morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-19
From: West Carry Pond Lean-To

To: Redington Fairview Hospital--Skowheagan, Maine
Miles today: 23.0

Well, in the ER again, this time it's Darren--we were on a good run. While on a down slope, on all of the mountains with ironic names, this one was called Pleasant Pond, on a smooth rock face, he slipped and landed with all the force possible on his lower back and spine. It was as scary as it was spectacular. I got his pack off and let him rest for a bit--damn no cell coverage. No sense sitting on the mountain as the temp was forecast to go below 50F (again)--this has been a cold week at night and in the mornings. So I got him to his feet, put his pack over my shoulder and started the now seemingly endless miles (3 or so) to a dirt road called Moxie Pond, in the middle of, well, nowhere. Darren was struggling and in serious pain. What I guess was about half way, we took a break and I checked the cell and had a few "bars" of coverage and dialed 911. We reached the road and it was getting late and cold. I was starting to get worried. Still no cell coverage and no sign of help. Then almost like a scene out of the Blues Brother's movie--the calvary arrived. Three forest service officers, several EMT and other rescue workers in private vehicles and then two ambulances. I must say it was quite a sight on this dirt road in the middle of nowhere. After the routine questioning the crew trussed up Darren like a Thanksgiving turkey and away we went. On the way to the hospital I found out why it took so long, the dirt road was located about 15 miles off the main road and we were only 45 miles or so from the hospital. Darren got the works. A CAT scan, that was sent to Australia to be read (we were even given a copy on CD)--good fortune, the scan came back negative. Now the staff doctor is on the phone to the regional experts in Bangor to see if he needs to be transferred or can be released. I'm praying for the latter. The prognosis was trauma to the lower spine, specifically L5. Darren was given specific instructions to rest with no carrying weight, walking, talking, mountain climbing, hiking or anything that might seem strenuous. We are currently enjoying mutual bed rest in the town of Waterville--after being at the hospital until the wee hours of the morning. Now I've got to develop a few courses of action to help Darren and determine my AT future. Many thanks to the Paramedics, Dr's and staff at RFH! Of course all the motels were booked up due to the county fair in Skowheagan, so we took a long 20 mile or so taxi ride to Waterville. Guess we'll be here for a while. zzzzzzz
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Redington Fairview Hospital--Skowheagan, Maine

To: Off the Trail in Waterville, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Darren is feeling better. Took him out for a walk and some sun today. The O'Leary's have kindly offered to pick up Darren and accommodate him in Boston so/till I can finish this last leg. MikeCloud Hidden, Whereabouts Unknown
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Off the Trail in Waterville, ME

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful day. Tremendous breakfast at Shaw's--thanks ladies--Dawn & Dana. Many fording opportunities today. Tough climb up Barren Mt. and long way to the lean-to from the trail. I really miss having Darren with me (Darren should now be in Boston). With 90 miles to go, should be finished by the end of the week.
Date: 2007-08-25
From: Cooper Brook Falls

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Greatest Mountain--Katahdin is in sight. However it is wicked hot, humid and muddy. Decided to go for the town of Millinocket as a huge storm is forecasted (and it was a BIG one). Caught up with a section hiker, with the great trail name of Jello, who had his car parked at Abol Bridge and he offered me a ride into town and a bed for the night if I could make the miles with him. Really nice--many thanks. Now I'm almost dead. On auto-hiker mode...
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Abol Bridge redux 

To: Baxter State Park
Miles today: 10.0

I managed to hitch the 20 miles back, not to the bridge, but into Baxter Park--I was in no position to argue. So I figured as my old shipmate Dave Manning was going to meet me at Abol Bridge I would actually walk the ten miles south and link up at the bridge. Dave is driving up from New York and going to summit Katahdin with me tomorrow, then take me to Boston (yahooo) to get fattened up on my brothers cooking. I finally caught up with Catchup & Skiman who will summit tomorrow as well (but I'm sure they will start WAY too early for me ). All is well (except my feet, which hurt all the time now).Only 4.5 miles to go...
Date: 2007-08-27
To: No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
Miles today: 10.3

*SMS text Msg from Mike:Tough hike today. I am so finished! Road trip to Boston. -Veni-Vidi-ViciBaccalaureate, Hiking, DamascusMaster's, Hiker Physiology & Psychology, Harper¢s FerryPh.D., Hiker Philosophy, Katahdin, summit cum laudeWhat a long strange journey it's been.Thanks for all the support from around the world. Together we can help a few people see more of our world.When I get back to the UK I'll finish the journal and add the rest of the pictures (which I am unable to do in the Boston Public library at the moment).Check this out: 2000 Miler InfoBetween the ideaAnd the realityBetween the motionAnd the actFalls the Shadow¢¦¢ T.S. Eliot, ¢The Hollow Men¢
Date: 2007-03-29
To: Ranger Jan goes for the gold - AGAIN
Miles today: 0.0

Ranger Jan reporting:    Yes, folks, this guy is crazy. After a hugely successfull 2004 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, Ranger Jan is going for the whole pie again in 2007. Fueled by the thru-hiking preparations of a couple of local acquaintances, he has talked himself into another AT adventure. (of course, he had to borrow a little future retirement time to do it) So lets all give a rousing hurrah and wish him great success.      Tenative starting date is 4/15/07. In '04 he started on 5/9/04, so let's hope the weather is just as accomodating. Eight others will be sending off the intrepid adventurer, including his longtime friend and hiking buddy "Raven Boy" (aka James Gregory) and his sister "Scat Woman" (aka Kim Steffes) They will start with Ranger Jan in Amicalola State Park and hike for the first week of the AT.      Again this year Ranger Jan has taken the "ultra-light" credo to heart and made some of his own gear. If you encounter him on the trail, ask about his "invisible pack" and full one-man tent, both tipping the scales at under 1 pound each.      So it's 2 1/2 weeks and counting.Ranger Jan
Date: 2007-04-08
To: ONE WEEK & COUNTING
Miles today: 0.0

Ranger Jan Reporting:   One week and counting. 9 in my starting party now. "Night Owl" a 2002 graduate of the AT will join us for the first 10 days or so. Just can't keep a good hiker down.    Just finished seam-sealing my new homemade tent. Unfortunately I was unable to break the 1# barrier. (For a real tent with floor, vestibule, mesh and stakes.) The seam-sealer pushed me over the edge. I came in at 18.2 oz, about 1/2 pound lighter than my previous attempt. Looking forward to field testing the new model though.   In case you are wondering, "Why the obsession with weight." Anyone who has done much backpacking will have no such wondering. In fact one of Ranger Jan's Laws of Backpacking states, "Less Weight = More Fun" I used to carry 52 lbs. for a 6 day adventure, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. A few years ago, when ultralight backpacking was only practiced by a few fanatics like Ray Jardine, I decided that if I enjoyed myself that much with 52 lbs., how much more would I enjoy myself with 40 lbs., then, 30 lbs., then 25 lbs. and so on? There is no denying it, less weight is more fun.   Anyway, I also made my own pack this time around and it came in at 15.2 oz. We'll soon see how everything performs.
Date: 2007-04-13
To: Amicalola State Park - Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Ranger Jan Reporting:The day has arrived for me to leave the comforts of home and start my new adventure. At 7AM on saturday, April 14th we will drive to Flint, MI for a flight to Atlanta, GA. Then sunday April 15th, while millions sweat over their taxes, I'll be sauntering along on the Appalachian Trail.Ranger Jan
Date: 2007-04-14
To: Amicalola State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"In the Land of Dixie" - Ranger Jan Reporting ...After arriving at the Atlanta airport, we caught a ride to Amicalola State Park with the generous and gregarious Mike Holland, brother-in-law of my sister Kim. Blissfully ignorant of the next day's trials, we sat down to a hearty all-you-can-eat send off dinner at the lodge. Five of the eight in our party pampered themselves with one more night under clean sheets while Jim "Ravenboy" Gregory, Ben Card, and I retired to the 3-sided shelter (a chicken coop with wire fencing all round and wire fencing for bed berths) behind the visitor's center. We were all excited at the prospect of finally getting on the trail after months of preparation and anticipation.
Date: 2007-04-15
To: Springer Mountain - Stover Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"Let the Good Times Roll" - Ranger Jan Reporting   ...                         Passing the spectacular Amicalola Falls, we were finally walking. The 8.8 mile Approach Trail would lead us to the top of Springer Mountain and the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The weather was cool and breezy, but soon became cold and blustery. By the time we got to the top of Springer it was 32 and snowing with gusts approaching 50 mph. Prudently we hurried our mugging for the cameras (in front of the bronze plaque and the first white blaze, marking the beginning of our 2,175 mile odessey). Excitment and chill spiced with trepidation gripped our party as we decended to camp at Stover Creek. After hunkering down for a night of wild weather, I managed to get a fire going to take the edge off the unforgiving storm. All night wind gusts roared through camp like a freight train. The snow continued to fall and instead of a walk into spring, we were being chewed on by winter. We were only 2.5 miles from the top of Springer Mountain and the start of our trip, but already the trail was challenging our resolve.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Springer Mountain - Stover Creek

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 75.4
Weather: clear sky

"Here Comes the Sun" - Ranger Jan Reporting       The 2nd day and on, we had only sun, sun, sun. Sitting here in the Holiday Inn Express (taking a half-day break to bid our companions good-bye) and looking back over the last week, the winter storm of that first day seems a distant memory. So many steps and so much beauty has transpired since. We passed over many mountains and through many gaps.(Three Forks, Sassafras Mtn, Cooper Gap, Gooch Gap, Big Cedar Mtn, Blood Mtn, Neels Gap, Cowrock Mtn, Wide Gap, Blue Mtn, Unico Gap, Rocky Mtn, Indian Grave Gap, Tray Mountain, Blue Ridge Swag, Addis Gap, Kelly Knob, Deep Gap, and Powell Mtn just to name a few)The hiking had become a tale of spring wildflowers, sweeping vistas, steel blue mountains, and companionship. The first day's test became only an exciting memory to retell again and again around the evening campfire.   Sunset views became our dinner entertainment. Stars and a crescent moon returned to join us night after night. And in the morning we would watch as the blood red sun broke the horizon. We couldn't have asked for better days or nights in the wilderness. The first week has set the bar high, if the following weeks and months come near, I'll be ecstatic.   We'll be starting again this afternoon with only one regret. We will be without the companions who so gamely helped us launch our adventure. Of the eight who left Springer Mountain on that wintery first day, only two now remain. Ben, who was to be one of our fellow thru-hikers, had to leave as well. The desire was there, the knees were not. Our hearts go out to him.   So it's just Marilyn (see Marilyn B on this website) and I who will be continuing on from Dick's Creek Gap. In about 9 miles we will finish the trail in Georgia and start North Carolina. So it's a final good-bye to my sister Kim "Scat Woman" Steffes, my old friend Jim "Raven-Boy" Gregory, and new friends Sara "Energizer" Cockrell, Ben, Ralph & Kathy.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Rock Gap

To: Sassafras Gap 
Miles today: 74.2
Weather: clear sky

"Call Me Spider-Man"      Ranger Jan Reporting   Just two of us remained on trail and the weather couldn't have been better. The elevation profile was getting tougher, but our bodies harder. Ascending from Dick's Creek Gap on Sunday the trail began a gradual climb and by Monday we were hiking in the 4500 ft range. We crossed the border of Georgia into North Carolina on Monday and then up over Standing Indian Mountain (5,500ft) on our way to a 20 mile day. Two milestones in one day; a new state (only 13 to go) and our first 20 mile day. (in 2004 I didn't do a 20 miler until well into Virginia) We conquered Albert Mountain on Tuesday and headed on to Rock Gap. Everything was clicking, until.......I discovered a bite (I'm assuming spider) on my backside (rear-end). While I've had many bites in the past, this one just kept getting bigger and badder. The intruder must have climbed into my sleeping bag and then gotten irritated when I rolled over on him. (considering our relative size difference, I can't blame him) The size of a quarter in the beginning, the bite soon grew to the size of a salad plate. (don't faint now) And to make matters worse, it blistered and oozed a yellow liquid. (hurry, you can make it to the bathroom) As you folks (sitting comfortably in your lounge chairs in front of the big screen) might imagine the bite was disconcerting to say the least. Miles from nowhere, an unknown toxin coursing through my veins, and the lingering uncertainty of its ultimate effect understandably disturbed my "Wah" (Chinese for harmony) So, being devoted to "Peace of Mind", I decided to call my friend Paul in Asheville, NC and have him pick me up.    Wednesday I marched into the Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care, where they insisted on plying me with all manner of pharmaceuticals, and here I sit.    Ah, what a difference 3 days can make. After the tender care of my good friends Paul and Becky in Asheville, the spider bite was no more. (or my skin started pealing away and it looked more like a bad sunburn, so undaunted I rejoined the adventure.) Re-energized by my recovery, I knocked out a 20 mile day. I felt great summiting Siler Bald and meeting "Five Eyes", my new hiking companion. I re-supplied at Nantahala Outdoor Center and then ground out the 3000 ft uphill to Sassafras Gap shelter and an 18.4 mile encore to finish the week. One day of snow and 11 days of sun, Ranger Jan's hiking luck was as good as ever. (one of the 3 days I was off trail it rained, but not on me) The next week will bring me to the Great Smoky Mountains and new challenges and trail personalities.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Damascus, VA & Trail Dayz

To: SPECIAL NOTE
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Friends,   I've decided it's too much trouble to upload photos as I hike. Therefore, my solution to you is this. If you'd really like to see what the hiking is like as I'm moving through an area, just log on to my photo website and look for the AT photos from 2004. They are grouped by state.thanks,Janwww.homepage.mac.com/janealy
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Wapiti Shelter - Virginia

To: Troutville, Virginia
Miles today: 108.8

"Ankles Away"                         Ranger Jan Reporting      Sunday's long downhill into Pearisburg was easy yet painful. Pearis Mountain provided several great views, including Angels Rest with the New River and Pearisburg far below, but it was a subtle growing pain in my right ankle that occupied my mind. Inexplicably after an easy day of hiking and no obvious insult or injury, my ankle was becoming painful to walk on. Swelling set in and I gingerly limped into town, hoping a day off would remedy the mystery ailment.      After Artiste and I stopped to down a pizza each, I limped off to spend that night and the next at one of the AT's longest running hiker hostels, the Holy Family Catholic Church. High on a hill with a great porch, Holy Family was the perfect place to regroup, resupply and recover. There I would join Corker and Cheeseburger, 2 hikers who also began their hikes on April 15th.      We were back on the trail tuesday after a zero day and my ankle, while still swollen, was less painful and seemed to be healing. Rice Field, Symms Meadow, Wind Rock, and the Audie Murphy Monument were some of the spots we passed. Friday came and though I had been averaging 20 miles per day, and my ankle pain had diminished, it refused to go away. The swelling persisted despite daily soaking in cold water streams. Sometimes I limped, sometimes I didn't. Was it healing? I couldn't tell, so I decided to take 2 zero days in Troutville, the upcoming town.      Friday and saturday, though, would bring some of the AT's prime destinations. Dragons Tooth on Cove Mountain was friday's highlight. Huge sandstone slabs, these tilted vertical rocks are climbable and offer great views. Saturday I arrived at McAfee Knob, one of, if not the, most photographed spot on the AT. A mammoth rock projection, McAfee Knob is considered by many to have the best view in Viginia. Another special place is only 5 miles beyond the Knob. Tinker Cliffs, with 1/2 mile of rock ledges, is reported to have been the hideout of Revolutionary War deserters. Virginia kept giving and I kept hoping my body would remain healthy enough to continue the journey.      Saturday evening I checked into the Comfort Inn in Troutville. Physically, it had been the toughest week yet, and I was ready for a break. The mystery of my ankle's continued swelling was still unsolved, but more milestones were achieved. This week I passed the 700 mile mark and had now finished 1/3 of the entire trail. Unfortunately, I lost my hiking buddy Artiste. He would be taking a few days off and rejoining the trail with his brother on monday. I would be spending sunday and monday resting and test my ankle with a light day on tuesday.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Troutville, Virginia

To: Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 134.1

"Cruisin The Blue Ridge"               Ranger Jan Reporting   My double "zero" in Daleville did the trick. "The Ankle", pushing 95% healed, allowed me to head north and enjoy some great views, easy trail, and a renewed joy in walking. This week would find me passing over Cove Mountain, Floyd Mountain, Apple Orchard Mountain, Bluff Mountain, Punchbowl Mountain, Rice Mountain, and Cold Mountain. Heat and a few long uphills challenged me as I made my way through Central Virginia to the Shenandoahs.   Other highlights included "The Guillotine", a large boulder suspended precariously over the trail, and great swimming spots at Brown Creek and Matt's Creek Shelters. At Cow Camp Gap I met a dozen or more former thru-hikers gathered for their 8th annual reunion. They spent the whole weekend, feeding and pampering the lucky 07' hikers who happened to be moving through the gap over those 3 days. The shear volume of Trail Magic here was overwhelming.      Some of my trail companions this week included Aristotle, Blu-Man, Iceman, Buttercup, Spock, Bones, Shiver, Kahoda, Just Jim and Mosey. Soon, however, I would reach Waynesboro and the beginning of Shenandoah National Park. Here my old friend Bert, now known as Chert, would join me for a week.   It felt great to be healthy again and I was really looking forward to hiking again with my friend. (5th AT section in 4 years) In 04' I "Aqua Blazed" (canoeing north on the Shenandoah River for 100 miles) the park and so I would be seeing the AT in Shenandoah for the first time.   Be sure to visit (www.homepage.mac.com/janealy) to view photos of this area from my 2004 hike.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Delaware Water Gap - New Jersey

To: New York Border
Miles today: 63.3

¢Yogi & Boo Boo¢                                                   Ranger Jan Reporting      After 5 zero days with my old friend Mark, I was back on the trail in New Jersey. The heat was back as well, 95-degree heat, and the hiking was still very rocky. The first day back after time off is always tougher and I felt it, ascending out of Delaware Water Gap, past Sunfish Pond (one of the southernmost glacial ponds) on my way to the Mohican Outdoor Center. (I hoped a nice comfy bunk and a couple of sodas would ease my re-emersion into the wilderness life.)       The next day was still very hot and very rocky. New Jersey was no cakewalk. In 2004 I saw only 2 bears along the entire AT, both in New Jersey. Today on my way over Rattlesnake Mountain I would see 5. A mother and 2 cubs scurried across the trail at one point. Further along an old male looked up from his blueberry feast to eyeball me for a few seconds. Seeing these creatures in the wild was truly exhilarating. Usually bear encounters are so fleeting, all one sees is their rapidly retreating posterior.      An overcast sky lessened the oppressive heat as I made my way to the High Point monument. (highest point in NJ) Water sources were becoming less reliable. This year has been extremely dry. In PA I had begun carrying 3 liters of water instead of 2 and the extra 2 pounds of weight had been worth it. I was consuming almost 2 gallons of water a day to combat the heat.      Rain was coming, though, and just after arriving at the ¢Secret Shelter¢, near Unionville, it fell. (my ¢Luck¢ still holding). Byte Code, 1/4 Moon, and Ohm joined me at the private shelter, situated on acreage shared by a pair of donkeys. Their braying punctuated the peaceful setting, lending a surreal atmosphere to the pasture as a light rain continued to fall.      Next day was cool and sunny, perfect hiking weather. The oppressive heat and humidity were gone and finally the annoying rocks as well. I was headed for the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon, NJ. On my way I crossed the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge and several long boardwalks over Pochuck Swamp. This area is home to an amazing variety of birds. At a shady bench, next to Wallkill, I surveyed the scene, the tower on High Point still visible on the distant ridgeline. I thoroughly enjoyed the day¢s walk. At the hostel I met Just Julie, a 2005 thru-hiker, whose company I would enjoy as we headed into New York the next day.         Don't forget to check photos for NJ at www.homepage.mac.com/janealy
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Massachusettes Boarder

To: Home in Michigan
Miles today: 0.0

¢The Circle of Life¢                           Ranger Jan Reporting      I¢ve been off the trail for a week now and my dad is still in serious condition. There have been a few signs of improvement, but the prospect of recovery is still uncertain. It¢s funny how much anxiety and trepidation accompany something so inevitable. We all journey on the Circle of Life.      No one mourns the setting of the sun. Life is a gift to be celebrated, both in its dawning and its setting. Fear can only stifle the joy of the journey.      So for the time, my father continues his journey and I mine, albeit off the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Home in Michigan

To: Still In Michigan
Miles today: 0.0

"Can I Hit Play Yet?"                              Ranger Jan Reporting      zzzzzzzzzz............wake up!!!!!!! Sorry, I sort of dozzed off for a moment. Yes, this sedentary life is spoiling me. Wish I was back on the trail again. Fortunately my dad has stablized after his stroke. We hope to move him to a skilled nursing facitity for therapy. He is eating and off all IVs. So I might....might get back for a couple of weeks on the AT before I have to pull off again for the Big Sierra Adventure. That's a 3 week extravaganza with road trip and all.      I'll probably come back to the AT after the Sierras, though I don't expect that many of my hiking buddies will still be on trail. Doubt I'll be able to complete the trail in 07', so I'll plan a small section for 08'. Still hope to have plenty of material for my movie.