morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-30
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Dinner at the hut last night was served family style, and that's just what it felt like. With me at one of the 3 tables were a young dad and his 8 year old son (they had been hiking together since the boy was 5), a couple from north Jersey who knew about the Pine Barrens and Batsto (one of my favorite places), 2 young fellows out for the weekend, a young lady from New York City who gets out into the woods every chance she gets, and a fellow on vacation with his young daughter and her friend. This is who I sat across from, and we struck up a lively conversation right away. Howard was interested in my thru-hike and had lots of questions. A few minutes into our chat he leaned towards me across the table, cocked his head and said, "I have a personal question for you and if you're uncomfortable with it, you don't have to answer", and he asked me why I was thru-hiking. I responded, telling him about the Bulletin article from the '70s, the 50th birthday present to myself, etc., then said, "You are either a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or an educator of one or the other". Bingo, he was a psychiatrist. After dinner Howard invited me to play rummy with him and the girls, but I excused my weary bones and went to bed.With the aid of ear plugs I had a good night sleep and was up at 6, packing my things so that as soon as breakfast was over, I could be on my way. Plugger and Bobbi were meeting me in Crawford Notch around 11am.The trail out to the notch was a real treat after the last 2 brutal days. It ran along an old railroad bed for over 5 miles and was mostly flat and rockless. I went 7.7 miles in less than 3 hours.I fell once near the end of my hike, landing hard on a small pointed rock with my right hand. Ouch.Plugger and Bobbi were waiting when I arrived and off we went. On the drive back to their house we went to the Mt. Washington Hotel, a historic early 1900s hotel that has recently been beautifully restored. We got to see the Cog Railroad going up the mountain while we were there.Next stop was Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center where they would collect me after my next leg of the trip. Plugger showed me where the trail comes out behind the Center and we got a map of Mt. Washington.Last but not least, we had lunch in North Conway at the Flat Bread restaurant. The wood fired pizza and salad that I had was delicious!At this point I could have fallen asleep standing up, but was able to hold on 'til 8:30pm.Plugger and I went over maps, mileage, and anything else we could think of, sitting at the kitchen table last night. The table looks like command central and I give Bobbi a lot of credit for putting up with us! She made another delicious dinner of steaks, corn on the cob, and a great tomato salad. I had said I wasn't hungry, but in true hiker style was able to eat everything on my plate. I sure could get used to home cooking.When I finally did hit the sheets it took all of 2 seconds for me to nod off to sleep.
Date: 2003-09-01
From: Lakes of the Clouds Hut

To: Mt. Washington
Miles today: 1.4

Slept in: Plugger and Bobbi's houseI awakened this morning at 5:00 when the kitchen noises started. I guess when you have 90+ guests to feed, you start early to prepare.I rolled out of my bunk at 6, gathered my gear and took it out into the main room with me. Karen and I were all packed and ready to go before breakfast was served at 7am.After eating we headed out into the wind, cloaked in our rain jackets, hats and gloves. It was the coldest wind chill I had felt since before summer started and it took me 15 minutes of walking uphill before I was comfortable. Mt. Washington was on our minds, and it didn't matter what the weather, we were excited to be there, excited to be alive.We walked and talked the 1.4 miles away, winding our way along the cairns that are set up along the trail to guide us through the rocks. Several times we sat on the quiet side of the rocks, down out of the wind and talked while we rested.It took us an hour and ten minutes to get to the summit and by the time we were there, we couldn't see 15 feet in front of our faces. We didn't even realized that we had arrived until we were right on top of a building.After spending an hour and a half in the Visitor's Center collecting my maildrop, eating, and writing postcards, we went back outside to get pictures in front of the summit sign before getting on the train.My original plan was to take the Lion Head trail back down to Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center to meet Plugger. But for the first time since starting my thru-hike, I was concerned for my safety. I didn't want to start out alone to find the trail in the fog, especially after reading the list of 125 people that had died on Mt. Washington.Karen had planned to take the Cog Railroad back to the parking lot where she had left her car the day before, so I decided to go down with her, then she took me around the mountain to the waiting Plugger.The ride down was entertaining and memorable. Our engineer was an attractive young fellow with a sick sense of humor. I don't think he was hugged enough as a child.We arrived in the parking lot to a sunny, 70 degree day, dressed like we had just gotten off the boat from the North Pole. We stripped off a layer or two before hopping in and heading around the mountain.Plugger was waiting when we arrived. I'm glad that 2 of my best supporters had the chance to meet! Karen and I said our goodbyes and after checking directions with Plugger, off she went to Boston.It was a wonderful walk through the White mountains so far, but this is where it will end for now, because I jump ahead to Stratton, Maine this week to ensure that I reach Katahdin and get home again before October 1st.The Smokies did nothing for me, there were no views because of the weather; I was too new, too wet, too cold to enjoy it. The Shenandoahs were beautiful, what I could see of them through the driving rain. The Berkshires cradled and rocked me, but the Whites made me feel alive, totally, absolutely, wide-awake alive! I'll look forward to returning to them next year.
Date: 2003-09-02
From: Plugger's House

To: Plugger's House
Miles today: 0.0

I took a much needed zero day today. Plugger and I ran a few errands, went to Dunkin' Donuts (he's a very bad influence on me) and we met Bobbi in Wolfeboro for dinner.We went over my itinerary for the remainder of the trip and tomorrow we'll put together my remaining food drops and get them in the mail.It felt good to be without my pack and boots today. My feet feel good from using the "football" that Karen gave me yesterday. It's a small blue ball with short, soft spikes coming out of it. You put it on the floor and roll it all over with your foot. Maybe this will be the answer I've been searching for all along!
Date: 2003-09-04
From: Wakefield, NH

To: Stratton, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Plugger and I left Wakefield around 8am and after stopping at Dunkin' Donuts (again!), headed to Stratton, Me. where I would pick up the last leg of "Diane's Great Adventure" as my Main Street Center family calls it.We drove through Gorham, NH and on the way through town picked up Kodiak, Toothpick, and his brother Timber and took them back to the trailhead several miles out of town.After arriving in Stratton, we stopped at the bank, P.O. (my camera disk had not yet arrived), grocery, and the White Wolf Inn where I got a room for the night.We had lunch at the Inn and Plugger left for home. My jaunt through the Whites was made so enjoyable in part by the kindness and generosity of Bobbi and Plugger O'Brien. I had met Plugger March 15th, my first day on the trail. By Hiawassee, he was off the trail and going for surgery, suddenly turned from a thru-hiker to a section hiker. But friendships made on the trail stand the test of time and miles, and this is a friendship that will last our lifetime.
Date: 2003-09-05
From: Stratton, ME

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After collecting my camera disk from the Post Office (which didn't open until 9:30!) in Stratton, Maine and sending Nate the full one (there are new pics in the photo section) I crossed the street in front of the P.O. and stuck my thumb out for the first time in over a month. I still hate to hitch, especially alone. Several cars passed me by and I turned around to start walking the 5 miles back to the trailhead when a couple that had been in the P.O. stopped for me.Bob and Sandy Schipper asked where I was from and when I told them "Originally south Jersey" they were familiar with the Stone Harbor area and had even been in my Great Uncle Spike's Fisher Hardware Store in the downtown area. It's a small world.The Schippers run Kibby Kamps, a hunting and fly fishing camp an hour outside of Stratton, Me. They drive all the way to Farmington for supplies. I told them that Jack and I were going to fly fishing school next year so they just may see us someday.It felt good to be back on the trail after several days off. The sun was shining and it promised to be a beautiful day. My Dad always loved Maine and I can see why.I stopped for lunch 3 hours later at the Horns Pond Lean-tos. I had gotten a package of corn tortillas and some pepper jack cheese and three of them made a good lunch with a Cheerio breakfast bar for desert.No-one was on the trail this morning but 2 south bounders with their dog, Wes. Wes was headed home from Stratton; his owner was too concerned for his well-being on the big rocky trails and knew it would only get worse the farther south he hiked. After hiking the White Mountains I think he made the right decision.After lunch I met an older couple out for a 12 mile loop hike and 2 brothers from Mass. out for a week of day hikes from a base camp close by. I hiked with the brothers up Bigelow Mt. and had them take my pic at the peak. I didn't stay long, It was very cold with a 35-40 mph sustained wind. As soon as I was off the summit and tucked behind the windward side, it got quiet and calm again.I arrived at the Avery Memorial Campsite a little before 5pm. There is no shelter for hikers here, only a care taker's cabin and tent sites so I set up my tent on a tent platform for the 1st time and cooked a Mountain House Lasagna for dinner. I was in my tent by 6pm listening to the wind howl through the col (or gap as they called them down south). It may prove to be one of my coldest nights yet. My fingers are freezing as I type on the pocketmail. It will be a hat and glove night, even in the tent! Tomorrow my plan is to go 15 more miles.
Date: 2003-09-07
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0

I awakened early and just listened to the pond lap onto the shoreline. At 6:30 I crawled out of my sleeping bag and ate a breakfast bar as I packed up. Before we left Gazer played The Morning Song on his flute, which sounded so nice there in the woods.We headed out around 7:30 and enjoyed the warm temperatures and sunshine.Several Days before, I had strained my left knee on the 2 mile steep downhill from Avery Peak. It was a little fussy off and on in the morning, but by this afternoon was causing a real problem. I haven't had problems with my knees the entire trip, so this was a surprise and disappointment.Gazer slowed his pace for me the last 2-3 miles down to the Kennebec River while I limped my way down the steep decline.We arrived at the water's edge 15 minutes before the ferryman started her shift at 3:00. The orange flag that is provided for hikers wanting to cross the river was hung from my hiking pole and the pole stuck in the ground. We settled down to rest and eat a snack while we waited.The water was rising when we arrived and by the time the canoe came across, it was high and the current swift. When we pulled away from the bank after donning life jackets and signing waivers, we had to paddle upstream, then across, then we were carried downstream by the swift current to our landing place with a white blaze.I had taken my boots off across the river so the .3 flat miles into Caratunk was done in my Waldies.The Caratunk House appeared just in time; I couldn't have walked much farther on my sore knee. It's a beautiful 1800s house run as a hiker B&B by a thru-hiker Paul, "One Braid".Gazer and I are sharing the barn loft with a southbound section hiker named No Show from Wisconsin. Two Steps, whom I haven't seen since March is here with her hiking partner. We all went to dinner together tonight.I will zero tomorrow, ice and elevate my knee and hope for the best.
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 0.0

Gazer hiked out on this beautiful morning and I spent the day with my knee elevated and iced for 15 minutes out of every hour, watching video movies. I swapped e-mails with my physical therapy asst. brother, John and sister, Barbara. They gave me advice, massage techniques, and stretches to do while I recovered. Thanks guys!Paul lined me up with an ace bandage which helped tremendously. Paul also has a huge yellow lab named Bailey and a cat named The Beast which are a big help!Sharing the loft tonight are No Show and a southbound section hiker named Lauren. In the main house are 2 more section hikers and 2 dogs.I met Snotrocket and Dingleberry today for the first time and want to say thanks to her Dad for following my journal What a name for such a pretty girl!I'll see how my knee feels in the morning and decide then what to do.
Date: 2003-09-09
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 5.7

After another delicious breakfast made by Paul, I did a slackpack from about 6 miles out, hiking with only 10 lbs. on my back to test my knee. It did well with the ace bandage on, and only caused me pain on several occasions.I was back at the hostel in 2 hours, iced and elevated my knee, and took some ibuprofen.With me tonight are: Sparky, Harmon and Medicine Man; kids that I haven't seen in months, and Giggles. Nimble and a few others stopped by for burgers but hiked on to the next shelter for the night.Things look good for a departure tomorrow morning!
Date: 2003-09-10
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-To

To: Bald Mt. Brok Lean-To
Miles today: 9.0

After a breakfast of French toast, scrambled eggs, the best home fries ever, fresh fruit and blueberry muffins baked this morning, Paul drove me to Pleasant Pond Rd. where I had started my 5+ mile slack pack yesterday.Another beautiful day awaited and I was anxious to get going. I hiked from 9:15 until 12:00 when I took my first break. I had been passed by Pony Boy and Nimble earlier on and Wanderer and Dingleberry right before stopping at noon.When I reached Pleasant Pond Dingleberry and Wanderer were there eating lunch so I stopped to chat for a bit. While I was there Snot Rocket joined us. They were still eating when I took off 15 minutes later. I would eat when I reached Bald Mt. Brook Shelter about 3 miles out.The trail followed Pleasant Pond Rd. for a short way before crossing the outlet for the pond and heading up into the woods. It was here that Wally Gator passed me.I reached the shelter around 2:30pm which is usually way too early to stop for the day, but I didn't want to push my knee, it had done so well for 9 miles. The ace bandage and technique that my sister had suggested for ups and downs (knee over second toe) had worked wonders for me.It's only going into the 50s tonight, 20 degrees warmer than the last 2 nights so sleeping should be very comfortable.Wildflower heard that I was in the area and stopped into the shelter to see me. What a sweet kid she is!With me in the shelter tonight are: Tampopo, Field, M, and Sparky. Disco and Glide are tenting.Everyone seems to have the 20th in mind for summitting. It's going to be a real zoo up there! I see it as a more personal thing and hope for someone else to be there so that we can take pictures of each other, but I would rather not be part of a big "gang".Most people are slowing down, anxious for it to be finished, but at the same time not wanting this adventure to be over. Many people zeroed 1 or 2 days in Caratunk, reading, watching movies, and playing in the hot tub at the Outdoor Center.Everyone on the trail that I see now is happy, and I understand that completely.
Date: 2003-09-11
From: Bald Mt. Brok Lean-To

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another day of moose nuggets all over the trail and no moose! Everyone is seeing moose but me.The weather is wonderful, sunny and warm. Unfortunately, the warm weather allows the mosquitoes to feast on us. I sent my Ben's 100% Deet home along with my mosquito head net. Boy, I sure could use them now.I hiked most of the day with Sparky whom I had met back in the Daleville area and hadn't seen since.I had my 1st ford today across the West Branch of the Piscataquis River. It hasn't rained but once on several weeks so the crossing was quite tame. I removed my boots and shoes, tied them to the back of my pack, and waded out into the water. It was cold but only about 2' deep at its deepest. Tomorrow morning I'll be fording the East Branch which is 50' across.Tonight I'm at the Horsehoe Canyon Lean-To with: Sparky, M, 56 and Catori, Disco and Glide, and Timber (the female).I wish it was a little cooler tonight to take care of the mosquitoes. The fire I built works great to keep them away if you're sitting right in front of it, but here in the shelter, they are horrendous!Tomorrow I'll do 9 miles into Monson, spend the night at Shaw's (if there's room), get my food drop, and head into the 100 mile wilderness on Saturday. Gosh, this trip is coming to an end quickly.
Date: 2003-09-12
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

It got cold during the night and I just couldn't bring myself to take off my tights and put my skirt on this morning....so I didn't.I hiked out in my fleece and hat too, and wasn't looking forward to the river fording that we had in about 2 miles.The morning was beautiful, again. The trail Gods are smiling on us for all that weather we had in the beginning of our hikes.The East Branch of the Piscataquis was 50' wide, but so low from the lack of rain these past 2 weeks that Disco, Glide, Sparky and I were able to rock hop our way across.It was noon when we arrived at Maine Rt. 15. A couple in a little pick up truck stopped, we hopped into the bed of the truck, and they took us the 3 miles into Monson.I didn't know what to expect here, I've never been this far north in Maine. Monson is a nice little town and the people are friendly and helpful to hikers.We, along with about 15 others, are staying at Shaw's Boarding House tonight. I'll eat one of Mrs. Shaw's famous breakfasts in the morning then head out into the 100 mile wilderness.Wow, I've waited so long to say those words!
Date: 2003-09-13
From: Monson, ME

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I awakened to the smell of bacon cooking around 5am. My bedroom at Shaw's was right over the kitchen. At 6am Keith Shaw knocked on my door to let me know that breakfast was ready. My order was for "one around". That meant hash browns, one egg, one blueberry pancake, one sausage link, one slice of ham, and one piece of bacon. Most got "two around", but I can't hike on a full stomach. Of course there was plenty of coffee and juice too.Keith took Sparky and me to the trailhead at 8am and we started our climb immediately. The plan was to do a 15 mile day today because they were calling for rain on Sunday and that would be a shorter mileage day, getting us out of the rain sooner.The first 10 miles were a series of roller coaster type hills, not too difficult. We stopped for lunch at the Little Wilson Falls. There were 2 day hikers with a German Short-haired Pointer already there when we arrived. We spoke for a bit then they went off to their camp at the lower end of the falls. Two more day hikers arrived while we were there. They had lots of thru-hiker questions, then asked us if we wanted to share their joint. We graciously declined, then ate our lunch while they did their thing. Our 1st day in the 100 Mile "Wilderness" and we see 4 day hikers and 2 ATVs!56 and Katouri joined us and we took pictures of the falls before heading out.At the Big Wilson Stream we had to remove our boots and socks to ford. I wore my Waldies because my feet are impossible to walk on barefoot anymore. I'm walking on bones now that the fat tissue from the balls of my feet has moved up under my toes. Anyway, I tied my boots to the back of my pack, undid my waist belt buckle just in case I had to get rid of my pack in a hurry, and off I went. The water was cold, so cold that by the time I reached the other side my feet were numb, which is a good thing. It was the best that they had felt in hours, so I kept them in the water for a while after fording.While we were there with 56 and Katouri, Vagabond, Baby Steps, and Found joined us. We had a real nice break from the heat of the day, but with 5 more miles to go we needed to head out.Next stop was a quick one at the Wilson Valley Lean-To, just to sign the register, then we were on our way again.The last 4.7 miles were the toughest of the day; rocks, roots, up, down, up, down, roots, rocks. Sparky and I arrived at camp right before 7pm. I put my tent up immediately and took my food to the shelter to enjoy the camaraderie of the others for dinner.I didn't get back to my tent until 8:30, very late for me, and toyed with the idea of not writing my journal tonight, I'm so tired and miserable over my dawgs, but did anyway, so now it's finished and I won't have 2 to worry about tomorrow which is only an 11 mile day, thank God.