morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Cheshire, Mass.

To: Mass Rt. 2
Miles today: 14.7

Started:Cheshire, MAFinished:MA 2Sleeping:House 12th - B&B 13th,14thMiles:14.7Total Miles:1578.3Miles till Katahdin:596.3Two days without hiking boots on my feet (Heaven) You should have seen me trying to walk with a pair of sandles on my feet. I had to hold onto Rod's arm to support my body weight. We didn't think treking poles were appropriate at the 'opera'Well, the suprise went off without a hitch. Dot was clueless and with mouth open and eyes wide, exclaimed her disbelief. It's hard to pull one over on her. I think that's what was hardest for her. She couldn't believe we did it without her finding out. I loved her in 'Pirates' I laughed my butt off. I got to see Dot's friend Lolly, Dot's daughter Mattie, and Dot's cabanna boy Jack (That's a joke, she doesn't have a cabanna boy) She does have a Jack, however.   Rod and I left Sunday and headed back to Cheshire, where we hooked up with Eva and Sam at their Harbour House Inn, B&B. We spent two evenings, because Rod decided to stay an extra day so we could hike together. On Monday Eva & Sam slack packed us up and over Greylock Mt. What a view!
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Cheshire, Mass.

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Started:MA 2 State RoadFinished:Congdon ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:14.1Total Miles:1592.4Miles till Katahdin:582.2Today Rod dropped me at the trail head, before heading back to PA. It was hard to say good bye and walk on alone. It was great walking with him yesterday and nice to be with him when I reached the top of Mt. Greylock. I took it easy today, but my feet continue to plague me. I am missing Rod's foot massages. I find myself feeling a little down tonight. I always have difficulty getting back into the routine of the trail after being away for a few days. I should be okay tomorrow. I am already happier being back in my 15 degree Marmont Sleeping Bag. Rod brought it along with my full size therm-a-rest, silks and wool cap. It's been getting cold at night. (such a drastic change from hiking in CT) Long story short...I am toasty warm and comfortable.
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Just Past Little Pond Lookout
Miles today: 10.6

Started:Congdon ShelterFinished:Just Past Little Pond LookoutSleeping:TentMiles:10.6Total Miles:1603.0Miles till Katahdin:571.5Tonight I put in on the top of a mountain. Just felt like calling it a day before the sun went down...I'm so glad I did. A section hiker, Austin, also put in at the site below mine. We made a fire and had a nice conversation while eating and before heading to our tents.My opera singing sister, Dot and her friend Lolly drove in from Cooperstown to hike south and meet me.What a hoot! They had a 1000ft. climb in less than 2 miles. Dot said her legs were shaking. Lolly asked if the the rest of the trail was this difficult...I just laughed. Lolly completed the PCT when she was 57 years old and said it was nothing like the AT. it seems the AT is harder, but the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) is longer and more remote.After taking me to Bennington, VT to feed my face (Bison Burger and Maple Walnut and Chocolate ice cream cone) they dropped me back at the trail. They declined hiking further. The climb on the other side of the road mirrored their earlier efforts. Heck, I don't blame them. I didn't feel like hiking that hill on a full stomach either..BUT I DID!!!I'm a hiking fool!
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Just Past Little Pond Lookout

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Just Past Little Pond LookoutFinished:Story Spring ShelterSleeping:shelterMiles:12.7Total Miles:1615.7Miles till Katahdin:558.9A fallen finch laid at my feet.Its silenced song in memory played,And wishing it not crushed beneatha wanderer's foot, I moved its clayto places where the fern grows deepand lily of the valley weep.Today was filled with sights that caused me to pause and take note. A bird that had died and fallen on the path made me realize how much I loved its song. Bird song has filled my days on the trail and I thought it right to place its shell in a softer place, more fitting.I have seen moose sign. Skat and ponderous, big, cloven, hoof prints in the Vermont mud I try to avoid as I walk daily toward New Hampshire.I'm sure there's MORE to come.I wanted to make better miles today, but the terrain has already begun to slow me down. I now take half hour breaks every four to five miles...this is saving my feet. I am not in constant pain anymore, just aware they are there...and I'm glad fort that. i plan to start earlier tomorrow to put in a few more miles.My thought as I walked today: Without devine breath, without spirit or soul, I am but clay, like that beneath my feet. Tweet dreams...
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Vermont Rts. 11 and 30
Miles today: 21.1

Started:Story Spring ShelterFinished:Vt. 11 & 30Sleeping:hotelMiles:21.1 (won't do that again)Total Miles:1636.8Miles till Katahdin:537.8I heard them call out above me as I sat looking out over Stratton Pond, munching on salsa peanuts and resting my ever sore feet. They flew out almost beyond my sight to the center of the pond, but I still heard their song. A pair of loons diving beneath the water's surface and then resurfacing to sing their distinct song again. Can you hear them? I know some who can. I thought for a moment, I could make it to Maine.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Vermont Rts. 11 and 30

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:Vt. 11 & 30Finished:Peru Peak ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:10.1Total Miles:1646.9Miles till Katahdin:527.7This morning I started late. I put together the trail magic from the Hershey Company. Mary Lou, Rick, CMN gang, thanks so much from both the south bound and north bound hikers.I left the huge cooler at the trail head. A number of people who passed me had loaded up on Hershey product and were letting the SOBO'S know where to find it. Tonight at the shelter everybody was talking about The Hershey Factory, Chocolate World and Hershey Park. It was like I was home!It was a slow rain today, very light.It's been awhile since I hiked in the rain. It was quiet and I actually enjoyed it.Tonight the shelter is full. It's been along time since I experienced a full shelter...last time, I believe, was Georgia! It's fun to be smashed together again, with total strangers. Once again I receive news that bums me out. Melatonin and Dadgum are no longer hiking. Melatonin has a stress fracture in his foot and Dadgum has developed a hernia. I am reminded that I am still here by the grace of God and, of course, my stubborn will. So many people have come so far, to be laid low by injury. I just want to take my time and be careful. I still have 49 days to work with (give or take) Mt. Katahdin closes in 56 days. Anything can happen in the days I have left to hike. My journey could over in a moment...I've got to remember that.   85.3 miles to New Hampshire.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Vermont Rts. 11 and 30

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Started:Peru Peak ShelterFinished:Greenwall ShelterSleeping:Tent in ShelterMiles:14.5Total Miles:1661.4Miles till Katahdin:513.2Still hiking solo and tonight I'm in the shelter alone. A far cry from last night's sardine can, of which only two of us were thru hikers. I like company in the evening so this can be a little lonely. Tonight, however, I am thankful for the privacy. It made it so much easier to get from wet to dry clothes. I'm all spread out with clothes and stuff hanging everywhere.I read an entry in the shelter register which stuck a chord. It was an by Lothar. (a fellow I first met in the Smokies a million years ago!) He said he was feeling melancoly and that 5 months and two days was an awful long time to take a walk. It made him wonder why he was still out here. Hmmmm...When the sun finally peaked out from behind the clouds today, I took off my rain parka. My clothes and pack were damp and I was hoping to air dry before I got to my final shelter stop. As I stated up White Rocks Mtn. I could here thunder off in the distance...no bother the storm had passed. As I climbed to the top of the mountain under huge stately pines, it became (suddenly) very dark and still. I mean dark like the sun went out and still like something died. It was creepy. I put my parka back on...quickly... Then it began, a heavy downpour. It was a cold rain and I did not expect that. It chilled me almost immediately. It was like a omen, a reminder to be prepared, not to take anything for granted as I moved further north, especially not the weather. Being alone tonight, I begin to miss everybody. You go through so many ups and downs on a journey like this. It's a shared experience among long distance hikers. One I couldn't relate to until now. There is one other thing I want to relate to. That's the feeling a thru hiker gets when they summit Katahdin. I want to laugh and cry at the same time. I want to wave my poles like a crazy person and scream at the top ofmy lungs, "I did it!!!!"                           Bluebird's smiling :>
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: The Secret Shelter
Miles today: 14.5

Started:Greenwall ShelterFinished:Secret ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:14.5Total Miles:1675.9Miles till Katahdin:498.7Tonight I'm solo at what thru hikers call a "Secret Shelter." There are a couple them located at differnt spots along the length of the AT. This particular shelter has been built by caring individuals, on private land, about .25 miles off the AT. Reasons vary for why they are built. In this case it has to do with locals using the regular shelter as a party house. (It's location is very close to a road.) I found out about the Secret Shelter from three SOBO's. This place is a gem. It would sleep 4 comfortably. It has candles and a firepit. (I'm presently using both.) It's quiet and snug. I love it.   I'm laying here in sleeping bag eating four servings of instant garlic mashed potatoes,(yes 4 servings) thinking about a moment of revelation I had on the trail today. I know I've mentioned seeing the little orange salamanders before. I'd see one now and then...pick its' small form up and lay it off the path out of harms way.It must be the salamander hatching season, because today, after the two day rain we had, they were EVERY WHERE!!! Some were so tiny, only an inch long. It reminded me of the amount of nightcrawlers I'd find when I was a kid, outside on the sidewalk after a summer thunderstorm.Anyway, I start doing the move the little guys off the path thing. I don't want them to get stepped on by hikers. Well it got rediculous. I wasn't making any headway hiking, I was stopping so much to save them from getting squished. I stood up suddenly and announced to God I simply can't continue this...I'M getting no where...It was like a spotlight hit me in my deepest parts. As much as I want to, I can not save everybody in my life, that I love, by trying to protect from the possible harm of their personal choices...when I do my life stops and I no longer move forward. I can be totally consumed by others bad choices, trying to fix their situations, grow tired, frustrated and angry by my choice to fix it. Meanwhile, I don't paint, I don't write, I don't sing, the list goes on...So, says I, that's a great revelation, But how do you stop doing the fixing and still remain a caring person. I kept walking... I stepped over a salamander and said, "You better get off the trail or you're goingto get squished." I kept walking. I thought about people that care souly about their personal goals. They run over anything and everthing that gets in their way to get to where they want to be. That can't be the right way. I stepped over three more salamanders..."You really should get your orange little butts of the trail or..." It hit me. You don't do it for them. You advise, if their open to it or ask (that's even better,) and you keep heading in the direction your supposed to go. Walking carefully...heywe're all learning.
Date: 2006-08-22
From: The Secret Shelter

To: Vermont Route 100
Miles today: 14.0

Started:Secret ShelterFinished:VT 100Sleeping:HotelMiles:14Total Miles:1689.9Miles till Katahdin:484.7Bluebird Reports: "Vermont Mud"Yep, there is something that Vermont adds to the thru hikers experience. it is a primortal goo they call Black Vermont Mud. Now, sandwiched between rocks and roots is a goo that requires extreme dexterity to navigate. This mud can be at varying depths and degree of thickness. Some hikers, becoming frustrated by the tiring effort and trudge headlong through, adding 10 extra pounds of weight on each boot. I am apreciative of their sacrifice as I can then determine if I can walk across the surface without sinking to deep. I do harbor a secret fear. I consider the dinosaurs encounter with the tar pits? I see myself sinking up to my armpits, grabbing at limbs and twigs, screaming, "Lassie! Lassie! where are you when I need you!" only to sink beneath the surface...unearthed 500,000 years later, like a mummy from Pompey.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Vermont Route 100

To: Lakota Lake Lookout
Miles today: 12.1

Started:VT 100Finished:Lokata Lake Lookout Sleeping:TentMiles:12.1Total Miles:1702.0Miles till Katahdin:472.6Im gonna see a moose! I'm gonna see a moose. Hikers are starting to run into these big guys and today I saw piles of moose scat on the trail. One female NOBO put in the shelter register, that she had to blue blaze around a SOBO moose the was heading down the trail toward her. I'm in Bullwinkle Country!!I connected with another hiker, Johnny K, who is willing to hike The Whites with me. It's good to partner up when doing these mountains, because of the sudden weather changes. It seems they are reporting cold weather, especially at night. Already reporting 30 degree temps., snow squals and 75 mle per hour winds. OH RAPTURE! and pull out the woolies!
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Lakota Lake Lookout

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:Lokata Lake Lookout Finished:Thistle Hill Shelter Sleeping:TentMiles:16.1Total Miles:1718.1Miles till Katahdin:456.5It's becoming apparent as we hike further north, that our milage per day is deceasing, just like the books warn. Imagine that. It is getting cold, cold, cold again and that's hard to grab hold of, when you consider that only a couple weeks ago, we were suffocating in CT under a 115 degree heat index.   Just talking to a SOBO about Mt. Washington. It seems she skipped it. Winds were at 60 mph and gusting to 80 mph. Like wow.I walked with fellow hiker Johnny K today. He has agreed to hike over The Whites with me. Looks like a few others may join us. Safty in numbers! Didn't see a moose yet, but I saw PAM. Pam is a good friend of Virginia Lane. (my email trail angel from Florida) Pam was waiting at the shelter near her home with apples, oranges, brownies, Ben & Jerry's ICE CREAM, sodas and fresh water. I had a short, but great conversation with her. Hey, good luck on your thesis Pam!!I just woke up to the sound of rain on my tent. Hmmmm, I tink I'll make some coffee.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, New Hampshire
Miles today: 14.6

Started:Thistle Hill Shelter Finished:Hanover, NH Sleeping:hotelMiles:14.6Total Miles:1732.7Miles till Katahdin:441.9NEW HAMPSHIRE!!!!How do I feel? Amazed...To think about coming this far is one thing to actually come this far is quite another. I'm at a point where I am as excited as I am tired and sore. I am a split personality, I am a ying and a yang!Yesterday my friend Breeze scared the crap out of me. It was the end of the day and it started to rain and I put my black (bat man) parka on. Just about the time I got it on the rain stopped. I began sweating like a pig, so I tied the front up in a knot so I could get some air. I was pretty far behind Johnny K and by myself. I began grumbling under my breath about hating this stupid black parka...when suddenly I felt a hand on my back and hear a deep voice behind me say, "I'll take that black parka." I jumped up and flipped in a 180 turn, facing Breeze! I screamed so long and so much I almost callapsed to the ground. I haven't been scard like that in years. I threatened him with the removal of his dreadlocks if he EVER did that again. Lord I'm still shaking.I think we're all just getting kinda punchy.
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Hanover, New Hampshire

To: Goose Pond Road
Miles today: 14.2

Started:Hanover, NHFinished:Goose Pond Road Sleeping:tentMiles:14.2Total Miles:1746.9Miles till Katahdin:427.7It seems, as I drawl nearer to Katahdin that the last remnants of hikers still going north, are slowly clustering together. For so long I was hiking alone and not seeing any other north bounders. Today Junko, Johnny K, Old Reb, Balou, Weatherman & I ran into each other at a road crossing and decided to take the next side road to a local country deli for lunch. Back in Hanover, there had to be at least 30 or more hikers taking a zero on the weekend.From what I understand, most folks are running their mile averages against arriving at Baxter State Park by Sept. 30th. I see a big log jam a comin'. No matter...it will be great to summit with a lot of friends.I can't get cell phone signals the way I used to and I see it becoming more of a problem as I go north, just like it was in the higher elavations of Georgia. I have become spoiled by the ease of reaching loved ones through the mid states...but, I'll be home in a little over one months.The coyotes are singing to each other tonight. I can hear them off in the distance. I wish the people I loved could be with me, to share these rare moments. They can hardly know how magical it is to be out here. Explanations don't seem to help to make another capable of knowing what it's like to live it. I sure will do my best, if they ask.Tweet Dreams to all!Bluebird
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Goose Pond Road

To: Holts Ledge
Miles today: 2.0

Started:Goose Pond RoadFinished: Holts LedgeSleeping:Ski Starter Box ShelterMiles:2Total Miles:1747.3Miles till Katahdin:425.7I am presently honkered down in a ski jump off building. a shelter where skiers ready themselves before heading down the slope). While hiking this morning, it started raining (a real cold rain) and Johnny K (hiking buddy) and I took shelter here. Got a weather report, via cell phone, from Blue Eyes of 80% rain for the rest of the day and night. We may just stay here till tomorrow morning. No one wants to risk hyperthermia at any stage of the game. -------------------------------------Well, we've zero'd here all day. Just to cold and wet to venture out safely.Plan to scoot into Lyme, then shuttle back to Lebanon to resupply and get fuel. Spent my day resting and answering emails from fine friends and family. I stayed in my sleeping bag ALL day. It's really cold out there! Be heading out tomorrow if the skies quit their weeping. Good night all!Bluebird
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Holts Ledge

To: 2 miles past firewarden's cabin on Smart Mountain
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:Holts LedgeFinished:2 miles past Fire Wardens Cabin on Smart Mtn. Sleeping:TentMiles:9.1Total Miles:1758.2Miles till Katahdin:416.4Johnny K is going to be added to my list of "Pay Backs" along with my buddy Breeze. He scard the bejabbers out of me, coming off Smart Mtn. It's like the closer I get to Katahdin the more I feel like I'm living in the middle of a production of "A Mid Summer Nights' Dream."The steep climbs of the NH Mtns. have begun. Smart Mtn. was a blast to climb, VERY steep in places and it went on for quite a distance before leveling off offering a place for a rest. If this mountain is the first test of ones ability to handle The Whites," then most of us are ready. Hiking from GA to NH has hardened our bodies and given us good lung capacity. I am amazed at what I am able to do. I used to wheez trying to climb a hill by the house, now I climb 2000ft and I go unscathed!
Date: 2006-08-29
From: 2 miles past firewarden's cabin on Smart Mountain

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 17.9

Started:2 miles past Fire Wardens Cabin on Smart Mtn.Finished:Glencliff, NHSleeping:Hostel TentMiles:17.9Total Miles:1776.1Miles till Katahdin:398.5Okay...I am wondering how I did almost 18 miles today. Hiking for 12 hours put us in Glencliff and poised to head into The Whites. We are in the White Mountains National Forest, but need to get to Kinsmans Notch to be in The Whites. (that's by hiker standards.)I woke up, again, with my pocketmail in my hand. I had fallen to sleep journaling. That's tired folks!!!Anyway..no phone signal on my cell...post office and hostel complete the entire scope of this town...makes a new meaning for "small town" My kingdom for an ATM!
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Glencliff, NH

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Glencliff, NHFinished:Jeffers Brook ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:1.1Total Miles:1777.2Miles till Katahdin:397.4SUN!! SUN!!! We got SUN!!! Oh I am beyond thankful...Sleeping bag almost dry! Pack almost dry! The beginning of a nice Nero Day!--------------------------------------Well, I waited at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel till 3:00 PM for an overnight package from Rod "Blue Eyes" Rountree. The post office said it wasn't there, but maybe at 3:00!!Got a call from Rod and found out the HOSTEL had it in the back room!!! AUGH!!!Well, we packed up our winter gear, put it on our backs and sunk three feet into the ground!!!! Oh, more weight, so much more weight. We finally left at 3:15 and walked a big 1.4 miles to the first shelter. The first ascent did us in...six others behind us came to the same conclusion. We all had a good laugh... AT EACH OTHER!
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Gordon Pond
Miles today: 11.7

Started:Jeffers Brook ShelterFinished:Gordon PondSleeping:TentMiles:11.7Total Miles:1788.9Miles till Katahdin:385.7 Today we climbed over Mt. Moosilaucke 4802 ft.to a view that blew me away. We were above tree line and in the clouds. They blew over us and by us as we reached the sumit. At one point I began laughing out loud and then the tears streamed down my face. I am simply and most wonderfully blessed person to be here, to be apart of this. I wish I could share not only the sights, but the flood of emotion that comes with each and every experiene I have. Tomorrow is South and North Kinsman Mts. I am told it is a very difficult climb and descent, by Lonestar. I will need to dig deep and work hard for this one.Another Mountain to climb and dedicate to my CMN kids!Editor's Note: If you would like to donate to the Hershey's Children's Networkin memory of baby Aaron or in honor of Bluebird please contact:                  Rick Gates or Mary Lynn Smith at Hershey                                 717-534-4209                  or email Mary Lynn at: mlsmith@hersheys.com