately & made for the shelter, took a "nero." Good call! ~ T's g.f.
Date: 2008-08-15
To: Troutbum's girlfriend
Miles today: 0.0

I have been busy working & completing a major revision of my MA thesis, so I have not kept up with T's posts. I've finally gotten the locations posted for him for the past 2 weeks, but I still owe you readers some specifics from his phone messages over that time period. I'm going on vacation for a week to visit my folks in N.C. & should get some work done on the trail journal while I'm there. Meanwhile, happy thoughts to all the hikers & their loved ones!!! Aloha, T's g.f.
Date: 2008-08-19
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey, everybody! Well, I made it to state #13, NH. I am here in Hanover, home of Dartmouth College. My feet still hurt, but I don't care any more. I have 442 miles left, and I am going to make it with the help of Advil. I am meeting lots of new people, including people that started the same day I did, and I am just meeting them now. Weird.I hiked a side trail to the top of Killington Peak. I had heard that there was a restaurant at the top, so I took a chance. When I got there, I was informed that there was a wedding going on, and that the restaurant was closed. I was able to negotiate a free gondola ride down to the bottom and was rewarded with a cheeseburger and coke. On the ride back to the top, I talked with one of the many mountain bikers. He was from Ireland. Very interesting. At the top, I was able to see an isolated thunderstorm off in the distance heading right toward me. I climbed down the rocks to a shelter and waited it out. The hail was amazing. I found out later that same storm did some major damage along the trail and in West Hartford. I found many green leaves on the forest floor that had been knocked down by the hail. Last night I stayed in West Hartford, VT and ate at a delightful general store. Incredible pastrami sandwich. I asked about camping nearby, and was directed to a house five doors down. Steve and Cathy Arcwright allow hikers to camp in the back yard, next to a waterfall. Steve pointed out that radar showed a strong line of thunderstorms headed our way and invited me to stay in a large box trailer. Good choice. I avoided more hail and an inch of rain. Slept soundly and had a dry tent to start out the day.Vermud turned out to be a beautiful state. The views were incredible, once the rain stopped. The blackberries are ripening now and are incredible.I picked up my winter gear from the post office today (thanks Jo). I now have my winter sleeping bag and my winter clothes. It is supposed to get down to 45 degrees tonight, so my timing is perfect. I read that Mt. Washington was even colder. The fact that it snows there every month of the year scares me. In fact, the White Mountains scare me. Lots of rise in elevation while walking on lots of rocks. And I have to deal with the Hut system. This means I have to try to do work-for-stay to avoid the $90 fee to stay in the huts. Or I can camp for $8 a night. Crazy. I hope to find alternative arrangements.I gotta get back on the Trail. Still have to re-supply and find an outfitter. I hope to hit a shelter 1.5 miles out of town before dark. Thanks again for your support!Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-22
From: Wentworth NH

To: Glencliff NH
Miles today: 9.8

Hey everybody! Just a quick note from Glencliff NH. I start the White Mountains tomorrow and I am a little nervous. I have been hearing about how hard they are for a long time. Bill Bryson says that he heard that when you reach NH, you have done 80% of the trail, but only 50% of the work. My mentor Uncle Tom likens the start of the White Mountains to the start of my senior year. If I liken the trail to four years of school, then GA, TN, and NC were my freshman year; VA was my sophomore year; from VA to the Whites was my junior year; and I now have one more year left. I will climb Mt Mooselauke tomorrow, and it is the first time that I go over tree line on the trail. Going down the backside of the mountain is really steep. I will be using reebar to hold onto.I am also entering the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) hut system. This is where I can pay $90 a night, or attempt to work for stay. I am not above a bribe. I might see if I can work on the croo (crew) to get a free stay or and/or a free meal. Even camping cost 8 dollars.I am at a hostel owned by Packrat, a thru hiker I met back in Gettysburg last year at a hiking confrence. Sweet place. Had my first shower in over a week. I also have clean laundry that will smell just like it did 5 minutes after I start walking tomorrow. I was able to re-supply at a convenience store. The big supermarkets are few and far between now.I am finally able to maintain my weight. I am now stuck at 185 lbs. I really do not want to lose any more. I am now eating just over 2 lbs of food a day. I seem to be able to eat anything and everything. I will need the energy to get through these mountains. I am even drinking protein powder mixes. Tonight I am eating three microwave dinners. It is kinda fun being able to eat anything and not gain weight. I just hope I can keep it off when I am done.I now have 400 miles to go, or I can say that I have done 1776 miles. Pretty cool. All I ask is that you send out good vibes for my feet.Gotta go. Thanks again for your support.Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Glencliff NH

To: Kinsman Notch, NH 112
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

The first day of my "senior year" on the Trail was harder than my first day at school as a senior. I left the Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff, NH, to hike the 9 1/2 miles to Kinsman Notch. In between was Mt. Mooselauke. I started off the day with a pizza and a liter of Mt. Dew. The almost-4000 ft. climb was hard, but not killer. Halfway up, I drank another liter of "rocket fuel," the "afterburners" kicked in all of a sudden, and I was "on top of the world." It was my first time above tree-line, and I had a 360-degree panoramic view of New Hampshire & Vermont. It was a blue-sky day and I could see the tallest mountain, Mt. Washington, in the distance. In between were three or four ridges and notches -- very intimidating. Looked like a roller-coaster coming up.On Mt. Mooselauke, I came across the wedding of two Southbound hikers. Long way to hike for a wedding.All good things must come to an end, hence the descent. It was the first time I was afraid on the Trail. Very steep. Needed rebar and wooden steps to get down the far side of Mooselauke. The trail paralleled a waterfall/river much of the way down -- beautiful but perilous. I kept coming to an edge and seeing the water 30-50 feet down.When I got to the road crossing at Kinsman Notch, I got a ride from the second car to pass me. Rick and his son Matt, day hikers, bought me dinner at McDonald's and then took me to Chet's Hostel in Lincoln, NH. Trail magic is amazing.Chet is a miracle man and a wonderful human being. He survived a terrible accident with a campstove & now he gives back to the community through his hostel. -Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Kinsman Notch, NH 112

To: Franconia Notch, North Woodstock NH
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Disregard how hard I said the previous day was. Today was harder -- hardest day on the Trail so far. I slack-packed 16.3 miles from Kinsman Notch to Franconia Notch (a "notch" is the valley between mountain ridges that has a road going through it). Got started at 8 a.m. For much of the time, I thought I would not make it back before dark. Again, I fueled up on Mt. Dew, and the first mountain (Mt. Wolf) was doable. The second mountain, Kinsman Mountain, was by far the toughest on the Trail. Mt. Mooselauke had steps going up a 20-30 degree slope; Kinsman had rocks and boulders going up a 45-60 degree slope. I used my hands to pull me up more than using my poles. At times I would have to throw my poles forward and pick them up when I got through the difficult section. I had to count on the tread of my boots to hold onto steep, smooth boulders. I could not imagine doing it in the rain.Going down was just as tough. Many times I would throw my poles down 10-20 feet, climb down backwards, hanging onto roots, rocks and trees. I wished I had gloves -- would have saved my hands.Looking back, I did not spend much time on the summit; I wanted to get back before dark. I was actually jogging on the bog-bridges to make up time. Fortunately, the last 3 miles were relatively easy, and I got back to the pick-up point by 6:30 p.m. I hiked the last few miles with Brushstrokes and Serene, two fellows a bit older than I am. Dutch shuttled us back to town, and I had another wonderful night at Chet's Hostel.-Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Franconia Notch, North Woodstock NH

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 9.2

Got a late start out of Chet's Hostel -- thought it was going to rain. After McDonald's and Mt. Dew, I was shuttled back to the Trail and got started around 10:45 a.m. I climbed up to the summit of Little Haystack Mtn. and had a beautiful view above tree-line. I looked at the next mountain (Mt. Lincoln) and saw that it was in the clouds. Climbed up, walked the ridge up to Mt. Lincoln, and saw nothing but clouds/fog. I climbed the next mountain on the ridge, Mt. Lafayette, and actually got scared. Scared enough to almost want to do my Last Will & Testament on my camera (video function). The wind had increased to 20-40 MPH, and the temperature dropped to 42-degrees. Hadn't seen anyone in a few hours and got a little freaked. Took some video of me talking in the wind, but discovered later that you can't really hear me over the wind. Finally made it off the mountain, slowly, and had to find a campsite before dark. Found a place at Garfield Pond just before dark. Temperature got down to 37 at night -- was grateful to have my warm weather gear. -Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Garfield Pond

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 10.8

Woke up to strong winds over the pond; even with all the fresh air coming in the tent, there was still lots of condensation inside. Climbed over Mt. Garfield and the Twins -- beautiful -- great weather. I could see Mt. Washington getting closer, but still far away. Very intimidating, at over 6000 feet. Ran into a hiker named Extra, and he helped pace me to my first Hut stay. Stayed at Zealand Falls Hut. There are 8 huts in the White Mountains, run by the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club); they mainly cater to families and other weekend hikers. Many people make reservations months in advance. Hut People pay $90/night for dinner, breakfast, and a bunk space. Extra & I asked if we could do work-for-stay instead, and the Croo (not Crew) said yes. When I mentioned that I am a massage therapist, they seemed pleased. Instead of sweeping or cleaning out the fridge, I did 10-minutes massage each on the 3 Croo members. In return, I got to eat leftovers; I had 4 helpings of lasagna & 4 helpings of apple pie. The Hut master agreed that I had to be a thru-hiker, because a section-hiker (who lied about being a thru-hiker to qualify for work-for-stay instead of pay-for-stay) would have quit at one helping. We slept on tables in the dining room. I slept like a baby. - Troutbum
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.1

For breakfast in the Zealand Hut, after the Hut people were done eating, I had one dozen pancakes. The day's hike started with an easy 8 miles, which I did in 3 hours. It then took me 5 hours to go 6 miles up Mt. Webster and Mt. Jackson. When I made it to Mizpah and worked out some more work-for-stay (massage) arrangements, I was surprised to see the same woman at this hut whom I'd seen at the last hut; turns out she was a twin sister of the other Croo-woman. - Troutbum