morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Home

To: Physical Therapy
Miles today: 0.0

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. - Hippocrates While the bone in my arm has healed, the stiffness and weakness continue. Even though there was some improvement even before my first physical therapy session, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with physical therapist Sheila King to speed the process. When I am clinging to rocks as I lower myself down the face of some mountain, I don¢t want to have to wonder if my hand will give waaaay¢¦.. Right now if I catch it wrong or twist it too far it¢s clear I can¢t rely on it. I am feeling much better about being able to do camp chores like getting my stove and water filter together, but using it for heavy duty tasks¢¦.? Not so much.I had two therapy sessions last week. Both times the work started with relaxing. I put my arm in a contraption (think a gloveless glove box) that blew hot air through chopped up cornhusks around and around, giving my arm a relaxing massage and exfoliation at the same time. Next came the real work as Sheila pushed and pulled and manipulated the hand and arm. While it was distinctly uncomfortable the work was not really painful ¢ thank goodness, since I am such a wimp. Then I learned 8 different stretches to do to help with my range of motion. Since the hand was still somewhat swollen I was warned not to overdo the stretches as that would actually hamper the progress.The second session started as the first had done, but then Sheila gave me a piece of elastic to use for resistance exercises and a sheet full of drawings of exercises to begin strengthening the muscles, not just work on the range of motion. Some of these are fairly easy and others are more of a struggle. I¢m still trying to find that sweet spot that pushes the envelope and yet does not go too far. Yesterday I did too much, and the swelling is back. Ice and ibuprofen help with the pain and swelling.Sheila suggested that I not make firm plans to return to the Trail until she has a chance to evaluate my progress. I¢m hoping for her thoughts this coming week, as I¢d like to go ahead and get an airline ticket.Anticipating a return to the Trail, I¢ve gotten some of the things on my to-do list taken care of. I¢ve been to the dentist for a checkup, visited a podiatrist to see if some of the foot issues could be resolved, taken my boots in to be stretched, and I¢ve dealt with some of the tasks on the homefront. Doc Rockett has been great at supporting the hike, keeping the home fires burning, and it¢s good to be able to help as I can. However, the list of things to do is far from complete. I hope to get as much done as I can so that I¢ll be ready to pick up my pack and head for the hills when my hand and arm are good to go.It¢s over 90* here in the flatlands. For now I can only dream of cool mountain air and the sound of laughing brooks. And rain and the whine of mosquitos. Soon. Soon I¢ll have the opportunity to experience it all again.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Home in Illinois

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"We can't all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by." - Will RogersOn Sunday I flew from home to Rochester, NY, where I visited with my daughter, Ellen. The most memorable part of that part of the travel took place at the Rochester airport. Ellen had found me as I waited for my pack at baggage claim. I left Ellen to pluck the pack off the conveyor belt while I went in search of a restroom. Along the main hallway people with full-sized American flags lined either side at regular intervals. I was able to slip behind the gathering crowd by threading my way through alcoves. Finally I came to the end and could cut across to the restroom, which was foremost on my mind. Just as I was ready to head back to baggage claim I heard the skirl of bagpipes and the beating of drums begin. I thought I'd better hurry back as Ellen had warned me that she couldn't stay parked long where she was. However I found my way now blocked by a sizeable cheering and clapping crowd. It was an Honor Flight.Since I had already been worrying about Ellen's car I tried to find a back way around the crowd, even wondering if I could make it to an exit and come back in closer to baggage claim. But no luck. Then, as I realized I would simply have to wait I started to take in what was happening. The vetrans, mostly from World War II, began coming through the double line of flags.   The cheering and clapping increased. Soon I was no longer fretting about baggage or parking. I was grateful to have a chance to join in a very tiny way in honoring these people. I thought of my own late father, a World War II vet. Thanks, Dad.I had a lovely visit with Ellen. We toured the George Eastman house and gardens, ate dinner out a couple of times, and I got to see her new (as of January) apartment. But the best part was just getting to see her and catch up on things.On Tuesday Ellen dropped me off at the Amtrak station. Miles of upstate New York rolled past my window until I reached Albany. After a walk along a bikepath over the Hudson River I made it to the Greyhound station with a couple of hours to wait for a bus that would pick me up nearby.As I looked around the waiting room I noticed a younger man watching me.   Then I realized he had a certain look about him. That, and a large backpack.   I asked, "Hiker?" He nodded. He was just coming off the Long Trail after a few days due to an injury. He was headed home to recuperate. We talked and exchanged various hiking stories. Before I left he gave me fuel and matches so I wouldn't have to get them in Bennington.The bus to Bennington was full of commuters who had obviously shared a lot of time on the bus ride, back and forth. The driver was kind enough to let me off right at the Bennington Motor Inn so as to save me the walk up from the scheduled stop.After some last tasks and a trip to a convenience store I went to bed thinking about staying focused on getting back to, and staying on, the Trail.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Manchester Center

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Second stage's feet have informed her that a day or two off the trail would be wise so there are two new journal entries for her trip to Bennington and north from there.She is enjoying a pleasant stay in Manchester Center though she wishes her feet were in shape to allow her to walk today, even if not tomorrow. Today was the nicest weather she is likely to encounter for a while.Posted by Second Stage Logistics for...
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Manchester Center

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Second stage took a zero today both because her feet were very sore and because of the thunderstorms in the area.She has provided another journal entry for the 21st which may interest you.She reports that she is anxious to get back out on the trail and tomorrow she plans to do so dragging her feet kicking and screaming with her.Posted by Second Stage Logistics for...
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Wallingford

To: Wallingford
Miles today: 0.0

Update on Second Stage. On Wednesday (27th) while coming down into Wallingford Second Stage slipped on a very slick bog bridge thing. While she did not fall down she twisted her knee and back rather badly. It took her a long time to get down to the road at Wallingford but thanks to some very helpful hikers who carried her pack for a ways she managed to make it down. She took a bus into Rutland and is recovering from her injury.Details will follow in later posts.Posted by Second Stage Logistics for...
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Wallingford

To: Wallingford
Miles today: 0.0

Second Stage is having to take a more extended break to give her knee a chance to recover some. She is frustrated at being off the trail and would rather be hiking but sometimes it is better not to push too much. A few days now could make a big difference later.She has supplied a number of pictures for her hike on the 29th and a new full entry for the hike in to Manchester Center.Posted by Second Stage Logistics for...
Date: 2012-03-30
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I'm leaving in 11 days (April 10) for Springer Mountain and the start of my first thru-hike attempt. I've got pretty much everything I need, which means probably way too much. I haven't weighed my pack yet. I'm scared to. I'm nervous about leaving, but I can't wait.-Murphy
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

This will be the hardest thing I will ever do. I knew that from the start, but I had no idea it would be this emotional. Telling everyone goodbye is a very sobering experience. I hiked in the rain a little and by myself a lot. Got to Hawk Mtn Shelter right before dark. I set up my hammock and went to sleep without talking to anyone and I even forgot to eat much of anything. It was pretty cold, and my hammock offered no protection whatsoever from the wind.
Date: 2012-04-11
To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Met a lot of hikers today. I'm hiking with Basil from New Hampshire. Yesterday was pretty rough emotionally, what with saying goodbye and all, but today is much better. We got to the shelter pretty early, ate dinner and talked for a while about everything. We're both nerds. Some people started showing up to the shelter around four or five, some of which were Brownie Brittle, Why Not, Miles, Sweet Patootie, and Dah Wah He. We got a nice fire going and sat around it like it was a TV. Welcome to camping.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Cold day. Sunny, but cold. We're not doing very many miles yet, so we got to Lance Creek really early. Most (if not all) of the people that were at Gooch Mtn Shelter were here when we got here, as well as some other people we hadn't met yet. Another campfire, another cold night. The hammock is cold. I've at least got to figure out how to avoid hypothermia in it.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Thanks to some jerk of a bear, you can't camp from Jarrard Gap to Neel's Gap without a bear canister, so we were forced to do a much bigger day than I would have liked, but it still wasn't that bad. Blood Mountain was a huge climb. When we got up to the top, there was a nice gentle breeze, it was about 75 degrees and sunny. I took a nap on a rock. The hike down was obviously worse than the climb up. We got to Neel's Gap around 4:30 or 5, got a space in the bunkhouse, and drank way too many Diet Cokes. I've only been out here for a few days, but it already gives you a new appreciation for the little things. The First Baptist Church from Blairsville came and fed us way too much food. It was delicious.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Neel's Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

First zero day today. A lot of hikers went to the store and had a pack shakedown. I'm not worried about it. I'm carrying 35 lbs, including food. Megamind beat me at chess. Mostly, I just sat on the patio and ate snacks today. A few of us were sitting outside when I noticed Why Not coming down from Blood Mountain. He was stopping every couple of feet to wipe his face. We thought he was just sweating, but as he got closer, we could tell that he was crying. We all stood up and clapped for him, then Brownie gave him a hug. He dropped his pack, sat down, and said, "I'm tired, I'm miserable, I'm hungry, everything hurts... but I'm happy." That's what the trail is about.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Eleven and a half miles today. It was surprisingly easy. I got to the shelter pretty early and met a very odd guy named Meandering Snail. He had his head shaved except for some weird patches of hair, weird wooden earrings, and was wearing long weird robes under his sweatshirt. He probably weighed around 400 lbs. He was reading a magazine when I pulled into the shelter. He kind of made me uneasy, so I went back up the hill and set up my hammock near some other people. He was asking everyone for food and water when we were all eating dinner, and started talking about all these Eastern philosophies. His story was that he was in India, studying with Hare Krishna monks and his visa expired so he had to come back to the States. I think he might just be homeless. And crazy. He said it had taken him 34 days to get here. It took him a week to get up to Springer. Quite an odd fellow.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap/ Helen, GA
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up around 9, left around 10:30. I passed Meandering Snail at 11. He was in his sleeping bag reading a magazine. Someone told me they peeked into his pack and saw ankle weights. Apparently his therapist told him to wear them, but obviously not on the trail. I got to Unicoi Gap and payed way too much for a taxi into Helen, GA. Basil, Brownie Brittle, and some other hikers were already in town, so we all went to get German food at the only place in town that was open. Probably taking a zero tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Helen, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day for sure today. I kind of hurt my ankle somehow. It's not bad, but I'd rather it not get worse. I'm sharing a room at the Helendorf with a guy named Rob from Omaha. We ate breakfast with Brownie and Basil at the Huddle House, and afterward they went back to the trail. Rob and I mostly just wandered around a very closed down Helen, and ate German food. We hit up a beef jerky store that was one of the only places open in the town. We watched Doomsday Preppers on National Geographic and ate dinner at Wendy's. Nothing happens on zero days.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Unicoi Gap/ Helen, GA

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Got some continental breakfast at the hotel and got a ride back to the trail. It was cold and rainy and foggy. We got to the shelter around 5:30 and I was asleep by 7. Rob and I stayed at the shelter alone. We didn't see a soul on the trail all day except one guy that was running down the hills. We half expected to see him upside down in a ditch somewhere.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap/ The Blueberry Patch
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rob left early this morning, and when I finally forced myself to get out of my sleeping bag, I turned my radio on and danced around camp to warm up. Got to Dicks Creek Gap around 12:30 and my friend Shanda came and met me and took me into Hiawassee, GA. We drove around a bunch and got some Mcdonald's before stumbling upon a very marshy, wet disc golf course. We played maybe one hole before I wanted my feet to be dry and we drove around some more. She dropped me at the Blueberry Patch hostel around 5:30. Brownie was there, and I met some other hikers. Whiffle Chicken, Fanny Pack, and Haystack. Everyone should stay at the Blueberry Patch. The people that run it are the nicest you'll ever meet, and they only ask for a donation. Great experience.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Dicks Creek Gap/ The Blueberry Patch

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Had the BEST BREAKFAST EVER at the Blueberry Patch and got dropped of at the trail. Finally crossed into North Carolina today. It feels awesome to have one state completed. Only 13 more to go. Today I realized that I can put my Thermarest INSIDE my sleeping bag so I don't roll off of it in the hammock. I'm absurdly warm right now. Lovely.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was raining and cold when I woke up, so I stayed in my nice warm sleeping bag for a long time before I could muster enough willpower to get out of bed. Butch and Stonedance were still at the shelter and we hung out talking and eating snacks until I left around 2:30. It was a pretty short, uneventful day.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cold and wet today. A bunch of us stayed at Betty Creek. Brownie, Fanny Pack, Butch and Stonedance, Froggy Pete, Dragon Flyaway and Dallas Twofeathers, and some others. I met Cheif Kickin Wing and a few others today. We started a fire immediately because it was in the thirties already and getting colder. It actually started snowing on us at one point. My hammock is still at a mostly comfortable temperature with the sleeping pad inside my bag.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap/ Franklin NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Left camp at 11 because it was too cold to get out of my sleeping bag. Albert Mtn was awful, but short. The wind on the top was brutal, and I climbed the fire tower, which was probably a bad idea. The wind almost knocked me off the side. I got to Winding Stair Gap around 3:45 and met my Grandparents who picked me up and took me to Franklin. We got some Mexican food and they dropped me off at the Sapphire Inn, one of Ron Haven's places. They helped me resupply by bringing me a ton of groceries. They're the best.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Franklin, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero today. There's not much to do here, so I mostly just watched a Law &Order: SVU marathon. For dinner, Brownie, some others, and I went to Vito's for some pizza. It was pretty good. I think I stayed up until 3, watching the GI Joe movie. I don't know why. It was awful.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Winding Stair Gap/ Franklin NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Finally met Ron Haven on the shuttle today. Weird guy. He dropped us off at the trailhead and a whole gaggle of us started up the mountain. I passed a bunch of people. Maybe I'm getting faster. I sure was slow going up to Wayah Bald. I had no energy going up the mountain. Made it to the shelter just before the rain came. We all huddled in the shelter and talked for a while. Two brothers, Stones and Marshall, were trying to teach a section hiker how to tie some knots. When he finally tied his first bowline, he was ecstatic. It was precious.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Wayah Bald Shelter 

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Longest day so far, as well as first full day in the rain. As I started the ~2000 foot descent into the Nantahala River gorge, it started hailing on me. Hail stings. And there was nowhere to go but down. I should have stopped at the previous shelter, but I didn't, and I got to Rufus Morgan at dark. I cooked dinner and immediately went to bed. The shelter sleeps 6, but we crammed in 8. It was cozy after being wet all day.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up kind of late and got to the NOC around 10. I had breakfast at the restaurant there. There were ants on my pancakes when they brought them to me. Climbing out of the gorge is definitely the hardest thing I've done so far. About 3000 feet over 4 miles. It took forever, and all of a sudden, I started looking for a blaze and couldn't find one for over an hour. Luckily, I wasn't lost, and got to the shelter just in time for dinner. Miles, a guy I started with, was there, as well as an odd Englishman named Gollum. He is 76. I'm impressed that he could make it up the hill, since I was even struggling.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Somewhere North of Here
Miles today: 0.0

So... I'm a bit behind on updating this, but I'll try to get it all done really soon. I'm currently in Damascus, VA about to leave after this breakfast at Mojoe's Coffee House. I've caught up with a lot of people I know and I'll be with them for at least a while. Nightshift, Skunk Ape, Pinky, Lakota and Sherpa, Tender Fungus, and Six Leaf to name a few. I got a trail name: "Bleeding Gums Murphy." I've got an alto sax in my pack now. Damascus is a hard town to leave. I've been here for three days. Not exactly sure where my next resupply point is. This trail is still really difficult, but the people make it worth it. -Bleeding Gums Murphy
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up with people yelling to get out of the shelter because there was a sick guy coming in. I jumped up as fast as I could and got out of the shelter. Apparently he had the Norovirus, and I for sure don't want it. I hung out there until after lunch, and started down the trail. Red Data and some weirdo named Provisions were at Thomas Knob when I got there. Provisions had a bamboo staff that he was "practicing" with. He wouldn't stop talking, and would just ramble about nothing for hours. I got some pretty good videos. He traded me some M&M's to listen to my iPod for a while. Fair trade. Tomorrow I'm breaking the 500 mile mark.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Provisions was awake until about 2 a.m. giggling to himself on the top level of the shelter. He was creeping me out, so I couldn't sleep. I was reading when he swung down from the rafters and crouched down next to me. He said, "I was just rubbing myself down and I thought it was funny how that makes your hair grow." He then ran off into the night for a few minutes. When he came back to the shelter, he started sweeping. In the middle of the night. No idea what's wrong with the guy, but it's something. I saw some wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands. Definitely one of my favorite places on the trail so far. When I was almost to the shelter, I smelled what smelled like women's perfume. I was pretty confused about it until I came upon a group of about 20 ladies that were camped across from the shelter. Apparently, they were in some kind of ultralight backpacking class, and this was their first night in the woods. Ever. They were all very nice, and gave us their leftovers. Veggie bowtie pasta and cookies. I've seldom been happier, or more full, on the trail. We thought about playing some pranks on them, but we decided to not ruin the woods for them.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Where, oh where to begin? This has probably been the craziest day of my trip, or at least a day with the craziest moment of the trip. Not much happened all day until around 4:30. I was about a mile from the shelter when all of a sudden, something started making terrifying noises right beside me. I ran a bit and screamed like a little girl until I turned around and saw the most adorable baby raccoon. I pulled out my camera to take a video, when it started climbing down the tree I was on, and started growling at me. I figured that this was an unnatural reaction and I should back away. As I started to, the raccoon started running at me. I started swinging my trekking poles at it, trying to flick it off the trail, but I couldn't get a good hit on it. It was faster than I thought it could be, and quickly got between me and my poles. At that point, I had no other option than to kick the cutest thing I have ever seen. So I did. I kicked an adorable little tiny baby raccoon a good ten yards. It bounced a time or two. It then proceded to get up and start running at me. Again. After I kicked it across the woods. So what did I do, you ask? Why, I kicked it across the woods again. And started running as fast as I can. I got to the shelter, and ordered piazza for delivery. It wasn't great, but it was food.