morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Long Hill Road (Plantman's House)

To: Nuclear Lake
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 133: We woke up to Plantman making us some buckwheat and berry pancakes with real maple syrup. He also let us warm up some of his chili from last night. Pat and Plantman also offered to take Bella for a week so she can have some time to rest as she was showing signs of limping off and on again. Secretly, I envied her as I could vision her sleeping her day on the couch and being pampered. Oh well...back to the trail AND today was a special day because we are SLACK-PACKING! I just get so happy when I can slack pack as it just puts you in such a happy state of mind going down the trail without 22 lbs on your back.Today we are met our first southbounder (SOBO). We met them at a deli which was .4 miles off the trail for lunch. Their trailnames were Squince and Sunscreen and they started May 31 and have gone 700+ miles. It is funny, but you can tell that they are long distance hikers mostly due to their smaller packs but they don't have the full beards yet like the Nobo's do. Anyway, it is exciting to see others heading to Springer Mountain, GA.Today was the first cool day in a long time. It was in the low 60's and at night it is in the high 50's. Not sure if this is a trend or if this is going to be August but it sure is nice. A little harder getting up in the morning though.Oh, I just need to share something kind of trivial. I now have fingernails except for my thumbs. I have been biting my nails every since I was born (I think) but for some reason, I have them now. Maybe it is because I have trekking poles in my hands all day and I am too tired once I stop hiking to bite them. Anyway, I had no idea what I was missing like; now I can scratch my bug bites and pick ticks off easily. I hope I can continue to grow them after the trail.After a great romp in the woods today...slack packing, we met up with Plantman after 15.6 miles. It is then when we heard the sad news that Bella was tested for Lyme Disease and the results where that she had it. Because of her limping and being tired periodically, we thought it could be Lyme or just plain tired of hiking with all the aches and pains that come with it. We are so glad that she was tested and now can be treated and resting comfortably at Plantman and Pat's house.After we picked up our packs, we went just another mile and found a nice place to stealth camp next to Nuclear Lake. Not sure why this lake got this name but it looked really peaceful and calm. Salsa
Date: 2013-07-27
From: Ten Mile Shelter

To: Numeral Rock Trail
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Day 135: Ok for the next 5-6 days, I didn't keep notes so hopefully I will remember. It seemed that today, we just couldn't put in the miles. We have been hiking straight for over 16 days now and we are getting tired. My infection in my small toe has finally subsided and does not hurt anymore. It seemed to have left some funny scars and discoloration. My big toe on the same foot where the skin was basically shredding has also started to heal. It is nice to walk on feet that are not sore at the moment. Twix is still battling her soreness on the top of her feet. My hamstring is doing a little better but the left knee hurts with step. I hope that improves as well.Today we were back in New York but now we are really in Connecticut for good. We went into a small town called Kent, CT. It really was not hiker friendly. We needed to get food supplies and a few things from the outfitters. The outfitters in these New England states are not good. They have really nice fancy clothes and shoes but not what we need. I finally had to buy some boots. I have been in these Keen Gypsym for almost 1200 miles and I am feeling every rock that I go over. Also have been hiking with periodic pains on the top right of my foot and the right planta fascia tendon in the bottom of my foot. So today, I sent them home and bought some Oboz. I am scared to death to try something new as my Keen's have been really good to my feet.After eating a bunch of ice cream and resupplying, we went back into the woods...with my new boots! We stealth camped again near Numeral Rock Trail. I really like stealth camp lately. Lone Wolf has his hammock with Coach, Bluegrass and us having the three Big Agnes tents (all the same UL Flycreek). It is so much quieter especially in the morning.SalsaSalsa
Date: 2013-07-28
From: Numeral Rock Trail

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Day 135: Today was going to be a tough day due to a lot more ups and downs. Literally, once you go up, you go down and then up again. The trails in Connecticut were really nice but still had some really challenging, steep rock declines where I had to crawl down the faces of some of these rocks. I am surprised that we don't see casualties on some of these rock declines. Anyway, it was a great hike regardless with some really beautiful, different kind of woods. The woods seem to be bigger and you can see further within the woods (less brush and rocks). Today, we knew that we were facing a big storm coming our way and really needed to be close to our destination by 3pm. Fortunately, the storm held off and we were able to get to the shelter by 5pm. Lone Wolf, Bluegrass, Coach, Twix and I were there along with Jabberwocky and Goldilocks. There was also a Connecticut World School boys youth group there and in the shelter was this really neat kid (9th grader) called Brandon. He was reading the shelter's journal and was really intrigued with the trail names and the trail stories. His counselors were really cool too and were previous AT thru-hikers. They encouraged him to stick around us and ask us questions. He was even able to forego his dinner chores so he could hang with us. Just before the rains came around 7pm, Gray Wolf and Red Tail (father and son) joined us in the shelter. It really poured for several hours. The water was terrible here and so were the mosquitoes hence the name Pine SWAMP Brook Shelter. Coach, Twix, Bluegrass, Gray Wolf and Red Tail were in the shelter. Around 11pm, Bluegrass asked if the mosquitoes were going through my bag. Well they were his so he got up and set up his tent. After about 60 minutes, Twix got up and set up her tent with Coach jumping in too. I stayed in the shelter with Gray Wolf and Red Tail but was really miserable the whole night. I had to have my bag up over my head so the bugs wouldn't get me but it was really hot that night.Anyway, finally made it through the night with minimal bites but hardly any sleep. Brandon came up to the shelter and ask if he could get a trail name. Gray Wolf suggested "Grasshopper" because he asks questions and that is how he got his name. He was so excited he ran down to his counselors and hugged them and said he got his trail name. Just typing this is bringing tears to my eyes as this kid was so excited. His counselors then came up to us and thanked us for spending time with him and giving him his trail name. He said that Grasshopper has had a really tough life and this was really special to him. As his group marched out of camp, we all were saying our goodbyes....especially to Grasshopper.Salsa
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Stealth Camp after Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 137: Today was a little smoother day so we were able to make more miles than yesterday. We believed there was another deli coming up near the AT so that was our destination for lunch. Twix and I hiked most of the morning together. We ended up going into a little town called Falls Village, CT. Nothing was open on a Monday. We didn't have phone service so we didn't know where the others (Lone Wolf, Bluegrass, Goldilocks, and Jabberwocky). So we decided to move on to Salisbury where we knew would have some hopefully dinner for us (we were low on food supplies). As we were walking out of Falls Village near a water plant, we spotted everyone laying down under a tree. We also saw Gray Wolf and Red Tail. Twix really wanted to move on to Salisbury and was asking people how far was this town. When she was speaking to a water plant supervisor, he said that he had an employee that was going there. All of a sudden, we were all throwing our packs in the back of this pick up and we were SLACK Packing again! It was such a great hike - fast and smooth with beautiful hills to climb. We made the 9 miles in under 3 hours. We were so happy and once we were into Salisbury, our packs were waiting for us in front of this wine store. Coach bought a box of wine (equivalent to 4 bottles) and you probably know the rest of the story.The men were at the deli grocery store down the road and we were just starting to pack up when Goldilocks spotted a big work van across the street. She ran over there and asked if he could give us a ride to the trail head which was .7 miles down the road. Of course he would, so we all piled into his van (just the girls; Goldilocks, Twix, Coach and I). We quickly found the guys and said we had a ride and that we would find a stealth campsite down the trail. It was starting to get dark and about a mile down the trail next to a very nice stream, we found our campsite. The guys joined us in about an hour later. About a week ago, Coach decided that she was going to leave the trail. She wanted to spend the rest of her money to go see her dad, brother and sister who live in Colorado. It was a very tough decision for her to make and since then, we all have been very sad to see that day when she leaves. We still had a couple more nights with her, so we did a little pre-celebrating tonight. Salsa
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 140: Well we decided to zero in Great Barrington, MA. It is going to rain today so why not? Plantman arrived around 11am with Bella. Bella was so cute and was so happy to see everyone. Thank you Plantman and Pat for taking care of her. With that, we said our farewell to Coach. We are so sad today and have really enjoyed knowing this very special friend. I am sure we will be keeping in touch with her.Back on the trail tomorrow...yeah!Salsa
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Finerty Pond
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

8/3: My legs felt the best they've felt this whole trip. I was walkin up the hills with no problem. I wanted to sprint if I didn't have a backpack on. I walked with mom most of the day and it was the first night we camped alone. I needed a break from so many people. I have been mentally and socially exhausted, this was a nice break away from people. We camped near a pond. The sunset was beautiful, the sky was filled with colors of pink, orange, yellow, blue and red. I made a campfire while mom read her book over by the pond. We went to bed early since it was so quite around.Twix
Date: 2013-08-08
From: Stratton-Arlington Rd

To: Spruce Peak
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

8/8: We got to sleep in an extra 30 minutes. We were sad to leave Big Brothers house. He decide to hike with us to the top of the mountain with his dog, Sarah. He is in great shape. He kept up with my mom and I all the way up to the top of Mt. Stratton. We said our goodbyes and off we went down the trail. Our legs were a bit tired after doing so many miles in such a short time but we had to do at least 15 miles because we are meeting Salad Days Dad tomorrow. It was a beautiful, cool day for hiking.Twix
Date: 2013-08-09
From: Spruce Peak

To: Griffith Lake Tenting Area
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

8/9: Manchester is the first town on the trail where we walk uphill to get to the road instead of descending into the town. Mr. Salad Days was waiting for us at the parking lot, thank goodness because it was raining. He took us out to breakfast then to resupply and an outifitters. He was a great guy. We talked about how much we enjoyed hanging out with Salad and wish we could have hiked with him longer. Salad and I still talk often, updating each other on where we are on the trail. He is currently in Maine! And Human is New Hampshire. When we returned to the trail we went 2 miles to the next shelter. Almost wanted to stay but pressed on to the next shelter. When we got to the third shelter it was packed so we continued on to the next campsite a 1/2 mile down the trail. The campsite had tent platforms which makes it very hard to set up our Big Agnes tent. Twix
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Griffith Lake Tenting Area

To: Trail to White Rock Cliffs
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

8/10: We all slept in way past our typical waking time. We seemed very unmotivated and tired but we slowly got dressed, slipped on our shoes, packed up our bags and off we went. It was no more then 4 miles when we got to our first shelter. We stopped to eat lunch and ended up resting for way to long. Two southbounders arrived at the shelter, Freaky Johnny and Gas Master. I think him and Lone Wolf should battled it out for that name. They were great guys, we enjoyed talking to them. We took off down the trail again then we hit another shelter 1.3 miles later, of course we had to rest. Then 0.2 miles we got to another shelter. We didn't think we would get very far but somehow we managed to hike 13 miles.The day was beautiful, temp a little cold but perfect when we would start hiking. Vermont has been my favorite state. The ground is soft, there are plenty of pine trees, lots of water and great weather. I've stopped carrying 2.5 liters of water with me due to all the fresh, clear water we come across. That helps me lose a few pounds off my back. By the end of the day it was getting a little harder. I began thinking of one of my really close friends back in high school. She passed away 10 years ago today. She was always upbeat and very bubbly. She touched so many people and she still does to this day. It's people like her that inspire me to keep walking. I've been carrying her key chain with the letter K and an angel on it. She's been with me the whole way and has hiked everything I've hiked. I took out the key chain to take some pictures in the forest with it. Only 5 minutes past when I stumbled on four big boulders with hundreds of cairns all over the place. It was the best view, scene I have ever come across in backpacking. One thing that intrigues me about backpacking is you never know what's around the next corner. This was the best surprise, especially on a day like this. I made two more cairns to add to the tranquility. We slept there for the night. I'm hoping it will bring peace the rest of the way. Twix
Date: 2013-08-11
From: Trail to White Rock Cliffs

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

8/11: Stayed in a shelter, mom stayed in the tent. Two sticks stayed in the shelter as well. We were the only AT thru hikers, the rest were thru hiking the long trail which runs along the AT for over 100 miles and is about 285 miles long. Two sticks and another hiker played the ukulele and miniature guitar around the fire. Two sticks is an awesome player and singer. He is in a band called Herb and Hanson. Twix
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

8/12: Met a boy we now call Lost. He is hiking the long trail, about 18 years old. Lone Wolf and Bluegrass first met him a day ago and he was going the wrong direction. I met him at the top of Killington Mountain. His bag was in the shelter but no sign of another hiker. He walked in 30 minutes later and said he forgot where he put his bag. Hmmm...When we hiked down the mountain there was a lodge with a restaurant. They told us we could stay here or camp outside for free! That sounds more like it. At the restaurant I saw a guy with a carhartt tshirt on and it really made me miss my dad. I get him a carhartt shirt every year for Christmas.I miss you Dad!Twix
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Killington, VT

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

8/13: I accidentally punched mom in the face while i was sleeping. Ive been dreaming about softball lately. Last night I dreamt that a line drive was going by me and at the last minute I stuck my glove out to catch the ball and my Moms head was in the way. She was okay. We were forced to take a zero today. We woke up and it was sprinkling so we quickly jumped out of our sleeping bags and gathered our belongings. We hung out at the lodge for most of the day. The breakfast was delicious! While we were there we met Hobbit! He has been reading our journals and is hiking the northern part of the AT. It was neat to meet him. Later that day, a man waiting for his nephew, who is hiking the long trail, offered us a ride to the deli so we could resupply. When we got there he dropped us off, we noticed the prices were doubled! We decided we would try going to a grocery store in Rutland for a resupply. We start walking to the bus stop and sticking out our thumb, just incase. A man by the name of creeper, pulled over to give us a lift. He asked us when was the last time we showered. 'Do we smell that bad?' We all tried thinking, 'when were we at Big Brother's house?' "Maybe 5 days ago." He said he manages condos and he had one vacant. He offered to let us take showers while he gets some work done. "Alright!" All he had was a bar of soap, that was the first time I washed my hair with a bar of soap (I'm definitely not high maintenance). We were able to resupply, eat an AYCE buffet at Pizza Hut. When we got back from Rutland I went into the lodge and there were several hikers playing the guitars, piano, ukulele and sing. It was a blast. Twix
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Killington, VT

To: Locust Creek
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

8/14: the high for today is 64 degrees. It looks like the cold weather is catching up with us. As sad as that is at least the bugs aren't out and I'm not sweating as much as usual. We got a late start in the day. The lodge serves awesome breakfast and with all the hikers it took a bit longer to get our food but it was good company so we didn't mind. The hills are getting steeper and longer. I think I complained about the mountains a lot at the beginning. Now, they aren't so bad. I feel my hiker legs are finally here. I can go up a hill as fast as I go down. Unless its over a thousand foot climb. Mom's hamstring seems to be doing better but she's lost a lot of power. She makes sure we all get our potassium every morning. It's crazy but great to know we only have a month left. This trail has been our home for 5 months and the journey is almost done. I'm excited for what's to come. I feel the possibilities are endless after this trip. Twix
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Thistle Hill

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

8/16: We walked to our 13th state today! It was a beautiful day, the trails were dirt paths (not rocky) and the temperature was perfect. The last part of Vermont was road walking. We crossed over a river and thats when we got to the NH boarder. We quickly took a picture, holding up two fingers representing 2 states left. We were extatic to only have two states left but for me I had fear in the back of my mind. The last 20% is the hardest of the AT. As the saying goes, The last 20% is 80% of the effort. We heard nothing but steep, rocky hills ahead of us. We will no longer have 15 mile days. We will be happy to do between 8-10 miles a day. I've been terrified for whats to come. However, I just think to myself that I will do what I've been doing this whole journey, put one foot infront of the other. Here we go, here's to our last two states. When we got to Hanover, home of Dartmouth college, there were people walking around with fancy dresses, sweaters over there shoulders, nice outfitts and then there was us...Hiker trash, grubby, stinky and dirt all over our body. Walking through the town I could smell some houses, 'that one is washing clothes with Tide right now, that one has Snuggles'. My sense of smell has increased, I can typically smell a day hiker from a mile away. I can smell the Caress body washed they used that morning or the Shower clean deoderant they put on a few hours ago. Axe is the worst, I feel I can smell that from miles away. Hanover was awesome. They use to be known as the least hiker friendly town on the AT until one local hiked the trail a few years back. He was the son of, I believe their names are Barbara and Greg. Their son got hurt along the way and a family welcomed him to stay in their house for a week until he felt better. Barbara and Greg were amazed by the families generosity. They decided to set up a Trail Angel List. This list consisted of several locals who would welcome hikers to stay in their home for free. Mom and I were able to get in contact with Fran. Her house was beautiful. We arrived there late. She showed us our room, the shower and where to do laundry. She said if we have any questions to let her know. She had two beautiful 15 year old black cats. The male was extremely friendly I got to cuddle with him for awhile and get my cat fill in for the week. Twix
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Hanover, NH

To: NH 120 Trailhead
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: overcast clouds

8/17: I was so comfortable this morning. It was great being able to sprawl out while I sleep instead of being confined to a mummy sleeping bag. We packed our bags and headed to the post office. However, we decided first stop should be an AYCE breakfast buffet. We stayed there for what it seems like forever. Afterwards, we finally went to the post office for our last mail drop and to send our last package home. We sat outside the post office trying to decide what to send home and what to keep. Mom feels like her bag is heavy. Mine is fine when there's no food in it, I've learn to be a minimalist. Until... I went into the Dartmouth clothing store and found some awesome pajama bottoms. I slowly walked away buying nothing. I met up with the group for pizza and thought over my decision for the pjs. (It would be so nice to wear them to sleep) I imagined wearing them at night and quickly talked myself into getting them. I am now in my sleeping bag with my new pants on. It feels like the comforts of home. Twix
Date: 2013-08-18
From: NH 120 Trailhead

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

8/18: Twix and I left camp one hour earlier than Home Brew, Lone Wolf and Bluegrass. We hated to leave Hanover as it was a great college town with lots of good restaurants but once again we missed the woods. Twix has been struggling with her Keen Voyager hiking boots almost since she bought it in Waynesboro, PA. They have been steadily falling apart and she has continued to tape the whole boot with duct tape in order to keep the sole attached. She has contacted Keen to see if they could help her. She has to send in pictures to them so they can evaluate it. Hopefully, they can give her an answer quick.The woods were really beautiful and we had great sunny weather. WE had three 1000 foot climbs with some really nice trails. While in Hanover, I was able to pick up my old ULA Circuit backpack and sent back the Catalyst back to ULA that they let me borrow. What a great company and I was really hpapy to be back hiking with my old pack.Today, we came across the husband of Tracy McGhee. His name is Food Walker. I met Tracy back in the Smokies and Food Walker was hiking with her but got hurt so he is living in his car and supporting his wife's hike. They are both about my age. Hopefully we will see her soon on the trail. We also met a south bounder named Grub. He provided us some good information regarding the White Mountains. Today's hike was a really nice hike.Salsa