morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-25
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap-Franklin NC
Miles today: 4.0

Got up this am had coffee and was on the trail by 7:00am almost immediately I was having knee problems. I had left the knee brace on all night, thought maybe it would help keep the swelling down a little during the night. Even with four advil it did not do much good I did'nt get much sleep again. Decided that when I got to Deep Gap that I would attempt to get into town. Must have been meant to be because about five minutes after I got there a couple of day hikers showed up and said they would take me into town when they returned from there hike  nd had even offered to let me sit in there car if I cared to. However, about five minutes later up pulled Lauren Smith from Gainsville, Ga. who was out checking the access road for an upcoming hike his club would be taking. Lauren said he would be glad to take me into town, dropping me at the front desk of the Franklin Motel. Many, many thanks Lauren. After checking in, showering I contacted home and then my son to arrange for a ride home. I feel it will be better to go home for an evaluation on the foot and knee after which I'll make the decision as to getting back on the trail or not. I'm real sorry to all those of you who have been following me and providing encouragement, stay tuned I hope the adventure will continue. I've never felt better except for the leg problem. Stay tuned.
Date: 2006-02-26
From: Deep Gap-Franklin NC

To: Charlottesville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

My son arrived in Franklin around 1:00pm at which time we immediately loaded up and started the return trip home to his house. The trip took us about 7hrs with a couple of side stops to check out a few of the trail towns I will be going through later in my hike. Had made arrangements with my wife to get a rental car at the Charlottesville airport reserved to continue my trip home.
Date: 2006-02-27
From: Charlottesville, Va.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Picked up my rental car at the airport around 8:30am and began the 7hr trip to the frozen north land. Weather for traveling was excellent and all went smooth. Arrived home at approx. 3:30pm tired but none the worse for wear. Sitting in the car for that long is not the best thing on the old back. Found I had a doctors appointment for Thursday for the foot problem. I'm thinking that just some time off will benefit me greatly. As of this date I plan on being south bound again within a week or a week and a half. Plan to tweek my equipment a little more and hopefully lower the weight some more. Even a couple of pounds would be a benefit. There are a few things that I have had with me that I have not used to date, so its time to dispense with these items. Been reading my guest book and once again I am overwhelmed by all the support that is being offered by so many out there. The hike is not over by a long shot as for as I'm concerned. Just have to iron out a few of these early bugs that have plagued me so far. I guess its better to have them now than later. I've been told that probably doing a 16mi piece so early in my hike most likely was the cause of many of my issues. Just got home and already can't wait to get back on the trail, it is a big adventure that I have found hard to put into words and describe at times I will continue to do my best as time goes on.
Date: 2006-02-28
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well finally got my wash done today and got my equipment taken care of. We also were able to get some more pictures loaded on the site, hope all of you will enjoy them. It does show some of the hardships that were endured by yours truly. Although there were some hard times it has been a great hike so far and I can't wait to get back at it. Looking to be back on the trail Wednesday or Thursday the 8th or 9th of March. Until later happy hiking to all who will be starting out soon, and to all who are already out there I'll see ya soon.
Date: 2006-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi there, well I got the rest of the photos loaded onto the site. This brings them all up to date, hope there will be more soon. Still hope to be back on the trail early next week if all goes well. Looks like were in for a few inches of snow here in the next 24hrs. 3 to 6 inches, hope there wrong. Can't wait to get back to the sunny south. See doctor in the am, truck inspected in the pm and I'll be ready to go.
Date: 2006-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well the doctor visit went just about the way that I expected it would. No firm conclusion as to just what might be wrong with the foot. Might or might not be a stress fracture, might be arthritis, or might be just soft tissue damage. There was something that showed up on the x-ray concerning the bones in my foot but it would probably take an MRI to determine just what it might be. Both the knee and the foot seem to be doing a lot better and I have decided that I can't afford to spend any more time off the trail. Doctor gave me numerous ways to handle any future problems should they arise. I have made the decision to return to the trail as soon as possible. I'll be leaving Saturday and plan to be back on the trail on Tuesday morning at Deep Gap where I exited a week ago. So far since I've been off the trail I've had back problems, been snowed on, spent most of today shoveling and snow blowing 8 plus inches of snow. Can't wait to get back to the south land. To all those out there if the weather has been good watch out because when I get back on the trail this weather will probably come with me. I'll be glad to get back hiking because I'm running out of things to say. I'm sure that most of you out there are tired of hearing about my home life. Trailisms are far more interesting.
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Home

To: Charlottesville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

Getting ready to hit the road south again. Will go to charlottesville, Va. today zero on Sunday at my sons and finish the rest of the journey on Monday. Plan on being on the trail at Deep Gap Tuesday morning. The journey will continue on to the N.O.C. only time will tell if I'll be able to Git-R-Done. Stay tuned, there will be a little gap between now and the next updates.
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Charlottesville, Va.

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hi all, well I'm back in Franklin and ready to get started again. Hope to be at Deep Gap by 9am in the morning. Upon arrival in Franklin met up with my old hiking partner Root, her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend. They are staying at the same motel that we are. They caught up to me as a result of me having to get off the trail for a while. They will be 2 or 3 days ahead of me now. I'm hoping that maybe I can catch up to them sometime in the near future. Plan to go out for a good dinner tonite and work on getting my equipment ready to go for the morning. Next journal entries should be 5 or 6 days out. Until then ya all be safe. Smiling again, Peacemaker back in the game.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Hit the trail at 7:45am at Deep Gap. arrived at Carter Gap Shelter at about 1:30. Hated to stop so early but the body had had enough after the 10 day layoff. Left heel and back seemed to bother today, no idea why. Trail was very good today compared to what I had been traveling on. I did warn everybody to watch out when I got back on the trail. It snowed during the night about an inch in the higher elevations, but it turned out to be a real nice day and most of the snow melted during the day. The temp got up to around 55 or 60 but I expect that the temp will get down into the lower 30s tonite. No one else at the shelter right now but I expect some later arrivals. Sitting here having a cup of coffee right now and getting warmed by the sun before it goes away. Fairly good shelter with an overhang to cook under, thats a big plus. Going to try for a 12 mile day in the am, want to get to Rock Gap shelter. My old hiking buddy Root wanted me to skip this section and hike on with her, this I did not feel was an option, I would be thinking about it the whole trip, just knowing that I would have to come back and finish it later. As you can see I decided against this. Maybe I'll catch them down the trail later and be able to hike some with them. It would be nice to have someone to hike with but that will come later when the trail gets more crowded. About 2:15 Hit and Miss showed up, had a little snack and some chit chat and continued on there way. Oh to be young again they were doing about a 20 mile day. They had left Muskrat Shelter and were going on to Big Spring Shelter. About 5pm 3 more hikers showed up they were Pogue, Mahone and Big-un, all from Tenn. We four shared the digs for the night.
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Left Carter Gap Shelter at about 6:45 and arrived at Big Spring Shelter at 11:15am. Had some lunch, filtered some water. Plan to move on to Rock Gap Shelter. Weather is great again today, perfect for hiking, partly cloudy and temps in the high 50s or low 60s. Right knee is causing a great deal of discomfort and pain. Kept me awake last night a lot which I thought was a little strange because it had not bothered me during the 1st day back on the trail. Also have a hot spot on my inside left heel, put mole skin on it yesterday and it does not seem any worse. Should only have a 4 or 5 mile day if I decide to go into Franklin again. More later got to get going before I sieze up, I'm still at Big Spring Shelter. Met a lady walking her two dogs and she said that there was trail magic at Rock Gap just past the shelter. Decided to go for it and try to get a ride into town. My right knee has gotten real unstable and is extremly painful to try to walk on. The right knee had just about turned to jelly even with my knee brace on and the right foot was again getting real sore. The knee was extremly painful and the farther I went the more unstable it seemed to be getting. I did not feel that continuing was an option at this point. When I arrived at Rock Gap I found Crutch and Kid-Rock who were set up and handing out sandwiches and beverages, great work guys. Crutch was also off the trail with a knee injury that had gotten out of hand. His had gotten to the point that he could hardly walk. Also there was Ron Havens from the Budget Inn who provides hikers with shuttles to and from the trail as well as anywhere else they might need to go. It looks like this will end my hiking attempt of the AT. It's getting to expensive to be getting on and off the trail and travel to and from. I just hope we can find out what the problem might be with the knee and foot and maybe take some corrective action if deemed needed. Stay tuned we'll try to let everyone know what the outcome is and if there's any chance to continue hiking. Until later.
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Home.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Heard this A.M. that Stumpknocker fell getting down to the NOC and broke his upper arm just below the shoulder, game over for him. He has hiked for a long time and I have no doubt that he will be back. Even veteran hikers are not immune from injury and accidents. Didn't get much sleep last nite, knee and foot seemed to still be wanting to hike as I lie in bed. Does feel a little better but have to be careful with each step. Foot seemed more painful than the knee this morning, go figure. Ron's shuttle left around 9am to return 4 or 5 hikers back to the trail. When he returns he will take me to Asheville to pick up a rental car. Crutch also left on the morning shuttle with his trail magic set up for rock gap. Leaving the trail a second time is the hardest thing that I have ever done, every fiber in me says to keep hiking but the body is saying stop, bummer. As we were leaving town today picked up Mahone who I had stayed with at Carter Gap Shelter, seems he had messed up his knee coming down into Rock Gap also and was going to Waynesville to catch the bus back to Tenn. Even the young are not immune from this sort of injury.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Home.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left my rental car at the Charlottesville, Va. airport in the A.M. picked up my car and continued on home arriving at around 8pm. Long day on the road. I'd stoppped at a motel near Roanoke, Va. for the night before arriving in Charlottesville. I will be attempting to see what medical attention I can get without too much delay. If I get back on the trail I want to do so by April 1 to give me time to finish if possible.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just a short note to let everyone know that I put additional photos on the site, hope everyone enjoys them. Knee feels better although the foot is still bothering some today. Needless to say that this is probably one of the most frustrating periods in my life. Loving something so dearly and being unable to continue goes against every fiber of my being. Stay tuned I've never been a quiter.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well just as I expected, this will cause a 4 to 6 week delay in my program. Decided to go with a hard cast as opposed to a soft that could be taken on and off, should allow for better and quicker healing. I look at this as a character builder and a short term setback in the journey that lies ahead. All things happen for a reason, the reason why I'm stuck at home still eludes me but I'm sure that all that will clear up in time. God works in mysterious ways that are not always clear in the beginning. When the time comes I'll decide in what direction the remainder of my trip will take. I may end up going north and being a south bounder or I may go back south and hike as far as I can north before going north and hiking south. There are many options to address. At this point I donot consider the hike over and plan on continuing as soon as possible. To all those who have been my loyal supporters the past few weeks hang around we'll do our best to make the dream of a life time last as long as possible. Thank you to all who provided me with information and assistance in dealing with my injury, It kind of helped keep me grounded and focused on the real issue, lets get through this with no permanent disability. Thanks again. I'll try to keep everyone up to date on my progress and plans. Until Later.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi gang: Not much to report from here. Started out on crutches and then went to a walker and finally ended up with a wheelchair. Found that this let me get around the house better. It also eases the stress on the body. Found out this morning that my buddy Root had to get off the trail at Fontana Dam with much the same problem that I have. Awoke one morning and could not stand on her foot. She had also been suffering from knee problems. I believe as she does that the foot problem was causing the knee problem.
Date: 2006-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A funny thing happened on the way to Katahdin. Well not really, theres nothing funny about broken bones especialy when your the one sitting at home when most everyone else is still hiking. The worst part of the whole thing is not being able to drive anywhere. Had it been the left foot I could of at least done some trail magic during my down time. The last visit to the doctor I had him build up the bottom so that I could at least walk on it and get around the house better, it seems he was reluctant to take the cast off after only two weeks. It also allows me to get out for lunch and or dinner once in a while with my care giver wife who has been great through all this so far. Still thinking about my next move and where I might have to get back on the trail when the time comes. I have several options open to me at this point it will all depend on my abilities when the casts all come off. Next week should see the end of the hard cast afterwhich I'll be in a soft cast for a coupls of weeks which should make life a little easier yet. The Doctor thinks that I might be prone to this type of injury again so we'll have to see once I can get back out there on the trail. It will mean hiking lighter if possible and smarter, not letting myself to get caught up in the rush and push north. I have found that my advanced senior status will not let me keep up with the younger crowd, at least not on the trail. Just will have to let the young-ons go there merry way. Once again I would like to thank everyone out there for the continued support and encouragment, its been great. Hang in there I plan on there being more in the near future. We will be back in the GA-ME.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well here I sit, its been almost 5 weeks and I still have another week or so to go, April 25th should be the day the hard cast comes off. Doctors are strange people when it comes to treatment, they're a little hard headed. I should say though that I had to agree with his wanting to keep the cast on for the full 6 weeks. I'll probably be in a soft cast for another 2 weeks or so. We need to make sure everything is healed properly being that I'm planning on getting back on the trail. I had gotten back on the trail last time after only 10 days and only lasted 2 days before I realized that something serious was going on. It's amazing how after walking around on broken bones for awhile it kind of messes with your mind set. So far I've watched just about every episode of American Chopper, and American Hot Rod. These two shows have gotten me through my mornings during bad weather days. I have been able to do some upper body exercizes which is a good thing. I've also looked into getting a bicycle that I can do some long range riding on when the hiking is concluded. I'm still hoping that I'll be able to complete my hike this year. I've been looking ahead and think that I might get back on the trail in Duncannon, PA. and try to get the north end done by the end of August. I'll have to get off the middle two weeks in September for a family get-together. After this I'll get back on and try to complete the southern end by X-mas. Thats the "all goes well senerio"' Should I find that I am unable to complete my hike for some reason God will have created another trail angel, only time will tell. Hope to be back at it by the end of May at the latest. I chose the Duncannon re-entry mostly for logistical purposes, its the closest entry point to my home, plus if I do need to get off for some reason it won't take me two days to get home again. I have not lost my desire or yearning to be back on the trail and hope that I will be able to run into some of the folks that I met and ran into when it all started in Georgia. I'm sure some of them will be flying by me once I'm back on the trail if they haven't already passed the area. I can only look at this down time as hiker abuse, plus its not good for one's mental stability when you know you should be on the trail. Once again thanks to everyone who is sticking by me and continue to follow my progress.
Date: 2006-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hooray, cast is off, now only have a walking "thing" on my foot which will remain for a week to a week and a half. Ankle is a little stiff from lack of use but all else seems to be functioning well. Will start working on my equipment for getting back on the trail, hopefully by the 20th of May at the latest. Shooting for a week or two sooner if its possible. Trying to make sure that all is healed properly. Should be able to get back on the trail a little lighter than my original starting weight, as the weather should be some what better than it was when I had to get off. Weather-wise it should be like a walk in the park. I am still excited to get back on the trail almost as much as my original start. At least I should not have snow and ice to deal with for the next three months, should only have rain. The challenge will be to keep things dry as opposed to keeping them from freezing. Hope all is well with everybody on the trail, hope to be seeing some of you soon. To the faithful who have hung in there with me we'll see if we can do a better hike the second time around. Until later bye-bye .
Date: 2006-05-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all, well everything is finally coming together again. Looks like we'll be hitting the trail on Monday the 15th. Plan to start at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pa. just south of Duncannon and the halfway point on the trail. Will proceed North and try to get the northern half done by September. My friend and pre-hike companion "Root" will be getting back on the trail with me. She also had to exit the hike prematurely at Fontana Dam because of foot problems. It will be great to have her along, maybe it will help both of us in our quest to complete the trail this year. Both "Root" and I are hoping to meet up with "Zama" and "Lug" and also "Darwin" our offspring as we continue our hike. Not sure about "Root" yet but my plans are to get back on the trail in late Sept. to finish the southern section, if all goes well. It has been extremely difficult to get things reorganized for the restart, I would not recommend a two month hiatus in the middle of your hike. So many things pop up that need to be addressed that its hard to get back into the hiking frame of mind again. I must say though that I am looking forward to the restart and hopefully seeing some old friends and to continue to make new ones. The weather will be somewhat different than when I left the trail and this has caused a whole different re-think when it comes to equipment. Being your in the North you still have to be thinking bad weather even though it's summer. Nights can still get very cold and there might be days on end with cold rain falling. This makes your choice of equipment very important. Food really is not an issue at this point but might change as the trip progresses. I am looking forward to the warmer hiking conditions however I am also aware that this also creates a whole new set of problems. At least I should not have to spend any more 12 to 14 hours in my sleeping bag in the dark just to stay warm. This makes for a very long night. The warmer weather and longer days will allow for more bonding of the hiker community. This also should make for some great story telling while sitting around the camp fire at night. To all those who are planning to start a hike in 2007 my only advice would be to wait until the middle of March at least, this will make your hike much more enjoyable. The snow, freezing rain, sleet, and hail makes for a much harder hike than it needs to be. To all you section hikers and weekenders in the north keep an eye out for "Peacemaker" and "Root", just look for the two old people crawling along the trail at a snails pace. To all of you through hikers racing north remember to show some respect for your elders, and try not to blow us off the trail as you pass us by. Happy hiking to all see you on the trail.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace - PA

To: Pine Grove Furnace - PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well we made it to our jump off point without any problems although it did rain the whole trip. Left home at 5 am picked up Root at 6am. We arrived at the park around 11am and approx. 10 minutes later in walked Zama and Lug right on schedule, perfect timing. Rain still falling and Zama and Lug had put in a couple of long days to meet us. It was decided that would not try to go any further todayas they both looked done in. We then found that we could rent a cabin across from the store for $47.00 for the night. It had heat, stove, microwave oven, conventional stove and oven, as well as a bathroom and shower, with refrigerator and freezer. We settled in and after those that needed it had taken their showers we were able to sit around and discuss the upcoming hike and Zama's and Lug's adventures so far. Root and I are both looking forward to getting started in the AM. We both felt that it was better to put off our start in order to let the younguns recover from there past two long days.