morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early, ate cold pizza, checked the new weather forecast at the Visitor Center and followed 5-string into a 30-40 mph wind and blowing snow. It was pretty slow traveling and I was glad 5-string (a strong hiker) was in the lead, breaking trail. In some places, the snow drifts were knee deep; and, in all places the trail was snow covered. It was hard to see the white blazes on the trees as the snow had covered a lot of them up.It was really cold going and I was really glad to have water proof mittens and liners to keep my hands warm. 5-string did a really good job of knocking the snow off the rhododendrons.I stopped for lunch at Chatfield shelter (3,150') and was passed by Eleven, Brain, Pinky, Butch and Sundance.After lunch, it warmed up enough and I had dropped enough elevation that the snow was melting and falling off the trees and bushes. There was no way to stay dry so I put my camera away and plowed on to Relax Inn (2,420').It was really nice to get a hot shower and eat something beside trail food. I went to dinner with Butch and Sundance at the Red Barn. After dinner, we stopped at the Shell Truck stop for dessert.My food box was delivered late afternoon, what timing!I washed clothes and met Hawk who was camped out in the snow storm. He stayed in their tent until about noon before coming to Relax Inn.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

The Relax Inn is gradually deteriorating from 2005 due to a lack of maintenance, but it is still a good place to stay--right on the trail. Dairy Queen has closed so the only place to eat is the Red Barn or packaged food at the Shell Truck Stop. Relax also charges $5 for a hiker box.I picked up some package food and coffee for breakfast and then got on the trail.It's really a nice day, cool, breezy and lots of sun. I put on my sun screen and sun glasses and hiked out thru pastures and tree patches. The trail is really different in this section. Also, I saw some pure bred cows in the pastures--really a pretty sight of white/back against the new green grass.Once in the trees over the first ridge, the trail returns to ups and downs.Today was a short day, only 14 miles and my feet are happy as they didn't have to do too much and they got dunked in the creek to cool off.Called Carla on the way out of town and had good reception--unusual. Also called Bill, but only got his answering machine so I will try that later on up the trail.Here at Knot Maul shelter (2,880')is 5-string and Bacon (because he sizzles the big miles). The Alley Cat and Hawk are going to camp north of here and Butch and Sundance are going a few more miles.5-string is playing banjo--life is sweet!
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a rough day with lots of ups and downs and rocky trail tread. But, the views were outstanding.The day started out sort of eerie as there were no birds singing along the creek or in the forest. But when I reached the balds, there were all sorts of birds singing.Climbing up the switch backs to Chestnut Knob, I met 5-string who was looking for his dog. The dog ran off and could be heard some distance down the hill. 5-string said the dog would come back so I continued up the trail.I stopped at the pond below Chestnut Knob for water and the frogs were singing even though there are patches of snow along the water's edge. I guess they just found a warm, snow-less spot to keep happy and sang with the birds.I stopped for lunch at Chesnut Knob shelter (4,410') and called Carla. There is a very small area in front of the shelter that Verizon has coverage.Hawk and Alley Cat went by while I was eating lunch and then I went by them when they stopped for lunch at Walter Gap. Later, we all ended up at Jenkin's shelter (2,500') for the night.Hawk built a fire and I went to bed around 9 pm.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

The day started out as a really nice (cool and clear) day of hiking. The trail was fairly easy. But about noon, the thunder clouds rolled in and it became a real down pour.I have seen several posters at shelters about the bridges being out along Laurel Fork and the need for hikers to follow the blue blaze high water route trail, but when I got to the blue blaze trail all the blue blazes have been painted white--simple confusion along the trail.Hawk and I found trail magic (Gatoraid) at the first road crossing just 5 miles into the journey. It tasted good and hit the spot just before the next up climb.About noon, I met Alley Cat's Grandparents at Interstate 77, they gave me some ice tea and we talked for a few minutes. They are so nice to visit Alley Cat and bring her food and news from home. I then headed north while Hawk and Alley Cat went with her grand parents for burgers.As I climbed up to Helvey's Mill shelter (3,090'), it rained and thundered more and more. I briefly stopped to put on my rain gear and then arrived at the shelter in a real heavy down pour. At the shelter before me was Natural High and Lady Bug who are from California. They are the first folks I have met from CA.I ate dinner about 4 pm and soon after Alley Cat and Hawk and Tripple H and his partner arrived. The shelter is full and we have a lost puppy Tripple H found along the way. Tripple H works for an animal shelter and wants to make sure the puppy has a good place to go--nice guy.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got up early and made the water run. According to Alley Cat's count, it is 8 switchbacks down to the creek, but I did not verify her count. It seems right as its a very long way and I remember a bunch of switch backs. Just what you need to wake up, a muddy trail down a steep trail to get a drink of water.It rained all night and there was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of water in my cooking pot that I left out on the picnic table.Lady Bug and Natural High left the shelter first and did a good job of knocking the water off the bushes for me as I was next on the trail. Surprisingly, there were not too many bad mud holes as the ground is pretty porous and a slight breeze dried things out really fast.The robins and frogs seem to be every where, I guess they are fond of April showers.I stopped for lunch at Jenny Knob shelter (2,800') and met Lady Bug and Natural High. We talked about shoes and gear, thanks for the outfitter tip.When I reached State Route 606, I remembered the trail was pretty easy following an old road along Dismal Creek. So, I put my feet into gear and pushed on to Wapiti Shelter (2,640') for a 24 mile day, plus water run.I saw a couple deer at the pond just before the shelter and the frogs are really singing in the pond.I have the shelter to myself tonight. It is amazing, one night over flowing shelter, and the next night an empty one.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Holiday Motor Lodge, Pearisburg
Miles today: 16.6

I got up in my empty shelter about 6:30 am, cooked hot cereal for breakfast and started up the trail looking at a 1,300 foot climb very first thing. It was hot so I put on my sun screen. Having lost my sun glasses yesterday, I didn't wear them today. This is the first thing that I have lost--knock on wood. I took several pictures of Angel's Rest from the top of Sugar Run Mountain. Maybe as a keep sake photo to remind myself of the 2005 descent that really trashed my feet. It is about a 2,000 foot verticle drop in a very short distance from the top of Pearis Mountain to Pearisburg and the hardest section is thru the Angel's Rest area.On the way down from Big Horse Gap (where do they get these names?), I met 5 weekend hikers and they were the first and only people I saw until I descended from Angel's Rest.I made it down off Angel's Rest with only 1 new blister on an un-blistered toe--misery loves company as I only have one toe remaining on my right foot that has not had a blister. These shoes have stretched too much and I can not get the laces tight enough to keep my foot from sliding forward and smashing my toes against the end of the boot--it only hurts going downhill or stumbling thru rock piles.While in the Grayson Highlands, I twisted my right knee which is still acting up so tonight its on ice and relaxation at the Holiday Motor Inn.I ate a Mexican dinner at the motel. Tomorrow is a town day and more ice and relaxation.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Holiday Motor Lodge, Pearisburg

To: Holiday Motor Lodge, Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0

I spent the day laying in bed with ice on both knees trying to get the swelling down. The left knee swelled up a bunch and it now matches the right knee. I made a short trip to do laundry and food, but otherwise watched TV and posted the trail journal all day. My knees are worse than yesterday when I came into town. Thinking about options. Don't like these town days.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Holiday Motor Lodge, Pearisburg

To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is actually the 27th, so several days are being updated.After a lot of work, I was able to put together ground (two car rentals) and air travel (free frequent flyer ticket) so that I could get home to fix my knees. I have been to the doctor and to a specialist to sort out the problems.The doctor at the walk in clinic took one look, documented what has happened and sent me to a specialist.I went to specialist yesterday and I was not too impressed or maybe just bummed that he did not have a faster solution, but I guess he is hired to know what to do. He and I have a different view of injury, but I'll do what he suggests and see what happens. Basically, I twisted the right knee on a down hill section of trail trying to keep myself from falling down, which is when the knee started hurting. I then favored the hurt leg and put too much stress on the left knee and it swelled up and made walking difficult. However, the Specialist thinks the right knee was injured before the twisting because of too much stress. So, the pain in both knees was from too much stress. Right now, the right knee still has some swelling (but getting better) and I can not walk up or down stairs without a lot of pain. I do the shuffle walk to get around. The cure is to take pain killers, rest, ice and hot tub for two weeks. If that does not work, come back for MIR and see what else is going on. If it works, I can go back to normal life.Tentatively, I am thinking I'll hang out until the first of July and then go back and start on the north end of the trail and head south. I can still get from end to end in one season with this strategy. In a couple months, I can be back in some sort of shape, do some local hiking to make sure everything is on the mend and do a few things around here--plus a bit of fishing.While I am sitting around, I will get my pictures uploaded, the trail journal updated and edited, my gear fixed (pack needs some stitching), a pair of shoes that fit better, some fishing flies tied and some books read.   Damn, it's tough getting old!
Date: 2007-05-08
To: Back to work
Miles today: 0.0

Knees are getting much better and almost back to normal. Still a bit of tenderness in the right knee, but the left knee seems to be fairly normal. I am really surprised this has taken so long. I plan to add the pack (weight) to walking around later this week and if all goes well, I will cancel the Doc appointment for next week.In the meantime, I have changed my plans for the summer. I have deleted my end of August plan to fish coho salmon in Alaska and have substituted a trip starting May 30 to fish king salmon instead. For once, I was able to use frequent flier miles for ticket to Alaska. I am going to miss the coho trip as I enjoy them more than kings as the coho catching is a faster pace--most of the time. But, gotta go with the flow.After Alaska fishing, I will get a plane ticket to the east coast and get back on the AT. My plan now is to flip flop by starting in Maine (late June or early July) and head south until I reach Pearisburg where I came off the trail. Some local good news, the Mountain Air store has opened and is back in business. They were destroyed in a fire last winter. So, my Granite Gear pack has been in for a visit and some sewing of failing seams. I like this pack, but two sew jobs in different places is not getting the job done. Also, I am finding I sweat too much and my back is dripping wet all the time--even in the cold and snow. I am liking the Gregory Packs, but they need a bit of modification-so it goes. The Mountain Air folks are great to work with so I will get this all sorted out-shortly. My boots are another story. I am going to retire them to the home front. Not sure what I am going to get to replace them, but the looking has started.My training will get back on track later this week with a slow return to trail fitness over several weeks. It's been a drag reading other journals and wishing it was me........Best wishes to everyone going north. I suspect I will see you in the Whites. Good luck.
Date: 2007-07-03
To: Photo & knee updates
Miles today: 0.0

Have uploaded photos from March 17 (Winding Stair) to April 21 (last hiking day). I have more to do, but it is a start.Still trying to get the kinks out of my knees. The MRI is done (last week) and the updated report is bruised knee bone. Guess it explains my uneasy feeling as I have been trying to get back into shape. So, the first diagnosis (injury from stress which caused swelling and ok to start training after pain and swelling subside) was not valid. A person with bone bruise is suppose to rest and relax for several weeks to let bruise heal before resuming too much activity. Most likely, I have not helped the situation trying to stay in shape and get back on the trail using data from first diagnosis. So, the MRI gives a more definitive explanation of injury and helps me understand what's going on, but it also creates more questions and problems. However, the bottom line is that I will not be returning to the trail this summer. My tentative plan is to start at Springer, March 2008. I am very unhappy about this. More later.
Date: 2007-08-07
To: Last 2007 entry
Miles today: 0.0

This will be my last 2007 trail journal update. I will continue to monitor my mail and I will start my 2008 journal this fall. So in the future, Limestone has moved on and will be planning for the first of March 2008 restart at Springer. The third try will be a charm! Folks have asked me why I am restarting at Springer Mountain. Why not start where I ended in 2005 or 2007? This is a good question that I mulled over in my mind and went back and forth to find the answer.   It really comes down to, a thru hike is a thru hike is a thru hike, and it does not seem like it will be a thru hike if I start someplace other than either the north or south end. A bit of history, I have been back to my doctor and gone over the MRI results. After 2 months off the trail, the scan the end of June showed the bruise was small in the distal femur with a small joint effusion (doctor word for swelling, water in the knee).   I have done a fair amount of browsing the web sites and talking to folks about bone bruises of the knee. There is not much information about a stress caused bone bruise, mostly the data is from high impact injury to sports minded folks. And the data about bone bruises is really new as it depends on MRI scans (which were invented not too long ago) for positive identification. Unless you are a high paid athlete with deep pockets, the treatment for all types of bone bruises is pretty much the same-which is to take it easy for 6 to 8 weeks until the bruise heals and then gradually resume your activities as you can tolerate it. Missing the bone bruise with the initial diagnosis has caused me some grief because my going back to hiking in a couple weeks after I came off the trail was not the right thing to do and I prolonged the healing process. This has delayed getting back to normal (what ever that is). The good news was that going fishing for a couple weeks was probably the right thing. So, I am on the mend and when feeling around my knees with my fingers, I can not feel any pain or swelling. I am getting better and easy hiking is not causing any problems. However, I am really reluctant to restart the AT on the north end and go south until I feel more comfortable that everything is healed up. If I start where I left off, I can not complete the hike before Baxter Park closes the gate.I have committed to painting a house and will do a few light construction projects around the house here to keep my mind occupied as I get back to training for 2008. The Wenatchee valley is famous for its fruit trees, so time to drag out the dehydrator and get stuff ready for next spring. I wonder where I put the dehydrator. I see that Trocar and Brain have finished and other hikers I met along the trail are closing in on the big K. I wish you all the best and I will follow you along in your trail journal. I also see that many folks are getting injured coming up the final stretch and I feel so sorry for you. Since I have not gone anywhere near the additional distance that you have done, I can only imagine the disappointment you must be feeling. Best wishes to all and I look forward to the next AT hike in 2008.
Date: 2007-03-15
To: Some Inspiring Appalachian Trail Poetry & Quotes
Miles today: 0.0

I¢ve been chasing rainbows since I was a kidSeekin¢ out the paths where no others did.The life of the trail I took to my heart,Wanderin¢ wild, and livin¢ the part.I found my way down that endless track,It fit me well, this life of the pack,Out where the world is one, untamed and on the run,Stretching out into the setting sun.I walk the long trails, I came of age on the long trails,I found my place in those wide open spacesOut there a-walkin¢ on the long trails.         ¢Walkin' JIm Stolz, long-distance hiker and song writerCome into the mountains, dear friend Leave society and take no one with you Let your true self Get close to nature Your everyday games will be insignificant Notice the clouds spontaneously forming patterns And try to do that with your life.       ¢SUSAN POLIS SCHUTZ, US writer and poet, 1944These are a couple of poems that I connected with and shared with the students in Ms. Minott's 4/5 grade class at the Center Drive School in Orrington, Maine and I find them to be truly inspiring, especially the second one. It reminds me of a John Muir poem which talks about letting the mountains breathe their freshness into you... ahhhhh.... I can't wait, it's getting very close now! I'll describe more later about my visit to school and about last minute details that I am encountering, as well as mister Henry Burmans proposed invention of a car that goes over mountains, so that he can hike with me, of course! All things considered, excitement is still the main emotion I am feeling, especially because today I handed in the last of my undergraduate work to the University of Maine's College of Education and Human Development. I am officially no longer in student mode. Now, I can release to-do lists and focus on living life in the moment! What a thrilling feeling!
Date: 2007-03-19
To: Getting Closer to Springer
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone!Last night we had a fantastic time visiting our friends Bill, Lee, and Henry Burman who showed us another example of fun times with good friends. Henry, I can't wait to hear your details about the car you are thinking about inventing to go over the mountains so you can come visit us. The pack that turns into a tent is also an excellent idea! I can't wait to see you again in the fall! Kevin, Bailey, and I are in Windham, Maine at our friends' house, former AT thru hiker Ben "Rematch" Morton and partial AT hiker, Kate DiMaggio (soon to be Morton!) This is the first leg of the trip south. We are leaving here on Wednesday and going as far as Staten Island where Kate's family lives. Visiting New York City should be all the assurance I need that I am ready to live in the mountains for 6 months, I'm not exactly a city girl. The following day, Thursday, is a looooong day of driving the rest of the way to Georgia. Thursday night we'll be staying in Atlanta with another AT thruhiker, Brave Friend. I met Brave Friend on a hike from Caratunk to Monson last summer, then again at the peak of Katahdin. It should be a fun place to stay the night before our hike officially begins and I'm sure spirits will be high and anticipation will prevent sleep from occuring. Brave Friend, Rematch, and some other thru hikers from 2006 will be hiking from Springer to Neels Gap as a reunion hike, so it should be a high energy first few days for us! I look forward to finally arriving in Amicalola Falls State Park where all gears will be shifted to hiking mode. Last week brought several all-nighters which helped me to finish all of my school work, so that I am done school now. I finished my online course and two independent studies and now am officially a graduate... or will be when I get my diploma. It's still too early to be ecstatic, I don't think it's hit me yet that I don't have to drive myself crazy getting A's again for a while, until masters courses that is!Today was a bit stressful with last minute details like doing my taxes (yeah, I'm a procrastinator these days, I don't know what happened), suspending my cell phone contract, packing away my laptop and school things (yahoooooo) and leaving the Bangor area. It's starting to feel more and more real these days with each item crossed off my to-do list. All we have left to do is pack, repack, and reorganize our backpacks, make sure we have items like digital camera memory cards, toilet paper, etc... blah blah blah! My next journal entry will be either at Brave Friend's house or after hiking for a few days when we get to the first real trail town. Adios until then mi amigos... Wish us luck driving south, especially Bailey who tends to get carsick :0(
Date: 2007-03-20
To: Last Minutes...
Miles today: 0.0

So...    Today we said some more goodbyes with our good friend John Allen and his lovely fiancee Carol over dinner at Sierra's in Gorham, Maine. What a blast! You guys are awesome and Carol: any girl that is ok with peeing outside with me is a sure fire friend! Enjoy your new boat this summer and we look forward to meeting up with you guys at camp near Monson next fall!      For the rest of the day, poor Kate had to drive Kevin and I around Portland to get the last few items we needed like food for the first week and other essential items. Ben and Kate bought us 3 Mountain House dinners and 1 breakfast meal for the first week of the trip as a send-off present, which makes a huge difference and totally makes us happy! We bought other hiker-friendly foods like granola bars, rice, pasta sides, tuna fish pouches, peanut butter, coffee packets, tea bags, etc... I felt like we had a lot of stuff when it was spread out all over the bed. Then, we packed our bags and divyed up the load to make it more even. I weighed my pack and it's only 25lbs, without water! I was super happy with that as a starting weight because I know I'll be able to tweak it and make it lighter as I get more accustomed to hiking and planning.    I will let ya know when we get to Georgia... It's hard to imagine being in Staten Island tomorrow night... then we'll be southward bound. Ray Charles and "Georgia" keep popping into my mind as the big day rapidly approaches. Wow... we'll be on top of Springer Mountain by Friday... unreal!   This time brings some bitter-sweet feelings as I am feeling sentimental and missing my brother. I am excited about the trip, but we had planned that he would be hiking through some of Georgia with us. That is obviously not the case now that he has passed away, so I hope he is proud of me for being determined to do this. Grieving is a tough thing to do for me, so hopefully hiking is an effective way of clearing my head and figuring out how to cope with it.    Thanks to all of you who are reading my journals, take care and keep smiling!Love and Laughter,