morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Monson - Lakeshore House

To: Moxie Bald Lean-To
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Two Questions: Did I really think hiking hungover would be fun? and My eye is nearly swollen shut, so who punched me in the face? Well I don't think I got punched, just some fun allergic reaction. But throw some Benadryl into the equation and I'm a hungover groggy mess of life and hiking is the last thing I want to do. 17.9 miles you say? and a river crossing from hell? Where do I sign up!?!?!?Took off with Oddjob from the blue-blaze around 11, hit the first shelter then made the call to go to the next one. My ego got the best of me when 3 separate NOBO's recommended we turn around since the West Branch of the Piscataquis was really high and they had all been dunked. Well I'm far more of a badass, I will succeed where others have failed. Bah. Took an hour of recon and navigating to get us and our gear across, but the gear stayed dry, and we didn't die, so I guess that's a success?Atleast the swimming and sunset at Moxie Bald were worth the effort!
Date: 2009-07-31
From: Moxie Bald Lean-To

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Up an over Moxie Bald first thing, stopped so the prissy little girl in me could make a few phone calls, then pushed up to the summit. Incredible 360 views and a clear morning to boot. Got down before the rain, but then got drenched on the long sustained climb up Pleasant Peak. Rather uneventful night in the shelter, though the no-see-um were out in full force, so I cacooned in my sleeping bag until I ran out of fresh air and slowly drifted off into a carbon dioxide enhanced sleep.
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-To

To: Pierce Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: few clouds

Everyone packed out early while I took my sweet time, then strolled along to Caratunk and the Kennebec. Had a jolly canoe trip with Dave the ferryman, then snapped the bottom chunk of my Wallyworld hiking pole while I went "bowling for Annie's" in the mud on the side of a hill. Can't win them all. But now I call it my pimp cane, and its rather badass, so you can take your titanium Leki poles and stick them where the sun don't shine! (I believe that's somewhere in the 100 mile wilderness...) Got to Pierce Pond around noon, reminenced about the first AT trip I took there 4 years ago with my UNH OE group, and went for a lovely swim across the lake. Beautiful sunset- and the shelter to myself. Double points.
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Pierce Pond Lean-To

To: Little Bigelow Lean-To
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

PANCAKES!!!!AHHHH!!!!PANCAKES!!!Well that's pretty much how my morning went! Met Ninja, T&A, Jeremiah Johnson and two others (?). Tim Harrison doesn't serve pancakes. He delivers mounds of love to my tummy. And due to the previously mentioned drunken resupply, they were very well received by said tummy. Hiked on a very full belly to West Carry, forgoed lunch, then carried on to the lean-to. My cankles were less than happy with me! Met up with the lovely Coldfeet and a couple that thru-hiked in 07. They handed out some powerbars and sandwiches and I was a very grateful hiker! Crossed the 2000 mile mark today- though I imagine the milestone is slightly more encouraging for the NOBO hikers. And unfortunately I have some tragic news. No, not Michael Jackson dying, that was like a month ago. I lost my favorite underwear at the Pierce Pond Shelter. I left them to dry after my swim in the pond and due to my Pancake Blinders, I packed up without them. I was very upset, and still am, and I would still be willing to pay out the reward of beer that I offered if anyone is capable of reuniting me with them. Though I think Steve might be back there with them somewhere. Creepy, Yes. However, I really, really liked them.
Date: 2009-08-03
From: Little Bigelow Lean-To

To: Horns Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: few clouds

Coldfeet and the couple gone when I awoke, the joys of being a deep sleeper! Super morning oatmeal, then up and over the Bigelow range. Beautiful day, great weather, and very few people. Climbed in the shack on Avery and considered stealthing, but it was noon and, well, I didn't want to stay there alone. Oh friends would be nice. Laid in the sun with Snuggles for awile, then hiked down to the Lean-to with the caretaker Ray. Cheery guy and the company was very enjoyable. Went for a swim in the pond, then dinner and a lean-to to myself!
Date: 2009-08-04
From: Horns Pond Lean-To

To: Stratton ME
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Moved out the shelter early with thoughts of dancing sugarplums and beer in my head and strolled down to Stratton. Got picked up by the lovely Susan and Nucklehead of the Statton Motel and Hostel. Moved in, showered, laundry, all the boring stuff, then hit the store. Had my first offical thru-hiker craving in the form of Mayo. I used to hate the stuff, but man I couldn't get enough, nearly ate it straight out of the container. (I controlled my urges however, and I think my public image is thankful!) Was surprised to find Coldfeet back at the hostel, but excited nonetheless, she was one of only a few chicks I had seen yet, and good company to have. There was also a hottie staying there, and I certainly don't mind the eye candy! (However I probably should have learned his name, but I guess he'll just have to remain a mystery!)
Date: 2009-08-05
From: Stratton ME

To: Crocker Cirque
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving towns is my nemesis! Took a slow start from Stratton and strolled just to the first campsite. A hell of a scramble down the Crockers, but very pretty. Discovered the delicious dinner mix of Oriental Ramen noodles and peanut butter- as gourmet as it gets! Enjoyed the solitude of nature with a few phone calls to friends and family at home. Who said that this hike was supposed to disconnect me from the rest of the world?!
Date: 2009-08-06
From: Crocker Cirque

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-To
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Another lonely day of hiking, passed a few people here and there, but mostly just plugged in the headphones and passed the time in my head. Crossed over the side of sugarloaf but didn't want to make the effort to hike to the summit. Got a little mountain spoiled... And then got to the shelter. Oh the shelter. Met two NOBO's, Bones and Tailwind. Holy Crapple. Bones is the worst snorer I have ever met. Horrible, miserable night's sleep. They were like an old married couple and I was stuck sleeping in the middle. All night long Tailwind was screaming at Bones to roll on his stomach but it never stopped the snoring. I swear, he was able to snore ON HIS STOMACH. If I hadn't been so sleep deprived from the bickering, I might have congratulated him! arg!
Date: 2009-08-07
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-To

To: Piazza Rock Lean-To
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: moderate rain

Dear Saddleback Mtn,I hate you. I'm sorry I had to tell you like this, but it won't work out between us. Mainly because you tried to kill me and all. But it's over. I was exhausted from my night with Bones, and eager to move on, but as soon as I got over Junior you decided to ruin my day. A storm at 10am?! Really?! What were you thinking!? I had nearly 3 miles above treeline to traverse, and you trapped me. I tried to wait out the storm in a damn privy (it was a brand new one, don't worry!), but you wouldn't let up. Shivering and borderline hypothermic I had no choice but to pop my tent and cower in fear. But to spite me, two hours later, the sun emerged and you laughed in my face as I packed up all wet gear and made my second attempt to cross. You are a bitch. I never want to see you again. Thankfully I got to the shelther to find two nice NOBO's, Redline and Older, and a lovely caretaker, Slayer, and laughed at my pitiful state, but did you really find it necessary to be so cruel. I'm done, and leaving, maybe someday we can make it work, but for now, I need some time alone. Annie
Date: 2009-08-08
From: Piazza Rock Lean-To

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-To
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Slept in late chatting to Redline while waiting for his friend to arrive. Got the most entertaining story from Muffin when he arrived regarding his skunk and bushwacking adventure. He wasn't having the best day, but shared his adventure and made me feel significantly better! Lots of mud and muck enroute to Sabbath, but got in early around 2:30. Had ever intention of carrying on, but got distracted by conversation and swimming and ended up staying the night. Then Yak showed up. Hm. He hiked a 30 mile day from the summit of sugarloaf to catch up to me. Exciting reunion or just a little creepy? You be the judge, more to come on this topic.
Date: 2009-08-09
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-To

To: Bemis Mtn Lean-To
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: broken clouds

Ahh short days. Enjoyed the weather with some sunbathing on the peaks- just because I'm a hiker doesn't mean I don't still want to work on my tan! Got in early to the shelter and built a fire. Yak pulled a smooth move and sat with him arm around my shoulders and made me VERY uncomfortable. Hm. Time to make a break?
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Bemis Mtn Lean-To

To: Andover Me
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked out and over Blue Mtn. Met a nice trail crew, then got picked up by the Pine Ellis shuttle. They even brought cold lemonade! Got in and did the usual chores and 6 pk. of adult beverages. Sat around and met Manimal, Wags, Gangsta, and Red, watched some TV, ate some cheesy bread. Nothing exciting I'm sorry to say!
Date: 2009-08-11
From: Andover Me

To: Hall Mtn Lean-To
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

CRAPPY DAY. 4 miles? seriously?! oh yes, I am. Big storm rolled in and kinda trapped me. And Chef Boyardee for breakfast didn't help. Climbed over Moody mountain, the most useless mountain in Maine, then had a little talk with Yak about how he was driving me crazy. Got to meet Fly-by and Hardcore as a result of staying at Hall mtn.
Date: 2009-08-12
From: Hall Mtn Lean-To

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

I SAW A MOOSE!Not much else was that exciting, but I nearly tripped over a very large and goofy moose! Had my headphones on, strolling into the shelter like I was on a mission, and the moose glanced my way and scared the crap out of me! He was only about 15 ft from me just off the trail munching away on some greenery and was MASSIVE. Full rack, and a lovely chocolately brown color, but he couldn't care less about me. Which was a good thing since I dropped my pack and in a very non-LNT manner stalked him through the woods to get some pictures. Of course all I got was trees, but I know that I saw him! Stumbled into the shelter like a giddy little kid and met up with a slew of NOBOs and the legendary Plain old Ray. Then began the mental preparation for the Notch. (cue eerie music now)
Date: 2009-08-13
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: Full Goose Shelter/Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

The Mahoosuc Notch!I'm not sure there was a more talked about event in Maine (aside from Katahdin, of course). Now I don't want to knock on the NOBO's, but damn, they talked about the Notch like it was running the gauntlet on American Gladiators! I thought it was awesome, and to date, still one of my favorite days on the trail. Climbed up Old Speck in the morning and rewarded myself with a dip in the pond at the top (though I didn't realize that my skinny dip was visible to anyone on the trail for about a quarter mile...oops!) Met up with three lovely boys from VA doing a section, (Pete, John, and Gabe) decided to hook up with them and push through the notch in the late afternoon. Passed Red and the stealth site at the bottom of the notch and took one more dip in the river before wiggling into the boulder field. Thoroughly enjoy the whole stretch, made it through in and hour and 15 minutes, including a few short breaks and enough time to play with some moose bones and drop pack and dive headfirst into and ice cave. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but I managed to wedge myself in there during my attempt to lick the ice and had an epic struggle to free myself. Got to the shelter just before dark after munching on blueberries at the summit, and in a effort to not piss off too many people, set up tents away from the shelter. Ended up sleeping cowboy on a platform with the three guys and looked like a sorry case with food and accessories sprawled everywhere. Stayed up way past hiker midnight, but the company and conversation was good. Plus I became addicted to the silly little instrument deal-o they brought and couldn't stop pinging away at it. But best day in Maine, thats for certain.
Date: 2009-08-14
From: Full Goose Shelter/Campsite

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Due to recreational activies from the night before, slept in until nearly noon on the platform with the VA boys, but enjoyed it all the more. Woken to Feels Like Today hoping to score some Aquamira. Couldn't help him there, but gave him my iodine as I tried to clear the sleep from my eyes and try and understand what he was telling me! Sorry if I was a little absent! Hiked for a while with the guys, then parted ways and continued to the ME/NH border! the way life should be...hmm well maybe... Spent the night with 6 old guys in the shelter and one special French Canadian fella decided to adjust his package in front of me more times than I EVER want to see. Seriously guys, stop being disgusting pigs. Just because I am a female hiking does not mean I have ANY interest in you. I don't. You're old and gross. Just stop.
Date: 2009-08-15
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Gorham! Wahoo! Hiked into town in the morning, discovered that a ridiculous heat wave was hitting the area and decided to crash at the White Birches Campground. Did a whole lot of nothing for the afternoon due to a train derailing and roads jammed into town, but managed to survive off of the ghetto beer and fridge leftovers- thanks fellow hikers!
Date: 2009-08-17
From: Gorham NH

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: fog

Left Gorham to begin my race against the oncoming crap weather- hurricane Bill I believe? Grabbed a letter for the Imp Caretaker at the trailhead. Found out after the fact that it was like .5 offtrail..grr trailmail. But got to the shelter and met up with a crowd - Rockhound, Snarky, Feedbag, Tord, and Rick. Decided to not move on for the night, ate a snack, took my shoes off, then changed my mind all over again. Headed out with Rick for the Carter Notch Hut and hopes of work-for-stay. Got in just before dark and a little late for WFS, but the lovely hut croo and hutmaster hooked us up. Watched some amazing shooting stars down by the pond, then curled up on a table for a short night's sleep.
Date: 2009-08-18
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Osgood Tentsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

I hate early mornings. Up early to vacate the dining room, but rewarded with delicious blueberry pancakes from Lindsey. Headed out from the Hut around 10 with Rick, had a leisurely morning and laid out ontop of one of the Wildcats. Then realized that the descent down Wildcat was the worst climb of the trail. Such a miserable bitch of a climb, with Pinkham Notch taunting me the whole time while climbing down. Got to the bottom and the visitor center at 3:40 to discover the grill was turned off at 3:30. I ready to throw in the towel! Even the soda machine was empty except for diet coke. Please someone shoot me now. Had no choice but to say goodbye to Rick and push to Osgood in order to make it over Washington before the weather. Got there to discover it was full of kiddie campers, but shared a site with 4 other hikers and cowboyed on the platform and hoped I wouldn't wake up to a bear licking my head.
Date: 2009-08-19
From: Osgood Tentsite

To: Mispah/Nauman
Miles today: 14.8

The Traverse!Let the show begin- Up early and moved out of the tentsite to start up the side of Madison. Thankfully I was still rather sleepy climbing and didn't seem to mind too much! Met the amazing and cheerful Blessed at the summit of Madison, possibly one of the nicest and most optimistic NOBO's I met, but he gave me a few good words and the encouragement to keep truckin'. Missed a turn coming out of the Madison hut and managed to "Annie Blaze" around the side and over Adams, rediscovered the trail and uttered a few swears directed to the AMC and their miserable signage. But pushed on the ridge, chatted to quite a few weekend warriors and families, and had beautiful views of the Washington summit until I got there of course. Socked in as soon as I got up there, but really no complaints, other than the tween festival of madras shorts and flipflops. I mean if your gonna go to the top of a mountain (even in your car) at least make at effort to not look like you just came from an 8th grade pool party. This goes for the mommas too. Although I did manage to elbow a few fools away from the summit sign to get my hard earned picture. Met Sherpa John at the summit and discovered he was a fellow UNH outdoor ed. student, so ate lunch with him and swapped some stories. Bought my "This Car Climbed Mt Washington" bumber sticker, and managed to escape with only one stranger hugging me. Then pushed down to Lakes of the Clouds while chatting with the lovely Dwyer family. Was warned to stay at the hut due to a storm, but I stubbornly resisted the advice and bundled in rain gear and skipped out the door. As predicted I got whacked pretty hard with rain and sleet for a while, as well as a few closely struck bolts of lightning, but as I got further from Washington, the storm eased up and the sum came back out. Aside from looking rather disheveled, I was dry and unharmed when I rolled into Mispah. Thought about work for stay, but realized I valued my sleep too much, so I paid the silly 8 dollars and popped my tent next to Watson and Holmes. And good night!
Date: 2009-08-20
From: Mispah/Nauman

To: Guyot Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Big day in the White. Weather was still holding, so I jumped out and started hiking with the intentions of getting to Garfield and meeting the wonderful caretaker Ryan before they shifted sites, but didn't make the miles. Climbed down the last peaks on the range, then strolled across Crawford Notch to find some amazing Trail Magic, care of Rock Hopper. After fueling up on sandwiches, sodas, and snacks, resumed the trail and had a reasonably flat path to Zealand Falls. Once again, tempted to stay, but had every intention to keep on to Garfield. Fatigue set in and I decided to bail for the night at Guyot, even with the .6 side trail straight down. Although spending the night alone in the treefort-esque shelter completely made up for it!
Date: 2009-08-21
From: Guyot Shelter

To: Garfield Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

So after a few stretches surveying my land from the tree fort I packed up and began to head out. Before I left though a protein-living section hiker decided to load me up with all his left over powerbars before they hiked out to their cars. In a typical pattern for NH, people decided I was far too innocent and meak to handle this trip alone, so they were guilted into providing me with snacks, and raised well by my parents, I tried to deny the offer, but caved due to the grumblies in my tumblies! So down the trail to Galehead Hut to be coldly eyed by the croo, but made friends with a group of 4 guys hiking, and they too fed me lots of snacks (but this time I donated a bandana to the bald member of the group...something about sweat streaming down his dome into his eyes...didn't sound too fun, and the bandana was clean, so eh, lighter pack!) Got to Garfield Shelter with every intention of continuing, but as luck would have it, the sky opened and dumped a few inches of rain and I lost all focus. Shelter filled quickly, but there was no caretaker due to a nasty saw injury and confusion in the shuffle, so we were happy to miss the 8 dollar fee, but no such luck as a dude hiked up around 2 am and was there in the morning waiting...grrr.
Date: 2009-08-22
From: Garfield Shelter

To: Lincoln
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Another weird day.Well the morning started out normal, a slip and slide up and over Lafayette, more pity food and safety lectures from section hikers, but great views across Franconia Ridge, even with the fog. Headed down the trail with the new issue of getting to town. (A solid rule I had was no hitchhiking alone...and that was about the only rule I stuck to all trail!) Well now, heading down the trail, a day hiker caught up as I stopped to talk with a few guys. Being the bold pain the butt I am, I asked him for a lift to town, to which he happily said yes. He even offered to bring me down to play in the natural slide in the Pemi and drinks and food at the Woodstick Inn. Awesome. Later on he started telling me that he felt my energy in the rocks and sped up on the trail to try and meet me. Really? ugh. Well he still dropped me off at laundry and I got started on the resupply and waitied for Sherpa John to show up! So off to a motel, jaccuzi, shower, and back to the Inn for dinner and beers. Then bounced off of an old friend from home that I played soccer with 4 years ago. NH is a small world. Sometimes it's best to just stay on the trail!
Date: 2009-08-23
From: Lincoln

To: Kinsman Pond Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: overcast clouds

So towns kill me. First to the gear shop to spend money. Then to dunkin' donuts to spend money. Then back to the trail. Got up to Lonesome Lake hut just as a drizzle started, so I decided to poke my head in a see if my last hut experience would be a good one. It was great! The croo provided myself, Gezza, and Top Shelf a sheet pan of chocolate cake, and we ate ourselves silly. Then the tummy ache began. Stupid town food. Dragged my butt to Kinsman pond, then curled up in the fetal position with the only reading material provided...some horrible book about the Supremes. But a beautiful shelter, and all to myself!
Date: 2009-08-24
From: Kinsman Pond Shelter

To: Gordon Pond
Miles today: 10.0

So another wierd day.Woke up to rain, so I was slow moving from the shelter. This provide a lovely youth pastor the chance to offload a bible on me as "improved trail reading" - he saw the Supremes book. Now I personally, I am not a religious person, but both my parents are, and my dad is one of the Gideons that passes out bibles everywhere...trust me, if I wanted a bible, I could just open his trunk and get one. However I don't want one, and it's heavy! Give me a poptart instead! Well seeing as he insisted I take it instead of asking, I didn't have a chance to say no politely, and I just took the thing and stuffed it in my pack. To anyone that picked it up at Hexacuba Shelter, you're welcome!But anyway, off to Beaver Brook. Well surprise! Ran into my old UNH summer backpacking instructor! (It wasn't all that much of a surprise as Sherpa John had told me about it- but it was still awesome!) Decided to swing a u-turn and hike with them to their campsite near Gordon Pond. The TA of the group, Meagan, and I became bestest friends when we came the the conclusion that we lived mirror lives and celebrated our 21st birthdays in the same small Chilean town. Had a good night of activities and re-lived the memories of my school hike!