morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Lonesome Lake Hut

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

I woke up in the middle of the night to nature's call and the sky was absolutely beautiful. It was clear and I could see a million stars. It was also warmer than when I went to bed. I hope this means that it will be good weather for hiking today. Grizzly Bear and Combat are in the bunk next to me and oblivious to the fact that the walls are paper thin. So this is what guys talk about when not in the presence of a female. I call them on it this morning at breakfast and we all laugh. The Croo puts on another hilarious skit and the pancakes here are the best in the hut system. The weather is beautiful today and so I must make myself pack up and leave this wonderful hut. I'm off to Gordon Pond today and hopefully Glencliff tomorrow. I so desparately want a shower and to do laundry. Yes, it has been 16 days since I did laundry. Gross, I know. I can hear Tommy Firesheets shrieking when he learns this. "Oh...my...GAWD! She hasn't washed her clothes in over two weeks? Na-asty!" I'm considering buying a $28 AMC t-shirt just to have something clean to wear. But, I think I will wait until Hanover for new clothes. I'll just have to stink a few days longer.I finally leave the hut around 11. I've got to get back in the habit of leaving early! The two miles up to North Kinsman Mtn are easy. I can't believe how easy the uphill feels for me. I stop at the Kinsman Pond shelter to read the register and get a snack. Some folks from the hut are there and we chat. The pond is really pretty, but the temperature is dropping and I must move on. Up to South Kinsman where the views are good, although Moosilauke looks intimidating. Now its time for the awful downhill and it is really awful. In fact the entire 3 miles down the mountain to the shelter suck. Its awful rocky and rooty and slippery and miserable. So much for going to Gordon Pond. I'm staying at Eliza Brook shelter tonight and I'll be in Glencliff on Thursday.Eliza Brook shelter is packed with hikers. Combat and Grizzly Bear are there - so much for them going to Beaver Brook. Five nobos are there as well as one nobo's dad and brother. Plus, there are two other groups of hikers. The nobos remark that the shelter is as full as those in GA back in March. It's kinda fun, sharing stories and quoting movie lines. The big talk is Samuel L. Jackson's movie, Snakes on Planes. They also tell me that the trail is awful from here to Glencliff. I'm already dreading Moosilauke and now they tell me how horrible the hike was for them. Okay, I'm definately getting up early tomorrow!
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Glencliff - Hiker's Welcome Hostel

To: Glencliff - Hiker's Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the morning doing laundry, updating my journals and responding to emails, packing up all my stuff and figuring out what food to take and what to send forward. Bag of Tricks offers to drive my box of food and such to Hanover and deliver it to Baltimore Jack's house for me to pick up instead of me sending it to the PO. Saves me some money. So its about 4 when I am ready to head out, which is fine since I am only planning to go 6 miles. But then Ffej, one of the guys who runs the hostel comes back from rock climbing and announces that there is going to be a free bluegrass jam session tonight with the fiddler from last night's open mic night. Well, twist my arm if you have to, but this kind of entertainment is right up my alley, so it looks like I am not hiking anywhere today. Bag of Tricks, Combat, Ffej, a section hiker named Ryan, and I head out to Monroe, NH to this house in the boonies, park in a field, and go into the attached to the house shed. The shed is so eclectic. There is vintage bric-a-brac all over the wall, old music fliers on the walls, music sheet cabinets stacked on top of each other, musical megaphones hanging from the ceiling, one lone microphone and a pot belly stove in the middle of the room. There are more musicians than people in the audience. The musicians start jamming, each artist taking a turn leading the group or performing a solo. I am amazed at their talent as a group and as individuals. Many of the musicians play more than one instrument and they switch out instruments depending on the song. Well, a few local brews in me and its not long before I am ready to cut a rug on the dance floor; only there is no rooom for dancing as the shed is full of musicians. I'll have to settle for standing and dancing in place, tapping my toes, clapping my hands, and singing along with the songs I know.The jam seesion goes on for hours, but its after midnight and we have at least a forty minute drive back to the hostel. We break into a bag of chips and a container of dip before heading out and Bag of Tricks D-Dial's my ex and his old friend. Sorry WC for any inconvenience. It really wasn't my idea to call you at 1 in the morning.Since I had planned to hike out today, I had given up my bunk to another hiker. Bag of Tricks offered me his already set up tent (he was staying in the main house), so its out to the tent I head when we arrive back at 2 am. So much fun. See hiking the AT isn't all about rocks, frogs, bugs, rain, and being smelly. There is a ton of opportunity to cut loose and have fun, you just have to be open to the opportunity.
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Glencliff - Hiker's Welcome Hostel

To: NH 25 A Road
Miles today: 9.8

A little tired after last night's festivities, but luckily for me, I rarely get hangovers, and today is no different. I am hiking today, but Bag of Tricks has offered to slack pack me, a nice way to ease back into the groove after the party and late hour last night. Ffej was going to go for a hike today, so I asked him if he wanted to hike with me. Thought it might be nice to have someone to talk to while hiking, although in this case, it will be me mostly listening I gather as Ffej is never at a loss for words. And if he hikes as fast as he talks we'll be done with our 10 miles in no time!So Ffej and I get dropped off and begin our hike. We stop in at the Ore Hill Shelter and meet two nobos, Black Snake from Ireland by way of Texas and Lone Star also from Texas. We visit with them for a while and then take off. Black Snake hikes with us for a while and it is really nice to have company on the trail. At the next road crossing, Black Snake and Lone Star leave us as we partake in some refreshments. No worries, we will see them later at the hostel. As we approach the trail to the summit of Mt. Mist, there is sign directing us to a view, but if we go check out the view, we should beware of tourists. Obviously, this is the DOC's failed attempt at humor. You see there is hardly a view and hardly any chance that tourists would make the climb to this mountain at an elevation of only 2220'. We head down Mt. Mist to Wachipauka Pond and dip our feet in the water. Too cold to do more than that as the sun is behind the trees.It seems like the last mile or so will never end, mostly because Ffej keeps telling me that the road will be just around the bend. It must be about 50 bends in the trail before we actually get to the road that will take us to the hostel.Well, we thought that we would be going to a Bar-b-q festival upon returning from our hike, but it was over by 5 and from what Bag of Tricks and Combat reported, not very interested in selling the sandwiches as they couldn't get served. A little confusion about dinner plans and shuttles meant a late meal, but good take out from the Twig. I ordered another bacon cheeseburger but ths time with onion rings and we all ordered pizza. However, the fellas thought my choice of toppings was too froo-froo, so all the leftovers will be hiking the trail with me tomorrow!
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Smarts Mtn Firewarden's Cabin

To: Moose Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I wake up early and instead of figiting around in the cabin waking everyone up, I pick up my stuff and take it outside to pack up. A nobo named AT, laughs and says that I should have just stayed inside and awakened everyone. But, I don't want to give sobos a bad reputation! Off toward Hanover, probably as far as Moose Mountain. The weather is damp and overcast, but pretty warm.There are a ton of ledges to cross and descend on the way from Smarts to Moose. No good views though, only the clouds rising out of the mountains looking like smoke escaping out of a chimney. I have noticed that with the change in elevation came a change in flora and fauna. Gone are the christmas trees and in are the ferns. Gone are the rocks and roots and in is the soft dirt. Gone is the whistle of the white breasted swallow and in is the chirpping of crickets. Out is the tightness in my knees and in is a new twinge in my knees. It seems that my knees are having to adjust to walking on flat terrain. I'm definitely able to walk faster and more comfortably (sometimes even without my poles), but I am a little concerned about the twinge in my knee.At the Moose Mountain Shelter are three New York section hikers. They offer a different perspective to hiking; cigarettes, alcohol, cell phones, etc. They share the shelter with me and we chat bit. I enjoy the last two pieces of pizza for dinner and then hit the sack about 7:30. The men admit to snoring so let's hope I fall asleep before they do!
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Moose Mtn Shelter

To: Hanover - Well, Lebanon, NH
Miles today: 11.0

The shelter was enveloped in a cloud this morning. The New Yorkers consider altering their itinerary as one of them does not want to walk in the rain. They pack up and decide to reconsider their plans at the next shelter. I eat breakfast, but then fall back asleep as they discuss their plans. I do make it out of the shelter by 10. A nobo named Lumber camped in the shelter area last night stops at the shelter for breakfast and we chat a bit. He had stayed at Baltimmore Jack's place when in Hanover and gives me directions as I will need to stop by there to pick up my box that Bag of Tricks is bringing from Glenclif.The trail is easy and quite enjoyable. It did not rain as the NY-ers predicted. The cloud lifted and the fog of morning turned into overcast skies for the afternoon. I think I actually averaged 2 miles an hour so maybe I am acquiring those sought after trail legs. I passed by the Velvet Rocks and stopped at the Velvet Rocks shelter. This area is so named because there are huge boulders covered with vegetation that really does make them look like they are covered in green velvet. The shelter is not worth the hike up to it. It's small and has no register, but it does have a wine key, mistletoe, duct tape and a Star Wars book. Not sure I want to know why these items were left here. Crazy antics of college students comes to mind though. Another 0.5 mile of trail and I am in Hanover. The trail follows the road right through town. I head to the PO to pick up my bounce box. Its pretty busy, so I have a pleasant conversation with a lady in line and answer all the usual questions. Then I walk across the street to the gas station and call Paul. Hooray, he can come get me! I am so excited to hang out with him and his wife Kristen. While I wait for him to arrive, I call home and chat with dad.Paul arrives and we drive to Baltimore Jack's to pick up my box. Baltimore Jack actually is a guest of a fellow named Dave who's property is grandfathered into the middle of the Tanzie Nature Preserve. Paul had no idea the nature preserve was located off this road, but once at the house was able to recognize that he had seen this property on a hike from the other side of the stream. Bag of Tricks is there and we chat with him until Baltimore Jack and three nobos arrive. There is some discussion about giving the nobos a ride into town, but it comes down that we will just give one of them, Mousehat, a ride to pick up a package. Then we are off to Paul's house. Kristen is there and greets me with a warm hello. She has even prepared the guest room with special treats for me: York Peppermint Patties, liquid bath soap, a loofah, and a candle. They let me take a shower first and then we sit and chat and have spaghetti for dinner. We make plans for tomorrow and then head to bed. The guest bed is made with the softest sheets and a warm duvet comforter. I know I will sleep like an angel tonight!
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Hanover - Well, Lebanon, NH

To: NH/VT state line
Miles today: 0.5

Up around 7:30 to start organizing my stuff. Paul and Kristen took off for work, but Paul left me his cell phone so that I could make some phone calls. Wouldn't you know it, just about everyone I called, I got their voice mail! I did a load of laundry and worked on uploading pictures to my website. I also colored my hair. It's been over two months and the gray is more than I can handle. My wonderful stylist, Addie, sent me directions and supplies and it was easy and turned out pretty nice. Nothing feels better than washing that gray right out of your hair!Paul came home around lunchtime and we ate and then went to EMS to see about getting me some new gear. I picked up a new wool shirt (hopefully this one will not be as smelly as the polyester one it is replacing), Superfeet insoles and new shoes. The shoes look like golf or soccer or bowling shoes, not hiking shoes, but hopefully they will work better than my boots. We next went to Wal-mart or Sprawl-mart as Paul calls it and I picked up a few odds and ends. Before heading back to the house, we stop in at Paul's work. He works in an old building right on the town square and can walk to work from his house. Then we head back to the house and wait for Kristen to get home from work.I had mentioned my craving for Mexican food and that's where we head for dinner. It is soooo good! Not Tex-Mex or an Americanized version of Mexican, but the real deal with servers who speak in spanish. This place totally hits the spot. Then we head into Hanover and park near the PO where I had left the trail yesterday and walk to the NH/VT state line. Despite being a little chilly in shorts, it is a beautiful night. The Connecticut River is the state border and the bridge over the river is very pretty. The stars are out and its very peaceful. We take some pictures and head back to the car and to the house. Two states down, twelve more to go!
Date: 2006-08-31
From: NH/VT state line

To: W. Hartford, VT
Miles today: 9.4

Paul offered to slackpack me today and we head to the CT river where I will begin today's hike. He drops me off and tells me about a little store just past the trail down the road in Norwich. I follow the trail/road under the expressway and into Norwich. Norwich is an adorable little town where students ride their bikes to school and the streets have sidewalks. I stop in Dan & Whit's, the kind of store that has a little of everything from a deli to fishing supplies, frozen foods to sweatshirts and dishes. I pick up a chicken salad with walnuts and cranberries sandwich and some delicious cream and jelly filled doughnuts for breakfast and lunch. Then I head back down the road to get back on the trail. Before the trail turns back into the woods, it follows a residential street with houses that would fit right in in old Buckhead. Very lovely. The trail is nice, not muddy, not strenuous, very peaceful with these lovely stone walls that mark property lines. Very olde English looking. I stop at the Happy Hill Shelter for lunch. It's really nice, with a loft level and is made of stone and even has a window. I leave the shelter and seem to be making good time. The new shoes seem to be fine too, although I feel a shin splint coming on and I feel like I need more cushion under the balls of my feet. Maybe I'll switch out the inserts. At one point, I stopped to adjust the radio stations on my walkman, and as I am gettin up and adjusting my pack, I look up to see a naked man hiking toward me! At first, I am surprised because I heard nothing and saw nothing until he was right in front of me. Then I realized I was shocked because he was naked! I've heard of naked hiking, in fact, the summer solstice is known as hike naked day, but that was two months ago. The guy says to me, "Don't mind my outfit. Hope it doesn't offend you," and keeps walking. What if I had said I was offended? Would he have put on clothes? I just laugh as I keep walking, kind of wondering if it was all real or just imagined.I cross under the interstate and follow some roads for a while, one of them has the humorous name of "Podunk Road," and get to the White River Bridge which is where I will end today's hike. Paul and Kristen have friends that live on the river and have asked them if I can hang out at their beach while I wait for Pual to pick me up. It is a lovely spot and I lounge on a beach chair sunbathing and catching up on my trail journals.Paul shows up and we walk over to his friends house and I am introduced to them. The fellow is a chef and has a wonderful organic garden and lets us pick some vegetables to take home for dinner. Paul and I stop by the grocery on the way back to the house and then we grill up a fabulous dinner, buffalo burgers and fresh veggies. Then we all sit and relax and watch Antonio Banderas teach intercity high school kids how to ballroom dance in, "Take the Lead." I stay up a little later still trying to get all my pictures organized and then off to bed.
Date: 2006-09-01
From: W. Hartford, VT

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in to 8:30 this morning. Did not even hear Paul and Kristen lave for work. I rushed to get all of my stuff packed so Paul could take me back to the trail today. I have way too much town stuff! I get all my boxes ready for the PO and we take off around 2. There are tons of people at the PO - I guess because its Labor Day weekend. Then we stop at a deli and I pick up a sandwich and then before I know it, I'm saying good by to my friend and trail angel and am hiking south. Thanks so much Paul and Kristen for everything! Since it has gotten on in the day, I head to the first shelter, Thistle Hill, about 5 miles down the trail. This section of trail has lots of tall pines and bushes of touch-me-not flowers. It has some steep sections, but it is so nice to have dry soft dirt to tread upon. The mosquitoes are bad at the shelter, so I set up my hammock. There is a couple also tenting at the shelter, the guy section hiking and the girl there to cross the VT/NH state line with him. They are pleasant to chat with. Day two with the new shoes and I am realizing that they don't have a lot of cushion in them and my left heel slides up and down. Maybe after they get broken in a bit more, they will feel better. As I was drifting off to sleep in my hammock, I heard a four legged animal traipse by. I wonder what it was. Hhmmmm.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 11.6

I woke up at a decent time, but didn't crawl out of the hammock for a while. I had a great breakfast of leftover doughnuts and mac 'n cheese. I was on the trail by 10 and the weather is overcast and cool. The terrain today is a lot of pud's, a lot of meadows, and a lot of farms. There really aren't any good views today. The trail is pretty empty of hikers too. I saw two families of day hikers, one of which stops me and asks me lots of questions about my thru-hike. Then I saw a nobo, Short Circuit at a road crossing and give him a map I no longer need. I cross my first style, a tripod like ladder that allows hikers to climb over farm fences. I also pass by my first pasture of cow patties! Exciting stuff, I know! Later, I pass a trail runner and his dog. I spot his dog first, a gentle animal, but it spooked me at first because I had not seen another person or animal in miles or hours and then all of a sudden I see this large black animal running out in front of me. I think my initial reaction was that maybe it was a bear or moose. Anyway, the hiker, who is quite handsome (but married) is friendly and asks if there are more hikers out and about. He has a summer house in Woodstock and must be up here for the holiday weekend from CT, I think he said. I move on to the shelter and there is an older couple just finishing up dinner. I had passed them yesterday on my way to Thistle Hill - they had set up their tent not realizing how close they were to the shelter. They are so sweet and offer me some cool aid. Their names are Lenny and Susan, they are from NY and they are out doing a nine day section hike. Lenny keeps offering me food because he does not want to carry it.It's about dark and two more hikers arrive, High Tec and Crescent City. They have just completed about 20 miles and are very tired. We offer them space in the shelter but both decide to set up their tents. We exchange lots of information about the trail south and north. The weather turns cool and rain is expected but the moon is out for now.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Again, I am up early with the other hikers but I am the last to leave. It is raining hard, Tropical Storm Ernesto having hit New England and I think I will wait to see if it lets up any. I spent the morning packing up and journaling. I finally leave deciding I am just going to have to get wet. I am tired today - the trail has no views today, just lots of ups and downs, but I make it to the shelter around 4 (averaging about 2 mi per hour - good job!) and Lenny and Susan are there as well. The rain is finally letting up.Six nobos straggle in: Clambone, Poke, Danger Dave, Wink, Egon, and Spirit (a female). Three of them know each other from school and the other three have just joined in having hiked at the same pace and all having just graduated from college. You can tell they are a tight group that have shared a lot of experiences together. They are young and full of vigor and excitement. Clambone says he is envious of my ability to take my time and enjoy my hike. I asked him why he didn't go south as it would have worked out better timing for him as he just graduated from college and he admits what most hikers give as a reason for walking north - Katahdin. Yes, a mountain top with a view like Katahdin does offer a climatic finish to a four to six month journey. But so does coming home to a gathering of family and friends....you (my family and friends) will be there at Springer to meet me when I finish, right????!!!!!It's still raining as we all squeeze into the shelter to go to sleep, but we have heard a forecast that tomorrow the sun will come out.