morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-28
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 137 -- We actually got out at a decent time, although I'm not sure exactly when since the watch that Fivel gave me broke. We passed the ladies we stayed with last night on the way down the mountain. Then we got to climb Bear Mountain, which kicked my butt when I did the Long Trail (LT) a couple years ago. This time, though, was different. It could've done it again, but I knew what to expect and my mental game was lookin' good. We stopped for a rest at Minerva Hinchey Shelter, where Lambswool and Javanipp did the same soon after. We finally left the shelter (after Wrongway finished piddling around) and went down the rest of the mountain, crossed the Clarendon Gorge, and met the ladies in the parking lot by the road. We hiked with them to the Clarendon Shelter, had lunch, met Ann and Peggy (work in school system in/near Burlington, sectioning the LT), and went on our way. The sky followed through with its threats and rained on us, but it was just enough to cool us off, really-felt good. Around the '500 miles to go' point, Mad Hatter was throwing a Tea Party with peanut butter crackers and Coca-Cola. It sure did wet our whistle, fill us with energy, and helped keep our tumsters happy. A little bit later we came to the Governor Clement Shelter where Sweet Water and Liquid Fly (SOBO AT) were drying/warming themselves by the fire--nice guys. The climb up Killington was a bit harder this time though, but only because I was tired before hiking it this time. I seem to do better hiking in the morning than after lunch, generally speaking. We could see the summit at various points and it looked like there was a big, dark cloud over it. We wondered if it was raining there, but when we arrived, no rain, and no room in Cooper Lodge. We tented on the platforms up the mountain from the lodge, and met Red Beard and Zen (LT).
Date: 2008-07-29
From: Cooper Lodge

To: VT 4
Miles today: 6.3

Day 138 -- Even though we were going to town it took a while to get started today. The original plan was to be up for sunrise, which we were, BUT it was foggy so we didn't go up...big bummer since I didn't go up there last night because dinner was #1 on my mind and I was still all sweaty and it was windy. Once we got moving, we still moved pretty slowly down the mountain. I wasn't really feeling well (sore throat and headache) and it seemed like forever until we got to the bottom. We passed the two LT section hikers from lunch (they're shuttling) towards the bottom. Wrongway washed up at the stream by the road and we headed out to VT 4, hoping for a ride. We asked a dayhiker who was returning to his car, but, after crossing some language barriers, he said he was heading in the other direction. We walked a bit down the road, and got lucky because the bus (only runs every two hours or so) was coming down the road, and stopped for us. On it we saw Ramen and met Thought Criminal and Red, who helped us find the hiker hostel once we got to Rutland. We showered and found the Rutland Restaurant for lunch, because we were hungry (we are always hungry). We downed burgers and an egg and toast. I also had sausage and fries...I was skeptical at first about whether I could eat it all. It was slow towards the end, but I made it. We then shopped for food (saw Frank from Sutton's Place a couple of times) and then I crashed back at the Back Home Again Hostel. I slept for over two hours (I hadn't been feeling well all day). When I got up, I organized my food and called Mom while rolling toilet paper...no, I wasn't on the toilet. TP rolls are too much to carry, so we only take part of a roll--so I was taking it off the given roll and making my own smaller roll. When Wrongway returned from his errand we had a fantastic breakfast at the Back Home Again Cafe, downstairs. I had a great Lentil Soup and bread, a stellar salad (oh, the greens!) with a great dressing, and a really good turkey sandwich. I also had a bit of Wrongway's carrot cake a la mode--what a great place to eat! Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. All this, coupled with really feeling that my body needs a day off, led to us deciding to zero here tomorrow. I, being the planner and worrier of our pair, was hesitant at first because we were talking about aiming for September 9, my birthday, to summit--which would be pretty cool. Wrongway reminded me that (although it seems like a job sometimes) this is like a vacation trip, to really enjoy. I came into it with that mindset, but I'm an on-the-move kinda girl--hard for me to just sit and relax sometimes. BUT I also came into this with no deadline. INTENTIONALLY...I didn't want to have to rush back to a job or anything else. I wanted to be able to stop when I need/want to, go when I want to, and smell the roses. Sidenote: Yea for great friends who know the real you, accept you as you are (remind you of it when necessary), and invite you to grow in so many differnt ways.
Date: 2008-07-30
From: VT 4

To: VT 4
Miles today: 0.0

Day 139 -- I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, probably because I napped for so long yesterday plus just having tons of thoughts running through my head. Then I slept 'till about 5:30 (normal wake-up time for me) and tossed and turned until 7:15 when I showered, got ready for breakfast, and chatted with Creek Diver, Shelter Monkey, and Snake Whisperer, the latter two hoping to get slackpacked today by Tom. We met Emina downstairs (a community member) as well as Mr. Gentle Spirit. I also convinced Wrongway, on his way to the Post Office, to have breakfast with us. We had a great, healthy breakfast of granola, yogurt, fruit, bread, and Mate--woohoo! Something different and healthy--I love it! At breakfast I met Adam (a community member) and were joined by other members as well. After breakfast I did work for stay for my second night (donating for the first night, since I wasn't feeling well.) I swept and mopped the Cafe's floors and got to know some of the community members better including Jasmine (one waitress from last night), Shalteil, Zahara, and Jeremiah. I decided to stay a little longer and help out a bit more, met John (a neighbor), had a fantastic macaroni, and enjoyed everyone's friendly, uplifting company. Shaltiel at the Back Home Again Cafe.I then called Wrongway on his way back from The Sandwich Shoppe, went to the library, and then went back to The Sandwich Shoppe because I hadn't eaten yet. We talked to the employees for a while and then headed out to wander around. Our last bit of business was to stop at the Bioterminal to find out when the earliest bus leaves for the trail area (A: 7:15--that's our goal--any bets on whether we'll be out on time or not? :>) ). On our way back we stopped to talk to Shaltiel and Adam who were hanging out outside, went upsairs to chill (which didn't last for long) and then went down to the cafe where I journaled and wrote postcards. We went and got ice cream from the food store and then had dinner (pizza night at the cafe!) with Shelter Monkey and Snake Whisperer. I got to talk to Ranan some about education, which was neat. Then I called my brother back and went to sleep (after talking to him, not during the conversation! :>) PS...Jackaroo came in today, and we saw Sofaking in town, looking for his mail drop.Sofaking waiting on his package in Rutland..
Date: 2008-07-31
From: VT 4

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Day 140 -- We got up early this morning to make the 7:15 bus back to the trail. While I was waiting for Wrongway, one of the community members told me we should get one of Migdala's Mate bars, but I didn't get to--bummer. I'm going to have to stop for one after the trail. It was a beautiful day, a little humid, but nice...got a few nice views, including one of Killington seen from a powerline crossing where we snacked. We saw three SOBO hikers and met Pat, an LT end-to-ender out for a section. We stopped for lunch at Stony Brook Shelter and ended up being there for almost two hours talking to Jackaroo, Pinenut, and Pogo, who came in later. About one and a half miles after leaving the shelter it thundered a bit and then rained on us for about two hours, which was nice because it cooled me off. Trail oming up from Rt. 4 in Vermont..I got to Wintturi Shelter, a bit behind Wrongway, to a crowded shelter. By the end of the evening, there was Shepherd, and two other SOBO thrus, Pinenut, Pogo, and Jackaroo, the man who came into the hostel last night, and a couple from Oregon doing a section. I'm still not feel up to par and am not interested in expending energy talking to this crowd, so I'm going to bed. Wrongway wants to try to make it to Hanover (26.2 miles) tomorrow by 4...so up at 3 am. I hope it works out--I'll keep you posted. :>)
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Day 141 -- Well, you can tell by today's end location that we didn't make it to town tonight. We did wake up at 3 am and were out of camp around 4:30, using headlamps for about an hour and a half. A little while later, I realized that because I still wasn't feeling well my legs weren't cooperating. I told Wrongway that he should go ahead and not wait for me today, so he could get to the Post Office before it closes and I would meet him there. After some hesitation, I persuaded him to go. A few minutes later I came upon him taking a picture of a porcupine--cool! It was a beautiful day with grey clouds threatening only once or twice. View over mountains.I sauntered along, not being able to get up much speed or power at all. I saw no one hiking NOBO except ATV, who was breaking down his camp which had a fantastic view--good job picking that site. I had never met him before and when I saw him, I said, "Hey, how are you?" He replied something along the lines of, "Good, thanks, how are you, Peanut?" "Well, thanks." He said that he had this bag of peanuts and this morning all but one was gone and knew this meant something special. "From the look on your face I'd bet you're a teacher," and he went on to tell me that he figures I'm a third grade teacher (all correct). As I figured he had talked to Wrongway earlier. We had a nice conversation and then I moved on, having to go quite a distance today. I passed a lot of SOBO hikers including Radioactive Man, who is from MD, too, Bear Dancer, Eera, and DeJoe, all very freindly. I knew there was a store coming up in Hartford, VT, so I was trying to wait until there to eat lunch. Unfortunately, I was further away than I thought and ended up finding some shade under a tree near a view, with some sun nearby to dry my socks and shoes. I had lunch there and called my brother, Joe, to wish him a happy birthday. I ended up hiking into Hartford twenty minues later and stopped in for a cold drink at the General Store. One guy told me he loved me for it and another told me I was his hero :>). Cool. Wrongway called me to let me know he stopped at Happy Hill Shelter and a minute later I was there.Mist.He apparently fell about ten miles back and wasn't able to make it to town. Jackaroo, Smokin' Joe, and three others (missed their names, NOBO's) came in, too, with hot dogs and s'more makings from the General Store, but I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow, before dark.
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 142 -- On the way back from my morning privy run, I spotted a porcupine. Wrongway and I grabbed our cameras, chased after it and got lots of pictures. We hiked out pretty fast and got to Hanover mid-morning. We headed to the Post Office to take care of business...I went to CVS for cold medicine, then we headed to Mai Thai for AYCE lunch buffet--a nice change. We went to the outfitter, the co-op for groceries, and Tinker getting ready to hike with us.Tinker drove us to the laundramat. I got a banana split at Ben and Jerry's and hiked up to Velvet Rocks Shelter where Pacer and four other hikers were, including Slow Pickle, and Stretcher, Jackaroo, Billy (now 'Kid'). Site, Site's feind, Bondi, and Mr. Butter (New England section hiker) came in later. There was a lot of people at the shelter and two more came back from town after dark, Grizzly and Belch.
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 143 -- Well, actually we hiked back to Hanover--1 negative mile or so.... Most everyone slept in, and when I woke up I was feeling worse than before. I laid around for a while, listened to stories about town. People left and we ended up deciding to go to town so I could hopefully see a doctor (we'll be heading into the Whites soon and I want to be as healthy as possible through it). On the way out we passed two NOBOs, including Mr. Gentle Spirit, who just took a couple of days off and decided to get back on today. We first drove over to the DOC (Dartmouth Outing Club) to see if they could help us, but no one was around. So then we decided to head over to the Hanover Fire Department and we talked to Captain Clark. Capt. Clark was very helpful, a personable, and friendly guy. He called around to find the fastest and best place to go, got us drinks, and got us an escort over to the hospital's fast track since we didn't know the area. WOW! What great people! I was seen pretty much right away at the hospital and the PA said I probably have strep throat. We dropped off the prescription at CVS, and ate at Ramunto's. Well, I didn't eat much because my throat hurt too much and they didn't have soup, but I did manage to swallow down some pizza. We went back to CVS for meds, soup and snacks and on to Sunset Motor Inn. Sunset Motor Inn.We all showered, I napped, Wrongway dried out his tent and did laundry and I tried to rest. We watched TV, he read, I had some soup. I slept.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 144 -- When I woke up this morning I felt like I should take one more day off to relax and try to get better. I talked to Wrongway about it and it was decided...we'll stay one more day. He took the bus into town and I stayed at the hotel and watched TV and rested. I ate a lot of soup and when Wrongway returned I drank a lot of juice. I'm tired of laying around all day, but it was a good decision to do so--hopefully I'll be able to have a pleasant hike tomorrow--might need some help from the hiking parnter to distract me.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Day 145 -- With plans to leave early, we ended up sleeping in anyway. We did eventually get showers, and a free bus ride to town, breakfast at Lou's, a quick food pick-up at the Co-op, and hit the trail around noon or so. We passed three SOBOs, one barefoot, on their way to town. For some reason, I had an emotional day...maybe it was from being sick. I've been going so slow lately it's been frustrating. I really don't like people having to wait on me. It started raining on my climb up Moose Mountain. Wrongway eluded it,luckily, and I got into camp when it stopped. Figures. SOBOs Dank and Gash stopped in for dinner before heading on--great conversation--gave us info about the Whites. Grampa Joe, NOBO, came in after 25 miles, including a four hour town stop. Going to bed, hoping to stay warm.
Date: 2008-08-06
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Day 146 -- It was pouring last night and it poured all morning long and we stayed in our sleeping bags all morning long. None of us were interested at all in getting out and hiking in that mess. I looked at the mileage for the next few days and decided I could even zero at this shelter and still make it to Glencliff before the Post Office closed for the weekend. I decided to finally get moving when we decided to do 12, figuring I would need the rest of the daylight. So I set off solo for the day (the guys weren't budging) and didn't see any other NOBOs. I passed two section hikers (brothers, on the 14-year-plan, from Atlanta and Virginia) who warned me about an upcoming stream crossing that was rough and then Beetle Goose with two hikers and a couple all going SOBO. At a later road crossing I came upon the two brothers who let me check out the profile and chatted for a bit. Then I headed up the mountain...it was a good climb--Climbing up Smarts Mountain durnig a storm..I felt good, physically and mentally and it went well. It started thundering on the way up and sprinkled a little at the top. All the climbing/rock walking reminded me of New York, but I wish there had been a view. I reached the empty Smart Mountain Shelter (Firewarden's Cabin) in good time. While I was eating Grampa Joe showed up and later on Wrongway came in, abandoning his night hike for tonight. PS...I scared a small bear this afternoon between mountains! Bear #15.
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: NH 25
Miles today: 20.0

Day 147 -- When I woke up this morning I was debating whether or not to go back to sleep for a bit, or to push 20 miles to Glencliff before the Post Office closed. I hemmed and hawed for a bit, but decided to have a go at it. So off I went after an awesome look off the fire tower (above the clouds). On my way down from the shelter I passed two SOBOs (who told me they don't see ups or downs anymore). After I passed them I heard the roaring of water further down the trail--I was anxious as I approached it because I had heard about this crossing, that it was going to be tricky. Looking east/southeast from the firetower on top of Smarts Mountain.We're above the clouds here.I waded around for about 20-30 minutes looking for the way that was best for me to cross and I eventually found it. Yea! Wooh, that took a lot out of me. I pushed hard all day, had to ford a couple more rivers, and sloshed through the mud. I had a nice view from Mt. Cube. I met Stretch and Ozzie (SOBOs) who are now hiking with No Car, who flipflopped--I met him at Bear's Den in Virginia. It was great to see him again. I ran into Smokin' Joe, Sofaking, Jackaroo, Chowda, and Buddy coming out of Ore Hill Shelter. After eating my Cliff bar, I passed them, still hoofin' it to get to the Post Office in time. They passed me at the road and when I caught up to them I decided to trail along behind them since I now had plenty of time. I came into Welcome Hostel a little after them and saw lots of people: Mala, Tucker, Durday Feet, Creek Diver, Pacer, Snake Whisperer, Mountain Squid, Slot Machine (SOBO), Hammer, Whisper, Bear Paw, and Biker Ray (passed him coming down Mt. Cube). I made it around 3:45--time to spare! Go me! I got my boxes, ate pizza, took a shower, and watched movies.Oops!.As I'm writing this it's 8:15 and I'm starting to worry about Wrongway...he's not in yet and I'm hoping he's alright. He could've just decided to stay at the last shelter with the thunderstorm that hit just after I arrived. I just hope he's okay and that we didn't have a miscommuication.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: NH 25

To: NH 25
Miles today: 0.0

Day 148 -- All is good. He made it to the hostel around 10:15 and is going to rest up here, today, before heading into the Whites. I felt like I could finally relax when Wrongway came in this morning because I had been concerned about where he was. I'm really starting to realize how much I worry--didn't really see that before.We sat around watching movies and talking most of the day. Mountain Squid gave some of us a ride into Warren to get food--yea for an egg salad sub!! I found out my camera battery was being mailed to N. Woodstock and also Pop-Pop is coming to meet us soon, so we were trying to do a little planning to accomodate both of these. We eventually worked it out, as well as we can anyway--we'll see how it goes. Jackaroo, Sofaking, and Chowda stayed outside under the tent or around the fire all day, hanging out. The lady from Tiggers in Edna shuttled Rockhound (was working at Standing Bear Hostel when I went through) over here to start a SOBO section to Rutland for the Long Trail Festival. Two NOBO's, Superman and Cosby, came in later in the evening. Phat Chap, who shuttles hikers, took Whisper and I, for company, to town to pick up hikers dining there and we had a nice chat. Everyone here is so helpful and caring--great people. PS: We watched part of the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies tonight.
Date: 2008-08-09
From: NH 25

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Day 149 -- Hikers left little by little this morning...as I hear them leave I can hear rain on the roof of the house (I got an inside bunk last night). The rain sure didn't make me want to get out of bed. I laid around for a while waiting for Wrongway to get up, figuring I might as well rest while I wait, since I wasn't going anywhere without him today. I had pizza (Creek Diver's leftovers), a donut (from Moutain Squid) and some trail mix for breakfast. We called the Post Office to get our packages forwarded to near where Pop-Pop is going to meet us on Wednesday. More people left to hike...not us. We have short days planned until Pop-Pop meets us because with lack of cell service/pay phones, his need to plan, and the forcasted thunderstorms at high elevations, we wanted to make sure we'd be able to be at Crawford Notch when planned. We've heard various information/advice but we aren't really sure what kind of mileage we'll be able tp push. So...we're playing it safe. Anyway, my point is that we had a short day planned so we didn't leave right away. However, there seems to be a thunderstorm every afternoon between 3:00 and 6:00, so we didn't want to leave too late, especially since we'd be able to treeline for a bit. We helped clean the hostel, watched some TV, and finally got our tushes out the door. I enjoyed the rocky climb up to the summit of Mt. Moosilauke, passing Wade, Just Dan, and another overnighter and then Footnote (SOBO thru-hiker). Close to the summit I passed a man (retired HI teacher), his niece, and her kids from Towson, MD. At the top I talked to three guys on vacation from Boston and a lodge worker acting as summit caretaker. Even before the summit I was stoked--so excited to be up high with a view in great weather--I felt like I was floating around up there. It's amazing how much a little blue sky and being relatively dry puts me in a better mood/mental state. We descended to the Beaver Brook Shelter together in a great mood, giving each other a hard time about this and that...lots of laughs. Chowda, Buddy, Sofaking, Jackaroo, and Clothesline were all there hanging out. It was nice to not rush to camp, to be able to take my time eating, and to have time to enjoy fun conversation/stories getting to know everyone.